Outdoor Research Helium £140

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Lightweight, packable, surprisingly durable for its weight

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Somewhat boxy, slightly clammy feel, limited features

This perennially popular shell from US brand Outdoor Research is much-loved by backpackers and thru-hikers across the pond, and it’s easy to see why: it’s lightweight, packable and reliably waterproof. And this latest version is also tougher than ever.

It’s made from Pertex Shield, a 2.5-layer fabric with a 30-denier ripstop nylon face fabric. This also utilises Pertex’s Diamond Fuse technology for improved resistance to snags and abrasion. The fabric is a little shiny and crinkly, but that seems a small downside. Waterproofing and breathability are both above average on paper (20,000/20,000 hydrostatic head and MVTR), which translates into solid real-world performance. It’s just a shame that the inner of the jacket feels a bit cold and clammy – it’s not the nicest to wear against the skin if you’ve only got a short-sleeved base layer on underneath.

The cut is also a little boxy, especially compared to the trimmer-fitting ultralight rivals tested here from Berghaus, Patagonia and Montane. It’s also a little light on features, though it does have single drawcord adjustment at the hood and hem, plus an outer chest pocket. This doubles as a stuffsack and has a ‘biner’ loop so you can clip it to a pack. Cuffs are elasticated, and the main zip is a laminated waterproof design, with a soft chinguard. But overall, for such a lightweight jacket the Helium feels wellbuilt and durable – and it is good value too.

■ Weight 179g ■ Men’s sizes S-3XL

■ Women’s sizes XS-3XL + plus sizes 1X, 2X, 3X

Verdict

Simple but effective, this is a great value shell that is both lightweight and packable. The fit and features could be refined though.