Aug 18, 2026
Great jacket for the shoulder seaseons
The Outdoor Research Helium Jacket is a great lightweight and packable option for cool-weather adventures. It offers a solid combination of performance, portability, and a reasonable price, making it an easy jacket to throw in a pack for changing conditions.
For me, it shines on cool fall mornings in the Boundary Waters or during late-season hikes. The biggest drawback is that it isn’t quite warm enough to be a standalone winter jacket, especially on colder days in the low 20s. I’d want to pair it with a sweater and vest for those conditions. I also found the fit to be a little tight across the back, particularly if you have a more muscular build. Overall, though, it’s a versatile, lightweight jacket that’s easy to pack and a great choice for fall and shoulder-season outdoor adventures.
Trevor P





























