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Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie Review

Despite its flashy appearance, this is a technical windbreaker and is further reinforced with abrasion-resistant fabric
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Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie Review
Credit: Outdoor Research
Price:  $129 List
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Manufacturer:   Outdoor Research
By Aaron Rice ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 6, 2021
74
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 8
  • Wind Resistance - 30% 9.0
  • Breathability and Venting - 30% 7.0
  • Weight and Packability - 20% 7.0
  • Fit and Functionality - 10% 7.0
  • Water Resistance - 10% 5.0

Our Verdict

Continuing to build out their award-winning Helium collection, the Helium Wind Hoodie fulfills this line's mission of providing perfectly packable outerwear that is as lightweight as it is durable. This windbreaker is built with Pertex Diamond Fuse technology: diamond-shaped yarns interlock to create a highly abrasion-resistant form of nylon ripstop, improving the durability and longevity of the material through repeated washings. The unique design of the weave also makes this thin shell remarkably wind-resistant, though unfortunately without an additional DWR treatment, the technology doesn't quite live up to its promise to shed water efficiently. For fast-and-light climbing trips, or long-distance trail running where light rain is a concern, the Helium Wind Hoodie works exceptionally well as a packable wind shell.
REASONS TO BUY
Abrasion resistant
Ample room for layering
Underarm ventilation
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor water resistance
Lack of articulation

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Best Overall Windbreaker
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Bottom Line Unique Diamond Fuse fabric adds extra durability and longevity to this clean, technical shellOur Editor’s Choice for its simplicity, price, and solid performance in a lightweight packageMade for the mountains, this ultralight jacket will help you push your limitsA solid balance of wind resistance and breathability, all offered at an unbeatable price pointOffered in unique colorways, this streetwear-inspired windbreaker is better suited for walking around the city than in the mountains
Rating Categories Outdoor Research He... Patagonia Houdini -... Black Diamond Dista... Rab Vital Hoody - M... Cotopaxi Teca Half-...
Wind Resistance (30%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
9.0
Breathability and Venting (30%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
3.0
Weight and Packability (20%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
Fit and Functionality (10%)
7.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
5.0
Water Resistance (10%)
5.0
8.0
3.0
8.0
5.0
Specs Outdoor Research He... Patagonia Houdini -... Black Diamond Dista... Rab Vital Hoody - M... Cotopaxi Teca Half-...
Measured Weight (size M) 5.0 oz 3.9 oz (size L) 3.5 oz 4.8 oz 4.4 oz
Material 100% Pertex Diamond Fuse (100% nylon ripstop) 100% nylon ripstop, DWR finish 100% nylon ripstop, woven w/ DWR treatment (Green Theme Technology) 20D Atmos woven nylon with fluorocarbon-free DWR Repurposed polyester taffeta, repurposed ripstop polyester with DWR finish
Pockets 1 zip chest 1 zip chest 1 zip chest 2 zip hand 1 zip kangaroo, two hand
Safety Reflective Material Yes, reflective logo No (company states reflective logo on left chest, too small to really be visible) No Yes, reflective logo on chest No
Stowable Pocket Yes: chest pocket Yes: chest pocket Yes: chest pocket No; included stuff sack Yes: kangaroo pocket
Cuff Style Half Elastic Half Elastic Elastic Half Elastic Elastic
Helmet Compatible Hood Yes Yes Yes No No

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Helium Wind Hoodie looks and feels very much like the corresponding rain jacket, but is much more breathable and much less water resistant. The Diamond Fuse ripstop offers an impressive level of wind-stopping power for such a thin shell, making this packable jacket an intriguing option for most alpine adventures.

Performance Comparison


outdoor research helium wind hoodie - not actually great in the rain, the or helium wind hoodie is still a...
Not actually great in the rain, the OR Helium Wind Hoodie is still a great lightweight option for overcast days in the mountains, regardless of activity.
Credit: Michael Ackerman

Wind Resistance


While other top-performing models are also designed with 100% nylon ripstop for a superior ratio of weight-to-wind resistance, the OR Helium Wind Hoodie stands out when looking closely at the design. The unique interlocking weave of the Diamond Fuse ripstop practically eliminates any gaps between fibers, radically improving wind resistance while still maintaining the fabric's famous strength-to-weight ratio.

outdoor research helium wind hoodie - if you couldn't tell by our sideways stance, the billowing jacket...
If you couldn't tell by our sideways stance, the billowing jacket, or the fact that the wind blew all of the snow off this slope, we're here to confirm that it was indeed a super windy day on Handies Peak, CO.
Credit: Michael Ackerman

Even on a very windy spring mission to the top of a 14,000-foot peak in the northern San Juan mountains, our lead tester was very comfortable hanging out on the summit layered up in merely a thin base layer, sun-hoody, and this impressively wind-resistant shell. We particularly appreciate the substitution of a normal cord lock for webbing and strap adjuster to secure the hood. It is lighter weight, lower profile, and locks down the hood extraordinarily well without cinching down the hood around your face — which impedes your view, and leaves us feeling a bit like Kenny.

outdoor research helium wind hoodie - this unique design cinches down from the back, securing the hood to...
This unique design cinches down from the back, securing the hood to your head without compressing your field of vision (or ability to breathe!)
Credit: Jill Rice

Breathability and Venting


On the other side of the seesaw, highly wind-resistant ripstop jackets tend not to fare very well in terms of breathability — oftentimes, these shells have the plastic-like feel of a tarp, and can be notoriously clammy when working up a sweat. Indeed, the Helium Wind Hoodie falls victim to this trade-off, but makes an honest attempt at improving upon an otherwise sticky situation. Laser-perforated underarm vents help to dump heat when your arms are above your head when climbing, or in particularly windy locations, but rarely is heat an issue in alpine climbing — the vents are much less effective when running or ski touring, when your arms aren't necessarily extended. A mesh-backed chest pocket helps improve ventilation somewhat in these situations, but this jacket is not quite as breathable as other options designed to be more running specific.

outdoor research helium wind hoodie - as long as you keep your arms in motion, warm air and moisture are...
As long as you keep your arms in motion, warm air and moisture are able to escape from the underarm vents, but not nearly as well as they would if you were climbing.
Credit: Jill Rice

Weight and Packability


Helium is the second lightest of all gases (behind hydrogen), and the Helium Wind Hoodie certainly lives up to its namesake. In terms of scale weight relative — relative to other options in this review — this 5.0 ounce jacket is actually more average than outstanding. But on your body, its simple design and ample fit feels lightweight and airy, especially when directly compared to other slimmer cut, highly technical models. It packs up easily into its own chest pocket, and features a carabiner clip so that it can be comfortably hung from a harness for quick deployment on the wall.

5 ounces puts this jacket squarely in the middle-weight class, and...
5 ounces puts this jacket squarely in the middle-weight class, and is more than reasonable for a versatile, technical piece of outerwear.
Even though this jacket packs down into its chest pocket at...
Even though this jacket packs down into its chest pocket at approximately the same size as a standard Nalgene bottle, experience (and the loose fitting stuff sack) both indicate that it can compress even more if necessary.

Fit and Functionality


At first, we found the fit of the Helium Wind Hoodie a bit awkward — a little too short in the torso, and a little too broad in the shoulders. While our 5-foot, 10-inch, 160-pound head tester is used to the slim fit of Euro-inspired technical clothing, we certainly appreciate the ample fit in accommodating different body types. And for a skinny mountaineer, this extra room allows for extra layering ability — we were more than surprised when we were able to layer our full-sized down puffy, albeit with a bit of fluff protruding from the bottom.

outdoor research helium wind hoodie - maybe not the most stylish combination, but we were impressed that a...
Maybe not the most stylish combination, but we were impressed that a full size puffy jacket (also size medium) can comfortably be layered underneath the Helium Wind Hoodie, even if it does have a bit of an exposed muffin-top. Here, our lead tester kills time at camp practicing hauling systems.
Credit: Michael Ackerman

Like many technical offerings, this windbreaker may be a bit more minimal than non-alpine climbers may be accustomed to. Limited features help cut down on weight, but it also limits functionality. The single chest pocket actually offers a lot of storage space — compared to other direct competitors — and a low-profile, brimmed hood is just large enough to pull over a helmet. Although the Helium Wind Hoodie is certainly alpine-inspired, the lack of articulation makes it less agile for climbing than other jackets we tested. However, we're willing to sacrifice a bit of reach for significant improvements in abrasion resistance, thanks to the Diamond Fuse fabric.

outdoor research helium wind hoodie - not the smallest package to ever hang off a harness, but for the...
Not the smallest package to ever hang off a harness, but for the weight and performance the Helium Wind Hoodie is more than reasonable to carry up a wall, just in case.
Credit: Jill Rice

Water Resistance


For all of the superficial similarities to the award-winning Helium Rain Jacket, the Helium Wind Hoodie is the furthest thing from waterproof. The ability of the Diamond Fuse to shed water stops at anything more than a light rain, and even this is stretching this jacket's ability a little bit. In our shower test — which simulates a passing, heavy rainstorm — water quickly ran through this thin shell. We also noticed that the longer water rested on the surface, the quicker it absorbed into fabric, much like a single-wall tent. If you plan on venturing into the high-country with this jacket, it would be worthwhile to apply even a thin coating of a supplementary DWR treatment to help at least shed water. The mesh-backing of the chest pocket has the added benefit of making the stow-away pocket half-mesh, which helps this jacket (only partially) dry out while packed away.

A bonded brim and low-profile elastic on the hood will help keep...
A bonded brim and low-profile elastic on the hood will help keep water out of your eyes, even if you're not wearing a hat.
An up-close view of the water resistance on the shoulder in a light...
An up-close view of the water resistance on the shoulder in a light rain. While some drops roll off the fabric, most of the moisture tends to soak right in.

Value


Though more slightly more expensive than other technical jackets made of nylon ripstop, the Helium Wind Hoodie improves its status considering that the Diamond Fuse fabric enhances abrasion resistance. Though we weren't able to necessarily see during our limited testing period, the interlocking fabric is also supposed to improve longevity through regular washing — improving durability and ultimately adding to value.

outdoor research helium wind hoodie - we couldn't be more psyched on the or helium wind hoodie for spring...
We couldn't be more psyched on the OR Helium Wind Hoodie for spring ski mountaineering! Layered up with a lightweight base layer and a sun hoody, this thin shell is more than enough for windy days in the alpine.
Credit: Aaron Rice

Conclusion


For climbers and other hard-charging mountain athletes, the Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie is an ideal combination of wind resistant and durable, while maintaining core principles of lightweight packability. Though not as weather-proof as other options, this is still an excellent companion for alpine adventures where every ounce counts.

Aaron Rice