The Hellium II Jacket straps perfectly on a harness for summer climbing ascents. It acts as a wind layer or a light rain jacket. When climbing on warm summer days in the alpine it provides just enough protection to feel safe from a rain storm. In the winter it can be used as a skinning layer for skiing and protection from snow when working up a sweat in the backcountry. It breathes well and pushes moisture away. If you are looking for that lightweight rain coat to bring on alpine ascents this is it.

My first "lightweight" rainjacket. It's a pain to always carry around a full waterproof jacket, especially in the high desert in Utah, when the storms are few, short lasting, and not too cold. Now this little jacket lives in my pack and rather than just "toughing it out" when it drizzles/rains for a little bit, I'm dry and comfy with this one. Great breathability too, especially for biking.

I had one of the original Helium jackets and enjoyed. But the Helium II actually brings in some superior advancements:

-lighter (I didn't think it could get lighter! I forget it is on my harness until I need it.)
-more breathable (A welcome improvement)
-great color choices (I'm a girl. I like things to be pretty. I have the green and it was really hard to decide this year as all three colors were lovely.)
-fit (It's long enough in the torso to raise your arms and not leave you exposed to the elements. The sleeves are long enough, too.)

This jacket stays in the front seat of my truck for all purposes. It's excellent to do long road rides, as well. It is small enough to fit in a jersey's rear pocket.

This jacket is simple, light, and fits great. The thing that keeps me coming back to OR Gear is how they keep it simple, and just make it right. I keep this in my climbing pack, and I always forget it's there until it starts raining, and then I'm psyched that I won't be soaked on the hike down.

I didn't think the OR Helium Jacket could get better (I have the first version). The Helium II is lighter and is still a high performance adventure jacket. I climb with mine folded up into itself & clipped to the back of my harness. In cool, windy conditions I put it on and stay warm but don't' sweat because the jacket is so breathable. I have gotten caught out in the rain and stayed dry. I wear a medium and the size is a perfect including sleeve length. This jacket will join me on every climbing/hiking adventure. It also looks great "about town."

This jacket packs down so small I hardly notice it when biking or hiking. I was surprised how well it breathed despite being waterproof (and not gortex) but maybe that's because it is so light. I am always between a medium and a large, (5'7", 145 lbs) and I got this one in a medium so it wouldn't billow much while biking but it's a little tight across my shoulders and a little short in the arms. I'm going to get a large so that I can use it more in the winter or for backpacking when I am layering.

This jacket is perfect for summer hiking and backpacking. The trim fit moves with me and fits perfectly. It cuts the wind, thus helping me retain body heat. The lack of hip pockets adds to the minimalist style. Absolutely perfect.

This weighs about the same as helium (so the name is appropriate) & the tiny packed size makes it easy to clip to the belt or pack along, so it's fantastic for those 'just in case' situations. My only complaint is the sizing -I'm normally a Medium, but ordered a Large so it would fit over winter layers, but it fits at least a whole size smaller than it should. I guess I'll have to order a mens if I want one that will fit over extra layers?! Too bad it's not available in XL womens...

This is by far the best light weight rain jacket. I love it. I am an avid ultra runner and adventure racer so I need to travel light and this jacket is perfect. It folds up into a small ball which you can then clip onto your backpack with a carabiner or just throw inside your pack. I absolutely love it!