Outdoor Research Helium Pants Review

Water Resistance

These pants are made from Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer fabric, which has a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm. This material is an upgrade from the standard Pertex Shield and is more durable. As the name suggests, it uses diamond-shaped filaments that lock together and are then woven to make a highly abrasion-resistant fabric with a flat surface that repels water.

There is also a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, and all the seams are taped. The rear pocket and the ankle zippers are all protected by flaps. The zips are waterproof YKK Aquaguard® Zippers.

Breathability

The breathability of the Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer fabric is impressive, with a rating of  20,000 g/m2/24 hrs. However, there are no vents or extra zips to provide extra ventilation.

Comfort and Mobility

The material’s thinness and flexibility helps give these pants an excellent range of movement. The knees are not articulated, but the crotch is gusseted. The waist is elasticated with gripper tape and a drawcord so it feels secure. The 2.5-layer fabric has a print on the inside of the membrane but no lining, so it can feel a bit clammy against your skin. However, you are unlikely to wear these pants by themselves but as a top layer over a base layer, so this isn’t an issue.

Materials

The primary material used to make these pants is Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer. The face fabric is 100% 30 denier, ripstop nylon bonded to a membrane with a protective print on the inside. The zips are high-quality YKK AquaGuard zippers.

Durability

One of the benefits of the Diamond Fuse technology is that it is much more durable and abrasion-resistant. Outdoor Research states that this version of the Helium pants is five times more tear-resistant than the previous model. However, they are still thin and lightweight, so they would not cope well with activities such as bushwhacking.

These pants come with Outdoor Research’s Infinite Guarantee. They are guaranteed to perform throughout the lifetime of the product. If there is a problem, they offer direct or comparable replacements from their current stock.

Weight and Packability

The chief appeal of these rain pants is their lightness and packability. They are designed to be stuffed into the pocket, which then zips closed to make a tidy, compact package. These are among the lightest waterproof pants available. The Outdoor Research Helium Pants weigh:

Men

5.3 oz / 150 g

Women

5.4 oz / 153 g

Features

These pants come with a pocket. This pocket is at the back on the right. It is protected by a storm flap and has a two-way zipper. Inside the pocket is a loop that can be used to secure your keys, or when the pants are stuffed into the pocket, it can be used with a carbineer to attach it to a backpack or harness. However, because this pocket is at the back, it is not as easily accessible as side pockets.

Other handy features are the elasticated cuffs that have gripper tape and lace loops to secure them. The ¼ length ankle zips are protected with storm flaps and have waterproof YKK AquaGuard zippers. The elasticated waist has a drawcord and gripper tape, and it is possible to attach suspenders. The logo on the right leg is reflective to increase your visibility in low light or in the dark.

Sustainability

Outdoor Research says they are committed to “working for the betterment of the environment, creating access for all, investing in product sustainability, reducing waste, and collaborating for good”. These waterproof pants use Bluesign-approved materials. Outdoor Research is also a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Climate Action Corps.