Outdoor Research

Helium AscentShell Jacket - Women's

Lightweight and reliable rain jacket

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

M

Height:

5' 7"

Weight:

135

I own an old Goretex jacket that is reliable but heavier/chunkier, have been searching for a lightweight alternative for more casual daily wear. Finally had the opportunity to test it out during some rainy days recently, performed as expected in both drizzling and showering. Don't really want to run into pouring scenarios, but would love to test out how well it can handle the rain.

Reluctantly returned this jacket

I wore this jacket for several months and loved the fit, the pockets, the hood, and the lightweight material. It was great in light rain but I got completely soaked in a cold downpour in the Cascades. After years of hiking in the Pacific Northwest, I absolutely believe that, no matter what any manufacturers says, the only waterproof, breathable material is GoreTex. My ancient Outdoor Research GoreTex jacket kept my dry for years. Back to GoreTex for me.

Color not as pictured.

I will keepi it, great for travel, but buyers beware-yellow is more orange and you can see odd gray reinforced seams throughout jacket-not like the photos online...at all. FYI. I think the jackets that get sent are not the same as the perfect samples posted on website. OR, you can do better.

Awesome hard shell jacket

I wore this jacket for 3 wet hiking days on the West Highland Way in Scotland in November and it performed wonderfully. I wore it in downpour, mist, and wind, and I stayed dry throughout. If I was on a consistent incline, I did sweat a fair bit, but over time my base layer would dry out beneath the jacket while I hiked. I have the lighter helium shell also, which I like as a lightweight rain layer when I don't anticipate walking in the rain for 8+ hours a day, but I was happy to have bought this more substantial ascentshell jacket for heavier consistent rain and wind in cold weather. The pockets are great, the hood is nice and large (helmet compatible plus has a bill that can be flipped back), and overall the jacket fit well (good comfortable range of motion even with my broad shoulders and wide hips). Looking forward to trying it out in the snow and alpine!

So lightweight and waterproof!

This jacket goes with me everywhere. It's so light, waterproof, and breathable that there's no reason not to take it. The fit is great including nice long sleeves for my long arms and a hood that fits over a helmet. For reference, I'm 5'10", 150lbs, and an athletic build and a medium fits perfectly. Great jacket, 10/10 recommend.