Weathershedding
The hybrid construction of the Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid matches waterproof Pertex Shield+ fabric in exposed areas and OR’s soft shell Ferrosi fabric on the sides and under the arms. After three hours into a rainy hike, the water had slipped into the more protected soft shell areas and soaked through. A tester was wet down to their base layer. But in shorter and less intense rains a solid DWR coating and the Pertex Shield+ fabric kept the wet out. The large hood fit over a cycling helmet and adjusted easily.

Breathability
While the hybrid design was a sacrifice in the weather shedding department it was a category winner when it came to breathability. The Outdoor Research’s Helium Hybrid Pertex Shield+ membrane is on par with the Sherpa proprietary membrane in this category, but with the soft shell panels in the hottest spots this jacket dumped heat better. Even charging uphill in misty weather our tester never got sweaty.

Function
A tester using the Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid as a commuter shell in the city wouldn’t stop talking about how great this jacket wore. The soft shell panels added tons of stretch for long reaches or when he was hunched over the handlebars. His wrists and back stayed covered. Two hand pockets carry plenty of stuff without getting in the way of waist straps. And the fit is beautiful, sitting trim but without odd billows or buckles, even in the saddle. Be warned, it’s a trimmer fit than some shells.

Durability
The lightweight waterproof portions and soft shell panels both detract from the Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid’s toughness, but testers had no issues with this jacket. We found it best suited to day trips and short overnight excursions. 

Packability
The soft shell panels add almost no bulk and weight to the Outdoor Research Helium Hybrid. It’s one of the lightest jackets we tried at 8.5 ounces and packs down to the size of a large orange.