Outdoor Research Helium II

The original OR Helium Jacket made me change my mind about hard shells... I tend to run hot, especially from the waist up, and so I could never justify the cost, weight or bulk of garment that I seldom would wear--the exception being, of course, in the event of a storm. If I'm cragging and it starts to pour, we're probably bailing, and so one need only to stay dry enough to reach the car at the trailhead. On bigger routes, a quick getaway's not as easy, and so staying dry may mean the difference between waiting out the weather and eventually topping out, or the worst case scenario--a cold, wet and potentially epic descent. At about 6 ounces (men's medium), the size of a navel orange--the Helium II packs neatly into its own pouch with a clip-loop--and at a fraction of the price of most other shells, you'll not only want one, you'll insist that your wall partner buy one, too!

I love this jacket. It folds up into an internal pocket, and is perfect for stuffing in your backpack when you are out hiking or walking the town. I have been caught in a sudden rain, and was able to grab it out of my pack and unfold the jacket, and get it on before getting too wet. The hood has a stiff brim of sorts that keep the hood forward and keeps your face dry. It works well as a wind shell over a fleece too. I like the blue color, and my only regret is that I did not have one of these with me on the last 4 or 5 years of business travel. It allows me to head out with protection, but not sacrifice 1/2 my backpack to the rooom some jackets, and it does not add much to the weigh I have to lug around.

Pretty simple jacket. I've noticed on warmer rain storms it does get damp from sweat. Excellent at stopping wind and has been my "go-to" jacket for nearly everything due to its convenient size. The hood will not fit a helmet though. Fit is a little smaller than standard, I normally wear a medium (175Lb, 5'11", athletic build, 42" chest, 31" waist.), sized up to the large with plenty of room for a fleece underneath. Aside from getting clammy in warmer weather, the material is very, very thin. I am hesitant to run it across an ice patch or tramp through the trees. Also, I wish it had adjustable sleeves as well, the elastic on the sleeve ends is annoying after a while.

Unfortunately we haven't had much snow this year so I haven’t used the Helium as much as I expected but it kept me dry in the one storm I was in. I got it as a light weight "hardshell" for ski touring. It weighs a little over 6 oz and has great water and wind protection, fantastic. No matter how light you're trying to go, if there is any chance weather is coming, there is room in your pack for this jacket (seriously, it packs into nothing). Pack this in your bag along with a small puffy and you’re covered for just about any weather. I got a medium and I’m 5’11 165 lbs, it fits well.

Accidentally posted this as a comment on Beth's review, and want to repost properly:
I picked up a Helium II jacket to replace an old Patagonia wind-shirt that was only minimally water resistant even when it was brand new. This jacket weight is in the same class, packs down as small, is equally wind-resistant and superiorly water-resistant and durable. It's quickly become my go-to piece for weight-conscious, endurance events where I may need wind or water protection, and can't afford not to bring it. I'm 6'1", 185lbs, and the Large fits me well without being too tight.
Chris Simmons
IFMGA Mountain Guide
OR Grassroots Athlete

This layer I find extremely useful rock climbing in the desert or alpine, ski touring, or trekking; this layer I always find in my kit. At 6.4 oz It's too light and compact to not at least have with you. It is the go to layer when I'm not sure if I want to bring a waterproof layer (but can't afford not to), don't have the room for a standard GORE storm shell, or don't want the weight.
This Pertex light weight shell is a perfect solution for keeping it light when you want to stay dry.

This jacket is perfect for the weight conscious but has made it through salt water kayak tours international travel and more than a couple ski tours. It doesn't breath as well as the three layer fabrics but I have had one for the past few years and it is still waterproof and untorn! It's so light and compresses so small that there is no excuse not to have your rain protection with you. It makes a great 'just in case' piece or can be a go to outer layer when every ounce counts.

Experienced my first storm in this jacket yesterday. It kept me perfectly dry. It's so light and packable it's ridiculous. One other bonus, because it's so light it actually ventilates in a breeze if you open the zipper a bit. It's like pit zips without the added frills or weight. Go for larger size if you're on the fence so you can layer if necessary. I'm 5'10" 190 and bought the Large (which is perfect). The Medium would work, but wouldn't layer very well. This jacket will not leave my pack May-Sept.