This spring, Outdoor Research are expanding their range of products based around their best-selling Helium Rain Jacket, and the new items include gaiters, gloves and wind jackets. The Helium range utilises the Bluesign-approved Diamond Fuse fabric technology from Pertex, which has increased durability due to the shape of its yarns.
Helium Wind Hoodie
First on the list is the new Helium Wind Hoodie – pictured above. Highly weather protective but very breathable, the Helium Wind Hoodie takes the tried-and-tested wind shell concept and boosts the durability for demanding high-exertion pursuits. Built using a lightweight, minimal and clean silhouette, the Helium Wind Hoodie adds exceptional ruggedness thanks to Pertex Diamond Fuse 30D fabric, which is far more durable than the usual suspects in the wind shell category. Every effort has been made to keep this wind shell nimble, including an extremely low-profile peripheral adjustment in the hood, which uses a side-to-side simple but effective webbing cinch. The list price is £100, weight is 150g (size medium) and it’s available in men’s and women’s options.
Helium Wind Convertible Gloves
When the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse, the new Helium Wind Convertible liners morph from a high-performance glove into a windproof mitt. Made with Pertex Diamond Fuse fabric, the wind shell mitt easily tucks away on the back of hand when not needed. This superlight glove features a touchscreen compatible thumb and index finger, a tapered wrist for a secure fit and reflective logos for added visibility. Price is £37 and weight is 48g (size large)
Helium Rain Mitts
A new fully seam-taped mitt made with the durable, superlight and waterproof Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric. These mitts are perfect to keep in a pack for unforeseen wet conditions or layering over liner gloves as the temperature cools and the wind picks up. The list price is £40, and weight is 20g (size L/XL)
Helium Gaiters
Offering lightweight, full-conditions protection, the Helium Gaiters are a fully waterproof gaiter at less than half the weight of many other gaiters. Using light, breathable and extremely durable Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric, the Helium Gaiters tip the scale at 139g (size large) a pair, but still offer significant protection. Details include a replaceable Hypalon instep strap, reinforced boot lace hooks and a drawcord cinch at the top hem. List price is £55.
The Helium Down Hoodie is reviewed in the current edition of Trek & Mountain and you can find more info about the products above at www.outdoorresearch.com