Outdoor Research Helium UL Technology Explained
Apr 01, 2026
The Helium UL range is built for fast miles and weather that won’t make up its mind. Ultralight, waterproof, and easy to pack, it moves from trail running, hiking, or peak bagging to travel and daily wear without missing a beat.
The next-generation Helium UL features Toray Dermizax™ 3D 2.75-layer waterproof protection for true ultralight performance, with improved breathability, comfort, and durability.
What is Dermizax™ Fabric?
Dermizax™ is the original Japanese waterproof and breathable fabric technology from Toray, which uses decades of experience to manage every part of the construction process.
Dermizax™ is a fabric with a highly sophisticated and technical membrane that achieves the highest level of waterproofness, breathability and resistance to condensation.
The fabric is stretchable, adaptable and flexible. This makes it ideal for sporting activities that take place in extreme environmental conditions, such as mountain climbing, trail running and winter sports.
Whatever sport you choose, Dermizax™ can adapt and protect you from the worst that nature can throw at it while you remain comfortable and in control.
Waterproofness
Dermizax™ fabric prevents rain droplets from penetrating the material, meaning wearers will stay dry in even the most incessant downpours, whether they are cresting the peak of a mountain on a 100km trail run or carving through the powder during a day of off-piste snowboarding.
Thanks to a waterproof rating of 20,000mm – which indicates that the fabric remains waterproof under the most testing storm conditions – users can be assured that no raindrops will work their way through the fabric. No matter how much precipitation falls, they can take it all on with Dermizax™.
Breathability
Breathable fabrics are key for every kind of adventurer to achieve their goals. For many, retaining body heat is as important as their level of fitness or taking on the right nutrition. Losing too much heat can cause body temperature to plummet, making it impossible to continue.
Dermizax™ fabrics are designed to allow moisture vapor to escape through the material while retaining body heat. If wearers are moving steadily and working at an even pace, the fabric will retain heat while allowing humidity to escape, keeping their body temperature at a comfortable level.
Weights
Men's Helium UL Jacket 159g (medium), Women's Helium UL Jacket 159g (UK 12), Men's Helium UL Pant 171g (medium) and Women's Helium UL Pant 159g (UK 12).
Features & Specs
Toray Dermizax™ 2.75L 100% Nylon 15D Ripstop 61 G/M2 Shell | Hydrostatic Head: 20,000mm | MVTR 20,000g/m2/24 hrs
Helium UL Jacket
● Adjustable Hood with Brim Wire
● Elastic Drawcord Hem
● Left Hand Pocket Doubles as Stuff Sack
● Reflective Logos for Visibility
● Shaped and Bonded Cuff with Partial Elastic
● YKK® Aquaguard® Center Front Zipper
● YKK® Aquaguard® Zip High Hand Pockets
● Fully Seam Taped
Helium UL Pants
● Ankle Zippers
● Back Pocket Doubles As Stuff Sack
● Elastic Cuffs with Gripper Tape and Lace Loop
● Elastic Waist Band with Drawcord and Gripper Tape
● Gusseted Crotch
● Reflective Logos for Visibility
● Fully Seam Taped
Our Verdict
The Outdoor Research Helium UL range sees a meaningful update for 2026, with the move to a 2.75-layer Dermizax fabric. It remains firmly in the ultralight category, yet the new fabric feels more substantial than earlier Helium versions. Waterproof performance is reassuring in steady rain, and wind protection is excellent for such low weight.
The fit is trim without being restrictive. It layers neatly over a light midlayer, and the shaped cuffs with partial elastic seal well without digging in. The adjustable hood with brim wire holds its shape in the wind and gives dependable coverage.
Breathability is good for a shell this light, though sustained high output in humid conditions will still lead to moisture buildup, as expected at this weight. Packability is a strong point, with the chest pocket doubling as a stuff sack.
Overall construction feels improved, and the updated fabric appears more abrasion-resistant than older Helium shells while retaining a compact, fast, and light profile.
The Helium UL Range
Terms and Conditions
The winner will win a Men’s Helium UL Jacket or a Women’s Helium UL Jacket in their choice of size and colour (subject to availability).
The competition starts on 1st April 2026 and ends on 30th April 2026. All entrants between these dates will be entered into the draw.
The winner will be drawn on 1st May 2026, and the winner will be notified via email. If you don't get an email from us, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion.
Every correct entry submitted between the competition dates will have their email address entered into the draw. The draw uses a random number generator and will be completely fair, with each email address having the same chance to win as any other. Only one entry per person will be accepted. No dialogue will be entered about the administration of the competition/draw.
You can also enter the draw by sending your entry to us by post at the following address: Ultralight Outdoor Gear, Unit 2, Tees Valley Court, Wynyard Business Park, Billingham, TS22 5FE, United Kingdom. Add your name, answer, and email address inside.
If you purchase one of the prize items and then win the competition, you are entitled to a refund of the cost of the item!
The Helium UL Jacket is built for fast miles and weather that won’t make up its mind. Ultralight, waterproof, and easy to pack, it moves from trail running, hiking, or peak bagging to travel and daily wear without missing a beat. The next-generation Helium UL Jacket features Toray Dermizax™ 3D 2.75-layer waterproof protection for true ultralight performance, with improved breathability, comfort, and durability.