$159, 6 oz. lighter than the previous version (size Large), YKK AquaGuard zippers, adjustable hood, elastic drawcord hem and elastic cuffs help seal out moisture and cold drafts. With a forecast was for mostly dry weather, I could forego carrying a heavier and bulkier rain jacketand mostly carrying it rather than wearing itknowing the Helium would give me all the protection I needed at about half the weight, bulk, and cost of a high-quality, technical rain shell. (See my picks for The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking.) But it is about half the weight and bulk of most high-quality rain shells. . When a storm blows in, slip on the light and durable protection of the men's Outdoor Research Helium rain jacket.
Theres only a single chest pocket, but the idea here is this is a jacket that will likely spend more time in your pack than on your body. And it includes all the features needed for true functionality, without any bulky excess. Constructed from 30-denier ripstop nylon, waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield, it fought off dumping wet snow while I ran and hiked. adventure ride essentials, gravel bike, rain Jacket. Ultralight, ultra compressible women's rain shell clips to harness or pack, the Outdoor Research Women's Helium II jacket is the perfect rainshell for ultra runners and lightweight enthusiasts! And its waterproof enough to keep you dry in full-on organized rain.
Thanks for doing these reviews. I like the superior rain resistance of the Helium, but I am not thrilled about the so-so breathability. Weighing in at a barely-there six ounces, its weight and volume are pretty remarkable for a waterproof breathable jacket. Join once, enjoy forever. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Because you can. Thank you for your response, Michael. Thanks for the question. That backpacking trips on the Wonderland Trail and in Canyonlands Maze illustrate a major advantage of the Helium: Its one of the lightest and most packable waterproof, fully seam-taped, and breathable rain jackets out there today. ), made with the same 30-denier ripstop nylon Pertex Shield, have elasticized waist and cuffs with 12-inch zippers for pulling them over boots, and stuff into the zippered rear pocket. Given that choice, I would pick one based on the conditions youll normally wear it: If you generally avoid serious rain and get out in relatively mild temps, go for the Black Diamond Distance Wind Shell. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. The newletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. there is no co-op member number linked to your REI Co-op customer account. Up To 30% Off Backcountry MTB Apparel .css-1081t4c{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Shop Now, Free Standard Shipping for Orders Over $50 Learn More, Basecamp Under The Stars Shop Coolers, Camp Furniture & More. MonFri, 5am10pm PT SatSun, 6am9pm PT. The Outdoor Research Helium Pants ($119, 5.4 oz. To purchase this item, Co-op Member Reward Pertex Shield is on par with GORE PacLite but not quite as light an packable as GORE Shakedry. Its not quite ski season, so full-on GORE-TEX ski wear is not really necessary. Standard/Free shipping to major capitals takes 2-5 business days. At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips. I would appreciate any further thoughts you may have. Have the card already? The shell stuffs into its one zippered chest pocketwhich is large enough for a smartphonepacking down to the size of a large coffee mug (and has a carabiner loop). Outdoor Research Helium Jacket Ultralight, Packable Rain Jacket, Choosing a Bike Helmet Smith Trace Review, Kenda Alluvium Pro Gravel Tires All-Around Versatility, Defunkify Detergent Review Get the Funk Out of Your Baselayers.
Sizing Info. On autumn trail runs of up to two hours in my local foothills, I could keep the hood up in strong, cold wind without building up much moisture insidemostly because I wasnt overheating. Members save 40% on select REI Co-op camping gear thru July 25. Yes, they may be phasing it out but the mens and womens Helium II Jacket are both still available at Moosejaw.com. All Rights Reserved. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I love your detailed reviews of ultralight wind shells, and especially your testing in real world conditions.
At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Why pack light? Members get an estimated When a big, exposed objective puts you on route for a full day stretching into dark, this jacket packs into its own pocket and can be clipped to your harness for quick access if you need protection from rain, wind, or cooling temps. The wet weather has arrived. Order before 11am - we usually ship the same business day! View the 179 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, View the Outdoor Research Helium Product Line, View all Outdoor Research Men's Multi-Sport Rain Jackets, 179 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Join once, enjoy forever. Only weighing six ounces, the entire jacket packs into its own chest pocket to roughly fit the size of your palm. Outdoor Research now only has the Helium collection. Personally, I generally use ultralight shells like these two for high-exertion activities and wind protection, primarily, and not with a forecast of heavy rain, so I lean toward using a more-breathable one more often than not. For lightweight backpackers, dayhikers, and trail runners who need a just-in-case ultralight shell for wind and rain, theOutdoor ResearchHelium Rain Jacket delivers waterproof protection and okay breathability in a compact package thats a good value for this degree of performance and low weight. In other words, while it doesnt breathe as well as the best ultralight, non-waterproof wind shells, it performs as well as needed in most hiking and trail-running circumstances in which Id wear itand offers the reassurance of waterproof protection. or add a membership to your cart now.
OR's most compressible women's storm shell is so light it practically floats, or at least its so light that you wont notice youre carrying it until a sudden downpour bursts into your day. Anyone can join, and everyone belongs. REI Cooperative Action Network, Check back in August for exciting updates and to learn how to apply. Pertex Diamond Fuse technology resists abrasion without adding unnecessary weight. Manage your account here. The adjustable hood uses a single drawcord in the back and wraps snugly around your head, although the small brim offers negligible face protection. Whether youre a beginner or seasoned backpacker, youll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be. With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you dont have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip, the lightweight backpacking guide, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.. 2022 Bogong Equipment Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia. Whether hiking through heavy, cool mist while backpacking the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, pulling this shell on frequently to fend off cold wind and rain showers during a five-day backpacking trip in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park in early March, or wearing it on local trail runs in mixed weatherincluding heavily falling, wet snow for over two hoursthe featherweight Helium Rain Jacket demonstrated its value as one of todays best ultralight, waterproof-breathable rain jackets. The elasticized hem and cuffs, while not adjustable, adequately seal out drafts. Breathability is just okay. Youre welcome and thanks for the question, Mahesh. $15.90 I am torn between the Black Diamond Distance Wind shell and the OR Helium II. Choose Express Post for priority packing and faster shipping. Contains materials that meet the bluesign criteria. 2022 Off-Piste Magazine. 2022 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. The Helium Rain Jacket delivers the most durable, lightweight storm protection that Outdoor Research has to offer. But if you want to head for the hills during shoulder season, you need some sort of waterproof jacket. The jacket employs Diamond Fuse technology, which uses yarns with diamond-shaped filaments that lock together, lending it relatively good durability and snag-resistance for a fabric this light and improving its water-beading properties. Hi, Im Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Its everything you need in a rain jacket and nothing you dont. back on this item as part of their Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blogs stories. With mediocre breathability and durability and a minimalist hood, the Helium certainly isnt as versatile as a fully technical, all-conditions rain shell. Ultralight, ultra compressible women's rain shell clips to harness or pack, the Outdoor Research Women's Helium II jacket is the perfect rainshell for ultra runners and lightweight enthusiasts! Its small enough to fit in a cycling jersey pocket. See my review of The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets and The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking, and all of my reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. It uses a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield waterproof breathable fabric. Its significantly lighter and more packable than 3-layer construction. The waterproof front zipper, like all such zippers, moves a little more slowly than standard zips. Support Offpistemag.com when you shop for the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket through the links on this page. I love the green credentials of the BD Distance, but I am wondering whether it will see me through a good rain shower. Check back in August for exciting updates and to learn how to apply.
Its Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse shell offers reliable waterproofing, comfortable breathability, and fully sealed seams the prevent a single raindrop from seeping through. I am looking for a breathable wind- and water-resistant light shell that I can use in the spring, summer and fall while running as well as for normal use if there is a chance of rain or as a windbreaker. COVID Update Sept 2021: Aus Post is having major delays across the network. (mens medium)
Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, the best ultralight, non-waterproof wind shells, The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking, The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets, 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, How to Backpack the Teton Crest Trail Without a Permit, The First 5 Things I Do in Camp When Backpacking. NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. The OR Helium jacket is minimalist by design. Americas Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures, Ultralight Rain Jacket It literally packs down to fit in the palm of your hand. Join us, Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. 2.5-layer Pertex Shield provides windproof, waterproof and breathable protection, Updated fabric is 0.1 oz. NOTES ON COLOUR (If you have a preference, please call us on 03 9600 0599): Our NAVY stock is a mixture of "Night/Ultraviolet" and "Wave Blue". Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Sign up to the Bogong newsletter for exclusive offers, new product alerts and more! gear trailrunning runningpacks salomon advanced skin 5 hydro set, OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM TRAVELER JACKET Womens, OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM DIAMOND RAIN JACKET Womens, OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM Waterproof Pants Mens, Ultralight, waterproof/breathable 2.5-layer 30D Pertex Shield DS ripstop fabric, Front zipper has 7.5/19 cm inner stormflap, Stuff pocket at side hem with hook/loop closure and webbing loop. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. That is helpful. Backcountry Advocate ProgramBreaking Trail, Ultralight rain jacket designed for rainy hikes, Durably waterproof with sealed seams and Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse, Adjustable hood and hem with elastic cuffs ensure a secure fit, Packs into chest pocket for compact storage. Learn more here. Learn more.
Just for Members: Save $100 on one of our top bikes! For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Though you're signed in, Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Read our story, Anyone can join, and everyone belongs. Btw, it looks like the Helium II has been discontinued. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. To buy this item, link your member number via "My Account", The trade off for being so compact is minimal features. Mahesh. In other words, if you want lots of pockets, adjustable cuffs and assorted bells and whistles, look elsewhere. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. BUY IT NOWYou can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the mens or womensOutdoor ResearchHelium Rain Jacket atbackcountry.com, the Helium Rain Jacket or basically identical Helium II Jacket at moosejaw.com, the mens Helium II Jacket atoutdoorresearch.com, or the womens Helium II Jacket atoutdoorresearch.com. or join REI. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events, and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life.
Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Sizes: mens XS-XXL, womens XS-XL They are very helpful. However, its also generally less durable. Outdoor Research Helium Jacket $160, Read our the 7Mesh Oro GORE SHAKEDRY Jacket review, Read more of ourAdventure Ride Essential gear reviews. I have read and re-read your reviews. When hiking uphill on the Wonderland Trail, carrying a full pack, the Helium got a little clammy inside but was tolerable. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events, and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. If you encounter rain now and then and could be miles from the trailhead when cooler temps and rain hits you, I think youd want the protection of the OR Helium. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. *Intermediate markdowns may have been taken. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The jacket feels very comfortable as soon as you put it on, with a close fit that has space to layer midweight insulation under it. sign in The Outdoor Research Helium jacket sets a high standard for ultralight rain jackets, and it has quickly become my go-to lightweight waterproof jacket for hiking, bikepacking and general shoulder season adventures. The Helium is an ultralight rain jacket. Your quandary reflects the real-world differences between the shells. Still, this fabric is ultralight: It will stand up to wearing a backpack over it, but likely tear too easily for hiking off-trail in forest or rock climbing. 2.5-layer translates to a membranebonded to an exterior fabric, and rather than using a lining (like 2-layer) or a third layer (like 3-layer) to protect the waterproof membrane, it uses a coating or print applied to the membrane surface. backcountry.com. Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Theres only a single chest pocket, but the idea here is this is a jacket that will likely spend more time in your pack than on your body. And it includes all the features needed for true functionality, without any bulky excess. Constructed from 30-denier ripstop nylon, waterproof-breathable Pertex Shield, it fought off dumping wet snow while I ran and hiked. adventure ride essentials, gravel bike, rain Jacket. Ultralight, ultra compressible women's rain shell clips to harness or pack, the Outdoor Research Women's Helium II jacket is the perfect rainshell for ultra runners and lightweight enthusiasts! And its waterproof enough to keep you dry in full-on organized rain.

Sizing Info. On autumn trail runs of up to two hours in my local foothills, I could keep the hood up in strong, cold wind without building up much moisture insidemostly because I wasnt overheating. Members save 40% on select REI Co-op camping gear thru July 25. Yes, they may be phasing it out but the mens and womens Helium II Jacket are both still available at Moosejaw.com. All Rights Reserved. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I love your detailed reviews of ultralight wind shells, and especially your testing in real world conditions.
At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Why pack light? Members get an estimated When a big, exposed objective puts you on route for a full day stretching into dark, this jacket packs into its own pocket and can be clipped to your harness for quick access if you need protection from rain, wind, or cooling temps. The wet weather has arrived. Order before 11am - we usually ship the same business day! View the 179 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, View the Outdoor Research Helium Product Line, View all Outdoor Research Men's Multi-Sport Rain Jackets, 179 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Join once, enjoy forever. Only weighing six ounces, the entire jacket packs into its own chest pocket to roughly fit the size of your palm. Outdoor Research now only has the Helium collection. Personally, I generally use ultralight shells like these two for high-exertion activities and wind protection, primarily, and not with a forecast of heavy rain, so I lean toward using a more-breathable one more often than not. For lightweight backpackers, dayhikers, and trail runners who need a just-in-case ultralight shell for wind and rain, theOutdoor ResearchHelium Rain Jacket delivers waterproof protection and okay breathability in a compact package thats a good value for this degree of performance and low weight. In other words, while it doesnt breathe as well as the best ultralight, non-waterproof wind shells, it performs as well as needed in most hiking and trail-running circumstances in which Id wear itand offers the reassurance of waterproof protection. or add a membership to your cart now.
OR's most compressible women's storm shell is so light it practically floats, or at least its so light that you wont notice youre carrying it until a sudden downpour bursts into your day. Anyone can join, and everyone belongs. REI Cooperative Action Network, Check back in August for exciting updates and to learn how to apply. Pertex Diamond Fuse technology resists abrasion without adding unnecessary weight. Manage your account here. The adjustable hood uses a single drawcord in the back and wraps snugly around your head, although the small brim offers negligible face protection. Whether youre a beginner or seasoned backpacker, youll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be. With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you dont have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip, the lightweight backpacking guide, and How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.. 2022 Bogong Equipment Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia. Whether hiking through heavy, cool mist while backpacking the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, pulling this shell on frequently to fend off cold wind and rain showers during a five-day backpacking trip in The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park in early March, or wearing it on local trail runs in mixed weatherincluding heavily falling, wet snow for over two hoursthe featherweight Helium Rain Jacket demonstrated its value as one of todays best ultralight, waterproof-breathable rain jackets. The elasticized hem and cuffs, while not adjustable, adequately seal out drafts. Breathability is just okay. Youre welcome and thanks for the question, Mahesh. $15.90 I am torn between the Black Diamond Distance Wind shell and the OR Helium II. Choose Express Post for priority packing and faster shipping. Contains materials that meet the bluesign criteria. 2022 Off-Piste Magazine. 2022 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. The Helium Rain Jacket delivers the most durable, lightweight storm protection that Outdoor Research has to offer. But if you want to head for the hills during shoulder season, you need some sort of waterproof jacket. The jacket employs Diamond Fuse technology, which uses yarns with diamond-shaped filaments that lock together, lending it relatively good durability and snag-resistance for a fabric this light and improving its water-beading properties. Hi, Im Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Its everything you need in a rain jacket and nothing you dont. back on this item as part of their Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blogs stories. With mediocre breathability and durability and a minimalist hood, the Helium certainly isnt as versatile as a fully technical, all-conditions rain shell. Ultralight, ultra compressible women's rain shell clips to harness or pack, the Outdoor Research Women's Helium II jacket is the perfect rainshell for ultra runners and lightweight enthusiasts! Its small enough to fit in a cycling jersey pocket. See my review of The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets and The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking, and all of my reviews of ultralight wind shells, ultralight rain jackets, and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. It uses a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield waterproof breathable fabric. Its significantly lighter and more packable than 3-layer construction. The waterproof front zipper, like all such zippers, moves a little more slowly than standard zips. Support Offpistemag.com when you shop for the Outdoor Research Helium Jacket through the links on this page. I love the green credentials of the BD Distance, but I am wondering whether it will see me through a good rain shower. Check back in August for exciting updates and to learn how to apply.
Its Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse shell offers reliable waterproofing, comfortable breathability, and fully sealed seams the prevent a single raindrop from seeping through. I am looking for a breathable wind- and water-resistant light shell that I can use in the spring, summer and fall while running as well as for normal use if there is a chance of rain or as a windbreaker. COVID Update Sept 2021: Aus Post is having major delays across the network. (mens medium)
Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, The Maze District of Canyonlands National Park, the best ultralight, non-waterproof wind shells, The 5 Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking, The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets, 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, How to Backpack the Teton Crest Trail Without a Permit, The First 5 Things I Do in Camp When Backpacking. NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. The OR Helium jacket is minimalist by design. Americas Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures, Ultralight Rain Jacket It literally packs down to fit in the palm of your hand. Join us, Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. 2.5-layer Pertex Shield provides windproof, waterproof and breathable protection, Updated fabric is 0.1 oz. NOTES ON COLOUR (If you have a preference, please call us on 03 9600 0599): Our NAVY stock is a mixture of "Night/Ultraviolet" and "Wave Blue". Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Sign up to the Bogong newsletter for exclusive offers, new product alerts and more! gear trailrunning runningpacks salomon advanced skin 5 hydro set, OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM TRAVELER JACKET Womens, OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM DIAMOND RAIN JACKET Womens, OUTDOOR RESEARCH HELIUM Waterproof Pants Mens, Ultralight, waterproof/breathable 2.5-layer 30D Pertex Shield DS ripstop fabric, Front zipper has 7.5/19 cm inner stormflap, Stuff pocket at side hem with hook/loop closure and webbing loop. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. That is helpful. Backcountry Advocate ProgramBreaking Trail, Ultralight rain jacket designed for rainy hikes, Durably waterproof with sealed seams and Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse, Adjustable hood and hem with elastic cuffs ensure a secure fit, Packs into chest pocket for compact storage. Learn more here. Learn more.
Just for Members: Save $100 on one of our top bikes! For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Though you're signed in, Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Read our story, Anyone can join, and everyone belongs. Btw, it looks like the Helium II has been discontinued. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. To buy this item, link your member number via "My Account", The trade off for being so compact is minimal features. Mahesh. In other words, if you want lots of pockets, adjustable cuffs and assorted bells and whistles, look elsewhere. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. BUY IT NOWYou can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the mens or womensOutdoor ResearchHelium Rain Jacket atbackcountry.com, the Helium Rain Jacket or basically identical Helium II Jacket at moosejaw.com, the mens Helium II Jacket atoutdoorresearch.com, or the womens Helium II Jacket atoutdoorresearch.com. or join REI. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events, and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life.
Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Sizes: mens XS-XXL, womens XS-XL They are very helpful. However, its also generally less durable. Outdoor Research Helium Jacket $160, Read our the 7Mesh Oro GORE SHAKEDRY Jacket review, Read more of ourAdventure Ride Essential gear reviews. I have read and re-read your reviews. When hiking uphill on the Wonderland Trail, carrying a full pack, the Helium got a little clammy inside but was tolerable. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events, and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. If you encounter rain now and then and could be miles from the trailhead when cooler temps and rain hits you, I think youd want the protection of the OR Helium. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. *Intermediate markdowns may have been taken. When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The jacket feels very comfortable as soon as you put it on, with a close fit that has space to layer midweight insulation under it. sign in The Outdoor Research Helium jacket sets a high standard for ultralight rain jackets, and it has quickly become my go-to lightweight waterproof jacket for hiking, bikepacking and general shoulder season adventures. The Helium is an ultralight rain jacket. Your quandary reflects the real-world differences between the shells. Still, this fabric is ultralight: It will stand up to wearing a backpack over it, but likely tear too easily for hiking off-trail in forest or rock climbing. 2.5-layer translates to a membranebonded to an exterior fabric, and rather than using a lining (like 2-layer) or a third layer (like 3-layer) to protect the waterproof membrane, it uses a coating or print applied to the membrane surface. backcountry.com. Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.