July 05, 2010Outdoor Research Tested by Stéphane – Helium Jacket : As good as gold on the Silver Mountain

Friday May 14th 2010

15h00 – And we’re off. We just left Montreal and we’re on our way to our camping site on the Montagne d' Argent (Silver Mountain) in the Laurentians. Upon our departure, the sun was shining. This was getting us down, but we were still hopeful. Luckily, the forecast was suggesting rain, at which point we would be able to test our Outdoor Research jackets. I had my Helium Jacket at the ready.

18h30 – We’re getting supper ready. Still no clouds in sight (sigh)!

22h30 – I’m all snug in my sleeping bag when that magical sound I was waiting for arrives. The lapping of the raindrops on the tent eventually become a rainy 5th symphony. I’m hoping it lasts until tomorrow, for our ascent of the Pic-Johansen in the Mont Tremblant Park. I’ll finally get to try out my Helium!

Snug as a bug

Saturday May 15th 2010

8h00 – I wake up disapointed as the rain has ceased. We still get ready; who knows, the rain might still show up during the hike.

10h00 – We leave the parking lot and start the ascent of Pic-Johansen. It’s still not raining, the temperature is about 20C and the sky is only slightly cloudy.

11h15 – After a little break, just before getting back on the trail, out of nowhere, a storm erupts. Time to slip my Helium Jacket over my merino wool shirt. It’s really coming down now. I’m back on the trail sporting my jacket. With the rain, I could finally see how the Helium stands up. The trail was in the forest (no wind and more humid than on a mountain top). 45 minutes of these conditions later, I’m quite pleased with the breathability of this ultralight minimalist jacket (no pitzips); it holds its own against any other waterproof/breathable membrane.

17h35 – Back at the parking lot after a 14km hike with quite varied conditions and I’m very happy with my Helium Jacket. It weighs next to nothing and it takes less space than a dehydrated meal for two. The added bonus is that it protects you from the most enterprising mosquitoes without making you sweat.

Take care

Stephane

Cet article est disponible en français ici