Arc'teryx Alpha SL Anorak vs Outdoor Research Helium UL Rain Jacket
Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.
Minimalist ultralight Gore-Tex Pro hardshell, 10.8oz, emergency weather protection
Full details →2.75-layer ultralight rain jacket with 15-denier Pertex Shield shell. Packs into its own chest pocket. Rated for sustained heavy rain.
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Arc'teryx Alpha SL Anorak vs Outdoor Research Helium UL Rain Jacket: which should you buy?
If saving weight is your priority, the Outdoor Research Helium UL Rain Jacket wins — at 161 g it is 144 g (47%) lighter than the Arc'teryx Alpha SL Anorak (305 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.
See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest clothing - outer layer page, or browse the full gear weight database.