Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket (men's) vs Outdoor Research Helium UL Rain Jacket
Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.
The lightest GORE-TEX PRO shell in the Arc'teryx range, designed for alpine climbing with helmet-compatible hood and minimalist construction.
Check price 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.
Check price Full details →Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket (men's) 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 66 g (29%) lighter than the Arc'teryx Alpha SL Jacket (men's) (227 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.