Outdoor Research

Helium Rain Full Brim Hat

I like it...but have some minor wishes

I was looking at this hat and the Seattle Rain Hat as a replacement for a non-OR rain hat whose membrane was delaminating. I chose the Helium over the Seattle because while I like the ability to flip up the brim on the Seattle, I don't like the use of Velcro for that (my old hat used magnets). Velcro catches on other garments, especially anything knit, gets dirty easily, and wears out quickly. I also wish the Helium used a 3-layer waterproof fabric, as the former owner of a 2-layer hat. I do like the reflective logos, how light the hat is, the wide brim, and (so far) the waterproofness of the Pertex Diamond Shield material. Four stars.

Not a great rain hat ...

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Large

Height:

6' 2"

Weight:

185

I probably should have read the reviews more closely before purchasing this hat. I have previously purchased an OR rain hat (Ghost hat) that I really liked, and because of this looked to OR for my next rain hat. Unfortunately the Ghost has been discontinued, and the Seattle Rain Hat has a felt interior that seemed problematic. I received this hat and was somewhat disappointed with the lack of "substance". The material is so thin that I can't imagine it managing any level of wind, and while I haven't tried it in a rain storm, I have put it under a tap to see if it would be something I could trust in a storm. It is not. I hope to be able to salvage something out of this hat, and will probably leave it in the car as a backup sun hat, but unfortunately I will not be purchasing anything else from OR. Backcountry, as usual, provided excellent delivery. I love this company!

Easy Carry Rain Hat That Works

Yes, I've already tested this hat in a storm and was delighted that it performed as advertised. Quite unlike others I have that leaked around the brim in heavy rains.

The New Improved Hat is Disappointing

My old Outdoor Research Full Brim Rain Hat is so much better than the new one I ordered. So much better I sent the new one back.

Don't waste your $

I work outside and am in/out of vehicles every few minutes so using a rain coat with a hood was not ideal. I bought this hat from a local store and was excited to use it, especially since I sweat a lot and get rather warm while working. This hat was great during a light rain the first night. The next night I used it in a hard rain it became stretched out and flimsy plus it just lost all abilities to be water proof. I have a bald head so cold rain on my head doesn't feel the greatest. Save your money and get a more durable hat.

Wet Head

I wore it today in a steady rain and after an hour my head was wet. I'm not sure if it was perspiration or the rain but either way, it is either not waterproof or not breathable. I like that it is lightweight but I was hoping for waterproof.

Best rain hat on the market

Keeps your head dry and warm on rainy days and cool and shaded on sunny ones. Wish the brim was a little wider but best hat out there. This is my 3rd one from OR.