#2 on this list
Helium
Outdoor Research
The Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants are built for ounce-counting backpackers and trail runners who want legitimate storm insurance without packing extra bulk. Weighing well under six ounces, these pants disappear into the corner of a pack until torrential conditions force your hand. They are ideal for summer alpine hiking, three-season backpacking, and trail running where severe rain is possible but not constant. Construction centers around Outdoor Research's lightweight Pertex Shield fabric, which delivers surprising wind and water rejection for such a whisper-thin textile. Independent testing widely praises its balance of packability and baseline weather protection. The minimalist design cuts excess hardware, relying on an elastic waistband and lower leg zips to keep the overall profile tidy and simple. The clear compromise comes down to abrasion resistance and long-term durability. The delicate face fabric will not survive bushwhacking through dense brush, sliding across granite boulders, or heavy alpine abuse. The lower leg zippers also require careful handling and might not clear bulky mountaineering boots. For standard trails, however, its weight-to-protection ratio is difficult to beat. **Highlights** - Ultralight build weighing under six ounces - Pertex Shield fabric for compact, reliable stormproofing - Packs down into its own pocket for easy storage - Elasticized waistband with drawcord adjustment - Ankle zippers to help clear standard trail running shoes **Watch-outs** - Thin shell fabric is susceptible to punctures and abrasive terrain - Limited venting options during sustained uphill exertion
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#3 on this list
Vertice
Zpacks
The Zpacks Vertice rain pants are tailored specifically for the ultralight thru-hiking community, where every fraction of an ounce is calculated. Thru-hikers tackling high-mileage days on the PCT or AT need gear that protects against sudden downpours without adding burdensome pack weight. Zpacks accomplishes this by pairing specialized ultralight waterproof-breathable fabric with an absolute minimum of extraneous hardware. Reviewers frequently single out the Vertice material for offering better internal moisture management than typical entry-level coated shells. Even when pushing hard up climbs in chilly rain, the inner face resists the clammy, plastic-wrap sensation common to minimalist gear. The fit is functional, designed to slide quickly over hiking shorts or light baselayers. However, ultralight construction demands cautious ownership. The fabric is thin and vulnerable to tears from thorny undergrowth, scree, or snagging branches. Features are stripped back to essentials: there are no full-length zippers for venting or effortless shoe removal, and you must step carefully when pulling them on over dirty trail runners. For disciplined hikers who prioritize minimal pack weight above all else, it is a masterclass in efficiency. **Highlights** - Featherweight construction designed for dedicated thru-hikers - Vertice waterproof-breathable membrane for reduced condensation - Highly packable with minimal packed volume - Elastic waist and ankle cuffs to seal out wind **Watch-outs** - Vulnerable to abrasions, thorns, and sharp gear - Lacks long side zippers for venting or fast boot clearance - High price point given the minimalist feature set
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Helium | Vertice |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.8 oz (men's) / 5.75 oz (women's) | — |
| Fabric | Pertex Shield nylon | — |
| MSRP | Approximately $170 | Around $160 |
| Waist Style | Elastic with drawcord | — |
| Leg Zippers | Ankle-height lower leg zips | — |
| Storage | Stuffs into internal pocket | — |
| Weight Class | — | Ultralight (approx. 2.5 to 3 oz) |
| Fabric Type | — | 3-layer Vertice waterproof-breathable laminate |
| Seam Treatment | — | Fully taped seams |
| Closure Style | — | Elastic waist with drawcord adjustment |
| Cuff Design | — | Elasticized ankle cuffs |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Helium
- Weighs under six ounces, making it exceptionally easy to pack
- Pertex Shield fabric provides dependable wind and rain protection
- Packs neatly into its own pocket to take up minimal pack volume
- Streamlined elastic waist sits smoothly beneath a backpack hipbelt
- Delicate face fabric is vulnerable to tears from thorns and rocks
- Short ankle zips struggle to slide over bulky leather boots
- Lacks venting options, causing sweat buildup during hard climbs
Vertice
- Sub-three-ounce weight practically disappears inside a pack
- Three-layer Vertice membrane vents moisture better than basic coated fabrics
- Soft interior tricot backer prevents the clammy cling of 2.5-layer shells
- Packs down to roughly the size of an apple for rapid storm deployment
- Delicate seven-denier face fabric tears easily on thorns and coarse rock
- Lack of ankle zippers requires removing shoes or stepping through very carefully
- High price tag considering the stripped-down, feature-minimal construction
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