Seattle-based Outdoor Research has expanded its Helium Rain Kit with new products for SS21. Based around its best-selling Helium Rain jacket, the range uses bluesign-approved Diamond Fuse fabric technology from Pertex, one of the leading innovators of outdoor fabrics, particularly in lighter, stronger, more technical gear.
Most recently, Pertex has been tackling the compromise between light weight and durability, so outdoor enthusiasts don’t have to prioritise one benefit or the other. It targeted the building blocks of fabric – the yarns which are woven to together to create the material.
Specifically, Pertex has focused on the shape of yarns, and the result is Diamond Fuse, improving the durability and abrasion resistance of fabrics without adding any unnecessary weight. Diamond Fuse fabrics use yarns with unique diamond-shaped filaments that actually lock together to create a durable and highly abrasion resistant fabric, lightweight and weather protective over extended wear and washing.
First on the list is the new Helium Wind Hoodie – highly weather protective but very breathable, the Helium Wind Hoodie takes the tried-and-tested wind shell concept and boosts the durability for demanding high-exertion pursuits. Built using a lightweight, minimal and clean silhouette, the Helium Wind Hoodie adds exceptional ruggedness thanks to Pertex Diamond Fuse 30D fabric.
Every effort has been made to keep this versatile wind shell practical, including extremely low-profile peripheral adjustment in the hood, using a side-to-side simple but effective webbing cinch. Weight 150g (size medium); available in men’s and women’s options.
When the weather suddenly takes a turn for the worse, the new Helium Wind Convertible morphs from a high-performance glove into a windproof mitt. Made with Pertex Diamond Fuse fabric, the wind shell mitt easily tucks away on the back of hand when not needed. This superlight glove features a touchscreen compatible thumb and index finger, a tapered wrist for a secure fit and reflective logos for added visibility. Weight 48g (size large).
A new fully seam-taped mitt made with the durable, superlight and waterproof Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric. These mitts are perfect to keep in a pack for unforeseen rain protection or layering over liner gloves as the temperature cools and the wind picks up. Weight 20g (size L/XL)
Offering lightweight, full-conditions’ protection, Helium Gaiters are fully waterproof at less than half the weight of many waterproof gaiters. Using light, breathable and extremely durable Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric, Helium Gaiters tip the scale at 139g (size large) a pair, but still offer significant protection. Details include a replaceable Hypalon instep strap, reinforced boot lace hooks and a drawcord cinch at the top hem.
