Outdoor Research Helium Bivy

Outdoor Research has the bivy game seam-sealed up. Helium is the lightest in OR’s line and among the cheapest as it employs a 2.5-layer Pertex fabric instead of a 3-layer system. This build is used extensively in OR’s raingear; Active Junky was impressed by the structure’s livability given the minimalist construction. A single 2oz pole keeps fabric off the sleeper’s face to shortcut claustrophobia. At only 18oz with the pole, Helium includes a dual-fabric option on the clamshell opening. Employ the full 2.5-layer Pertex hood in heavy downpours or zip down to the mesh layer to watch the Perseids dance above. Active Junky testers combined both as Colorado nights rarely make up their weather minds. Reflecting on his Kokopelli tour, one reviewer stated, “I love that Bivy. Mountaineering, lightweight backpacking—it’s going to be perfect.”