My favorite high-tech packable rain jacket is 50% off right now

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Serious rain protection for a not-too-serious price

Outdoor Research Helium Jacket..
(Image credit: Outdoor Research)

Outdoor Research may not quite have the same name recognition as Patagonia or The North Face, but hardcore outdoorsy types, especially those from the great Pacific Northwest, know them well. Designed and manufactured in Seattle, Washington, OR's rain protection is some of the best in the biz. And right now, my favorite Outdoor Research packable rain jacket is on sale for 50% off as part of Black Friday savings.

Available in a snazzy array of colors — “Cranberry” being my jam — the Outdoor Research Men’s Helium Rain Jacket is just $85 through Outdoor Research directly, with plenty of sizes available. 

Outdoor Research Men’s Helium Rain Jacket: was $170 now $85 @ Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research Men’s Helium Rain Jacket: was $170 now $85 @ Outdoor Research
Living in Seattle, I know a thing or two about the rain. Here, we don’t get downpours so much — instead, we deal with light-to-heavy drizzles for eight months of the year. For this type of weather, the Helium Rain Jacket is a godsend. It’s extremely lightweight, breathable and packable enough to fit in a hip pack or small bag. Yet it offers solid protection from moderate rain and wind. 

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Like all jackets intended to take on the wet, I highly recommend treating this one with a wash-in waterproofing detergent like Nikwax, which also happens to be a Seattle company (we’re serious about rain, okay?). Doing so will ensure years of utility from this high-tech piece of outerwear.

Want more great deals on fancypants Gorpcore at Black Friday prices? We've got you covered. My favorite Patagonia synthetic puffer is heavily discounted right now, as are all these fashionable yet functional Carhartt jackets, hats and sweatshirts.  While we’re at it, there are plenty of sweet deals to be had on North Face zip-ups and pullovers, as well as on some sweet Arc’teryx outerwear. 

Dan Bracaglia
Dan Bracaglia
Senior Writer, Fitness & Wearables

Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others. 

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.