Helium Bivy
Why We Like The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
The Outdoor Research Helium Bivy is ideal for moving fast through alpine terrain and wilderness expanses without excess weight slowing us down. Don't let its minimalist design fool you into thinking it's lacking weatherproof performance or functional features. The Helium Bivy offers total waterproofing and maximum breathability with its Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer membrane, TPU floor lamination, and fully taped construction. We stay pleasantly dry when we're camping out in widely variable conditions, all without soaking in a steam room of built-up perspiration during humid summer months.
The Helium features a clamshell design that promotes a restful night's sleep with a Delrin Single-Pole system acting as a stabilizing structure for the bivy itself. The hood unzips during pleasant weather for extra ventilation and impressive stargazing potential. No-See-Um mesh lining keeps biting insects from eating you alive when you're sleeping with the hood unzipped. Other key features include dedicated straps for attaching your sleeping pad, an internal mesh pocket, and stake-down points for securing this bivy in nasty weather.
Details
- Ultralight bivy offers shelter in variable mountain conditions
- Clamshell design with Delrin Single-Pole System
- Waterproof Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse membrane and fully sealed seams
- TPU laminated floor prevents moisture and potential odor buildup
- Ventilated hood unzips with No-Se-Um mesh release hot air and moisture
- Sleeping pad straps secure a comfortable platform for rest
- Internal mesh pocket to stash overnight essentials
- Item #ODR00G2
- Material
- [membrane/laminate] Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse (2.5-layer), [upper] 30D nylon ripstop, [floor] 40D nylon with TPU lamination, [hood lining] no-see-em mesh
- Poles
- yes
- Pole Attachment
- sleeves
- Seams
- fully sealed
- Interior Height
- 19.75in
- Floor Dimensions
- 82 x 26-19in
- Packed Size
- 12.25 x 3.5in
- Trail Weight
- [with pole] 15.8oz, [without pole] 14.5oz
- Activity
- ultralight backpacking, mountaineering
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
2.5 based on 5 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.What do you think about this product?
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 29, 2024
Great Bivy for Moderate Temperatures
I bought this for lightweight camping out of my truck for trailheads and to co-use for my unit when we’re in the field. Overall, great bivy, waterproof, wind resistant and minimalist. I slept in this with my -10 degree (f) bag and was plenty warm. My con on this bivy, is the vent is not vertically above your ahead but horizontally. So, when sleeping the condensations sits above you and does not vent the same as its Alpine Bivy counterpart. I would use this for more moderate temperatures where I use less bulky equipment than my Arctic winter gear since I put my sleeping pad inside the Bivy with me. More than likely pair it with my lightweight jungle bag and a R-Value 5 pad which is less bulky. Overall, awesome and consistent part of my kit.
Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
October 1, 2024
NOT WATERPROOF
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
- Height:
- 5' 8"
- Weight:
- 190
Used once, failed miserably, got totally soaked. Had an old Goretex OR Bivy that lasted 15+ year. This thing is garbage. Called OR, and they refused a return b/c product was used. Zero customer service and a horrible product.
May 1, 2024
Great quick/light option
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Height:
- 5' 10"
- Weight:
- 170
I’ve used this bivouac on a handful of excursions so far. It’s very versatile, sets up quickly, light weight, and the arch space over the face is a great comfort touch.
January 22, 2024
Mosquito Netting Poorly Designed
- Familiarity:
- I returned this product before using it
- Size Bought:
- reg
- Height:
- 6' 2"
- Weight:
- 175
This is my first time disappointed with a product from OR. To crawl into the Bivy you have to climb over the mosquito netting. There is no mechanism to tie the netting back or protect it from your body as you crawl into the Bivy. I expected the netting to attach towards the top of the bivy so that your body did not brush on top of it crawling into it. I expect the netting to rip very quickly.
October 21, 2023
Beware: NOT waterproof!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
We went on a trip to climb in the High Sierra in September. Bivy was brand new for my boyfriend. Rain started our first evening at 12k feet. Within a few hours, water had penetrated the fabric and was soaking his sleeping bag and all clothing inside. We bailed the next morning when we got a short break in the weather to pack up. This could have been a life or death experience, as temps were down in the teens. I have the OR Interstellar bivy (yellow bivy in photo) and I stayed dry during the entire ordeal. We noticed the fabric is much thicker on mine. Spend the extra money on a 4-season for rain protection.
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