Two Very Different Hardshell Pants
The Arc'teryx Sabre Pant and the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Pants are both hardshell pants, but they serve completely different purposes. The Sabre Pant is a heavily built ski pant designed for lift-served and backcountry skiing in cold, wet conditions, while the Helium Rain Pants are ultralight emergency rain gear meant to live in your pack until you need them. Choosing between them depends on your primary activity and how much weight you're willing to carry.
Specs at a Glance
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Sabre Pant Men's: 21 oz (595 g) – 3-layer GORE-TEX® ePE 80d plain weave recycled nylon with polyester backing. The Sabre Pant is nearly three times heavier than the Helium Rain Pants, but that weight brings serious durability and insulation for cold-weather skiing.
Sabre Pant Men's
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Helium Rain Pants Men's F25: 7.1 oz (201 g) – Pertex® Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L 30D ripstop nylon. The Helium Rain Pants are among the lightest waterproof pants available, ideal for stashing in a backpack for emergency rain protection.
Helium Rain Pants Men's F25
When to Choose the Sabre Pant
The Sabre Pant is built for skiing and snowboarding in average Northwest winter temperatures or colder backcountry conditions. Its 3-layer GORE-TEX® fabric is highly durable, and the polyester backer adds light insulation, making it warmer than standard uninsulated hardshell pants. Features like thigh vent zippers, 100D Cordura® PowderCuffs™, and Keprotec™ instep guards are designed specifically for snow sports. The integrated adjustable belt and RECCO® reflector add convenience and safety. If your primary activity is skiing or snowboarding in cold, wet snow, this pant is the clear choice.
- Best for: Lift skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowboarding in average to cold conditions where durability and warmth matter.
- Not for: Ultralight backpacking, summer hiking, or emergency rain gear – it's too heavy and insulated for those uses.
When to Choose the Helium Rain Pants
The Helium Rain Pants are designed for fast-and-light missions or as a just-in-case rain layer. At 7.1 ounces, they pack into their own zippered back pocket, making them easy to carry in a backpack, car, or travel bag. The Pertex® Shield Diamond Fuse fabric is 5 times more tear-resistant than previous Helium pants, so they're tougher than their weight suggests. Features like elastic waist with gripper tape, ankle zippers, and a gusseted crotch improve fit and mobility. They are waterproof, breathable, and windproof, but not insulated. If you need emergency rain protection that won't weigh you down, these are the better choice.
- Best for: Ultralight backpacking, trail running, bike commuting, and emergency rain gear stored in a pack or car.
- Not for: Skiing or snowboarding in cold conditions – no insulation, less durable fabric, and no snow-specific features like powder cuffs or instep guards.
Fit and Sizing Differences
The Sabre Pant has a Regular Fit, which is roomy enough to layer over base layers and light midlayers. The Helium Rain Pants have a Standard Fit, which is trimmer and intended to be worn over minimal clothing. Both are available in multiple sizes and colors, but the Helium Rain Pants also offer a Small Short inseam option. If you plan to layer heavily, the Sabre Pant's Regular Fit will be more comfortable.
What the Supplied Information Doesn't Cover
The catalog does not provide specific waterproof or breathability ratings for either pant, so direct performance comparisons in heavy rain or high-exertion activities are not possible from this data. Similarly, care instructions and exact temperature ranges for the Sabre Pant's light insulation are not supplied. For fit guidance, trying on both models or checking detailed size charts is recommended.