Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Rain Jackets

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 vs Rab Downpour

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.9 vs 4.1). Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 is best for: Serious skiers who prioritize weather protection over minimal weight. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Rain Jackets
Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
1 source$225as of Oct 11

The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 delivers exceptional breathability through its LIFA INFINITY membrane, which hikingdaily found prevents sweating even with pit zips closed, while outdoorsmagic confirmed it remains fully waterproof and windproof in heavy rain. The jacket features a helmet-compatible hood with four drawcords for secure adjustment and high-placed pockets that remain accessible under climbing harnesses or backpack hipbelts. However, at 17.64 ounces, the shell is heavier than many ultralight alternatives, and its one-way pit zips limit fine-tuned ventilation control compared to two-way designs. This durable, professional-grade jacket suits serious skiers and mountaineers who prioritize weather protection over minimal weight, while budget-conscious buyers or those seeking lighter gear for mild conditions should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — LIFA INFINITY membrane provides exceptional breathability, with reviewers noting it prevents sweating even when pit zips are closed.
  • — Fully waterproof and windproof construction using Helly Tech Professional three-layer fabric keeps wearers dry in heavy rain and snow.
  • — Large hand pockets feature two-way sliders and sit high enough to remain accessible while wearing a backpack or climbing harness.
Watch-outs
  • — At approximately 17.64 oz (500 g), the jacket is heavier than many ultralight alternatives.
  • — The pit zips are one-way only, limiting fine-tuned ventilation control compared to two-way designs.
Rab Downpour
Ranked #4 in Best Rain Jackets
Rab Downpour
2 sources$91.38as of Oct 11

The Rab Downpour utilizes Pertex Shield fabric to deliver a soft, quiet feel that reviewers praise as significantly more comfortable than typical crinkly ultralight shells. OutdoorGearLab found the adjustable hood with its stiffened peak provides excellent storm sealing and visibility, while GearJunkie noted the generous pit zips allow for rapid heat dumping during high-output activities. However, the standard model weighs 13.3 ounces, which is heavy for its class, and long-term users report that the Durable Water Repellent finish degrades quickly and is difficult to restore. The jacket also suffers from minor fabric bunching around the stomach when moving or reaching overhead. This shell fits hikers who prioritize comfort and ventilation over minimal weight, but those seeking ultralight packability should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Pertex Shield fabric provides a soft, quiet feel against the skin rather than crinkly plastic.
  • — Hood design features one-handed adjustment and a stiffened peak for effective storm sealing.
  • — Pit zips allow rapid heat dumping during high-output activities.
Watch-outs
  • — The standard Downpour model weighs 13.3 oz, which reviewers describe as heavy for its class.
  • — Fabric tends to bunch around the stomach area when moving or reaching overhead.
  • — Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish degrades quickly and is difficult to restore.

How they stack up

Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0

The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 excels in breathability with its LIFA INFINITY membrane, preventing sweating even when pit zips are closed, a feature the Patagonia Boulder Fork lacks entirely due to having no ventilation zips. However, it is heavier at 17.64 oz than the Arc'teryx Beta SL (12 oz) and uses one-way pit zips, which offer less fine-tuned control than the two-way zips on the Arc'teryx model.

Rab Downpour

The Rab Downpour has underarm vents for dumping heat, where the Patagonia Boulder Fork has no ventilation zips. At 13.3 oz it is heavier than the 12 oz Arc'teryx Beta SL and lighter than the 15.3 oz Outdoor Research Foray 3L. It costs less than both of those jackets.

Specs side-by-side

SpecHelly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0Rab Downpour
Material100% Polyester (Recycled)2.5-layer Pertex Shield
Weight17.64 oz / 500 g13.3 oz
VentilationYes (One-way)underarm vents
Waterproof Rating—20,000mm
Fabric Layers—2.5-Layer
Hood—Adjustable Hood with Visor
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