It’s been a pleasant summer. Like, really pleasant. For the first time in what feels like half a decade, I’m not silently begging for it to end. Normally by August, I’m cooked — literally — after weeks of brain-melting heat. But this year? I could actually go for another month or two of mild mornings, sunny skies, and dry trails.
But alas, we all know what’s coming. That slow shift into cooler temps, those early sunsets, and yes…rain. It’s time to start thinking about what’s going to keep us dry, warm, and comfortable as we move into fall running season. And thankfully, the La Sportiva Helixir Shell Jacket has arrived just in time to help us make that transition (insert sad goodbye-to-summer tear here).
When I hear La Sportiva, my brain usually jumps to their Prodigio trail shoes — a killer option for those long, rugged days in the dirt. But shoes aren’t all they do. La Sportiva’s roots go deep into outdoor adventure and rock climbing, which means they know a thing or two about technical gear and performance-ready apparel.
The Helixir Shell Jacket is a perfect example of that knowledge at work. On the surface, it’s a sleek and stylish shell. But under the hood (literally), there’s some serious tech packed in.
La Sportiva throws around some pretty fancy words to describe the Helixir jACKET— stuff like Spectra fiber and Ultra High Molecular Weight Poly-Ethylene (which sounds like something I failed in high school chemistry). But here’s the deal: all that jargon adds up to a jacket that’s extremely strong for how little it weighs — about 14 ounces. That’s super light for something this durable.
Translation? It’s built to last. Like, maybe for the rest of your life. And at $300+ – it better!
Living in the PNW, our fall gear needs to hit a very specific sweet spot. We want water protection (without feeling like we’re wearing a sauna), flexibility (for runs, hikes, and whatever else), and style (because hey, we’re not trying to look like we just hiked out of a cave). The Helixir ticks all those boxes.
- Water-repellent zippers
- Adjustable cuffs and elastic waist
- DWR finish to keep the rain out
- Hood with an elastic opening (which you might even be able to stretch over a bike helmet)
This jacket has all the right features for tackling the trails, pounding pavement, or even just grabbing a beer post-run.
The La Sportiva Helixir Shell Jacket is a fantastic entry point into fall. It’s durable, versatile, stylish, and weather-ready — exactly what you’d want from a premium outer layer in the Pacific Northwest (or anywhere where seasons exist, really). Whether you’re trail running, city commuting, hiking up Forest Park, or just trying to make it to October without giving up on outdoor activity altogether — this shell’s got your back.
Check out the whole Helixir line here and get ready for the seasonal shift in style.
