Nike Tech Helios

Fit & Feel: I was actually really surprised by how well this jacket fit. I didn't think I'd be wearing it anytime soon because it's been so hot lately, but we finally had a cooler, rainy day and I gave it a try. It fit great—not too loose, but not tight or restrictive either like a lot of athletic jackets. It's super lightweight and was really comfortable to wear while still keeping me nice and cozy. Design: The design is probably my favorite part. I love that you can zip it all the way up over your face, and it still has breathable holes so you don't feel like you can't breathe. When you put the hood up, it almost creates a little brim that helps keep the rain, sun, or wind out of your eyes. It's a really smart design that actually works. Fabric: The fabric is light and breathable, which I really liked. It doesn't feel heavy at all, but it still kept me warm when the temperature dropped. I could definitely see myself wearing this on a cool fall run, for outdoor workouts, or even just running errands. What I Liked Most / What would I Change: What I liked most was how comfortable and versatile it is. It feels like something you could wear for just about anything—running, warming up before a workout, hiking, or just hanging out. I honestly don't have much I'd change. It's a great lightweight jacket that does exactly what I was hoping it would do, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something comfortable for outdoor activities or everyday wear.

Nobody likes a sunburn but on a long warm day I’m not always great about reapplying sunscreen.   This UV protective shell is a great piece that helps keep my skin safe without feeling stuffy and hot thanks to its light and breathable fabric. It’s breathable enough that I can feel a breeze through it and it dries quickly if it gets wet.  The hood with a built in brim adds to the coverage without getting in my view as they sometimes can. The fit is generous without being too baggy, I (5’10”, 190lbs) generally wear a medium and this fit is just about perfect. The stretchy sleeve cuffs and waistband keep it from feeling sloppy. It does have a built in face mask when the zipper is all the way up, but I didn’t really end up using that part much as on a hot day, the hood and mask could make things a bit toasty.  There are four generous drop pockets, two inside and two outside, though it would be nice if the outside pockets could zip. This is my first shell specifically designed for warm weather sun protection and it’s a very good piece I’ll be using a lot throughout the summer.

I’m surprised by how much I like this jacket. The fit is roomy, but the piece itself is extremely light. It is easy to layer underneath, but I have also found myself wearing it over a tank top or a tee. It’s summer now, but it’s easy to imagine wearing it in the cooler months as well. I am happy to use it as an outer layer for my warm ups when I am working out at the local track or while I’m running errands. An added bonus - I love the subtle branding! It’s visible, but it doesn’t scream NIKE which can come across as a bit cheap. It’s a bit of a nitpick, but I wish that the thumb holes were reinforced or structured a little differently. I assume that keeping them as simple as they are is a cost-saving measure, but I have used jackets in the past that use a neoprene or a more elasticated material for the thumb holes and I much prefer that feeling. All in all, a terrific piece that I am thrilled to have in my wardrobe!