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Helly Hansen Storm Protection
by bradwalton
Posted: Apr 6, 2009
Looking for a waterproof/breathable/durable storm protection layer?
Helly Hansen may not have the largest showing in the mountain bike apparel industry, but for those in the know like sponsored pro rider Matt Hunter, the double H of Norway is banging out some killer rain wear built for biking in the so-called "off-season".
Helly Hansen may not have the largest showing in the mountain bike apparel industry, but for those in the know like sponsored pro rider Matt Hunter, the double H of Norway is banging out some killer rain wear built for biking in the so-called "off-season".
Although Helly Hansen's main focus is in the mountain expedition industry, their expertise in foul-weather fabrics has spanned to the biking community where they offer a few technical garments to keep you comfortable on your next soggy-saddled adventure.
Charger Jacket:
Featuring a riding-specific cut and styled out in plaid, Helly Hansen's Charger jacket offers the ultimate in foul-weather comfort. At $250 USD, the Charger isn't cheap, but like anything else you get what you pay for. The Charger is also available in a women's model.
Main closure on this jacket is full zip with a large storm flap. The hood is designed well for when you need it. It's big enough to fit an XC helmet underneath for when a real deluge has you parked under a canopy of cedar, yet can be adjusted for face size with a quick tug on a cord right up front and also for peripheral wrap via a cord on the back of the hood, and it's got a soft brim to keep rain draining away from your face. Subtle reflective designs right under both shoulders keep you visible under grey skies without looking all sparkly like a stand-in from Michael Jackson's "Bad" video.
The key to making a waterproof garment durable is keeping it clean and abrasion free. Helly Hansen has thought out the adventure side of this jacket by adding reinforced shoulder fabric to prevent abrasion and dirt buildup when worn under a pack. When the pedaling gets tough, standard issue pit zips relieve the pressure in your steamy cabin.
Typical 3-layer fabrics consist of an outer waterproof/durable nylon shell, moisture-wicking membrane, and an inner next-to-skin liner. These components work together to form a one-way moisture transfer system. Water can get out, but not in. This 2.5 layer jacket bonds the inner liner to the inside of the jacket, so the fabric looks and feels like a single layer. The benefit is that it makes the jacket lighter and more compact. The down side is that the jacket feels a bit clammy next to skin, and it's more expensive. For best results with a 2.5 layer jacket (can you believe there's a technique to wearing clothes?) is to wear a long-sleeve performance wicking layer underneath, as your next to skin layer. This allows the jacket's wicking membrane more room for evaporation. Yeah, it's high-tech, hence the $250. If you wouldn't spend this much on a jacket, then you're probably riding in a t-shirt, which is fine until you find yourself miles from the car with an encroaching storm overhead, in February. But if you're the kind of human who appreciates being comfortable and dry, buy a nice rain jacket.
Vancouver Jacket
For trail-building in the off-season, the versatile Vancouver jacket keeps your core dry with a roomy cut allowing ample freedom of movement. At $130 USD for the JPN (Japanese-style) plaid print color scheme, it's lightweight, waterproof wear fit for the trails or styling enough for just kickin' it in the rain downtown like we do here in the Pacific NorthWet. While not as prized a possession as the more robust, riding-specific Charger jacket, the Vancouver jacket holds it's own on or off the bike in the midst of any downpour. Also available in a women's model.
Check out HellyHansen.com to find a retailer near you!
Charger Jacket:
Featuring a riding-specific cut and styled out in plaid, Helly Hansen's Charger jacket offers the ultimate in foul-weather comfort. At $250 USD, the Charger isn't cheap, but like anything else you get what you pay for. The Charger is also available in a women's model.
Helly Hansen Charger jacket in Plaid Green
Main closure on this jacket is full zip with a large storm flap. The hood is designed well for when you need it. It's big enough to fit an XC helmet underneath for when a real deluge has you parked under a canopy of cedar, yet can be adjusted for face size with a quick tug on a cord right up front and also for peripheral wrap via a cord on the back of the hood, and it's got a soft brim to keep rain draining away from your face. Subtle reflective designs right under both shoulders keep you visible under grey skies without looking all sparkly like a stand-in from Michael Jackson's "Bad" video.
| Charger Features - waterproof/breathable nylon - HellyTech XP fabric - 2.5 layer construction - fully seam-taped - full body stretch - water-resistant zippers - pit zips - ample pockets - full storm hood w/ adjustment - shoulder reinforcement for backpack - rad plaid print |
Giving the Charger a workout in the rain
The key to making a waterproof garment durable is keeping it clean and abrasion free. Helly Hansen has thought out the adventure side of this jacket by adding reinforced shoulder fabric to prevent abrasion and dirt buildup when worn under a pack. When the pedaling gets tough, standard issue pit zips relieve the pressure in your steamy cabin.
Typical 3-layer fabrics consist of an outer waterproof/durable nylon shell, moisture-wicking membrane, and an inner next-to-skin liner. These components work together to form a one-way moisture transfer system. Water can get out, but not in. This 2.5 layer jacket bonds the inner liner to the inside of the jacket, so the fabric looks and feels like a single layer. The benefit is that it makes the jacket lighter and more compact. The down side is that the jacket feels a bit clammy next to skin, and it's more expensive. For best results with a 2.5 layer jacket (can you believe there's a technique to wearing clothes?) is to wear a long-sleeve performance wicking layer underneath, as your next to skin layer. This allows the jacket's wicking membrane more room for evaporation. Yeah, it's high-tech, hence the $250. If you wouldn't spend this much on a jacket, then you're probably riding in a t-shirt, which is fine until you find yourself miles from the car with an encroaching storm overhead, in February. But if you're the kind of human who appreciates being comfortable and dry, buy a nice rain jacket.
Vancouver Jacket
For trail-building in the off-season, the versatile Vancouver jacket keeps your core dry with a roomy cut allowing ample freedom of movement. At $130 USD for the JPN (Japanese-style) plaid print color scheme, it's lightweight, waterproof wear fit for the trails or styling enough for just kickin' it in the rain downtown like we do here in the Pacific NorthWet. While not as prized a possession as the more robust, riding-specific Charger jacket, the Vancouver jacket holds it's own on or off the bike in the midst of any downpour. Also available in a women's model.
Helly Hansen JPN Vancouver jacket
Building in the rain with the HH Vancouver jacket
Check out HellyHansen.com to find a retailer near you!
51 Comments
- + 29
mirdad
(Apr 8, 2009 at 15:23)
Hey Brad, Its Dave from the ODP build crew in Bend, OR. You met Nick out at Cline Butte and I'm pretty sure we are trying to hook up in Hood River near Memorial day... ANYWAY I have worked for Helly for the last three years its awesome to see you giving our gear a work out, its true my beloved employer does not push the MTB like it should but if you want the BEST riding jacket I have ever worn it would have to be the Rapide jacket from Helly. I own the Charger, and for waterproofing its the bomb! But for comfort, breatheability, and windproofing the $125 Rapide is the one. I'm a bit of a gear whore (I have a soft spot for Spectrum Techwear) and Helly Hansen has no equal when it comes to jackets, and the Rapide is heaven, now if we could convince them to hop back on the mtb train...
NO DOUBT...
ALL THE CHAVS
WILL BE WEARING THESE
WHATS WITH THE BURBERRY STYLE PLAID ????
FOR THOSE IN THE US AND CANADA A "CHAV" IS WHITE TRASH WITH LIMITED INTELLECT AND LITTLE MORALS.
THEY THIEVE YOUR BIKES AND SELL IT FOR SOME BEER & WEED.
WHY WHY WHY WOULD WE WANT TO WEAR CHAV ARMY UNIFORMS???
HERE ARE SOME CHAVS....
http://verymaladjusted.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/chav2.jpg
(NOTE: an ASBO is an Anit-Social Behavior Order)
basically a let off for under 16's so they can steal more of your bikes.
ALL THE CHAVS
WILL BE WEARING THESE
WHATS WITH THE BURBERRY STYLE PLAID ????
FOR THOSE IN THE US AND CANADA A "CHAV" IS WHITE TRASH WITH LIMITED INTELLECT AND LITTLE MORALS.
THEY THIEVE YOUR BIKES AND SELL IT FOR SOME BEER & WEED.
WHY WHY WHY WOULD WE WANT TO WEAR CHAV ARMY UNIFORMS???
HERE ARE SOME CHAVS....
http://verymaladjusted.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/chav2.jpg
(NOTE: an ASBO is an Anit-Social Behavior Order)
basically a let off for under 16's so they can steal more of your bikes.
whats funny is...in the picture above (of the chavs), thats actually what they do when they get an ASBO lol.
FOOKING NOBHEADS
FOOKING NOBHEADS
thank you for finally telling me what the hell a chav is. and the picture made it way easier to understand. now that i am properly informed i can honestly say: f*ck CHAVS.
You spend all that money on a jacket to get it all mudded up, we know no one spends that money, then ruins a complete dope jacket
true, they are just kidding with the price, a few washes destroy waterproofing and one harder bail on the rocky trail destroy all jacket.
i have one, mud wont do anything to it. The reinforcing fabric on the jackets are pretty good with rocks
Yo, Timmy like I said I work for Helly and not to sound like an advertisement, the fact that our waterproofing is washable w/o compromising the waterproofing is why Helly charges upwards of $250 bucks. And yes while bailing onto rocks "destroy all jacket" I recommend "staying on bike" to combat that
I've put both of these jackets through situations where I expected fabric tears, and it hasn't happened, even falling down a muddy hillside onto a (obviously non-running) chainsaw. I've had them caked in mud, washed, caked in mud again the next day, washed, over and over, and so far still entirely waterproof. All waterproof/breathable fabrics eventually require re-treatment, it's just part of the game. I can't advise for long-term durability of these, but so far I've been out on several occasions when I was glad to have a quality jacket, and it thoroughly proved it's worth. I guess it really comes down to your needs as a cyclist- if you're not riding in the rain for hours at a time, you probably don't need a high-end jacket. Whatever makes you comfortable and keeps you outdoors the longest...
I've been rocking the Vancouver about the past 6 months and I love it. I can pack it up and throw it in my pack or pull it out when I need it. It's great because its waterproof and windproof and has the zippers under your arms for when you need some air. I agree that they should make more mountain bike specific stuff because the products they make rock.
So basically, it's like a snowboarding jacket out shell, only built for mountain bikers!! I like it, but I don't have nearly the amount of money they're asking.
[Reply]
Has nothing to do with this story but i thought i'd let you know i check your site everyday and your photos are great
$250 for a riding jacket is just too much. Seriously that's what old snowboard shells are for.. But I guess some people have too much money.
Helly should actually make their riding jerseys more available.. whats the point of having your pro rider filmed wearing jerseys the public can't purchase?
http://www.summergravitycamps.com/images/coaches_as_action2.jpg
http://www.summergravitycamps.com/images/coaches-as.jpg
There is another one from "The Collective" that I tried for years to find but I just couldnt. Shandro wore it in the Sawtooth segment..
Another Jersey I tried to find is the one Matt Hunter wore when he hit the road gap in Morocco.
Basically if Helly wants to get cred in MTB they should release the practical products that MTB riders would actually want. Not that I dont want a $250 riding jacket.. I just wouldnt spend my $$ on it.
Helly should actually make their riding jerseys more available.. whats the point of having your pro rider filmed wearing jerseys the public can't purchase?
http://www.summergravitycamps.com/images/coaches_as_action2.jpg
http://www.summergravitycamps.com/images/coaches-as.jpg
There is another one from "The Collective" that I tried for years to find but I just couldnt. Shandro wore it in the Sawtooth segment..
Another Jersey I tried to find is the one Matt Hunter wore when he hit the road gap in Morocco.
Basically if Helly wants to get cred in MTB they should release the practical products that MTB riders would actually want. Not that I dont want a $250 riding jacket.. I just wouldnt spend my $$ on it.
[Reply]
who wears jackets to ride? why would a bike riding jacket have a hood. what does HH do for biking? stick to brands that have something to do with the sport. HH is a sailing brand.
1- people who pedal in the rain. 2- in case you get caught in alot of rain. 3- they make jackets and they sponsor bike atheletes. What do any of the other brands "do for biking?"
Is that a Norco you are riding? Not to be offensive, but i thought you were one of Transition's minions? Are you not promoting Transition anymore? Aside from that, nice write up. Anyone who lives on the Pacific NW coast knows how important a good rain jacket/windbreaker can be! If you don't have one and you go ride in the rain, which you have to do unless you only ride in august, you might want to keep a pair of scissors near by to help aid in the removal of your soaked clothes post ride.
Yes, it is a Norco Shore. Transition makes a great product but I am a product tester for Pinkbike.com
I don't like things that make you look like a cyclist. I ride bikes, but it is skateboarding stuff that I usually put on.
qoute" "that jacket will make u LOOK like a chav..." NOT "make u a chav"
Stupid only if you "dun" read it incorrectly.
Stupid only if you "dun" read it incorrectly.
I picked up a $25 rubber HH jacket at REI....it for shore keeps the rain out and i just work the zipper to keep my temp right. The amount of heat / sweat i generate i have honestly yet to find any base layer / breathable jacket that does what it claims...even at $250. Layer up and then stop the rain...thats all that you need. I feel really good about having a $25 jacket when i am out in the woods...and i live in Seattle...so I am an automatic 'rain weather product tester' 
)
)
don't need a hood on a bike jacket, because you have a helmet. even in the winter in the middle of Canada, not to many people wear jackets. the point is buy bike brands not just any brand who sees some money to make in our sport. Sponsoring riders, yea that's giving back. Royal racing has better riding jackets. support rider ran and owned company's not sell out's.
"even in the winter in the middle of Canada, not to many people wear jackets."
what are you talking about?
what are you talking about?
people on pinkbike should spend less time ripping on other riders and more time ripping on their bikes- its unbelievable how much sh*t talking goes on between brethren in the tribe- what happened to the unity of our sport & support for eachoter? PROPS Brad- Helly rules- even if its spendy its quality gear-
Ummm, Amen to that! Too many mommas boy’s talking shit to each other between Halo matches.
Seriously, I think this comment stuff is just up here for people like them so that they can talk smack and make themselves feel better about being insignificant-Daddy-lacking-little-minds that they are. I’m just going to stop all together reading any watered down comments about Pinkbike articles so that I don’t waist anymore time. If you don't agree, read the majority of the comments just on this single jacket alone...........
Seriously, I think this comment stuff is just up here for people like them so that they can talk smack and make themselves feel better about being insignificant-Daddy-lacking-little-minds that they are. I’m just going to stop all together reading any watered down comments about Pinkbike articles so that I don’t waist anymore time. If you don't agree, read the majority of the comments just on this single jacket alone...........
NO DOUBT...
ALL THE CHAVS
WILL BE WEARING THESE
WHATS WITH THE BURBERRY STYLE PLAID ????
FOR THOSE IN THE US AND CANADA A "CHAV" IS WHITE TRASH WITH LIMITED INTELLECT AND LITTLE MORALS.
THEY THIEVE YOUR BIKES AND SELL IT FOR SOME BEER & WEED.
WHY WHY WHY WOULD WE WANT TO WEAR CHAV ARMY UNIFORMS???
HERE ARE SOME CHAVS....
http://verymaladjusted.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/chav2.jpg
(NOTE: an ASBO is an Anit-Social Behavior Order)
basically a let off for under 16's so they can steal more of your bikes.
ALL THE CHAVS
WILL BE WEARING THESE
WHATS WITH THE BURBERRY STYLE PLAID ????
FOR THOSE IN THE US AND CANADA A "CHAV" IS WHITE TRASH WITH LIMITED INTELLECT AND LITTLE MORALS.
THEY THIEVE YOUR BIKES AND SELL IT FOR SOME BEER & WEED.
WHY WHY WHY WOULD WE WANT TO WEAR CHAV ARMY UNIFORMS???
HERE ARE SOME CHAVS....
http://verymaladjusted.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/chav2.jpg
(NOTE: an ASBO is an Anit-Social Behavior Order)
basically a let off for under 16's so they can steal more of your bikes.
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[Reply]
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