Helly Hansen: Pioneering Ski Clothing

The story of Helly Hansen is a testament to human ingenuity, born from the harsh realities of maritime life and evolving into a global powerhouse in outdoor apparel. This Norwegian brand has weathered storms both literal and figurative, emerging as a beacon of innovation in the world of performance clothing.

In 1877, on the rugged coast of Moss, Norway, Captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe embarked on a journey that would revolutionise waterproof clothing. Faced with the unforgiving Nordic seas, Captain Hansen sought a solution to protect his sailors from the elements. His innovative approach—applying linseed oil to coarse linen—birthed the first Helly Hansen oilskin jackets, trousers, sou'westers, and tarpaulins.

This groundbreaking technique proved immediately successful, with sales soaring to approximately 10,000 pieces within the first five years. The quality of their products garnered international recognition, earning a diploma for excellence at the 1878 World Expo in Paris, merely a year after the company's inception.

Helly Hansen's commitment to innovation became evident early on, as the company continually sought to improve its offerings:

Linox and Helox: In the 1920s, Helly Hansen developed Linox, a new fabric that would later evolve into the Helox waterproof system. Introduced in 1949, Helox marked a significant advancement in waterproof technology, featuring a thin sheet of translucent PVC plastic sewn into coats.

Fiberpile: The 1960s saw the birth of Fiberpile, developed in partnership with Norwegian Fiber Pile Inc. This revolutionary fleece material offered an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and maintained its thermal properties even when wet, making it a favourite among lumberjacks and outdoor enthusiasts.

LIFA® Technology: In 1970, Helly Hansen introduced LIFA®, a game-changing innovation in base layer technology. This material effectively wicked moisture away from the skin, keeping wearers warm and comfortable in various conditions.

As Helly Hansen's reputation for quality and innovation grew, so did its product range. The company began to diversify its offerings, expanding from maritime gear to a comprehensive range of outdoor apparel:

Ski Wear: Recognising the similarities between the demands of maritime and mountain environments, Helly Hansen ventured into ski wear. The brand's expertise in waterproofing and insulation translated seamlessly to the slopes, with Helly Hansen ski jackets quickly becoming a staple for winter sports enthusiasts.

Helly Hansen Waterproof Jackets: Building on their maritime heritage, the company developed a range of waterproof jackets suitable for various outdoor activities, from hiking to urban exploration.

Helly Hansen Base Layers: Leveraging the success of LIFA® technology, Helly Hansen expanded its base layer offerings, catering to a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

Helly Hansen's journey from sea to summit is marked by several technological breakthroughs:

Helly Tech® (1984): This proprietary fabric technology revolutionised outdoor apparel by offering both waterproof and breathable properties.

The Three-Layer System: Introduced in the 1970s, this innovative approach to layering—combining base layer, insulation, and outer protection—became an industry standard.

H2 Flow Technology (2012): This temperature regulation system, introduced with the H2 Flow Jacket, allowed wearers to adjust their body temperature actively.

Today, Helly Hansen stands as a global leader in outdoor apparel, with a presence in over 40 countries. While the brand has expanded far beyond its maritime origins, it remains true to its Norwegian heritage, continuing to draw inspiration from the challenging Nordic environment.

The company's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it partnerships with professional athletes, outdoor guides, and national teams. In 2015, Helly Hansen became the apparel partner for Canada's alpine and para-alpine ski teams, further cementing its status in the world of winter sports.

As Helly Hansen continues to evolve, it maintains a delicate balance between honouring its rich history and pushing the boundaries of outdoor apparel technology. From the decks of Norwegian fishing boats to the peaks of the world's highest mountains, Helly Hansen's journey is a testament to the enduring power of innovation and the indomitable spirit of exploration.

Helly Hansen's reputation for excellence in outdoor apparel is perhaps best exemplified by their extensive range of jackets. From the slopes to the streets, these garments embody the perfect fusion of cutting-edge technology and timeless style, catering to the needs of both professional athletes and everyday adventurers.

Helly Hansen's jacket lineup spans a diverse array of categories, each designed to meet specific environmental challenges and activity requirements:

Ski Jackets: At the forefront of Helly Hansen's offerings, these jackets are engineered to withstand the harshest mountain conditions while providing optimal freedom of movement for skiers and snowboarders.

Waterproof Jackets: Drawing on the brand's maritime heritage, these jackets offer unparalleled protection against rain and wind, making them ideal for various outdoor pursuits.

Casual Jackets: Blending functionality with urban aesthetics, these jackets bring Helly Hansen's technical expertise to everyday wear.

Helly Hansen's jackets incorporate a range of proprietary technologies that set them apart in terms of performance and comfort:

HELLY TECH®: This advanced fabric technology, introduced in 1984, provides a waterproof, windproof, and breathable barrier, ensuring wearers stay dry and comfortable in challenging conditions2.

LIFA®: Originally developed as a base layer technology, LIFA® has been integrated into jacket linings to enhance moisture management and temperature regulation.

PrimaLoft®: This synthetic insulation offers exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, maintaining its thermal properties even when wet.

Helly Hansen's men's jacket collection offers a range of options to suit various activities and style preferences:

Men's Reine Parka: This urban-inspired parka combines style with functionality. It features PrimaLoft® insulation and HELLY TECH® Protection, making it ideal for cold city winters while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Men's Active Puffy Long Jacket: Perfect for those seeking extra coverage, this longer-length puffy jacket offers exceptional warmth without sacrificing mobility. Its lightweight design and PrimaLoft® insulation make it versatile for both outdoor activities and urban wear.

Men's Alpha 4.0 Jacket: The latest iteration of Helly Hansen's flagship ski jacket, the Alpha 4.0 represents the pinnacle of mountain performance. It features HELLY TECH® Professional fabric, H2Flow™ temperature regulation system, and Life Pocket+™ technology, ensuring top-tier protection and functionality for demanding alpine conditions.

The women's range from Helly Hansen is equally impressive, combining performance with feminine styling:

Women's Imperial Puffy Ski Jacket: This jacket blends style with high-performance features. It offers superior warmth with PrimaLoft® insulation, while HELLY TECH® Professional fabric ensures excellent weather protection. The jacket's design includes feminine touches and a range of vibrant colour options.

Women's Snowplay Jacket: Designed for versatility, this jacket is perfect for various winter activities. It combines insulation with breathability, making it suitable for both active pursuits and casual wear. The Snowplay Jacket's design focuses on freedom of movement without compromising on warmth or style.

Women's 2.0 Edge Jacket: This technical ski jacket is built for performance on the slopes. It features HELLY TECH® Performance fabric for reliable waterproofing and breathability. The 2.0 Edge Jacket includes ski-specific features like a powder skirt and multiple pockets, all wrapped in a sleek, feminine silhouette.

Helly Hansen's ski jackets exemplify the brand's commitment to innovation and performance. These jackets are the result of extensive research and development, often tested in extreme conditions by professional athletes.

The Alpha 4.0 Jacket, for instance, incorporates the H²Flow™ system, an innovative temperature regulation technology. This system uses strategically placed vents and insulation to create a microclimate within the jacket, allowing wearers to fine-tune their body temperature based on activity level and external conditions4.

Another standout feature is the Life Pocket+™, which uses Aerogel insulation to keep electronic devices warm, extending battery life in cold conditions. This thoughtful addition demonstrates Helly Hansen's understanding of modern skiers' needs.

As the outdoor industry increasingly focuses on sustainability, Helly Hansen has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact. The use of recycled materials in insulation and fabrics, as well as the development of PFC-free water-repellent treatments, showcases the brand's commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Looking ahead, Helly Hansen continues to push the boundaries of jacket technology. With a focus on enhancing breathability, durability, and sustainability, the brand is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leader in outdoor apparel.

From the slopes to the city streets, Helly Hansen jackets represent the pinnacle of performance and style. By continuously innovating and refining their designs, the brand ensures that whether you're facing a blizzard on a mountain peak or a drizzle in an urban setting, you'll be well-equipped to face the elements in comfort and style.

Helly Hansen's reputation for excellence in ski wear is well-earned, with their range of apparel designed to meet the demands of both professional athletes and recreational skiers. The brand's commitment to innovation and performance shines through in every piece, from jackets to base layers.

Helly Hansen's ski jackets are the epitome of form meeting function, offering unparalleled protection against the elements without compromising on style.

Women's Motionista Lifaloft Ski Jacket: This high-performance jacket combines style with cutting-edge technology. Featuring LIFALOFT™ insulation, it offers exceptional warmth without bulk. The HELLY TECH® Professional fabric ensures waterproof and breathable protection, while the H2Flow™ system provides temperature regulation for all-day comfort on the slopes1.

Men's Alpha Lifaloft Ski Jacket: A flagship model in Helly Hansen's range, the Alpha Lifaloft Ski Jacket is designed for the most demanding mountain conditions. It incorporates LIFALOFT™ insulation for superior warmth-to-weight ratio and HELLY TECH® Professional fabric for ultimate weather protection. The jacket also features the innovative Life Pocket+™ technology, which helps preserve battery life of electronic devices in cold conditions.

No ski outfit is complete without the right pair of pants, and Helly Hansen delivers with options that complement their jackets in both style and functionality.

Men's Alpine Insulated Ski Pants: These versatile ski pants offer a perfect blend of insulation and mobility. Featuring HELLY TECH® Performance fabric, they provide reliable weather protection and breathability. The strategically placed insulation ensures warmth without restricting movement, making them ideal for various skiing conditions1.

Women's Blizzard Insulated Ski Pants: Designed to withstand harsh winter conditions, the Blizzard Insulated Ski Pants combine warmth and functionality. They feature PrimaLoft® insulation for excellent heat retention and HELLY TECH® Performance fabric for waterproof and breathable protection. The articulated design ensures freedom of movement, while multiple pockets provide convenient storage for essentials1.

Both these jackets and pants showcase Helly Hansen's commitment to innovation, incorporating technologies like LIFALOFT™ and HELLY TECH® to enhance performance on the slopes. The combination of advanced materials, thoughtful design, and attention to detail makes these pieces stand out in Helly Hansen's ski wear collection.

Helly Hansen's expertise in base layer technology is evident in their ski wear collection:

LIFA® Merino Midweight Crew: This innovative base layer combines the warmth of merino wool with the moisture-wicking properties of LIFA® technology, ensuring optimal temperature regulation during intense skiing sessions.

Helly Hansen's midlayer options provide crucial insulation and comfort for a range of activities and temperatures, ensuring that skiers stay warm without sacrificing mobility.

Men's Après Knitted Sweater: This stylish and functional knitted sweater is perfect for layering under a ski jacket or wearing on its own during après-ski activities. Made from a blend of soft materials, it offers warmth and comfort while maintaining breathability, making it an ideal choice for colder days on the slopes or casual outings.

Men's Panorama Pile Block Fleece Jacket: Designed with both performance and comfort in mind, this fleece jacket features a unique block pattern that adds a touch of style. Its high warmth-to-weight ratio ensures that wearers stay warm without feeling bulky. The Panorama Pile Block Fleece is perfect as a midlayer under a ski jacket or as a standalone piece during milder weather, providing versatility for various outdoor activities.

These midlayer options highlight Helly Hansen's dedication to creating functional and stylish apparel that enhances the overall skiing experience. By incorporating advanced materials and thoughtful design, these pieces ensure that skiers can enjoy warmth and comfort while navigating the slopes.

Helly Hansen's LIFALOFT™ insulation deserves special mention. This innovative technology offers 20% more warmth than standard insulation while being significantly lighter. It's hydrophobic properties ensure it maintains its insulating capabilities even when wet, making it ideal for the unpredictable conditions often encountered on the slopes.

Helly Hansen is committed to reducing its environmental impact without compromising on performance:

Recycled Materials: Many of their ski wear items now incorporate recycled fabrics and insulation, reducing reliance on virgin materials.

PFC-Free Water Repellency: The brand is transitioning to PFC-free water-repellent treatments, addressing concerns about the environmental impact of traditional water-repellent chemicals.

Helly Hansen's ski wear is trusted by professionals worldwide:

Olympic Teams: The brand outfits several national ski teams, including the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, demonstrating the high performance of their gear.

Ski Patrol: Over 55,000 ski professionals, including many ski patrol units, rely on Helly Hansen gear for their daily work in challenging mountain environments.

When selecting Helly Hansen ski wear, consider the following:

Activity Level: Choose insulation levels based on your skiing intensity and typical conditions.

Layering System: Opt for pieces that work well together in a layering system for maximum versatility.

Features: Look for specific features like RECCO® reflectors for added safety or Life Pocket™ technology to keep your devices functioning in cold conditions.

Helly Hansen's ski wear collection represents the pinnacle of performance, style, and innovation. Whether you're a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, their range offers the perfect combination of protection and comfort to enhance your skiing experience. By choosing Helly Hansen, you're not just buying ski wear; you're investing in a legacy of excellence that has been perfected on the world's most challenging slopes.

Helly Hansen's journey from maritime gear to global outdoor apparel leader is marked by a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability. As the outdoor industry faces increasing environmental challenges, Helly Hansen continues to pioneer solutions that not only enhance performance but also minimise ecological impact.

Helly Hansen's relentless pursuit of innovation is evident in their advanced fabric technologies:

LIFA INFINITY PRO™: This groundbreaking technology represents a significant leap in sustainable waterproofing. Unlike traditional waterproof fabrics that rely on PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals), LIFA INFINITY PRO™ achieves water repellency through the structure of the fibres themselves. This eliminates the need for chemical treatments, resulting in a more environmentally friendly product that maintains its performance throughout its lifetime.

LIFALOFT™: This innovative insulation technology offers superior warmth-to-weight ratio compared to standard insulation. By using 20% less material while providing the same level of insulation, LIFALOFT™ reduces resource consumption without compromising on performance.

Helly Hansen's commitment to sustainability extends to their choice of materials:

Recycled Fabrics: Many Helly Hansen products now incorporate recycled materials. For instance, the Odin Mountain Infinity Shell Jacket utilises recycled polyester in its construction, reducing reliance on virgin materials.

Responsible Down Standard (RDS): For products containing down insulation, Helly Hansen adheres to the RDS, ensuring that the down is sourced ethically and that the welfare of the birds is prioritised.

The brand is continuously working to reduce its environmental footprint in production:

Bluesign® Certification: Helly Hansen is actively working towards implementing Bluesign® certified materials across all their products by 2025. This certification ensures that the entire manufacturing process, from raw materials to chemical components, meets stringent environmental standards.

Water and Energy Conservation: The company has implemented measures to reduce water usage and energy consumption in its manufacturing processes, including the use of more efficient dyeing techniques and renewable energy sources where possible.

Helly Hansen recognises that one of the most effective ways to reduce environmental impact is to create products that last:

Lifetime Warranty: Many Helly Hansen products come with a lifetime warranty, encouraging consumers to invest in quality items that will stand the test of time.

Repair Services: The brand offers repair services for their products, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. This initiative aligns with the growing "right to repair" movement in the fashion industry.

Helly Hansen's commitment to innovation is evident in their product design:

Modular Systems: The brand is exploring modular design concepts, allowing users to adapt their gear to different conditions without needing multiple garments. This approach reduces overall consumption and waste.

Smart Textiles: Helly Hansen is investing in research and development of smart textiles that can adapt to environmental conditions, potentially reducing the need for multiple layers of clothing.

Helly Hansen extends its commitment to sustainability beyond its products:

1% for the Planet: The brand is a member of 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate 1% of annual sales to environmental causes.

Ocean Health Initiatives: Given its maritime heritage, Helly Hansen supports various ocean conservation projects, including efforts to reduce plastic pollution in marine environments.

As Helly Hansen looks to the future, several key areas of focus emerge:

Circular Economy: The brand is exploring ways to implement circular economy principles, including take-back programs for used gear and upcycling initiatives.

Carbon Neutrality: Helly Hansen has set ambitious targets for reducing its carbon footprint, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its operations.

Biodegradable Materials: Research is underway to develop high-performance, biodegradable materials that can maintain the durability and functionality Helly Hansen is known for while reducing long-term environmental impact.

Consumer Education: The brand is increasing its efforts to educate consumers about sustainable choices and proper care of gear to extend its lifespan.

Helly Hansen's commitment to innovation and sustainability is not just about creating better products; it's about shaping a better future for outdoor enthusiasts and the environments they cherish. By continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible in performance apparel while prioritising environmental responsibility, Helly Hansen is setting new standards for the outdoor industry and inspiring positive change on a global scale.