Helly Hansen Pointnorth Ski Jacket Review

About Helly hansen

Helly Hansen has been making professional gear for almost 140 years. It all started when sea captain Helly Juell Hansen found a better way to stay protected in the harsh Norwegian elements. It is a well-known brand for ski professionals and world-class sailors across all five oceans. I gather it’s built for the snow and sea, but I wanted to find out if it’s built to last on site.

Helly Hansen has nine workwear collections, with each one concentrating on a key element. My primary focus was on the Kensington Collection, which is the range of premium uppers. I wanted to see if they really got this collection down to a tee.

So first up was the Kensington Polo and Tech Polo Shirts which are lightweight and figure hugging. The Tech Polo is made from Tactel fabric which feels so soft next to the skin and although it’s thin, it’s still durable. Another benefit is that it has a fast-drying time so if you put it in the wash last minute, there’s no need to sweat.

If a Polo shirt is not enough to keep you warm, Helly Hansen also has a long sleeve in the Kensington collection. Usually with workwear I sometimes find that no matter what size you choose they are big in size. That’s not the case with Helly Hansen because again the long sleeve fits perfectly around all areas. It’s not too thick or too thin, making it ideal to work in range of weather conditions.

Overview of Helly Hansen Review

Next up was the Kensington Shirt. I’ll be honest, the tartan pattern is not usually my style, as well as being concerned about doing each individual button. However, they look like buttons but are in fact quality snap buttons which makes it quick and easy to put on and take off.

When I did put it on, I didn’t want to take it off as it grew on me. It also has a chest pocket with fastener closure. The flannel shirt is extremely comfortable, warm and you can immediately tell that the fabric is durable. Although it’s a thick material it still feels great to work in even if the job requires some elbow grease. Speaking of which, the reinforced elbows make it long lasting.

On colder days I like to stay warm, and you’re covered with a range of jackets. There’s not one reason to have the Kensington Fleece Jacket but four as its four times more wind resistant compared to a regular fleece. It’s made from a tight knitted Polartec Wind Pro fabric which is wind and water resistant.

It also has collars which keep the neck warm and prevent the wind from travelling through the top. As expected, it has a few pockets which are zipped, for me that’s obligatory in workwear especially when having to carry valuables.

Helly Hansen has other jackets in the Kensington collection, including the hooded Lifaloft insulated winter jacket and the waterproof shell jacket. The insulated winter jacket is a great all year-round piece in any condition including the wet. It has advanced technology called Lifaloft and Primaloft.

Lifaloft is a technical base layer which helps moves the moisture away from the skin and transports it to the surface of the skin, thus keeping you warm. Primaloft also has insulating properties and weighs little. It’s used in pillows and mattresses, so having it in workwear is a dream.

Helly Hansen Review Features

The Helly Hansen Chelsea Jacket comes in a variety of sizes from Small to XXXXL so no matter what size you are, you can find a jacket that fits you. Helly Hansen added extra insulation at the shoulders and did away with shoulder seams which allows free movements and more comfort.

The jacket also features plastic covered buttons so you still get the durability of metal buttons, but since they are covered in a plastic case, you get the protection from rubbing up against something and ruining the finish.

The jacket uses a YKK Vislon center front zipper. YKK is considered to be one of the leading zipper manufacturers which means this should last. I love how big and easy the zipper is to operate, even when wearing gloves.

All the stitching on the jacket seems like quality stitching. I have seen other workwear where the stitching is crooked or missed in areas. With the Chelsea jacket, that’s not the case. Very nice stitching job.

One item to note is the sleeves. I haven’t seen sleeves like this before. Usually, the sleeves are just round and wrap around your wrist. With this jacket, while they are round, there is a little indent which means you don’t get it covering your palm when trying to perform certain tasks. For me, this is awesome and I love the thought that went into this design.

Helly Hansen Review Performance

I live in Chicago and we get some pretty cold days. Each and every time this jacket has performed. Now I haven’t done UL testing compared to other work jackets, but I have to say that I love this jacket.

This jacket is all about the combination of great things. When Helly Hansen decided to put together LIFALOFT with Helly Tech Performance, they really hit on something great. This is a jacket that is all about balance in a Goldilocks kind of way.

When I first picked up the jacket, I thought there is no way this is waterproof. Usually, a fully waterproof material would be rigid. Definitely not soft or stretchy. But that’s exactly what this is. Lightweight, soft, warm, waterproof, windproof & breathable.

So I tested it. In the shower. What more extreme conditions can test waterproofing than several pressurized streams of water. After a few minutes, nothing. Perfectly dry inside. After a good shake to get the drops off, the fabric went back to feeling like a non-waterproof jacket.

The jacket is warm, lightweight, comfortable to move around in and is cool looking. I know with reviews we always try to find things to improve on, but I can honestly say that I can’t come up with any recommendations for things I don’t like about this jacket. Really what else could you ask for in a jacket?

Helly Hansen Review Value

The jacket retails for about $130. For me, I am pretty cheap when I buy clothing. However I know workwear is very expensive, so $130 isn’t a bad deal compared to other manufacturers on the market.

I was surprised to find a Kensington Trolley that’s also available in the collection. It’s 45 litres in size which is perfect for travelling for business but even fits most overhead compartments on airlines for pleasure.

It’s flying high with many great features from compartments, 2-stage telescoping anodized aluminium handle, large wheels for easy transportation even on uneven terrain. Helly Hansen also has plenty of products in the bag which aren’t in the Kensington collection.

Another aspect is the quality. This is one of the highest quality work jackets we have tested, so now considering the jacket is $130, this jacket is a steal. The jacket is warm and allows you to move, so $130 is a great bargain.

Thoughts Post Outing

As soon as I put the jacket on I noticed how soft the material feels, it didn’t feel heavy or claustrophobic as some waterproof / windproof coats make you feel. I also liked how the meshing offered a layer between the fabric and my skin, it felt breathable.

While riding, I noticed that the length in the arms of the jacket was spot on. As someone with long limbs I was a little worried the arms would move up as they often do in more relaxed style outer layers: but this was not an issue at all I’m pleased to say.

Also regarding the fit, I felt that the length was spot on. I wore a M and I’m 174cm tall, yet I noticed that the length at the back was very generous, thus prevented any dirt being thrown up by my back wheel onto my clothes underneath.

Additionally, I really liked the added features of the hood, ventilation and drawcord adjustment at the bottom. I felt that all of these features were useful and not just a gimmick. Similarly, I’m happy to report that although it’s a women’s specific piece, the pockets were actually a roomy size. Finally, real pockets for women!

Is it Really Waterproof?

If like many people wanting to enjoy the simple pleasure of bike riding come rain or shine, you will often look for a jacket that can do it all. Especially one that is waterproof and actually keeps you dry in a downpour!

Therefore, I’m thrilled to report that this jacket was actually surprisingly waterproof! Within the shower I was caught in my back and arms stayed completely dry: something that can be hard to find in jackets that are both stylish and practical.

In addition to the shower I was caught in, as you can see, the material happily beaded water that came into contact with the jacket. More so, as you can see the water didn’t even absorb when poured onto the arm. Seriously impressive stuff.

However, it’s important to note, as with any waterproof garments, that they should be washed correctly. Moreover, if you wear a backpack while riding, be mindful that the friction between your bag and the outer layer may effect the waterproofing ability of said garment.

First Look

Upon first inspection, I liked how lightweight the jacket felt. I didn’t feel heavy or bulky. I find when I’m riding I want my outer layer to be nice and light, almost like a second skin. This way I can either layer underneath with a jumper or just pop it on over a t-shirt in warmer climates.

Similarly, I noticed that there’s taped seams inside of the jacket, which of course was a big plus. I was really happy to see that this waterproof garment actually had some signs of waterproofing technology before even putting it through it’s paces.

However, I was concerned about the colour. Although it looks fantastic and really trendy since everyone is loving cool neutral tones, I myself was worried I’d trash the colour with stains after the first 10 minutes of wearing it.

If you are a lover of the outdoors or trendy workwear attire then I’m sure you’ll have come across the iconic Norwegian brand, Helly Hansen.

The popular Scandinavian brand is well known for their high quality outdoor clothing. Yet, although they are focused on quality and practicality, they still manage to make their clothing stylish. Because who doesn’t want to enjoy the great outdoors but still look sophisticated?

Comfort

Hopefully by now you’ve picked up that temperature-wise this jacket is ultra-comfortable. But how does it feel? The fast answer is, well, ultra-comfortable! Just ask the Swedish Alpine Ski Team, this is their jacket of choice.

All the places where you come in contact with the jacket are extra soft. The collar is a nice soft material that won’t chafe your face and the zipper stays well concealed on the inside.

At the ends of the sleeves are very well designed cuffs with a very stretchy material with a thumb hole that goes almost to your knuckles. This really helps keep the warmth in and the wind and snow out. What I love about these cuffs is that they are extremely low profile and layer very well while wearing gloves. This gives you a layered protection system to keep all the snow out.

The other possible entrance is the bottom, but the powder skirt makes short business of keeping even the deepest powder out.

Overall, the 4-way stretch material has a way of moving with you that makes it fit like a glove. The addition of the insulation and liner material doesn’t hamper movement or add extra bulk. If I was to make one criticism it would be that the cut of the jacket is traditionally shaped.

This means a slightly shorter waist than sleeve length and a very subtle tail. When bending down, I did notice that along the back the jacket & snow skirt just barely came above my pants. If there was an ever so slightly longer tail, particularly on the skirt, it could help out if you were a snowboarder that did more toe touching through the day.

Helly Hansen Review Final Thoughts

I have to admit, for a guy who was heavy into Carhart and some of the better-known names, I can say that I am leaning towards Helly Hansen. The jacket is extremely comfortable but best of all, I can move freely.

No more of that awkward feeling where the sleeves ride up when I reach for something. No more cold drafts down my back when I bend over and no more cold breezes when the wind blows. Helly Hansen created a superior work jacket that is quality, fits nice and has a cool look.

Saving the best till the last is Helly Hansen’s Bifrost Winter Insulated Parka. I have warmed to this jacket as it’s unbelievably warm. This is not your average jacket as it’s designed and tested alongside polar scientists.

It has technology that will blow your mind and is designed to be windproof, waterproof and breathable while incorporating sustainable materials. It’s virtually like a heated jacket with the H2Flow technology which regulates the body temperature.

As the body temperature rises, the air pockets store and retain the heat you produce to keep you warm. Whereas to cool you down, the strategically placed ventilation zippers are used to release the warm air and allow a flow of cool to enter the jacket. Now that is some cool technology, and this jacket is available in black and camo!

I’m impressed with the innovative technology Helly Hansen uses in its workwear. It first established workwear for the sea, then snow, and now site. I’m sure it’s not been plain sailing but the snowball effect it’s had after 140 years is heart-warming. And that’s a wrap!