Whether you’re active outdoors or you just need a way to get from Point A to Point B without getting soaked by rain, you need a weatherproof jacket. While you’re looking, you might as well get one that not only performs well on the trail or boat, but also looks good in town. You don’t need to pack a coat for every activity.
I’ve been wearing the Helly Hansen Women’s Active Ocean Bound Jacket lately, between seemingly endless California atmospheric rivers and travel to other destinations that also have rain. The design is modern-urban-meets-wilderness, and it’s sleek enough and hardy enough to be that one coat you’re looking for.
The shell and lining are made with 100-percent Ocean Bound recycled materials that help to reduce ocean plastic pollution. Ocean Bound plastic is plastic that’s sourced within 30 miles of a coastline or main waterway in regions where waste is mismanaged. The plastic is then recycled and used as a component across a range of Helly Hansen’s collections.
The brand’s 2-layer Helly Tech Protection system makes the jacket waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The jacket also features taped seams, a chinguard, a YKK AquaGuard zipper in front, and a tail drop for extra weather protection. Adjust your fit in the hood, hem, and cuffs as necessary to keep the elements out. Two hand pockets are roomy enough to fit your hands or small items.
This jacket has become my default travel jacket when my itinerary includes a stop in a rainy destination. Because it does double duty in terms of looks, I’m saving space by bringing only the one jacket along.
The Women’s Active Ocean Bound Jacket comes in black, Navy, and terracotta—all colors that work well in the trail-to-city-street aesthetic. It lists for $170 on the Helly Hansen site.
