If you’ve ever been on a ship in windy conditions, you know you need gear to protect yourself from the elements. In 1877, Captain Helly Juell Hansen saw a need for better protection from the harsh Norwegian weather conditions, and the Helly Hansen brand was born. As the years have progressed, the company’s technical innovations have established its position in extreme sports such as sailing and skiing. But you don’t need to be an extreme sports practitioner to benefit from Helly Hansen clothing.
Whether you’re on a boat or on the trail, protection from wind and wet weather helps keep you dry and warm. I often bring Helly Hansen gear along on my trips, even when they’re only semi-adventurous. You don’t need to be sporty to require protection from the elements.
The Helly Hansen Women’s HP Hybrid Stretch Insulator was developed with the WINGS Swedish women’s sailing team, and is an optimal layer for inshore sailing adventures or as a midlayer on cold days.
The water-repellent jacket insulator has body-mapped blowable insulation for warmth and performance in wet conditions, and is lined with fleece for warmth and soft comfort. The two-way stretch fabric and articulated elbows allow for less restricted movement and a fitted aesthetic. It’s puffy, but not too puffy—just enough to keep you warm and not so much that you’re drowning in it.
The jacket has zippered hand pockets to stash your essentials and fit your hands to keep them warm, and also has a handy external hanging loop.
The Women’s HP Hybrid Stretch Insulator comes in patrol orange (pictured), ebony, and navy, and lists for $200 on the Helly Hansen site. The men’s version comes in the same colors and retails for the same price on the brand’s website.