Bern Macon 2.0 Unisex H20 Helmet
The first thing you notice about this helmet , apart from the very cool Matte Mint colour , is the weight – it ’ s super light at just over 300 grams . This certainly doesn ’ t detract from the quality , which is immediately apparent . Certified EN 1385 , it ’ s designed for anything on the water , including my chosen activity of whitewater paddling ( beginner level ).
Here ’ s the tech info – the lightweight ABS shell is lined with a soft EPP foam , fused to closed cell EVA faced with a piece of neoprene fabric , soft enough to be comfortable on your skin , which all makes for excellent technical protection . There are 12 air vents to let the water out and stop your head from getting too sweaty !
There is a removable and adjustable elastic fit system meaning flexibility of fit . The Macon 2.0 H20 also includes easy to fit removable ear cups for protecting that delicate area . The comfortable adjustable straps lay flat and are auto-adjusted using the EZ-fit system .
Quality and protection should win out over design any day , but we all want to look good , right ? So , you ’ ve got a pretty cool skater-style vibe going on with this helmet , and it comes in nine different colours with a few gradient designs if that ’ s your preference . Small , medium and large are the size options .
The medium in this helmet was a great fit for me , and I felt really comfortable and confident whilst wearing it . Three days of testing on a whitewater safety technician course put the helmet through its paces . I was on , in and under the water during that time . The helmet did not move around , and the ear protectors stayed on the helmet – they are straightforward to clip on and off , and because the straps thread through them as well , there is no danger of them being lost .
Helly Hansen Men ’ s Lifaloft Air Insulator Jacket
By Chris Stubbs Helly Hansen produced the Lifaloft Air Insulator primarily for the ski market . However , anything that can be as light as this jacket ( just 280gms ) and still be toastie warm is a winner for me whatever you ’ re doing – it ’ s just a great jacket for being outside in these changeable spring months .
The jacket is a mid-layer , and HH rates its windproof factor as a four , which means ‘ slightly windproof ’ and says it ’ s best for hiking and walking use . This jacket rates as a two for its waterproof qualities , which means only water repellent . However , that ’ s as a standalone jacket , and when you add a shell , you then have a six in both categories !
HH developed Lifaloft in partnership with PrimaLoft ® to create insulation with more air pockets and a lighter fibre structure , which means a 20 % lighter warmth to weight ratio than other similar products , trapping more heat allowing for maximum comfort and agility . This synthetic insulation , which has a smaller carbon and water footprint than comparable polyester , is the outstanding performer on this jacket , being so lightweight and yet so good at holding heat .
I don ’ t have anything wrong to say about the comfort . I felt comfortable with the fit , which was neither too tight nor too loose , and the fleece-lined hood is much appreciated . The materials used to make the jacket are of excellent quality , and the insides of the pockets are lined with fleece . The waistband has an elastic that a toggle can trap to tighten the fit when required . There are three zipped pockets with the waist pockets quite deep , and the chest pocket is suitable for a phone , etc . To top it off – it does look excellent and stylish .
CONCLUSION
Staying warm without the bulk of an oversized jacket is what the Helly Hansen LifaLoft Insulator Jacket is all about . I appreciated the jacket on its own for spring and autumn weather or when used as a mid-layer in the colder winter under a quality shell jacket . Just one to look out for is the fabric is super light , so be mindful of sharp surfaces .
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CONCLUSION
Bern has a 15-year legacy of designing stylish , innovative and purpose-built helmets . I think this upgraded version of their classic Macon helmet would suit many depending on their chosen water sport . Helmets are often not flattering or stylish , but that ’ s not really the point – saying that , I felt pretty cool and very protected in the Bern Macon 2.0 H20 .
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