PADDLER 7
Helly Hansen Women ’ s Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Jacket www . hellyhansen . com By Hannah Steeds Photos : Robert Carroll
PADDLER 7
REVIEWS
Helly Hansen Women ’ s Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Jacket www . hellyhansen . com By Hannah Steeds Photos : Robert Carroll
‘ A good waterproof jacket ’. I can hear my mother and , indeed , her mother preach . What everybody living within the British Isles requires ; we could even go as far as saying a necessity . But unlike the unpredictable British and Irish weather , the Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Shell Jacket is reliable . The fully taped and welded seams ensure that any precipitation will remain external , with absolutely no risk of it seeping through .
The Helly Technical Professional range is their most advanced range , and this jacket certainly earned its place in this category . The high-rise front zip , up along the entire collar , aids the barrier between yourself and the elements . The hood is also exceptionally designed , with a cap-like peak to keep the water out yet not obstruct visibility ( apparently , it can be worn over a helmet ). The adjustable cuffs also help keep the water out and allow flexibility if you wear layers or gloves .
It ’ s not just the waterproof elements of the jacket that I like ( admittedly , though , that is the most important )! It ’ s the attention to detail that Helly Hansen has delivered with the Infinity Shell Jacket . The two double-zipped pockets allow for them to be opened and closed at either the top or bottom end . The pockets are large and roomy , with plenty of space for the stupidly large , modern-day mobile phone . An additional lined second pocket of soft cloth material within these gives your hands added warmth on those fresher days . There ’ s a single chest pocket for smaller items , such as a compass .
WARMER , MUGGIER DAYS
For those warmer , muggier days , the vent zippers underneath the arms allow for ventilation . Likewise , these can also be opened from the top or bottom . The fitted waist on the women ’ s jacket gives a flattering fit – none of that bin-bag look that some waterproof coats give . Perhaps slightly on the vain side , but I also really like the colour schemes these jackets are available in ; I have the grey , which has a cool , crisp sheen .
The jacket weighs 500 grams , and given its high technical grade , half a kilogram isn ’ t too bad . I certainly didn ’ t notice it at the bottom of my rucksack when the sun eventually appeared . The jacket is also fitted with RECCO technology , which may give some peace of mind during more challenging adventures .
For those of you with a green conscience , the Infinity Shell Jacket ’ s membrane , which gives it long-lasting water-repellent performance , is achieved without the use of chemicals . It ’ s impregnated with polyfluorinated chemical ( PFC ) -free , durable water-repellant ( DWR ). It ’ s a blue design product , so it ’ s designed with minimum impact on people and the environment , and its manufacture is done responsibly .
THE NEGATIVES ?
Although it is stated for wet , cold , and windy conditions , I think I ’ d prefer something a little thicker for those colder days . The adjustable features ( cuffs , hem , and hood ) do , however , make it easy to add a fleece or base layer underneath .
Not all waterproofs are as ‘ good ’ as others , and generally , I have found the pricier ones withstand the most rain and last the longest . I guess the price tag for the Infinity Shell Jacket is probably at the upper end of most people ’ s budget , but the fact that this coat should never need to be reproofed is a lifelong investment . I think the female generations in my family would be happy with that . Price £ 550.00