The Paddler Magazine Issue 83 June 25 | Page 15

PADDLER 15

REVIEWS

Helly Hansen Men’ s Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0 www. hellyhansen. com By Peter Tranter

As a magazine, the Paddler has been reviewing Helly Hansen products since its inception in 2012, and I have been reviewing them since 2004 during my days with Canoe Focus. In all of that time, the standard of their clothing has not diminished; in fact, the opposite has happened, and the Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0 is a perfect example.

I reviewed the original Crew Midlayer Jacket in 2016. Version 2.0 is a thoughtfully upgraded version of that classic design that I lent out so many times that it eventually never returned. This jacket is designed not only to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts but also to make you look good for a trip to town.

The jacket is striking and stylish, featuring navy blue with red zip highlights and white decals. It looks and feels expensive, with deep, fleece-lined pockets and high-quality zippers. It also boasts a toggle waist to prevent unwanted draughts and allow for a customised fit in the coldest conditions.

Outside, it’ s waterproof and warm, and it insulates very well, feeling snug and comfortable with its fleecy inner layer. It’ s good enough to provide protection in cold periods and light enough for carrying when it

Men ' s LIFALOFT™ Hooded Insulator Jacket www. hellyhansen. com By Chris Stubbs

This jacket is warm, windproof, water-resistant, and incredibly lightweight, making it easy to pack. This has been my go-to jacket for these sunny but breezy and sometimes cool spring days.

The jacket combines Helly Hansen’ s LIFA ® technology with PrimaLoft ® insulation, offering impressive thermal efficiency. It is suitable for a range of outdoor activities and everyday wear. gets warmer. At its core, the jacket features HELLY TECH ® Protection technology, ensuring it is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The outer shell is treated with a Durable Water Repellent( DWR) coating, and the seams are fully sealed to prevent moisture ingress.

The interior features a Polartec fleece lining, offering warmth without bulk, and also includes a large inner zip pocket.

CONCLUSION

The Helly Hansen Men’ s Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0 is a reliable and stylish option for those seeking a jacket that performs well in testing conditions and for everyday leisure. Its technical features and thoughtful design make it a worthwhile investment for anyone needing a versatile mid-layer. It combines functionality with style, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Price: £ 120 if you shop around

option for travellers or those needing a compact layer to stow away when not in use. The jacket features two zippered hand pockets with brushed lining, offering warmth, secure storage, and two large interior pouches. An adjustable hem and elastic cuffs help seal out the cold, while the fixed hood provides additional protection.

With its sleek design and subtle branding, the jacket transitions seamlessly from outdoor adventures to urban settings and stands out for its lightweight warmth, packability, and versatile design. Its overall performance and comfort make it a valuable addition to any wardrobe, especially for those seeking a reliable mid-layer or standalone jacket for cooler conditions encountered in the summer. Price: £ 175

The heart of this jacket is LIFALOFT ™ insulation, which is 20 % lighter than standard synthetic insulation. This ensures excellent warmth retention even in damp conditions, a notable advantage over traditional down, maintaining warmth during hiking and casual outings, even in temperatures as low as- 10 ° C, I’ m told. Of course, though, our temperatures have been nowhere as low as that!

Equipped with the PFC-free Durable Water Repellent( DWR) treatment, it offers excellent resistance against light rain and wind. It’ s not fully waterproof, but it performs well in drizzly conditions, making it a good choice for unpredictable weather.

The jacket weighs approximately 390g, making it notably lightweight and compressible. It’ s an excellent