The Active Insulation Layer

Role: Wind protection and breathability during movement

Layers like the Odin Pro Shield sit in that important middle ground between insulation and weather protection. This is the layer you reach for when you’re moving steadily in cold, windy conditions but don’t want the clamminess that often comes with a full waterproof shell.

Softshell-style layers like this excel on days when conditions are unsettled rather than outright foul. The fabric blocks wind effectively while remaining breathable enough for sustained effort, making it well suited to ridgelines, long climbs and cold-but-dry winter days.

It’s not designed to replace a waterproof in heavy rain, but as part of a system it reduces how often you need to reach for your shell, which in turn helps regulate temperature more naturally.

Best for: Cold, windy days with high activity levels.

Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield

Check men's price at Hellyhansen.com

Check men's price at Hellyhansen.com
Check women's version at Hellyhansen.com

The Synthetic Insulation Layer

Role: Lightweight insulation for cold, damp conditions

While down still dominates the insulation conversation, synthetic insulation remains the more practical choice for many winter mountain scenarios – particularly in the UK, where cold often comes hand-in-hand with damp. The Odin Ever Down sits squarely in that space, offering reliable warmth without the performance drop-off that can occur when insulation gets wet.

What works particularly well here is the cut and bulk management. The Ever Down has a relatively short hem and a low-profile build, which allows it to slot neatly under a waterproof shell without bunching or restricting movement. It’s something you can throw on during breaks, on summit stops or during slower sections, then you can layer a shell over the top when conditions really deteriorate.

The synthetic fill provides a steady, predictable level of warmth and continues to insulate even in wet or windy weather. It’s not intended as a deep-winter belay jacket, but rather as a versatile insulating piece that complements the rest of the layering system.

Best for: Cold, damp winter days, layering under a shell, regular stop-start movement

Helly Hansen Odin Ever Down

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Check the women's price at Hellyhansen.com

The Outer Shell

Role: Weather protection in sustained rain, snow and wind

In serious winter conditions, a shell jacket becomes a safety item rather than a comfort luxury. The Odin Ultimate Infinity is Helly Hansen’s top-tier mountain shell, designed to offer long-term waterproof protection without sacrificing durability.

This is a robust, fully-featured jacket intended for harsh environments: extended exposure to wind-driven rain, sleet or snow, and long days where failure isn’t an option. It’s not the lightest shell on the market, but that weight translates into confidence, bringing the kind of reliability you want when conditions deteriorate.

Related: How to Stay Safe in Winter Mountains – According to Mountain Rescue

Paired with a breathable midlayer underneath, it allows you to fine-tune comfort across a wide range of winter scenarios, from slow, boggy approaches to exposed summits.

Best for: Wet, windy, serious mountain weather

Helly Hansen Odin Ultimate Infinity Jacket

Check at the men's price at Hellyhansen.com
Check the women's price at Hellyhansen.com

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Versatile Crossover Trousers

Role: Travel, lower-output days and everyday versatility

For serious mountain days, the ultimate companion trousers to this layering system would be the Odin Huginn 2.0 Softshell Trousers (not pictured here) which offer durable wind resistance and stretch for movement in cold, changeable conditions

We’re also fans of the Holmen 5 Pocket (pictured), because not every winter day is a full-on mountain mission. They sit comfortably in the crossover space between technical outdoor wear and everyday clothing, making them a useful option for travel days, lower-level walking or time spent around huts and towns.

While they don’t offer the same weather protection or insulation as dedicated winter trousers, their clean design and durability make them a practical part of a broader winter wardrobe, especially when paired with baselayers. 

Best for: Travel, approach days, mixed-use scenarios

Helly Hansen Holmen 5-Pocket Pants

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Check the women's price at Hellyhansen.com

A System, Not Just Individual Pieces

The real strength of Helly Hansen’s winter range lies in how these layers work together. Rather than relying on a single “do-it-all” garment, this setup allows you to adapt to changing conditions by adding or removing layers as needed.

To complete the system in winter conditions, you’ll also benefit from having gloves (perhaps even a spare pair), waterproof overtrousers, a hat and a buff or some kind of neck insulation.

That approach not only improves comfort and performance, but also supports safer decision-making in the mountains, especially during winter, when weather and terrain can change rapidly.

Head to hellyhansen.com to discover more about Helly Hansen’s current mountain range.​