Down and Insulated Jackets

Helly Hansen Movatn Wool Ins Vest | Review

Simply the best, Helly Hansen’s Movatn Wool Insulation Vest is better than all the rest

Why We Chose The Helly Hansen Movatn: Versatile, stylish, and great insulation.

Insulation vests can be divisive. For some, they’re a great way to stay warm on those in-between days when it’s not quite cold enough to go all out with the down jacket but also not quite hot enough to go exclusively mankini. For others, they’re a bit too old school. Fortunately for those chasing the dream of peace in our lifetime, Helly Hansen have cooked up a product that can unite the two warring tribes under one banner. It’s called the Movatn Wool Ins Vest, and it manages to be both practical and stylish in equal measure.

Insulated with 100% Norwegian Lavalan wool, and armed with hardwearing shoulder and chest panels for added weather protection, this vest offers the perfect marriage of warmth and comfort. You’ll love the front zipper closure with it’s external cover; a design feature, by the way, that significantly improves the vest’s ability to lock in warmth. Quick shout out, while we’re on the subject, to the handy poppers here.

“The Movatn bridges the gap between city life and outdoors lifestyle”

Available in three different colourways – Blaze Orange, Catalina Blue, and Fallen Rock – the vest will work in tandem with a big portion of your outdoor wardrobe. And because of its sheer versatility, you’ll be able to layer with it according to the conditions. Weighing in at a nice 320g, you can also pack it down and carry it around in your pack without inconveniencing yourself in the process.

Named after an area in Oslo that’s frequently used as a launch pad for excursions into the Oslomarka, the Movatn bridges the gap between city life and outdoors lifestyle. So whether you’re camping, hiking, trekking, walking through the city, or just generally sitting on logs in the middle of nowhere, we’re confident you’ll dig what this item brings to the table. Also, those who care about sustainability will be pleased to hear that bluesign approved fabric was used in the product’s construction, meaning a low impact dyeing process and zero use of any nasty PFCs in the water resistant coating.

The vest's poppers are well-constructed, and help to keep you locked in from the elements. Photo: Chris Johnson

The Movatn is available in three different colourways. Photo: Chris Johnson

The Movatn is designed in such a way that the main zip is shielded from the elements. Photo: Chris Johnson

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“This could be a little hipster-leaning in its looks for some outdoor people (where’s the line these days!), but I chose to include it in our Outdoor100 series based on its insulation. I like the fact they’ve chosen wool here. Wool works, and you can rely on it. In wet weather it’ll naturally repel water, and when it does soak through, it’ll still insulate; it also has anti-microbial properties (meaning it takes longer to start smelling); and well, it’s really warm.

“I’ve found this a very handy extra layer for spring hiking; it’s that layer over your t-shirt when it’s mild to warm, or you can stuck an extra layer over or under it when it starts to get cold.

“Then there are those handwarmer pockets and a handy little pocket on the chest to stick your phone in. Just nice little details to round off what I think is a great vest for the outdoors.”

With chambered wool insulation for natural warmth. Photo: Chris Johnson

Trade Secrets

Sarah Randall – Helly Hansen Outdoor Product Manager

“We created this product to meet the need for a super soft and lightweight insulated vest. A piece of kit that looks trendy, but is a functional vest to wear. It works as an extra layer that can be carried in your backpack while hiking as it keeps you warm without much bulk, so it doesn’t take up too much space. It features 60g of 100% natural Norwegian Lavalan wool insulation on the inside, which delivers warmth and comfort, with a quilt pattern on the outside.

“This style is a part of our ‘Fjord til Fjell’ concept which is aimed at the younger consumer – the millennial hipster adventurer. We know this consumer is highly educated about the environmental aspect of the textile industry and they are conscious of the impact their purchases have on the natural environment, this is very important to them. We therefore wanted to use 100% natural fibres in the insulation instead of a synthetic option, and have also made sure to use a PFC-free DWR treatment to waterproof the weather protection panels so there are no toxic chemicals in any of the fabrics.”