Why We Chose It: Eco-friendly, innovative membrane, very protective
The Verglas jacket has been around for nearly a decade now and it’s been a popular offering from Swedish brand Helly Hansen. Now, however, it’s been re-launched, with new recycled fabrics, a non-chemical based membrane and a PFC-free outer fabric.
Who Is The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket For?
This is one of those waterproof jackets that will suit a range of outdoor activities, from simple day hikes, through to backpacking and even backcountry skiing and climbing. Made using a super tough three-layer fabric that feels much like Gore-tex Pro, it’s the kind of jacket that’ll help you see out some very rough conditions. At 471g, it is a little on the heavy side, however, so it probably won’t be that ideal for most ultralight hikers or trail runners.
Materials
The Verglas now uses Helly Hansen’s Lifa Infinity membrane which is made out of the same polypropylene hydrophobic fibres that Helly Hansen make their famous baselayers out of. It’s microporous, meaning that moisture can escape through the jacket from the inside when it’s in vapour form, but nothing in liquid form can seep through from the outside.
Not only is the membrane free from any eco-hazardous chemicals but so too is the face fabric. This is treated with a PFC-free DWR for water repellency.
As is the case with just about all jackets that are PFC-free, over time we did see some degradation to that DWR so you’ll want to top up the treatment to the Verglas after periods of heavy use by washing the jacket with a tech wash like Nikwax TX Direct.
Features
This jacket might have a smart and simple look to it, but there are still plenty of features here. These include large pit zip vents, a three-way adjustable hood, a hem cinch and Velcro tabs on the cuff. You also get two huge pockets on the torso that can be used as handwarmers or for storing a bunch of stuff. You could easily get an OS map, or a pair of gloves into them, and they’re nicely located so you can access them even when you’re wearing a climbing harness or a backpack with a hipbelt.
Also, Helly Hansen don’t mention this on their website, but this jacket also has a RECCO reflector. Obviously that’s something that you’d obviously hope would never come of use, but it’s somewhat reassuring to have.
