For nearly 150 years, Helly Hansen has protected professionals and adventurers in some of the harshest conditions on earth. Founded in Norway in 1877, the brand was built on one mission: create gear that performs when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Today, Helly Hansen jackets are trusted by Olympic skiers, offshore sailors, mountain guides, and everyday outdoor enthusiasts who demand reliability, waterproof protection, and long-term durability.
From its Scandinavian roots to its modern technical innovation, Helly Hansen continues to define performance outerwear in 2026.
The Legacy of Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen was founded in Moss, Norway, by sea captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Margrethe. Their original innovation was waterproof oilskin jackets designed to withstand brutal Scandinavian storms.
You can explore the brand’s official heritage story on the Helly Hansen About page.
From those maritime beginnings, the brand evolved into one of the world’s most respected performance outerwear companies.
Key milestones include:
- Early waterproof oilskin innovations (late 1800s)
- Development of Helly Tech® waterproof fabric
- Adoption by professional sailing crews
- Expansion into ski gear and technical workwear
Few outdoor brands can claim this level of authentic performance heritage. Helly Hansen was created for harsh conditions — not just aesthetics.
What Makes Helly Hansen Different?
Helly Hansen focuses on performance-first design. Every product is engineered with real-world testing in extreme environments.
Helly Tech® Waterproof Technology
Helly Tech® is the brand’s proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane system. It balances:
- Waterproof protection
- Windproof performance
- Breathability
- Durability
Helly Tech comes in multiple tiers:
- Helly Tech® Protection
- Helly Tech® Performance
- Helly Tech® Professional
You can explore jackets featuring these technologies on the official Helly Hansen jackets collection page.
For additional context on how waterproof ratings and breathability work in outerwear, REI’s Expert Advice guide on rainwear explains membrane construction and waterproof performance standards in detail.
This balance of waterproofing and breathability is critical for skiing, sailing, and high-output activities.
Seam-Sealed Construction
Waterproof performance isn’t just about fabric — construction matters. Helly Hansen jackets use sealed seams to prevent water intrusion at stitch points.
This construction method is standard among premium outdoor brands and is essential for snow sports and offshore sailing environments.
Best Helly Hansen Jackets in 2026
Helly Hansen offers specialized jackets across several performance categories. You can browse current collections on the official Helly Hansen website.
Ski Jackets
Designed for alpine performance, Helly Hansen ski jackets often feature:
- Helly Tech® Professional membranes
- RECCO® rescue reflectors
- Insulation technologies like PrimaLoft®
- Powder skirts and ventilation systems
These features make them well-suited for serious winter athletes who require dependable weather protection.
Rain Jackets
Helly Hansen rain jackets combine lightweight waterproof protection with breathability. Ideal for:
- Commuters
- Hikers
- Urban outdoor use
They balance technical performance with Scandinavian design minimalism while maintaining professional-grade waterproofing.
Sailing Jackets
Helly Hansen’s offshore jackets are rooted in its maritime history. Designed for demanding sea conditions, they typically include:
- High storm collars
- Double storm flaps
- Reinforced waterproof shells
- Adjustable closures for wind protection
Few brands have the same heritage in marine apparel, reinforcing Helly Hansen’s authority in sailing performance gear.
Insulated Winter Coats
For cold climates, Helly Hansen insulated jackets offer:
- Windproof outer shells
- Advanced insulation systems
- Weather-resistant hoods
- Durable exterior fabrics
They are built for sustained winter exposure, not just light cold snaps.
Designed for Professionals, Trusted Worldwide
One of Helly Hansen’s strongest credibility factors is its professional adoption.
The brand outfits:
- European ski federations
- Professional sailing crews
- Mountain professionals
- Workwear teams in extreme climates
This professional endorsement reinforces the brand’s reputation for reliability and technical excellence. In the outdoor industry, long-term professional use is a strong indicator of product durability and real-world performance.
Sustainability & Responsible Innovation
Durability itself is a major sustainability factor. Outerwear that lasts longer reduces replacement cycles and textile waste.
Helly Hansen has increased efforts in:
- Recycled materials
- Responsible manufacturing
- Long-term product durability
Sustainability standards in apparel are often benchmarked against global frameworks such as those outlined by the Textile Exchange, a leading nonprofit driving responsible material sourcing.
The outdoor industry continues moving toward more responsible production models, and Helly Hansen is part of that shift.
Why Helly Hansen Continues to Lead in 2026
Helly Hansen stands apart because it never lost sight of its original purpose: protecting people in extreme weather.
Unlike fashion-driven outerwear brands, Helly Hansen’s foundation is performance engineering. Its products are:
- Built for sustained weather exposure
- Tested by professionals
- Engineered with advanced waterproof technology
- Designed with durability in mind
For those who view outerwear as essential equipment rather than seasonal apparel, Helly Hansen remains one of the strongest premium options available in 2026.
You can explore the latest collections directly on the official Helly Hansen website.
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