Helly Hansen

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Helly Hansen

61 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 30, 2025

  How do synthetic base layers compare to merino wool base layers?

  Yeah but I use about 10ish in rotation, standard kids expeditions are 4 days plus 3 days training with only a day between. Cross country expeditions 6 day paddling plus 2 days set up. I’ve had a pile of different brands and materials and the drawer is filled by all the tough kit as the weaker stuff dies and the Marino stuff falls down by far the quickest and for the highest cost. Rohan, Quechua, Helly hensen and Lowe alpine are the 10+ year stars. Patagonia and Paramo sit somewhere between - hanging in there but not holding up to the rigours of constant use. They’re newer items bought when the new breed of pro scheme discounts came out but not going to make it to 5 years. I love the feel of Marino but it has no place in a BiFl groups - except perhaps darn tough - I’ve just worn through my first pair so we’ll see if the guarantee is worth the extra cost.

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• #2Dec 30, 2025

  Between a few winter coats.

  I got the HH yesterday and it’s great. Warm, waterproof, looks good. Suggest you size down as I’m usuallly a L but the M is a good fit with room for sweaters underneath

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• #3Dec 28, 2025

  How do synthetic base layers compare to merino wool base layers?

  I work outdoors in the PNW and get rained on a lot. I’ve been pretty happy with merino wool, but at the end of the day I wanted the wet wool away from my skin. It was okay, but it felt…wet and kind of gross. My friend who used to be a logger in Alaska swore by polypropylene. So I tried a [Helly Hansen]( https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/hh-lifa-stripe-crew-48800?color=290548) polypro shirt. It was thin so I didn’t expect much, but it felt really nice and he was right, it was warm when it was wet. So now I layer thin polypro under my merino and that seems to be the golden ticket so far.

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• #4Dec 26, 2025

  Question about Helly Hansen Workwear

  HH Workwear Armour Jacket and bib is what a lot of fisherman on the north atlantic wear. Unfortunately it used to be made in canada but now its made and china and the sizes run larger now. Quality is definitely not as good as it used to be but still its lightweight waterproof and tough. Sevaen and Guy cotton are good gear too.

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• #5Dec 23, 2025

  Best corporate gifting platform for durable, long lasting employee gifts?

  We get helly Hansen jackets for offshore wind. Four years of being my main jacket and it's a little less waterproof than it started, and some lettering has flaked, but all good. We've had a "no plastic crap" policy for a few years now. Aluminium drinks bottles, even at the cheaper end, still last pretty well.

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• #6Dec 21, 2025

  Is there a name for brands that only focus on highest quality?

  Top of my mind: Barbour. Sorel. Victorinox. Helly Hansen. Montblanc. Breitling.

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• #7Dec 19, 2025

  If you started your wardrobe over from scratch, what would you buy? (US)

  7 button down full cotton shirts - flannel or other 2 pairs wool base layer - top and bottom 3 quality jeans 1-2 canvas work pants 1 fleece jacket 1 waxed canvas jacket 1 wool coat 7 pairs wool socks 1 pair quality leather boots 1 pair quality winter boots One set of Helly Hansen rain gear

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• #8Dec 6, 2025

  What winter gear do you recommend?

  As far as boots, I have LL Bean snow boots, and Helly Hansen waterproof boots. Both have fared well for me. LL Bean or Patagonia jackets are both great as well.

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• #9Dec 3, 2025

  Looking for a sturdy winter jacket that won’t make me overheat

  Helly Hanson work wear at the work gear stores. There are lots of different styles and thicknesses depending on your type of winter.

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• #10Nov 7, 2025

  Traveling to Seattle in 2 weeks, I need a good/reliable rain jacket.

  I have [this one](https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/vancouver-rain-jacket-53935?color=290002) in blue and it’s decently waterproof if it isn’t pissing down rain.

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• #11Nov 7, 2025

  Traveling to Seattle in 2 weeks, I need a good/reliable rain jacket.

  I’d get something from Helly Hansen if you’re wanting something durable and actually waterproof. But I also live in SE Alaska where it rains like people think it rains in Seattle (we’re getting 2-5 inches Saturday).

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• #12Nov 7, 2025

  Jackets for cycling and walking in mild, rainy and cold-ish weather?

  i have a very very good Helly Hansen "Men's Salt Original Sailing Jacket". It works great...am not too hot when wearing it in mild weather. it has room inside for another layer in cold weather. Great hood and cuffs. i didn't read the washing instructions and the colors now look a little funny.... so i use it for bike riding but won't wear it to work or to social functions. I bought a black "Men's Pier 4.0 Jacket" from the same company. The cuffs are even better and it looks a bit more subdued .... which is my taste. Very highly recommended.... but read the washing instructions!

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• #13Nov 5, 2025

  Why is it so hard to find well-made clothes that aren't insanely priced?

  Helly Hansen is good quality for the price.

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• #14Nov 4, 2025

  Canada Goose worth owning? If you live in cold climates?

  Yes they're good, but for the price you could get 4 others that are just as good and give you choice of fits.    Patagonia, Jack Wolfskin, North face, Helly Hansen, Fjallraven...all good quality that are much less.  

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• #15Nov 4, 2025

  Canada Goose worth owning? If you live in cold climates?

  Have a helly hanson jacket and it's just as warm and quality.

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• #16Nov 3, 2025

  Hazard Orange Winter Jacket

  Before you buy anything find out if the company requires it to meet ANSI high visibility class 3 standards. If so, the below is for you: As someone who used to sell high-vis workwear to industry, I’m going to make a bit of an odd recommendation: buy cheap and replace it. Construction is dirty. Grease and oils are everywhere, and getting a nice new jacket every so often isn’t a bad thing. In the USA orange is less popular than lime green due to regulations about work in roadway construction zones - they don’t want workers and traffic barrels to be the same color. That limits the brands I can recommend based on what they stock in their premium lines. If you want to go for something pricey: Helly Hansen workwear is top notch. Follow that up with Refrigiwear, Blaklader, PIP and Majestic Glove.

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• #17Nov 3, 2025

  What Winterjacket should I buy?

  Have a Helly hanson one and eddie bauer both very warm and good quality

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• #18Nov 1, 2025

  Best winter jacket for tall men?

  Helly Hansen does tall sizes

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• #19Oct 10, 2025

  Best winter jackets?

  Check out Helly Hanson. The Swedes know cold.

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• #20Oct 10, 2025

  Best winter jackets?

  Fellow Mainer here. I went with a Helly Hansen parka. This will be my fifth season with it and can say it was one of the best purchases I made to make our winter a little more comfortable.

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• #21Oct 9, 2025

  Best winter jackets?

  I had a great Pajar jacket for years and years. I grew out of it :( and the style has since been reworked. I’m currently wearing Helly Hansen. The coldest I’ve ever been in my entire life was in an unheated Maine cabin. Oof. I was never once cold in that Pajar puffer, it was amazing.

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• #22Oct 9, 2025

  What's a good winter jacket that will last me a long time?

  Elvine jackets are very well made. Helly Hansen jackets too.

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• #23Sep 4, 2025

  Long-lasting shirt and pants for wood cutting work

  If Carhartt isn’t holding up like it used to, you’re not imagining things—lots of folks have noticed the quality dip recently. For wood cutting and chainsaw work, I’d look at a few solid alternatives: * Filson – Built like a tank, especially their Tin Cloth gear. Expensive but lasts forever. * Duluth Trading Co. – Their Fire Hose pants are tough as nails and super practical. * Dickies – More affordable but still rugged enough for heavy work. * Helly Hansen – Great if you’re outside in wet or cold conditions. If you want a true “buy it once” kind of setup, Filson or Duluth are hard to beat.

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• #24Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  as someone who works at a store that sells north face: it is almost entirely the name people are buying. The backpacks and shoes are decent enough, but the clothing is almost entirely just for the name. I think some of the snow gear is decent, but my country has a fairly limited snow season (most people will never see snow, since you have to be in alpine areas to get snow) so most people don't get that stuff. In truth, most of the puffers and other apparel is on the same level as the higher-end homebrand we carry, but the homebrand is far easier to put through for a warranty on our end and often much cheaper. if you want tactical gear (of the brands we sell), we generally recommend columbia (for general everyday wear), our homebrand (for hiking clothes), helly hansen (mostly for sailing, but get it on sale or clearance, since its expensive otherwise) and a local brand for snow gear (expensive but one of the best snow brands in the country)

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• #25Aug 12, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Patagonia 3L, Helly Hansen Moss

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• #26Aug 9, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  They do make breathable hard shell jackets. I have a Helly Hansen hard shell infinity shell jacket.

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• #27Aug 9, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Helly Hansen waterproof jackets. It seems like everyone uses them in Bermuda to ride scooters in the rain.

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• #28Aug 9, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  My Helly Hansen is bad ass

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• #29Aug 9, 2025

  Nice classic vinyl raincoat (like an old fisherman)

  Start with Helly Hansen

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• #30Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Helly Hansen rain gear is the gold standard in Alaska for fishermen and outdoorsmen.

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• #31Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Helly-Hansen Men's Rain Coat. It's the real deal.

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• #32Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Helly Hansen, highly recommend. https://a.co/d/7kVWPXs

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• #33Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Helly Hansen is the best. I’ve worn their jackets in downpours for extended periods and never had a problem

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• #34Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Any name brand outdoor gear will be BIFL _if maintained properly_. Even the best North Face or Helly Hansen professional quality jacket will fall apart if it's worn for years, heavily abused and never washed, repaired or maintained.

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• #35Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  I have a very awesome Helly Hansen sailing jacket which is waterproof, has a hood in the collar, high quality, looks good, has fleece lining and is therefore good for anytime except very cold winter or summer.

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• #36Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Helly Hansen Storm. It's rubberized, it does not breath, but if you're not moving around, that's what you want. [https://www.hhworkwear.com/en\_ca\_ww/storm-rain-jacket-70283?color=290002](https://www.hhworkwear.com/en_ca_ww/storm-rain-jacket-70283?color=290002) You can stand under a firehose and stay dry.

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• #37Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  I use a Helly Hansen rain jacket and it’s fantastic!

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• #38Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Helly Hansen Gale rain jacket

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• #39Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Helly Hansen.

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• #40Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  I sail offshore competitively and most of my gear is Helly Hansen. I found they have the best waterproof zippers. DWR is a thing and needs to be refreshed occasionally.

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• #41Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Grundens and Helly Hansen Work Wear are the only two answers. Look no further, but understand that their jackets are bombproof because they’re rubberized. They’re not going to breathe like Gore-Tex or another 2.5 or 3 layer membrane so you may end up wet from sweat or humidity/condensation. Layering properly with synthetics or wool can help with that. As for longevity, Gore-Tex and other membrane based jackets have a long life because you can restore the Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating when the jacket starts to wet out. Results can be mixed though. Rubberized rain coats may be subject to drying out over time or cracking at areas that see more movement than others (armpits, elbows, etc.). You may be able to use something like 303 spray to keep the rubber supple and extend the life of the jacket. 303 is used to keep latex seals on dry suits from drying out and cracking.

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• #42Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Helly Hansen sea fishing jacket

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• #43Jun 5, 2025

  What’s one thing you bought once and it’s still going strong years later?

  I got a Helly Hansen snowboarding/winter jacket for Xmas in 1999 — 25 years later it’s still in great shape and I still wear it for snow activities 😆

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• #44May 6, 2025

  Who makes the best Gortex shells still available in the states?

  Look into the Helly Hansen Lifa Infinity Pro lineup Shells. They aren't goretex but a different material that is permanently waterproof and breathable with no waterproofing treatments required. NOTE: make sure it is the Pro not the regular Lifa Infinity as they aren't the same.

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• #45May 2, 2025

  Winter coats rain proof

  A Helly Hansen raincoat has been very good to me. I live in SE Alaska, the coat has served well in both form and function through all seasons. There is a one year warranty on most of HH items and thankfully I never used it. The price point may be different in the UK. Hope this information helps!

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• #46Apr 6, 2025

  I Just Got My Most Insane Nike Outlet Find Ever! $500 ACG Goretex Jacket For $83. The Quality Is Fantastic.

  Where these jackets are bifl is a company like helly Hansen, Patagonia, etc. I've replaced two coats that were 10-20 years old. Bring em into the store, "hey this is at end of life do you have any tips" walk out with a brand new coat no questions asked. So the garment itself isn't, but the lifecycle of the purchase absolutely is.

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• #47Mar 4, 2025

  What are other durable and affordable outdoor brands like Patagonia and Fjallraven? How do I find these durable products for affordable prices?

  HH stuff is absolutely great. Made extremely well ,and durable. A bit $$, but worth it.

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• #48Mar 2, 2025

  Recommendations for Women's Waterproof Rain Coat & Over Trousers for Hot, Humid Summer Conditions?

  Helly Hansen Verglas 2.5 Fastpack: [https://www.hellyhansen.com/en\_us/w-verglas-25l-fastpack-jacket-63313?color=631578](https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-verglas-25l-fastpack-jacket-63313?color=631578)

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• #49Feb 4, 2025

  Waterproof Bass Fishing Gear

  If it says breathable it’s not waterproof. Grundens Neptune and Tourney series are fantastic as are Helly Hansen’s Impertech and Moss Grundens Herkules is designed for commercial fishing so it’s probably overkill for what he’s up too but it’s indestructible

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• #50Feb 4, 2025

  Waterproof Bass Fishing Gear

  I would suggest checking out Helly Hansen. I have some Patagonia gear (which the other commenter suggested )and love it. However from my experience Helly Hansen really delivery when it comes to rainproof gear. Bear in mind, the more rain proof the gear truly is, the less breathable it will be.

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• #51Feb 1, 2025

  Warmest, most durable parka?

  I bought a Helly Hansen parka a couple years ago. I live in the upper Midwest where it’s brutally cold. Best jacket I’ve ever owned. $300

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• #52Feb 1, 2025

  Warmest, most durable parka?

  Fjallraven are Swedish, and Swedish sizing doesn't usually fit petite people well. I don't know what Patagonia's sizing is like, but their stuff is legendary for being indestructible, working really well, and an amazing lifetime warranty. It looks... Bland, so not pretty but it won't go out of style. Buy Patagonia parkas in january/february, that's when they sell off last year's models at 40% off. Helly Hansen also manufactures stuff in this niche. Often more colorful and more visible in traffic than the alternatives. I don't know about their sizing, but they're Scandinavian iirc? So they may have the long sleeves too. I unfortunately don't have personal experience with any of them. Once you have a specific product in mind, finding recent YT reviews is often easy, but at this early stage of finding what you want that's so much harder.

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• #53Jan 8, 2025

  In need of warm winter coat with a budget of $350-400

  Take a look at Helly Hansen

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• #54Jan 7, 2025

  I need Work Pants, None Last

  helly hansen manchester service pants work for me. gusseted crotch, stretchy,

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• #55Jan 2, 2025

  Rain jacket? Upgrade time

  I’d strongly suggest the Helly Hanson. Look for one of those yellow fisherman style jackets. You can get other colors. Sometimes black, green, or blue, but that material (almost feels rubberized) takes a beating and can be washed off with a hose.

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• #56Jan 1, 2025

  Rain jacket? Upgrade time

  I have a insulated rain jacket from HH and it’s amazing. I’m always cold - so had to have insulated. Wore it on a bike ride in the Netherlands where got an unexpected downpour of rain. Pants were soaked - but waist up I warm and dry.

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• #57Jan 1, 2025

  3 in 1 winter jacket?

  As a fellow bicycle commuter in the Northeast US, and almost life-long outdoorsperson and tech clothing wearer— my insulated Mountain Hardwear jacket is probably the least-used piece of winter gear I own. For being active, it’s just too much warmth in that outer layer and causes a lot of problems regulating my body temperature. It seems you already understand the value of layering, which is great— but you’re also aware of the function of a shell outer layer but trying to avoid it. A 0°F day for me would consist of Smartwool long-sleeve base layer Merino wool full zip second layer Arc’teryx full zip hoodie (the ones I love have a face mask built into the inside of the hood— an absolute lifesaver!) Helly Hansen Seven J rain jacket I have a really nice Mountain Hardwear ski shell which is marginally more effective, but cycling will always kick up gross stuff from the roads so I tend to not use it. The Helly rain shell was like $100, is weatherproof, and since you are building layers of insulation, the shell doesn’t need to have any down/synthetic lining to be super effective in the cold; it cuts the wind from coming in and heat from escaping, but doesn’t turn you into an oven inside. Sorry this rambling reply doesn’t give you a 3-in-1 option, but my gist is that you’ll be surprised how much a waterproof outer shell, paired with some smart inner layers, will do to keep you warm.

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• #58Jan 1, 2025

  Rain jacket? Upgrade time

  Helly Hanson has been my favorite rain jacket for the past five years or so. I guess before making any detailed recommendations, it would depend on what type of work you do? I have two HH jackets. One is black and more of an everyday style. The other is the heavy, yellow fisherman’s look jacket. That’s more of a rain coat that I can get dirty and don’t mind if it ends up with more permanent stains.

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• #59Jan 1, 2025

  Rain jacket? Upgrade time

  Helly Hansen is good, I have a decent rain coat and pants from 33,000 feet from Amazon.

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• #60Dec 2, 2015

  [BIFL Request] - Hypothetical: What's your dream jacket, and who would make it? (fun exercise)

  Sorry but I'm not going skiing in a pea coat or doing any strenuous exercise in a wool coat. I too have been searching for the perfect jacket. I've gone through dozens of coats from leather to Canada goose puffy coats. I've got an army surplus wool shirt jack and it's not warm enough. From my experience there isn't one perfect jacket; however there is a perfect get up. Layering. Ski coats I've found to be the best of both worlds. Warm wind proof and waterproof. They are thin enough to layer and light enough to be mobile. They are also highly technical and can be purchased set up to your fashion requirements. Atm I have a Helly Hansen coat that has lasted over a decade so far. Bifl? Maybe. But it has certainly met my winter requirements f a light weight, warm, fashionable piece of kit.

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• #61Dec 1, 2015

  Winter gear for northern germany

  Is it for outdoor activity or around town? The question above makes a big difference. I find the layering advice works better for outdoor activities. I'm in Berlin, gets to around -10C, sometimes even lower. For around town I wear the thickest warmest coat I can find, 'cos when standing still, it's very cold to queue outside clubs at 2am, and once indoor, I can just take off the coat and have normal clothes underneath. With layering, you'll spend 10mins every time you step inside/outside. Water resistant isn't much of an issue 'cos it's rare to be walking more than 20mins. When doing outdoor activities, then I do recommend layering. Personally I always wear merino for base layer, my around town coat is a Helly Hansen down parka, it's like wearing a duvet, super comfy. For outdoor activities, I like ski jackets from usual outdoor brands, even mid range ones are warm and durable. Either hardshell + insulation layer, or insulated jacket. I ended up finding a Arcteryx Stingray on special as hardshell which I hope to last many years, then just want every insulation layer you like.

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