It’s mid-February, which means it’s time to start thinking about your spring style.  In colder climates, February, March and even April still mean jacket weather, although not the heavier winter coats currently in use.  Instead, you need a lighter jacket that keeps you warm, but adds in some additional style that’s many times absent in your winter collection.  And that’s where the Barbour Heritage Collection comes into play.  It’s a lineup of jackets, sweaters and shirts that will help you perfectly usher in the start of the new season by not only keeping you warm, but by keeping you looking great.

Barbour Wool Fishing Jacket from the Barbour Heritage Collection walking

But before I go any further, let me tell a bit about Barbour, for those of you unfamiliar with the brand.  Based out of South Shields, England, Barbour is a fifth generation family owned business, with roots tracing back to 1894, and they describe their lineup as a marriage of “wit, grit and glamour.”  Look at their jackets, and you’ll instantly see why.  Barbour jackets exemplify cool – a combination of classic style with modern touches – and they’ve been worn by everyone from submariners in World War II to motorcycle racers in the International Six Day Trials to “The King of Cool,” Steve McQueen.  But despite their cool factor, Barbour jackets are the epitome of functional, as the brand has become synonymous with waxed cotton construction – a process pioneered by Barbour that makes their jackets waterproof, windproof, and if properly cared for, capable of lasting a lifetime.

Barbour is a marriage of “wit, grit and glamour”

I picked up my first Barbour jacket a few years ago – a waxed cotton variant that Barbour has become synonymous for in a style reminiscent of a classic 50’s biker jacket.  And ever since my first Barbour purchase, I’ve been absolutely in love with the brand.

Adding to my immense affinity for Barbour, my most recent Barbour acquisition is the Wool Fishing Jacket, a member of the Barbour Heritage Collection designed in collaboration with Tokihito Yoshida.  It’s the jacket you see pictured, but unfortunately it sold out almost immediately after I bought it.  It’s a gorgeous jacket, featuring a herringbone wool outer construction, a rollaway hood and numerous fishing details.  I’ll be honest – I don’t fish, but the jacket looked great so I bought it anyways.  As is the case with virtually all Barbour jackets, the Wool Fishing Jacket is multi-pocketed, featuring two large chest pockets (one with a fishing net bag), two Napoleon pockets and two upper pockets with side entry zips (perfect for smaller items such mobile phones).

Barbour Wool Fishing Jacket from the Barbour Heritage Collection in snow

As I came to learn, no matter which piece of Barbour style you’re looking at, you need to act quick.  Barbour pieces sell out remarkably quickly, so whatever jacket you’re considering, decide quick before they disappear, as my wool fishing jacket did.

To learn more about Barbour and their full lineup of jackets and spring fashion, head over to the official Barbour website, or you can check out my Barbour Wool Fishing Jacket in the gallery below to see what makes Barbour’s style so special.

At first glance, the Helly Hansen ASK Duffel Coat matches the same impeccable design as other duffel coats. It looks great, it’s stylish, and it’s cut beautifully. But because it’s from Helly Hansen – one of the world’s greatest performance outerwear makers – the ASK Duffel differs significantly from other duffel coats, in that it combines a duffel style with world-class technology.  In short, it’s the perfect blend of style and performance.

What do we love about the Helly Hansen Ask Duffel Coat?  There’s a couple key things.  Unlike other similarly sized men’s dress coats that tend to be a tad bloated and overweight, the ASK duffel is lightweight and gives you great freedom of movement. Despite it’s light weight, however, the ASK Duffel Coat is incredibly warm and virtually windproof, yet it still allows your body to breath and maintain a steady temperature. These are all features we’ve come to expect from our outdoor performance gear, but with Helly, you’re getting bleeding edge outdoor performance in a style that’s as much at home in the city as it is in the country.

So how did Helly Hansen do it?  As is the case with much of their other performance gear, PrimaLoft is a key component in the ASK Duffel Coat.  For those of you unfamiliar with PrimaLoft, it’s been tested and proven to be warmer, drier and softer than any other synthetic insulation on the market.  Another element that makes PrimaLoft so great is that it’s also the most compressible insulation of it’s kind which is, in part, why you never feel restricted when wearing a Helly Hansen jacket. With the ASK Duffel Coat, you retain your full range of movement and don’t get the bulky, puffy look.

The Ask Duffel Coat also takes advantage of Helly Hansen’s two-way stretch Helly Tech waterproof fabric. I live in the city and don’t have room to carry an umbrella with me everywhere I go, nor do I have the patience to dry it off and fold it up everytime I go into a building. The Helly Tech Protection in the ASK Duffel Coat keeps everything that is covered completely dry. The same Helly Tech Protection also protects against the wind, keeping cool air and chills out. By keeping the wind at bay, the Ask Duffel Coat adds an additional level of protection, ensuring warmth in nearly any weather condition.

Design wise, Helly’s ASK Duffel Coat has a more structured design, with clean lines for a dressier and slightly more formal look. It offers two weaterproofed zipper pockets that integrate seamlessly into the front of the coat – perfect for cell phones or your wallet. In addition, the ASK Duffel notes two deep hooded pockets with ample room to hold nearly anything you could conceivably want to put in your pockets and two additional hidden pockets perfect for keeping your hands warm and dry.  Additional styling elements added to the ASK Duffel are the trademark toggle buttons, a reflective detail on the front of the collar and the ASK emblem and Helly Hansen logo on the arm.

Overall, there is little in the city that the ASK Duffel jacket can’t handle. It’s built to handle pretty much any weather the city can throw at it.  Whether it’s the cool fall weather, the cold winds and snow in winter or the unending rain in the spring, all are easily handled by the ASK Duffel. Assuming I didn’t have such an affinity for collecting new coats, it could easily be the only city jacket I needed this winter.

You can see more of the Helly Hansen ASK Duffel Coat in the photo gallery below, or head over to the official Helly Hansen website for ordering info.

As a parent, it goes without saying that keeping my kids protected is one of my top priorities. And right now, with winter finally hitting here in the Midwest (complete with a good share of freezing cold temps and a dumping of snow), that means keeping them protected from the elements.

With that said, buying a children’s winter jacket is not an easy task. As the proud owner of his first snowboard, my son is at an age where he’s can’t get outside enough to enjoy it. And anything my son does my daughter has to do, so she’s outside constantly as well chasing him and trying to steal his ride. Together, they’re outside far more than I ever anticipated them being, and plain winter coats just weren’t cutting it. They both owned multiple normal winter coats, but they all were doing a terrible job keeping my kids warm and keeping the winter elements out.

That’s when I decided to check into my favorite performance winter gear brand – Helly Hansen – to see what they offered for kids. Thankfully, not only do they offer kids gear, they offer kids gear that has all the features that made me fall in love with Helly’s larger adult versions. This means your kids are protected with a combination of Helly Tech PERFORMANCE fabric (that’s waterproof, breathable and windproof) as well as PrimaLoft’s Warmcore insulation, which together form the most advanced cold weather protection on the planet.

Helly Hansen K Riders INS Jacket ($130)

In picking jackets for my kids, I went with the Helly Hansen K Riders INS Jacket for both (green for my son, purple for my daughter). It’s a fantastic coat, and it features all the technology you’ll find in Helly’s adult gear.

Construction wise, the K Riders INS Jacket notes an insulated 2-layer construction with Helly Tech PERFORMANCE fabric and PrimaLoft’s Warmcore insulation. As an owner of multiple coats noting the same construction, I know firsthand that Helly Hansen coats excel at keeping you warm irregardless of conditions, but also allow excessive body heat to escape, meaning you don’t have to worry about overheating. For kids, it’s exactly the construction you want.

From there, Helly added a powder skirt, preventing snow from getting up under the jacket during falls or snow dives; fully sealed seams to keep water out; and adjustable cuffs with reflective elements that fit easily over gloves, then tighten to prevent snow from getting in. The smallest jacket available is a size 1 for the smallest of snow lovers, while the highest size is a size 16 for juniors that aren’t quite ready for adult sizes.

Here’s the full list of Helly Hansen’s K Riders INS Jacket features:

• Helly Tech® PERFORMANCE
• Waterproof and breathable fabric
• Insulated 2-layer construction
• Articulated arms and elbows
• Powder skirt
• Warmcore by PrimaLoft®
• Fully seam sealed
• Detachable, adjustable hood
• Reflective elements
• YKK zippers
• Internal pockets
• Multiple exterior pockets
• Adjustable cuffs

You can learn more about the Helly Hansen K Riders INS Jacket or pick up your own at the official Helly Hansen website.

Helly Hansen HH Warm Kid Set ($70)

Underneath their K Riders INS Jackets I decided to add another level of protection from the cold, employing Helly Hansen’s layering system in the form of the HH Warm Sets for kids. Again, Helly uses the same great fabrics and technology used in the adult HH Warm Sets – a combination of Merino Wool combined with LIFA Stay Dry Technology. It’s so great, in fact, it’s the same combination used by the U.S. ski team. It works by insulating the body and keeping you warm, but as activity increases and sweat is produced, it then wicks moisture away from your body, ensuring you stay dry irregardless of activity level. For kids with nonstop energy, it’s a must.

Sizing starts at a size 2, fitting my very large 18 month old girl perfectly, and it goes all the way up to a juniors size 14, ensuring kids of all sizes can take advantage of the HH Warm Sets. My kids love them, they’re super simple to wash and keep clean, and most importantly, I know my kids have the ultimate in cold weather protection.

You can learn more about Helly Hansen’s HH Warm Kid Set or pick up your own at the official Helly Hansen website.

With temperatures dropping and the sun beginning to set a little earlier than the day before, we have no choice but to accept that winter is on its way (and will be here very, very soon).

If you live near the mountains, that’s welcome news.  You’re no doubt anxiously awaiting that beautiful first dusting of snow, so you can get out and hit the slopes for yet another round of winter sports.  For those of us in the city, however, winter is a somewhat less joyous time…  a time that typically means running from building to car; ducking inside stores on longer excursions to warm up; and constantly being bombarded by strong, bitter winds that somehow manage to make their way through whatever it is we’re wearing.

But despite the challenges that living in a city during winter presents, there is hope.  Helly Hansen – the brand that’s been creating the most rugged, high performance outerwear for the past 130 years – recently unveiled their 2012-13 fall/winter collection, and included is the Flow Down Parka.  It’s a gorgeous piece of outerwear that not only features a style that’s perfectly at home in the city, but also one that boasts the warmth and protection we’ve come to know and love from the best of Helly Hansen’s mountain-ready ski jackets.

At the heart of the Flow Down Parka is… you guessed it… down.  Down, as you probably already know, is easily one of warmest, most insulating materials on the face of the earth.  But the problem with most down outerwear is that it’s overly bulky.  Down is stitched inside baffles, and the result is an overly puffy coat that makes you look the Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters – not exactly an endearing style trait.

The Flow Down Parka is different, however, because the down is stitched into pods, not baffles.  As a result, you get all the benefits of 700+ fillpower European goose down, but without the huge amount of added bulk typically associated with it.  In addition, the spaces in between down the pods create channels throughout the interior of the coat, allowing the heat generated by your body to exit the parka while still maintaining the parka’s overall warmth.  So while the Flow Down Parka keeps you warm in the most frigid of conditions, its temperature management always keeps the parka’s internal temperature at a comfortable level.

From there, the Helly Flow Down Parka notes a huge assortment of features that you’ll absolutely love in a winter coat.  Four enormous front pockets that fit seamlessly into the Flow Down Parka’s design are perfect for keys, your wallet, your cell phone,  and any added extras you need to carry.  The faux fur hood – one of my favorite design elements – adds a superb layer of protection in the harshest environments.  Best of all, the hood features a velcro adjustment on the back, so when you’re walking through the city and want the warmth of the hood with full visibility, you can adjust the hood so that it remains farther back on your head.  On frigid days with blisteringly cold winds, loosen the velcro, and the hood is big enough to completely envelop you and keep your head warm and toasty.  And lastly, I love the exterior material of the Flow Down Parka.  It stretches, so it’s not restricting and it’s comfortable to wear even when being active; but it still manages to excel at keeping moisture and cold air out – a must from any winter coat.

Put it all together, and the Helly Hansen Flow Down Parka is an exceptionally awesome choice for anyone seeking the perfect marriage of style and warmth in a single piece of outerwear.

To learn more about the Helly Hansen Flow Down Parka or to pick up your own, head over to the official Helly Hansen website.  Pricing for the Flow Down Parka is $650 in either men’s or women’s variants, and it’s available in either black or espresso flavors.

You can also check out the photo gallery below to see the Helly Hansen Flow Down Parka in action.

In everyone’s life, there’s a moment when you try something and you think to yourself, “This is brilliant… why didn’t I think of it?”  In the world of outerwear, Helly Hansen has just launched a product that falls precisely into the aforementioned category , solving the dilemma of how to precisely blend optimal amounts of heating and cooling.

As anyone fond of the outdoors will tell you, it’s the age-old problem:  finding a mid-layer or outer layer that not only keeps you warm, but also finding one that regulates your temperature as your core temperatures heat up.  If you’ve ever taken a long hike, especially one with a pack, you’re likely already familiar with the need for temperature regulation.  You wear layers for their heat and protection from the elements, but as time goes on, your body temperature rises and you start to overheat.  This results in either an abundance of sweat or the need to shed layers, both of which are less than ideal

Enter the Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket.  Thanks to Helly’s revolutionary Hollow Heat Flow technology, the H2 Flow is not only incredibly effective at warming you as a mid-layer, it also provides an absolutely amazing amount of venting and cooling where you need it, when you need it.

Making the magic happen are two key elements:  adjustable venting on the jacket, and 200g of insulation that utilize both positive and negative spaces.  Together, they form the basis for a tremendous level of user controlled temperature regulation throughout the day.

So let’s say, for example, that your hike begins on a cool fall morning.  You begin your hike with a base layer and the H2 Flow Jacket, with all venting closed.  As a result, you’re warm and comfortable.  But as you pile the miles pile on, your body temperature rises, as does the outside temperature.  Normally, you’d be forced to shed your mid layer, but with the H2 Flow, you have the ability to open the vertical vents and let the outside air flow in.  Once the air is inside the jacket, the insulation’s negative spaces allow it to flow around your body, lowering interior temperatures and aiding in sweat evaporation.

Helly calls it a micro-climate system technology, and if it sounds ingenious, it is.  You can adjust temperatures to match a huge array of activities, from casual to intense, and you can do it all in a single mid-layer.

From there, Helly Hansen took the H2 Flow a step further and incorporated all the features that make their other outwear so incredible.  There’s the breathable, ripstop fabric that’s not only remarkably impervious to abuse, but it also excels at repelling moisture while maintaining breathability.  There’s the sleek styling that makes the H2 Flow at home on the street as much as it is in the outdoors.  And there’s the fact the H2 Flow Jacket is constructed from Blue Sign approved fabrics, ensuring that it’s made in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

It’s a lot to fit into one coat, but Helly Hansen has proven once again why they’re the leader in outdoor gear for the most demanding of uses.

The H2 Flow Jacket is part of Helly Hansen’s Fall/Winter Collection and is available for both men and women for $180.

With all the hype surrounding this new jacket by Helly Hansen, I decided there was no better way to break it in than by putting it to a little test.  Two days after I picked mine up, my wife and I headed to the Eightmile Lake Trail – me with with my new H2 Flow Jacket and her with a standard fleece.

About 4 miles in and just over 5,000 ft, we had both worked up a sweat, meaning it was the perfect time to see how the H2 Flow Jacket’s venting would perform. While my wife packed her fleece into her pack (which later turned out to be a mistake when she got scratched up by quite a bit of brush), I simply opened the H2 Flow venting and kept on going.  Within a few minutes, I had stopped sweating and had cooled down to a comfortable temperature.  It wasn’t the shocking cold you get when you take your jacket off completely.  Instead, I was entirely comfortable – no chills, no wind gusts whipping through the coat – just a comfortable temperature.

Another mile and a half and we arrived at Caroline Lake and the H2 Flow Jacket had done its job.  I removed my pack, zipped the vents back up and sat down to enjoy the view. My wife on the other hand was getting bite after bite from the lake mosquitos.  She grabbed her fleece out of her pack, only to find it was still damp from the first four miles of sweat.  The result was an uncomfortable lunch at the lake, to say the least.  Being the sensational husband I am, I bestowed her with the H2 Flow Jacket on the way down. Thankfully, Helly makes a women’s version of the H2 Flow, or I would have just lost my new favorite mid-layer.

Needless to say, the Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket lives up to the hype. As a mid-layer or outer-layer, it is a brilliant design that gets the job done.  It’s warm, it’s cool, and it’s everything in between.

You can learn more about the Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket at the official Helly Hansen website.

When it comes to being active outdoors, I’m a firm believer in buying quality gear.  Quality gear is one of the most important factors in deciding whether or not you enjoy your time outdoors, as nine out of ten times, you need a level of protection from the elements you’re up against.  In the winter, it’s staying warm and keeping moisture away from you body.  In the spring and fall, it’s protection from rain and alternating cold and warm temps.  And in the summer, it’s staying cool in the heat while staying protected from the sun.

One of the main brands I consistently come back to time and time again in virtually any season is Helly Hansen.  I was introduced to their gear a couple years ago when I bought a Helly sailing jacket, and since then, I’ve been completely and utterly enamored with the brand.  It simply performs at an incredibly high level, and every piece of Helly gear I own does exactly what it says it will do.

On a recent trip to Vail and Beaver Creek, I discovered exactly how capable Helly Hansen’s gear was when I found that it’s worn by the entire outdoor staff at each of Vail Resorts locations.  After talking with my instructor, it turns out that Helly is now the official provider of outwear for Vail Resorts.  Ski/snowboard instructors, lift operators, the search and rescue teams – everyone’s outfitted with Helly gear.  Intrigued, I contacted Helly for more info regarding the Vail Resorts uniform program, and they forwarded me a lengthy look at the Helly Hansen brand as well as their uniform partnership with Vail Resorts.

As a huge Helly Hansen fan, I wanted to share it with you, as I’m always intrigued by the inner workings of a performance-driven company.  Read on, and I think you’ll find it quite interesting as well.

Helly Hansen History

Helly Hansen’s roots date back to 1877, when a Norwegian captain by the name of Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe began producing oilskin jackets, trousers, sou’westers and tarpaulins made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil for the marine industry.  It was a concept met with tremendous success, as over the next five years, the pair sold approximately 10,000 pieces, thus laying the foundation for Helly Hansen as we know it.

Since then, Helly Hansen has focused on developing innovative solutions to meet the most demanding of applications, centered around the company’s unique 3-Layer system.  In 1949, Helly Hansen introduced the Helox, a thin sheet of translucent PVC plastic sewn into waterproof coats that replaced the oilbased outerwear of the time.  Twelve years later, the company introduced the original fleece – the fiberpile – that’s warm, lightweight and fast-drying, making it ideal for wearing under the outer protective layer.  Then in the 1970’s, Helly Hansen introduced LIFA – a revolutionary fiber that keeps the skin dry and warm by pushing moisture away from the body, thus making it the ideal baselayer fabric for outdoor and workwear use.  And in 1980, Helly Tech technology was launched, making use of both hydrophilic and microporous technology to ensure Helly Hansen gear is both waterproof and breathable.

Combining these developments into a single system, Helly Hansen has mastered the art of layering, and they’ve created a variety of outerwear in both 2-Layer and 3-Layer Systems.  The base layer takes moisture and wicks it away from your body.  The second layer absorbs the moisture, keeping it away from you body and providing added warmth.  And for colder and/or wet conditions, the third outer layer keeps moisture and wind out, protecting you from even the worst elements.  The goal is to keep you dry, warm and comfortable, regardless of the conditions around you and your activity level, and it works exceptionally well – and that’s precisely why it’s worn by sailors, skiers and adventurers the world over.

Helly Hansen Uniform Program

Expanding on their lineage of providing gear for those that depend on it day-in and day-out, Helly Hansen made the decision in 2006 to start providing uniforms for the resorts of the Canadian Rockies.  In doing so, Helly had the opportunity to put their gear to the ultimate real world test, receiving direct feedback about their product from those that wore it in varied, harsh conditions.  There’s simply no lab or computer testing that can come anywhere close to duplicating the rigors of testing in the real world.  As Helly told me, a year on the mountain with the pros is like a lifetime of use for most people.

Today, Helly Hansen has become one of (if not the largest) provider of outdoor workwear.  In total, Helly’s shipped over 100,000 uniforms worldwide to meet the most demanding of applications, with Helly’s latest partnership –Vail Resorts – receiving approximately 55,000 uniforms.  It’s this decision to get as much of their gear as possible in real world testing environments that directly translates into the greatness of the Helly Hansen products you and I wear.  Everything from coloring to fit to insulation to fabric technology has been thoroughly tested and analyzed in an incredibly varied number of situations, allowing Helly to fine tune virtually every aspect of their products and ensuring that each piece of gear performs at the level promised.

During my time in Vail, I used Helly Hansen’s three layer system exclusively, and I can tell you first hand I’ve never used a more versatile, comfortable system in my life.  Irregardless of the varying temps and my activity level, the Helly system does an incredible job keeping moisture away from your body while keeping wind and colder temps out.  It’s simply the best outerwear system I’ve found, period.

Helly Hansen Technology

As already noted, a huge benefit of real world testing for Helly Hansen is that it encourages the use of the latest technology in each of the garments.  Two of the ways Helly has implemented technology into their outerwear is with PrimaLoft insulation and the RECCO Rescue System.

If you’re unfamiliar with PrimaLoft, it’s a synthetic insulation developed by Albany International Corp. that was designed as a water resistant alternative to down.  Originally created for the U.S. Army, PrimaLoft insulation is warmer, drier, softer and more compressible than other synthetic insulation on the planet, which is why it’s now become the premier insulation used by the Army, Marines and Special Forces.  It’s also the exclusive insulation used in Helly Hansen’s complete product lineup.

The secret to PrimaLoft’s greatness lies in its construction.  Modeled after goose down, PrimaLoft insulation utilizes ultra-fine fibers to create tiny air pockets, trapping body heat inside while keeping the cold out (as is the case with down).  Unlike down, however, PrimaLoft insulation’s microfibers are designed to be permanently water resistant, constructed to create a tight surface tension that both resists moisture and dries faster than down once wet.

Despite it’s water resistance, PrimaLoft is still exceptionally breathable, allowing moisture to be transmitted away from your skin.  And what may be one of its greatest attributes, PrimaLoft is exceptionally compressible without any loss of performance, meaning you can compress it as much as you want, and it will maintain the same resiliency as if it were new.  It is, without question, the best synthetic insulation on the market.

The second technology utilized by Helly Hansen is the RECCO Rescue System, a vital piece of technology for anyone that ventures out in an area prone to avalanches.  Similar to a radar system, RECCO works in two parts.  After an avalanche, the search and rescue team uses RECCO detectors to send out a search signal.  RECCO reflectors built into your Helly gear then bounce back the signal to rescuers, giving rescuers your precise location.  You don’t need any training to use it, it doesn’t require batteries, and it’s permanently attached, so you never have to worry about leaving it at home.  And it’s just another way Helly Hansen’s incorporating great technology into the gear they’re bringing you.

Helly Hansen Conclusion

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again:  I love Helly Hansen.  It’s a brand that takes tremendous pride in their heritage and what they do, and the result is performance outdoor gear that really has no rival.  I’ve worn Helly gear on mountains, in the backcountry, and in -20 degree temps, and it’s performed flawlessly each and every time.  No matter what season it is, if you’re looking for some of the best performance outdoor gear on the planet, you’ll find it with Helly Hansen.

Update:

Helly Hansen’s Odin Fastpack Jacket has been awarded the very prestigious Norwegian Award for Design Excellence by the Norwegian Design Council.  As with all Helly Hansen gear, the Odin Fastpack Jacket is the ideal combination of purposeful design, protection, and style. The jacket weighs in at a mere 242 grams, but it’s built so that you can wear it in inclement weather with the same confidence you would as if you were wearing a bulkier option. The Odin Fastpack features Helly Tech Performance protection, water-resistant Aquaguard zippers and a helmet-compatible hood. You can pick one up at the Helly Hansen website.

Staying warm in the winter is an often misunderstood science.  Let me rephrase that:  staying warm in the winter while being active is an often misunderstood science.

Whereas going out for a quick trip in the cold is simply a case of throwing on a warm coat, spending an extended period of time in the cold with fluctuating body temperatures is significantly more complicated.  Skiing/snowboarding is a great example.  Starting out the day, your body is cold, so you need something to keep your body warm.  But as you begin engaging your body, it heats up from the activity, causing you to sweat.  As you sweat, this moisture accumulates on the clothing layer closest to your body, and when you stop engaging your body (such as your trip back up the mountain), this soaked layer is the first to cool.  It’s this layer that is single biggest cause of uncomfortably cold body temperatures during your time outdoors.

Putting it bluntly, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on your outerwear, if you don’t have the right baselayers, you’re not going to be warm.  It’s as simple as that.

I just got back from a weeklong skiing/snowboarding excursion in Vail, and it’s a truth I became intimately familiar with, as I had the opportunity to test several baselayers that are part of my winter gear collection.  With temperatures fluctuating about 30 degrees during my stay, ranging from cold and windy to relatively warm and sunny, I found that it was exceptionally difficult to find a baselayer capable of managing the expanded temperature range.  They either didn’t warm adequately, or when they did warm, they ended up saturated with sweat, resulting in not only an uncomfortable baselayer, bus also one that cooled significantly during any downtime.

There was one base layer, however, that managed to withstand the temperature swings and fluctuating body temps, and unsurprisingly, it came from the brand that pioneered the concept of layering:  Helly Hansen.  Not only did the Helly Hansen baselayer manage to keep me warm in every temperature I used it in, it excelled at maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the day, irregardless of my activity level.

Helly Hansen Baselayer Construction

The secret to the brilliance of the Helly Hansen baselayer range lies in the fabric it’s constructed from, which Helly Hansen calls Lifa.  Invented by Helly Hansen in the ’70’s, Lifa is a technological marvel – a super fabric developed to not only keep you warm, but also to wick away moisture from your body better than anything else.

Without getting overly technical, Helly’s Lifa baselayers operate under a simple premise:  they repel moisture.  Whereas polyester (one of the most commonly used baselayer materials) absorbs moisture, thus becoming saturated during activity and keeping moisture in contact with your skin, Lifa was created to do exactly the opposite:  it repels moisture away from your skin.  So as you sweat, Helly’s Lifa baselayer is constantly channeling moisture away from your body and onto your mid layer.  Your skin stays dry, which translates into warmer body temperatures, whether you’re active or not.

It’s Lifa’s moisture wicking properties that make the baselayer the first of Helly Hansen’s unique 3-Layer system.  The Lifa baselayer wicks moisture away from your body; the midlayer absorbs the moisture from the baselayer, keeping it safely away from you skin; and the third outer layer protects you from the wind and elements.  The result is continuously stable, warm body temperature, irregardless of conditions or activity level.

Helly Hansen Baselayer Families

During my time in Vail, temps ranged from the 20’s to the 50’s, so I used baselayer pieces exclusively from the HH Dry family.  Constructed entirely from their Lifa fabric and virtually seamless, Helly’s HH Dry family is ideal for a wide range of temperatures and heightened activity levels, due to the aforementioned moisture wicking properties.  Available HH Dry baselayer pieces include the HH Dry Stripe Crew (men’s), the HH Dry Charger Half Zip (men’s), the HH Dry Dynamic LS Crew (women’s), the HH Dry Dynamic LS 1/2 Zip (women’s) and the HH Dry Fly Pant (men’s and women’s).

For even colder temperatures and added insulation, Helly Hansen also offers the HH Warm baselayer family.  Whereas HH Dry is constructed entirely of Lifa fabric, HH Warm is essentially two layers in one, with a Lifa core to maintain exceptional moisture wicking ability and an outer Merino wool layer to provide added insulation in sub zero conditions.  Available HH Warm baselayer pieces include the HH Warm Ice Crew (men’s and women’s), the HH Warm Freeze 1/2 Zip (men’s and women’s) and the HH Warm Pant (men’s and women’s).

Helly Hansen Baselayer Care

One of the things I love most about Helly Hansen baselayers is how exceptionally easy it is to take care of them.  Simply wash your baselayers with a mild detergent at 60 degrees Celsius for HH Dry or 40 degrees Celsius for HH Warm, then let air dry.  Due to their moisture repelling properties, they dry exceptionally fast.

Interestingly enough, the Helly Hansen care guide notes that if you dry your baselayers, they’ll actually melt.  Intrigued, I emailed Helly Hansen’s customer service to find out why my baselayer would melt, and their response was quite interesting.  Unlike conventional thread that’s woven from even smaller strands, Helly’s Lifa fabric is unique in that its thread is created by melting particles together.  When magnified, Lifa’s thread would show a smooth surface, whereas other threads are simply multiple smaller threads joined together with millions of crevices and gaps.

Helly’s process of creating thread through melting has two key advantages.  Unlike woven threads that allow bacteria to enter and hide in its various crevices, Lifa thread’s smooth surface doesn’t have the same places for bacteria to hide.  The result is a baselayer that doesn’t maintain an odor after you wash it.  Secondly, and my favorite part of Lifa, is the fact that the color chips are actually baked into the fabric during its melting phase.  As a result, colors of Helly’s Lifa baselayers will never fade, and they’ll never bleed onto one another, as they’re actually a part of the thread.

After using Helly’s baselayer this winter, it’s easily the most durable, easy-to-take-care-of baselayer system I own.

Where to Get the Helly Hansen Baselayer

I’m clearly a fan of Helly Hansen’s baselayers, so much so that I now own multiple sets of both the HH Dry and HH Warm series.  They’re the warmest, most breathable baselayers I’ve used, period.  If you’re interested in picking up a Helly Hansen baselayer for yourself, you can do so at the official Helly Hansen online store, Altrec, and a variety of other retailers.

It may be summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine and warm weather.  Here in the Midwest, this past week has meant rain and cooler temps, forcing us to forego the short sleeves and shorts in favor of warmer, more protective raincoats.  I own a few raincoats, but at present, my favorite is the Helly Hansen Ask raincoat.  In fact, I liked it so much, I purchased the matching Helly Hansen Embla raincoat for my wife, and we’ve both been wearing them pretty  much nonstop this past week.

From a style standpoint,the Helly Hansen raincoats are both distinctly classic, blending a vintage, nautical look with a modern edge.  It’s a style that’s at home virtually anywhere, from the city to your sailboat.  On the men’s Ask Raincoat, the cut is more tailored, featuring a button down design with an added waist belt, to further customize the fit.  Personally, I find the fit of the men’s Ask raincoat to be perfect as is, so I don’t use the waist belt.  The women’s Embla raincoat features a more tailored fit up top, with a lower portion that’s a little more fluid – almost reminiscent of an empire silhouette.  Unlike the Ask raincoat that features only a button down design, the entire Embla raincoat zips, with additional buttons up top for the upper panel.

Construction wise, both the Ask and Embla Raincoats feature Helly Hansen’s trademark, state-of-the art 3 layer Helly Tech O2 fabric, laser cut for exact precision.  It’s a fabric that’s incredibly robust, as it’s not only waterproof, it’s breathable, featuring 20,000 mm of waterproofness and 20,000 g breathability.  In the real world, the Helly Tech O2 fabric keeps you dry in terrible conditions, yet it’s super comfortable to wear, thanks to the perfect amount of stretch and breathability it offers.  Helly Hansen excels at creating comfortable, functional and stylish outerwear, and the Ask and Embla raincoats live up to the company’s reputation beautifully.

Both the Ask and Embla raincoats are available in either black and smoked pearl, each of which you can check out in the photo gallery.  You can also check out the full details of both the Ask and Embla’s raincoats along with ordering info immediately below.

Helly Hansen Ask Raincoat

Inspired by our century-old nautical history, this Ask raincoat employs everything we have learned about keeping dry to create our most advanced raincoat for urban wear. It features our breathable, 3-layer Helly Tech® O2 fabric construction, cut with a laser for consistent precision, and has an adjustable belt, for individualized comfort and snugness.

• 3 layer Helly Tech® O2 fabric
• Laer cut seams
• Adjustable belt
• HellyTech® O2 is our state-of-the-art waterproof, breathable technology. Keeps you dry in the most severe conditions and offers superb stretch and comfort, with 20,000 mm waterproofness and 20,000 g breathability
• Available in either black or smoke pearl colors

You can purchase the Helly Hansen Ask Raincoat directly from Helly Hansen’s online store for $600.

Helly Hansen W Embla Raincoat

To create our Embla raincoat, we took advantage of our long experience making high-end technical garments to fashion the ideal raincoat for city wear. This raincoat features breathable 3 layer Helly Tech® O2 fabric, laser cut seams for perfect assembly, and an adjustable belt to provide just the right amount of snugness.

• 3 layer Helly Tech® O2 fabric
• Laser cut seams
• Adjustable belt
• HellyTech® O2 is our state-of-the-art waterproof, breathable technology. Keeps you dry in the most severe conditions and offers superb stretch and comfort, with 20,000 mm waterproofness and 20,000 g breathability
• Available in either black or smoke pearl colors

You can purchase the Helly Hansen Embla Raincoat directly from Helly Hansen’s online store for $600.

If you live anywhere where you experience four seasons and you’re anything like me, April has to be one of your favorite months.  Winter is finally over, the snow has dissipated, and you can put away your cold weather gear in favor of some lighter spring fare.  I love the spring, and of all the seasons, I probably splurge more on my spring wardrobe than any other season.  This year, one of the ways I splurged was on a new jacket, and after picking up a Helly Hansen Salt jacket last year and loving it, I went back to Helly Hansen looking for spring jacket to add to my collection.

If you remember from my last story, Helly Hansen is a performance-driven brand that dates back to 1877, when a Norwegian captain by the name of Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe invented the world’s first waterproof fabric in the form of oilskin jackets, trousers, sou’westers and tarpaulins made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil.  For the last century, Helly Hansen has continued this innovation, introducing a wide variety of cutting edge material technology in their outerwear including the first fleece mid layers in the 1960s and LIFA, the first technical base layer in the 1970s, with their three-layer system becoming the industry standard for keeping you dry, warm and comfortable in even the most demanding conditions.

In opting for a new Helly Hansen jacket, it was this performance that drew me back to the brand, but because I already own the Salt, which notes a distinctly sporty, nautical design, I wanted something a little more urban.  My choice:  the Helly Hansen Ask CIS Sailing Jacket.  It’s a stylish, functional jacket that, while still paying homage to its seafaring past, is at home in virtually any environment.

Constructed from herringbone PU-coated cotton, the Ask CIS Sailing Jacket features a classic design, with a distinctly high collar, rib-hemmed cuffs and waistband, and antique metal fasteners.  It’s a great design for spring, as the high collar helps keep the cold and water out on the rainy days, but unzipped, it stays out of your way and doesn’t get hot or uncomfortable.  The Ask CIS Sailing is also the perfect weight for spring – heavy enough to keep you warm, even over a t-shirt, but not too heavy to the point you get hot.  Even better, you can remove the inner  lining for warmer, wet days, transforming the Ask CIS into a weatherproof shell.  For anyone living in an area with fluctuating spring temps and varying precipitation, it’s the perfect addition to your spring collection.

Pricing for the Helly Hansen Ask CIS Sailing Jacket is $500, and it’s available in either navy or white.  I personally opted for the white, which I love, but the navy looks equally as good.  You really can’t go wrong with either.  To learn more about the Helly Hansen Ask CIS Sailing Jacket, head over to the official Helly Hansen website for more details and ordering info, and you can check out photos of the Ask CIS Sailing Jacket in the gallery below.

All winter we’ve been bringing you some of the best winter gear on the planet, but we’ve yet to detail our picks when it comes to winter apparel.  Today, however, that’s all about to change, as we’ve got a look at some of the greatest skiwear mankind has ever seen.  It comes from a little company by the name of Spyder, a brand that has become synonymous with greatness in the ski world.

Founded in 1978 by David Jacobs, former star and later head coach of the Canadian National Ski Team, Spyder burst onto the market in 1978, unveiling a padded slalom sweater designed “for racing, by racers.” Since then, Spyder has dominated race circuits across the globe, reaching the Olympic podium more than 20 times and becoming the gear of choice for the U.S. Alpine, Canadian Alpine, and Jamaican World Cup Ski Teams. Now based in Boulder, Colorado, Spyder is the largest ski-specialty brand in the world, and their skiwear is without question the best in the business.

I own a variety of products from Spyder, and to be honest, you can’t go wrong with anything they offer.  But in an effort to help you narrow down your skiwear choices, here are our top picks for both men and women, all-mountain use.

Men’s Monterosa Jacket ($599)

When it comes to gear for men, I love the Monterosa Jacket, for a variety of reasons.  First and foremost, it’s breathable.  Thanks to what Spyder calls OSMO technology, the Monterosa delivers the highest breathability on the market, with a rating of 20k/30k in waterproof/breathability.  Inside, PrimaLoft One insulation does a fantastic job keeping you warm, while X-STATIC silver fiber technology helps keep your body temps regulated during intense runs (and also provides exceptional anti-microbial protection).  And of course, from a style standpoint, the Monterosa jacket looks great, with my personal preference being the Volcano Red option (there’s also a black verision and a white version).  As for other features of the Spyder Monterosa, here’s a more complete rundown:

• 360° Stretch Polyester with X-Static® 20k/30k Laminate
• Stretch Polyester Woven Lining with Custom Legend Embossed Pattern
• PrimaLoft® One (60g) Insulation
• 2 Way Center Front Zippers
• Abrasion Resistant Overlay by Bemis®
• Adjusable Cuffs
• Back Storage Pocket
• Brushed Microfiber Inner Collar
• Custom Chamois Lens Wipe on Shock Cord
• Drawcord Hem
• Engineered Stretch Interior
• Fully Seam Taped
• Internal Pass Pocket
• Internal Zippered Electronics Pocket with Cord Loop
• Laser Cut and Welded Construction Seams and Details
• Left Sleeve Data Card Pocket
• Mesh Goggle Pocket
• Molded Construction Details
• Recco® Avalanche Rescue System
• Removable Heavy Weather Hoods
• Ventilation System
• Welded Waterproof Zippers with Gaskets
• Zip-out Stretch Powder Skirt with Custom Snaps and Gripper Elastic

Men’s Davos Pant ($399)

Paired with the Spyder Monterosa jacket, the Davos pant is the perfect way to keep you protected from the elements.  The Davos features almost identical technology in terms of insulation and construction, with highlights including OSMO technology rated at 20k/30k in waterproof/breathability , X-STATIC silver fiber technology to regulate body temperature, and PrimaLoft One insulation to keep you warm when the cooler temps hit.  The Spyder Davos full list of features include:

• 360° Stretch Polyester with X-Static® 20k/30k Laminate
• Stretch Polyester Woven Lining
• PrimaLoft® Sport (40g)
• Abrasion Resistant Overlay by Bemis®
• Adjustable Waist with Stretch Gusset
• Cuff Anchors
• Custom Spyder Logos, Hardware and Zipper Pulls”
• Full Seam Taped
• Inner Snow Cuffs with Logo Jacquard Gripper Elastic
• Laser Cut and Welded Construction Details
• Lower Leg Zippers
• Multiple Pockets
• Recco® Avalanche Rescue System
• Removable High Back Suspenders with Mesh Insert
• Scuff Guards
• Ventilation Zippers
• Waterproof Zippers

Women’s Zermatt Jacket ($499)

For the women, our choice has to be the Zermatt jacket, an incredibly good-looking jacket boasting the best winter apparel technology in the business.  As with the men’s gear, the women’s Zermatt features OSMO fabric technology delivering the highest breathability on the market (rated at 20k/30k in waterproof/breathability tests). Inside, X-STATIC silver fiber technology again helps regulate body temperature and dissipates static electricity, while PrimaLoft® One insulation is super soft and provides ample warming in the cooler temperatures. Additional features of the Sypder Zermatt jacket include:

• 360° Stretch Polyester with X-Static® 20k/30k Laminate
• Silver Flax Abrasion Overlay Tape
• Custom Spyder Knit Jacquard
• PrimaLoft® One (60g)
• 2 way zipper at center front
• Adjustable cuffs with gussets for glove room
• Anti-Counterfeit Spyder Authenticity Label
• Cozy micro fiber inner collar that detaches to launder
• Custom Spyder logos, hardware and zipper pulls
• Drawcord adjustable hem
• Fully seam taped
• Internal lip care pocket
• Internal mesh goggle pocket
• Internal zip pocket
• Laser cut and welded construction details
• Left sleeve waterproof data card pocket with custom chamois lens wipe
• Removable heavy weather hood
• Snap back feature holds powder skirt away when not in use
• Stretch inner cuffs with thumbholes
• Underarm ventilation system
• Waterproof hand pocket zippers with key clasp inside
• Zip-out stretch powder skirt with custom snaps and gripper elastic.
• Zippered chest pocket

Women’s Davos Pant ($299)

Complimenting the Zermatt jacket, we again chose the Davos pant – this time the women’s variant.  Several members of our staff use and love the Davos, with much of their praise stemming from the Davos’ fit.  Featuring what Spyder calls an Athletic Fit, there’s the perfect amount of room in the waist, hips and thighs for female athletes, and our staffers all adore them.  In addition to their superior fit, other highlights of the women’s Davos include OSMO fabric technology for superb breathability, PrimaLoft Sport insulation to keep you warm, and X-STATIC silver fiber technology to regulate body temperature.  More features of the Spyder Women’s Davos Pant include:

• 360° Stretch Polyester with X-Static® 20k/30k Laminate
• Stretch Polyester Woven Lining
• PrimaLoft® Sport (40g)
• Anti-Counterfeit Spyder Authenticity Label
• Custom Spyder logos, hardware and zipper pulls
• Fully seam taped
• Hand pocket zippers
• Hem gusset under the zipper keeps you extra dry
• Hem zippers make it easier to put your boots on
• Inner snow cuffs with gripper elastic and cuff anchors ensure protection from moisture
• Lower leg stash pocket
• Removable stretch suspenders

For more information on any of the Spyder all-mountain gear we’ve told you and to view the rest of the current collection, head over to the official Spyder website for the full details and ordering info.

Combining the strategic insulation placement of Core Comfort Technology with the advanced assembly technique of Fusonic Technology and waterproof / breathable Tropozone 3L nylon, Sierra Designs launches the new, technologically advanced Solar Fusion Jacket for Fall 2010.

Core Comfort Technology: By mapping the body’s warmest and coolest parts, Core Comfort Technology places insulation where it’s needed most, creating a garment that retains heat during times of low exertion and cools the body through non-insulated areas during high exertion activities (think skiing and riding the chairlift). The Solar Fusion uses 800-fill down in the chest, back, shoulders and arms to provide warmth while non-insulated “active exhaust” panels along the sides, under the arms, and in the hood allow excess heat to escape.

Fusonic Technology: Instead of stitching, Fusonic Technology utilizes heat, pressure, and a small amount of adhesive to bond insulation baffles to the jacket and shell panels to each other, creating a stronger, more waterproof garment.

Tropozone 3L: The Solar Fusion uses Sierra Designs’ Tropozone 3L three-layer waterproof/breathable nylon to create a jacket that is both supremely waterproof and highly breathable for maximum comfort in even the worst winter conditions. Tropozone 3L’s built-in four-way mechanical stretch provides excellent mobility and comfort.

Weighing in at 33.5-ounces in men’s large, the Solar Fusion Jacket is light enough for backcountry use but warm enough for laps on the chairlift. Additional features include pit zips, a fully adjustable, helmet compatible hood and five exterior and one interior pocket. The Solar Fusion Jacket will be available in men’s and women’s models and retail for $325.

The Solar Fusion Jacket will be released along side the Prima Fusion Jacket ($289), which uses Primaloft Eco insulation instead of down. Both jackets are members of the Pinnacle Series and represent the latest in high tech apparel from Sierra Designs.

As already noted, the price of the Sierra Designs Solar Fusion Jacket is $325, which makes it an incredible buy for what you’re getting.  It’s available in a multitude of colors (I’ve got the black), and it can be ordered directly from the Sierra Designs Website.

In the world of sailing, quality outwear is a must.  It protects you from the sea; it keeps you warm amidst cold conditions; yet it must remain breathable, so that when your activity level rises, you don’t overheat.  There’s few that manage to find this delicate balance of dryness, warmth and breathability as well as Helly Hansen.  They’ve been creating exceptionally functional clothing for over a century, and today, they’re a leader in the world of sailing, skiing and outdoor gear.

If you’re unfamiliar with Helly Hansen, the company’s story started back in 1877.  A Norwegian captain by the name of Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margarethe began producing oilskin jackets, trousers, sou’westers and tarpaulins, made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil.  Over the next five years the pair sold approximately 10,000 pieces, and Helly Hansen was born.  Since then, Helly Hansen has focused on developing innovative solutions to meet the most demanding of applications.  In 1949, Helly Hansen introduced the Helox, a thin sheet of translucent PVC plastic sewn into waterproof coats, that replaced the oilbased outerwear of the time.  Twelve years later, the company introduced the original fleece – the fiberpile – that’s warm, lightweight and fast-drying, ideal for wearing under the outer protective layer.  In the 1970’s, Helly Hansen introduced LIFA – a new fiber that keeps the skin dry and warm by pushing moisture away from the body, thus making it the ideal baselayer fabric for outdoor and workwear use.  And in 1980, Helly Tech technology was launched, making use of both hydrophilic and microporous technology to ensure Helly Hansen gear is both waterproof and breathable.  Combining these developments into a single piece, Helly Hansen has mastered the art of layering, and they’ve created a variety of outerwear in both 2-Layer and 3-Layer Systems.  It’s all about keeping you dry, warm and comfortable, regardless of the conditions around you, and it works exceptionally well.

For the sailing enthusiast, the Helly Hansen Salt Jacket ($200) is a fantastic option both on the boat and off.  Construction wise, the Helly Hansen Salt features the ingenious HellyTech technology the company is known for.  A water proof rating of 5,000 mm and a breathability rating 5,000 g make the Salt Jacket an ideal choice for a brisk day out on the boat, while its two-layer construction with protective coastal collar, tonal fully adjustable hood, water resistant front zip and PU inner cuffs all serve to keep you dry despite inclement conditions.  Other features of the Helly Hansen Salt include 360 degree reflective elements, hand warmer pockets, Polartec fleece in the collar and pockets, a kill cord D-ring and a one hand adjustable hem.  Best of all, despite its supreme functionality, the Helly Hansen Salt Jacket looks great, and is really at home off the boat as much as it is sailing.

As already noted, the price of the Helly Hansen Salt Jacket is $200, which makes it an incredible buy for what you’re getting.  It’s available in red, water blue or navy (I’ve got the red), and it can be ordered directly from the Helly Hansen website.