GREEN FOR THE WHITE ROOM
Helly Hansen’s LIFA was one of the first warm-when-wet and wicking fabrics. The same fibres are now used to make one of the most eco-friendly waterproof-breathable jackets, the backcountry-focused Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Infinity Shell Jacket. The LIFA Infinity Pro material starts with LIFA fibres, which are naturally hydrophobic. On the outside of the jacket it deflects drops without the need to add the usual DWR coating. Helly used LIFA for the waterproof-breathable membrane, too, and the same water-hating and micro-porous attributes make it an ideal barrier without the need to use chemical solvents for breathability. It also requires less water in the dying process, reducing consumption by 75 per cent. Then Helly took all that goodness and sewed it into a soft, packable and protective jacket made for going up and staying protected in nasty conditions.
$800; hellyhansen.com