MOUNTAIN RESCUE APPROVED
Ever wondered how outdoor kit has evolved so much over the decades? Helly Hansen has combined its 147 years of experience with real-world testing by Mountain Rescue to produce kit you can really trust.
Things have changed a lot since Helly Hansen’s inception in 1877. Long gone are the days of tweed jackets and hobnail boots, and with the help of more than 55,000 outdoor professionals from around the world – from Mountain Rescue to professional sailors and ski patrollers – Helly Hansen is still pushing the boundaries of performance clothing.
Mountain tested
“It’s about testing our performance clothing in the harshest environments, with people who are out there every day – pushing their kit to the limits to help continuously improve the protection and comfort that Helly Hansen gear provides,” says Philip Tavell, Helly Hansen’s Vice President Outdoors. Every Helly Hansen product is rigorously put to the test, with the feedback integrated into the collections and developed into products available for outdoor enthusiasts.
Working almost two and a half years ahead (currently working on summer and winter 2026) it starts with an exploration phase where Helly Hansen meets with the professionals testing their gear to brainstorm ideas for a product or features. The feedback from the initial session is taken onboard and implemented into a prototype. From here, the kit is put through its paces in the mountains throughout varying weather conditions from blazing sunshine to torrential rain – providing the brand with bespoke feedback and insight into whether the kit is robust and reliable.
Durability
After testing, the kit is returned to Helly Hansen for assessment. “Durability is crucial in sustainability going forwards, and so it’s crucial to see how products have performed after wear and tear. This assessment provides real-world insight on further adjustments required, such as fit, fabric or features,” continues Philip. With all the information gathered, Helly
Hansen is able to select their approach to provide unique products with cutting-edge technology for those who want to focus on enjoying their time on the mountain, and not on their clothing’s performance.
The Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Jacket is now in its third version, and Helly Hansen has used honest and practical feedback from professionals throughout every iteration to avoid redundancy and to develop the design. Launching this season is the Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket which has been curated in a direct response from Mountain Rescue for a lightweight down jacket. Working with these teams ensures no detail is overlooked as Helly Hansen works towards kit that is trusted to by the professionals to help people to stay alive and feel alive.
See the Helly Hansen outdoor range at: