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Kit review: Helly Hansen summer rainwear

Written by Fiona

April 18 2015

The days of dull and boring waterproof jackets are long gone but few are as bright and cheerfully designed as the new Helly Hansen collection of spring and summer rainwear collections. The range includes the Helly Hansen Nine K, Loke and Aspire jackets for men and women.

All the practical boxes are ticked for these jackets, which boasts a good range of technical features (especially when you see the prices), yet they also come in an impressive spectrum of colours and funky designs, including stripes, flowers, spots and dazzling rainbow shades.

These are not super-technical wear-in-all-weathers-on-the-mountains jackets but good practical solutions for summer walks or commutes to the office.

hh-w-nine-k-jacket-bluewhite-690Helly Hansen Nine K Jacket

Priced at around £100 the practical features include waterproof, breathable and windproof fabric with fully sealed seams and Helly Tech® Protection.

In addition:

  • Anti-chafe chin guard
  • Two zipped hand pockets
  • Front storm flap
  • One hand hood adjustor
  • Lined for comfort
  • Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR).

What makes these jackets stand out is the colour and designs. In particular, the women’s jacket are really fun and include stripes, floral, spots and bright shades. The men’s jackets are a litte subdued in comparison but if you want bright colours take a look at the Loke.

Screen Shot 2015-04-18 at 11.54.21

Women’s Helly Hansen Aspire jacket.

Helly Hansen Loke Jacket

This is a lighter weight jacket but still with great practical features. It is water and windproof and boasts a breathable construction aided by pit zip vents and with the addition of a front storm flap. This jacket packs into its own pocket and its the kind you might take along on a summer outing just in case it rains.

Features:

  • Fully seam sealed
  • DWR
  • Fully adjustable hood
  • Zipped hand pockets.
Men's Helly Hansen Loke jackets come in 16 colours.

Men’s Helly Hansen Loke jackets come in 16 colours.

The women’s jacket, which retails at £85, comes in 10 different colours, from neon yellow, through berry pink and azure blue to black and white. The men’s Loke jacket is sold in an amazing 16 different colours. That’s impressive!

Helly Hansen Aspire Jacket

The Aspire is a women’s running jacket.  The lightweight X-Cool quick-dry fabric keeps wind and rain out. There is also a lovely shiny print design on the inside, presuambly to keep you smiling while inside the running might be hurting!

Features:

  • X-Cool quick dry fabric
  • Windblock fabric
  • Full front zip
  • Elastic drawcord at waist
  • Hood with drawcord adjustment
  • Articulated arms for enhanced movement.

Aspire jacket retails at £90.

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