I live in Scotland and it is often difficult to know what to wear for a summer outdoors adventure. I like mid-layer products that offer versatility. I had high hopes for the Helly Hansen Vertex Midlayer Jacket.
The Helly Hansen Vertex Midlayer Jacket is a lightweight “slick face” fleece jacket (this means it is fleecy on the inside and smooth on the outside). It is mean for “higher paced” activities.
The slick-face fleece material has air channels on the inside to ensure air circulation and improve moisture management, while a slimmer cut and light construction makes it “ideal for outdoor pursuits at increased speeds”.
Features include:
- Air channel slick-face fleece
- Quick drying honeycomb fabric construction
- Full YKK coil zip front opening
- YKK zipped chest pocket
- Flatlock stitching
- Slim fit
- Price: RRP £60. Currently £42 at Helly Hansen.
On test: Helly Hansen Vertex Midlayer Jacket
The jacket is lightweight and a neat fit. The small is a good fit for me and I am a tall-ish UK10. The arms are only just about long enough for my Mr Tickle arms and the back has a nice over-bum style.
This is almost the perfect mid-layer because it fits neatly over a short-sleeved baselayer and can easily fit underneath another warmer layer or a waterproof jacket. It feels lovely against the skin, too.
I have worn the jacket for arriving and departing summer trail runs and for mountain hiking. It is easy to stow in a rucksack when not being worn. The waffle pattern inside of the fabric traps air and keeps you nicely warm.
Breathability is excellent because it’s a fleece style fabric although wind can easily get through the fabric too. It’s best used on warm-ish days that are not too windy.
The outer fabric is smooth so the fleece will not end up being balled and ruined. Many fleeces start out looking smooth and beautiful but end up looking baled and tatty.
The two hand pocket are zipped and useful if you are wearing it as a casual jacket for the pub. I would not normally run or walk with things in my pockets.
The colour range is also great. I really like the cayenne colour with contrasting hi-viz yellow zips.
Overall this is a very versatile jacket that can be worn for a number of activities and as an outer or mid-layer.
There are a couple of downsides: The arm length is only just long enough for me and because it is made of synthetic it does tend to get a bit whiffy after one or two uses, whereas Merino (which this is not made of), does not become so smelly.
Buy for £42 (discounted priced) at Helly Hansen.