Waterproof jackets
Product 2019
Man

Helly Hansen Ridge Shell 2.0 jkt

FIRST

The Ridge Shell 2.0 jacket is designed to resist tough sessions in the mountains. Its freeride cut or even backcountry freestyle is cut loose and comfortable. The comfort also comes from the three-layer Helly Tech® fabric used. It is stretchy, thick and heavier than usual (contrary to what the brand announces), and it feels tough and tear-resistant.

We really loved using this jacket for freeriding because we felt that the tiniest details had been carefully designed to contribute to maximum efficiency and practicality. Do not expect revolutions or wild innovations. Helly Hansen uses their proven initiatives, and add little new touches. For example: the ultra-wide Velcro on the wrist. While most brands play minimalism in this area with thin Velcro, which eventually ends up not sticking due to the snow, Helly Hansen does the opposite. It is also very easy to use because you can grab the tab easily whilst wearing gloves and adjusts powerfully. You can pass the fabric over your gloves or if you have “special powder” gloves that go up higher, they go over the top of the sleeve more easily as the Velcro is so wide it flattens the sleeve thus make it easier to put them on.

Thermal insulation is improved with a thin lining (air doesn’t pass through) and makes it more comfortable on the tops of the hands. The thumb passes through easily and the seams are strong. If you decide you don’t want to use the thumb hole, the fabric doesn’t get in the way.

Carefully constructed, with waterproof seams and reinforced tension points. All zips, including the underarm zips, are waterproof and they slide easily. The waist area uses traditional adjustment elastics (one on each hip) and a non-removable snow skirt. The latter does not rise up your back thanks to an elastomer band. There are fasteners that enable you to attach the jacket to the pants for a better waterproof seal, for when you are in big powder, or heliskiing for example.

 

The central zip slides well and is easy to grab when you have cold fingers but also with thin gloves on. The large slider makes a little noise when it is at chin level.

The neck height and volume have been well designed to accommodate extra layers of clothing and to effectively protect you from the wind. There is a second vertical zip that can further increase the volume of the neck that is extremely convenient and easy to use. Thanks to the comfortable soft panel (thin fleece), contact with the neck remains cozy.

 

The hood is not very useful since you ski with a helmet. Yet it has also been designed very carefully to the minutest details. Its neon color plays an undeniable role in visibility and therefore for skier safety. Its volume is adjusted once thanks to the adjustment set behind the head. The hood protects laterally while keeping a minimum field of vision. If you want to refine the volume even more, there are two adjustments on each side of the neck. Be careful of the excess rubber bands with plastic tips that can smack you in the face if the hood is very tight. It’s a classic drawback of this kind of hood fastening.

Curiously, the ski pass pocket is positioned on the biceps, which doesn’t change anything. The Helly Hansen Ridge Shell 2.0 jkt is equipped with the Recco avalanche rescue device. Beware, it is a passive system and some ski resorts are not equipped with detectors for ski patrollers. The Recco is a bonus, but by no means the insurance of escaping from avalanche risk.

 

The final positive point is the hand pocket layout. In addition to the fact that they are very aesthetic with a fluo border, they are positioned vertically: even if you forget to close them, it is unlikely you will lose personal belongings, and even more interestingly your hands are in their natural position inside. Two other large spaces are accessible via vertical zips: gloves or a mask fit in. You also have a large net on the inside of the jacket. The breast pocket is baptized Life Pocket +, and is thermally insulated and supposed to preserve your phone’s battery from the cold. It is though, positioned at heart level, which is not really recommended. Also more importantly, remember that phones and ABs do not mix.

 

In bad weather, the Helly Hansen Ridge Shell 2.0 withstands humidity and wet snow for a long time. It has average breathability for products of this type on the market. We tested it with the Helly Hansen pants:
https://www.test4outside.com/produit/helly-hansen-garibaldi-pant/.

 

The Helly Hansen Ridge Shell 2.0 Jacket ticks all the boxes that a successful freeride product requires. Designed to provide protection from the elements and it remains comfortable, very well designed details, and well-conceived. A beautiful jacket that is worn with pleasure whilst out in powder. The Test4outside.com team gave it the FIRST Award.

 

 

"The Helly Hansen Ridge Shell 2.0 Jacket ticks all the boxes that a successful freeride product requires. Designed to provide protection from the elements and it remains comfortable, very well designed details, and well-conceived. A beautiful jacket that is worn with pleasure whilst out in powder. The Test4outside.com team gave it the FIRST Award."

Rating

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • ZIPS
    9
  • WATERPROOFNESS
    8
  • BREATHABILITY
    7
  • HOOD QUALITY
    8
  • ACCESSOIRIES
    8
  • DESIGN
    8
  • DURABILITY
    8

Price : 500

Overall Rating

8.00

LONG TERM TEST

We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:

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