Hardshell Jackets
Product 2025
Woman, Man
We really liked this lightweight yet highly protective shell, especially in harsh weather—whether it’s snow, wet snow, or rain. We tested it together with the matching pants.
We were initially skeptical during our snow tests. Generally, offsetting the main zipper on a technical shell might seem like a good idea for style or convenience, but in practice it’s often (very) uncomfortable. Surprisingly, that’s not the case with the Helly Hansen Odin BC Infinity Shell Jkt. Why?
Although it’s a 3-layer shell, the fabric remains supple and flexible, without creating folds or rigid zones. You don’t feel the side zip or the slider against your chin at all.
As for the design—it’s one of the jacket’s highlights. The backcountry/freeride aesthetic is clean and stylish, with layered colors and very high-quality construction.
This Helly Hansen Odin BC Infinity Shell Jkt offers excellent waterproofing while remaining comfortable, thanks to a well-tailored fit and slightly stretchy fabric. Even though it’s a hard shell, it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing armor. The fabric is also abrasion-resistant, though long-term durability still needs to be confirmed.
There’s no powder skirt—probably a weight-saving decision—but the jacket is cut long at the back, which offers solid lower back protection. That also makes it a versatile, all-season shell, even though it has a helmet-compatible hood. The hood adjusts at three points and allows for good lateral visibility.
The neck area is very well protected, as are the wrists. Some testers wished for stronger Velcro closures on the cuffs—they feel a bit loose, though they actually hold up under use.
One feature we didn’t find especially convincing was the side-access zip, meant to let you reach your midlayer and avalanche beacon (DVA) without opening the main zipper. In practice, it’s not particularly convenient.
All the zippers are waterproof and run smoothly. The jacket also features a Recco reflector.
A high-performance technical shell—lightweight, weatherproof, and extremely effective. An excellent choice for ski touring, mountaineering, and freeride skiing.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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