Helly Hansen is one of the most popular brands when it comes to skiing outfits. Their gear for the slopes is so good that professional skiers often wear it. And that’s all you need to know if you had any doubts about the quality of Helly Hansen gear.
In this detailed review, we will take a good look at some of their best ski jackets. From options that are lightweight and packable to rugged jackets that will keep you comfortable even in extremely harsh weather conditions.
I’ve also included options for men, women, and children, so there are plenty of ski jackets for everyone. Scroll down to find the perfect one for you!
BEST SKI JACKET FOR MEN
Helly Hansen Men’s Alpha 3.0 Jacket
The Alpha 3.0 jacket is one of Helly Hansen’s best-selling ski jackets ever. And for several good reasons, from the warm Primaloft insulation to the excellent size range.
This ski jacket is made from Helly Tech Professional fabric, which is the brand’s proprietary material. The weatherproof material has DWR coating on the outside, as well as a breathable membrane on the inside, with seam-sealed construction. This means that the exterior of the jacket is fully waterproof, but the interior allows moisture to escape, for excellent breathability.
In addition to that, the Alpha 3.0 jacket is insulated with two different types of Primaloft insulation – Primaloft Gold in the body, and Primaloft Black in the sleeves and the hood. This is one of the best synthetic insulations out there, so there’s no doubt that the Alpha 3.0 jacket will do an amazing job at keeping you warm on the slopes.
On top of that, this jacket has plenty of pockets, so you will be able to have all your necessary items on you. This includes an innovative Life Pocket, which is basically an insulated pocket for your smartphone. The Primaloft insulation inside helps preserve the battery life of your phone in cold environments, which is pretty awesome.
Another reason why this is an excellent jacket for the slopes is the abundance of ski-friendly features. The Alpha 3.0 has a stretch powder skirt, stretch lining, thumbholes, and wrist gaiters, which will seal in the warmth, and keep you protected from different weather conditions.
Pros
- Waterproof material
- Insulated phone pocket
- Excellent breathability
Cons
- Pricey
Product Information
- Size Variety: XXS – XXL
- Waterproof: Yes, DWR coating
- Materials: Helly Tech Professional fabric
BEST SKI JACKET FOR WOMEN
Helly Hansen Women’s Powderqueen 2.0 Jacket
Ladies, if you’re looking for a warm, weatherproof and comfortable jacket, this is the one to get. It is a relaxed-fitting ski jacket, which will make your rides on the slopes a lot more enjoyable.
The Powderqueen 2.0 jacket features seam-sealed construction with DWR coating and YKK Aqua Guard waterproof zippers. It is made from a mixture of 2-ply fabric and 4-way stretch fabric, so it is both durable and really comfortable to wear.
In addition to that, this women’s jacket features H2Flow System, which is Helly Hansen’s temperature regulating system. It works by storing hot air inside the jacket, which keeps you sufficiently warm no matter how cold it gets outside. And in case you get too hot, you can always let some of that air out with the ventilated underarm zippers.
That, in combination with the Primaloft insulation, ensures that you will never be cold while wearing this Helly Hansen ski jacket.
Another reason why you will love the Powderqueen 2.0 is the freeride-specific features, which are meant to make your days on the slopes even more fun. This includes a powder skirt that is compatible with ski pants, a higher collar, and a google shammy. And this Helly Hansen jacket also incorporates the Recco Advanced Rescue System – very specific reflectors that will help rescue teams find you, in case you get buried by an avalanche.
Plus, this jacket has a variety of different pockets, so you can have lots of things handy on your rides. And this includes a Life Pocket, which is a dedicated smartphone pocket with Primaloft insulation.
Pros
- Weatherproof and insulated
- Very breathable
- Insulated smartphone pocket
Cons
- Expensive
- Size variety is not the best
- Product Information
- Size Variety: XS – XL
- Waterproof: Yes, DWR coating and YKK Aqua Guard zippers
- Materials: Helly Tech Performance
BEST SKI JACKET FOR KIDS
Helly Hansen Cascade Junior Ski Jacket
If you need a good ski jacket for your little one, the Cascade is one of the best options from Helly Hansen. It is entirely waterproof, windproof, and insulated with Primaloft Black, which guarantees your child will stay warm and dry on the slopes.
The jacket is made from Helly Tech Performance fabric, which is the same type of fabric used in ski jackets for adults. That means your kids will have the same level of protection and warmth as you will – and that’s reason enough to pick up the Cascade jacket.
There’s also the water-resistant powder skirt, the detachable and insulated hood, the soft tricot lining inside the collar – all those little details are why Helly Hansen jackets are worth every penny. And the Cascade jacket isn’t even that expensive – it is a bit pricey for a kid’s jacket, but you can get certain colors for less than $100.
Honestly, if you’re a petite woman and you can fit into the size 16 of this jacket, this might be the best option for you – you’ll save some $200, and you’ll still have a really awesome ski jacket!
The only major difference between the Cascade and other adult jackets is the number of pockets. This jacket only has two external pockets and no internal ones. It doesn’t have an insulated smartphone pocket like the jackets for grown-ups do, but that’s fine for a kid’s jacket. Two pockets are still enough for a ski pass and goggles, especially when they have you to carry everything else they might need!
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Insulated with Primaloft
- Collar lined with tricot
Cons
- Only two pockets
- Not a lot of color variety
- Product Information
- Size Variety: 8 – 16 yrs
- Waterproof: Yes, DWR coating
- Materials: Helly Tech Performance
BEST NON-INSULATED JACKET
Helly Hansen Men’s Dubliner Jacket
The Dubliner jacket is an excellent option for people who don’t want an insulated jacket. It is a waterproof outer layer that you can combine with a really warm hoodie or an insulated down jacket, for ultimate protection on the slopes.
This is a lightweight shell jacket, so it’s also great for the city streets. It’s the best thing you can wear on a rainy day because it will keep you dry even in really heavy downpours. On top of that, it’s also a really good jacket for travel. The Dubliner jacket is quite packable, and it takes up very little space in your luggage.
This Helly Hansen jacket is made from polyester and it’s machine washable. The exterior is coated for excellent water resistance, but the protective features of the Dubliner don’t stop there. With elastic cuffs and a storm flap, this outerwear will also keep you protected from harsh winds.
The jacket hood is stowable, and it can be hidden in the small zippered pocket around the neck. But it is not an adjustable hood, so there’s nothing to ensure that it will stay on your head in really strong winds.
There are only two pockets on this shell jacket, which is not exactly great. There’s some space for your necessities, but not enough space for all the must-have ski gear. However, that makes sense since this is not exactly a ski jacket, but more of a versatile jacket that also works for the slopes – as long as you put on a really warm mid-layer first!
Pros
- Versatile jacket
- Waterproof construction
- Lightweight and packable
Cons
- Not insulated
- Only two pockets
- Runs somewhat small
- Product Information
- Size Variety: S – 5XL
- Waterproof: Yes
- Materials: Polyester
Helly Hansen Men’s Juniper 3.0 Jacket
The Juniper jacket is a great versatile option. It is one of the best mixes between a ski jacket and a city jacket, so it’s great for people who are looking to get something they can wear almost on a daily basis.
This Helly Hansen jacket is made from a Mélange stretch fabric with two-ply seam-sealed construction. The exterior of the jacket is treated with DWR for good water resistance, while its interior features an H2Flow membrane that lets any moisture inside the jacket evaporate.
In addition to that, the Juniper ski jacket also features YKK Vislon zippers, which are water-resistant. And not just on the main zip, but also on the smaller front pockets, so even your smaller necessities will stay dry.
The entire jacket is insulated, and it will keep you sufficiently warm, whether you’re hitting the slopes or running around town. This also includes a dedicated Life Pocket that’s supposed to protect your phone’s battery in extreme colds.
On top of that, the Juniper jacket articulated arms for great mobility on the slopes, as well as a detachable and helmet-compatible hood. The wrist cuffs are windproof, and they feature gaiters that will easily lock the heat inside the jacket.
There are multiple internal and external pockets on this jacket. The internal ones include a dedicated goggles pocket in addition to the phone pocket, while the outside features two open hand warming pockets and two zippered chest pockets. And that’s plenty of space for items you need handy, both for the slopes and city streets!
Pros
- Versatile jacket
- Weatherproof and insulated
- Lots of pockets
Cons
- Runs a little small
- No petite sizes
- Product Information
- Size Variety: S- XL
- Waterproof: Yes, DWR coating
- Materials: 2-Way Mechanical Mélange Stretch Fabric
Helly Hansen Mens Fernie 2.0 Jacket
The Fernie is another great freeride jacket option from Helly Hansen. It is made from texturized Helly Tech Performance fabric, which is very durable and weatherproof. This jacket features DWR coating for excellent water resistance, and it is fully insulated with Primaloft.
It is also very breathable, so you won’t get too hot or sweaty when you’re on the slopes. In addition to that, the Fernie jacket has seam-sealed construction with waterproof YKK zippers, for premium protection from different weather conditions.
This is a great ski jacket because it has a lot of features that will make your life easier on the slopes. There’s an attached powder skirt, wrist gaiters, a helmet-compatible hood, and underarm zippers for ventilation.
On top of that, the Fernie also features Recco Advanced Rescue System reflectors, which might just save your life if you ever get buried in an avalanche.
And there are also plenty of pockets on this ski jacket. There are four external ones – three have a snap closure, and one features a waterproof zipper that will keep its contents dry at all times. Plus, the lower front pockets are dual-entry, so you can technically keep some stuff inside them as well. The jacket also has internal pockets for goggles and electronics, which is very convenient.
The size range of this jacket is not the best though; the smallest size available is S, so there aren’t really any options for petite people. But they do go up to 2XL, which is pretty good. Another thing worth noting is that this is one of Helly Hansen’s more affordable jackets. So, if you were hoping to stay within a $250 budget, this is probably the best option for you.
Pros
- Weatherproof and insulated
- Recco Advanced Rescue System reflectors
- Lots of pockets
Cons
- Size variety is not the best
- Not very versatile
- Product Information
- Size Variety: S – 2XL
- Waterproof: Yes, DWR coating
- Materials: Texturized Helly Tech Performance Fabric
Helly Hansen Women’s Showcase Jacket
The Showcase women’s jacket is another excellent option for skiing. It’s a relaxed-fit insulated jacket, made from the brand’s proprietary Helly Tech Professional two-ply fabric. It features DWR coating, as well as seam-sealed weatherproof construction, which will keep you warm and dry even in really harsh weather conditions.
This Helly Hansen jacket is insulated with 40 grams of Primaloft insulation, which will provide you with as much warmth as you need on the slopes. And in case you ever get too hot, there are underarm ventilation zippers that let you air out the jacket a bit, and reduce the temperature inside it.
With an abundance of ski-friendly features, this really is an excellent option for the slopes. There’s a snap-away powder skirt, a fixed hood that’s compatible with helmets, dedicated pockets for goggles and a ski pass, and wrist gaiters with thumbholes that keep the wind out. Oh, and one of those pockets is an insulated electronics pocket, which will keep your phone toasty warm so that its battery doesn’t run out too fast.
In addition to all that, the Showcase jackets also feature hand warming pockets, with sturdy and water-resistant YKK zippers. Recco Advanced Rescue System reflectors are also integrated into the construction of this ski jacket, so you have some extra protection in worst-case scenarios.
However, the size variety is quite disappointing – the largest size the jacket is available in is a medium. But it is a relaxed fit jacket, so at least you can be sure that your usual size will fit you perfectly, with enough room underneath for a thick hoodie or a sweater.
Pros
- Underarm ventilation zippers
- Pockets for goggles and a ski pass
- Weatherproof, breathable and insulated construction
Cons
- Size variety is disappointing
- Hood is not removable
- Product Information
- Size Variety: XS – M
- Waterproof: Yes, DWR coating
- Materials: Helly Tech Professional fabric
Helly Hansen Mens Straightline LIFALOFT Jacket
The Straightline jacket is a great option if you want extra protection and warmth. It has a longer silhouette, which protects your torso a bit better in really harsh weather conditions. However, it’s also a bit more restrictive, so bear that in mind. If you’re looking to have great freedom of movement on the slopes, perhaps you should check out some shorter ski jackets instead.
This jacket features weatherproof, seam-sealed construction with DWR coating, waterproof zippers, breathable materials, and Lifaloft insulation. The main fabric of this jacket is Helly Tech Professional two-ply fabric, which is tough, durable, and lightweight.
Lifaloft insulation is actually a combination of the brand’s proprietary Lifa technology and the classic Primaloft insulation. This unique mix creates incredibly lightweight insulation, which is able to provide great levels of warmth, but without weighing you down one bit.
And it is still a very breathable jacket, thanks to the brushed stretch panels and underarm zippers for improved ventilation. It is also equipped with everything an excellent ski jacket should have, from the adjustable cuffs to the snap-away powder skirt. It also has Recco Advanced Rescue System reflectors, which help rescue times find you in case you get buried by an avalanche.
In addition to that, this jacket has plenty of pockets, for all your skiing necessities. There is dedicated pockets for your goggles inside, as well as a ski-pass pocket. And the exterior of the ski jacket features two hand warming pockets, a chest pocket, and an insulated Life Pocket for your smartphone.
Pros
- Lightweight insulation
- Weatherproof shell
- Excellent ventilation
Cons
- Slightly restrictive due to longer silhouette
- Hood is not removable
- Product Information
- Size Variety: S – 2XL
- Waterproof: Yes, DWR coating and waterproof zippers
- Materials: Helly Tech Professional two-ply fabric
Helly Hansen Women’s Crew Midlayer Fleece Lined Jacket
The Crew mid-layer jacket is a great versatile option for the ladies. The exterior of the jacket is entirely waterproof and windproof, but it is not a ridiculously warm jacket. Which makes it an excellent option for anything you want to do in the mountains, but also for running around town in snowy weather.
It is not really insulated – the warmth comes from the fuzzy fleece lining, so it’s definitely not the best jacket for extremely harsh weather. But, it is an awesome option for skiing when the weather is nice and the sun is out – it will keep you sufficiently warm while protecting you from the snow and wind at the same time.
This is primarily designed as a sailing jacket, which should give you a good idea about how waterproof it is. It makes the Crew jacket a great option for skiing in snowy weather since the construction guarantees you won’t be bothered by the snowflakes.
In addition to that, this jacket has a total of three external pockets – one on the chest, and two hand-warming pockets. The latter two feature fleece lining as well, for a little extra insulation.
Even though it is not specifically designed as a jacket for skiing, it does have some features you might find handy on the slopes. The hem and the cuffs are adjustable, and the hood can be tucked away in the zippered pocket on the neck. But it doesn’t have dedicated pockets for goggles and a ski pass, which makes sense since it’s not primarily a ski jacket.
Another thing that I love about the Helly Hansen Crew jacket is the size range. It goes from XS to 4XL, which means that are plenty of options for everyone.
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Lined with warm fleece
- Adjustable cuffs and hem
Cons
- Not primarily a ski jacket
- Not insulated
- No dedicated pockets for goggles and ski pass
- Product Information
- Size Variety: XS – 4XL
- Waterproof: Yes
- Materials: 100% Polyester
Helly Hansen Men’s Garibaldi Jacket
The Garibaldi jacket is another great option for men. It has a longer silhouette, but it is a relaxed fit jacket so it’s not very restrictive. The outer shell is a bit wide at the hips, but you can adjust the internal hem to be much tighter, in order to keep the wind out.
This jacket features two-ply fabric construction with jaquar knitted fabric, and it is insulated with Primaloft. Its exterior is entirely waterproof and windproof, while the inner layers of the jacket feature H2Flow system for improved breathability. And in case you ever get too warm while wearing the Garibaldi jacket, you can always let some fresh air in with the underarm ventilation zippers.
But it’s not a great ski jacket just because it is warm and waterproof. It’s actually because it has so many ski-friendly features, that will help you enjoy the slopes even more. There’s the snap-away powder skirt, adjustable cuffs with wrist gaiters, thumb holes, a helmet-compatible hood, and articulated arms and elbows for superior fit.
In addition to that, you will have plenty of pockets for all your must-have items. This includes an insulated smartphone pocket that Helly Hansen calls Life Pocket. The insulation helps preserve your phone’s battery life even in extreme colds, which is very convenient.
There are also external hand warming pockets, internal pockets for goggles and a ski pass, and a couple more pockets on the exterior of the jacket. All of the zippered pockets feature waterproof YKK Aqua Guard zippers, just like the main jacket flap.
Pros
- Very breathable
- Waterproof zippers
- Recco Advanced Rescue System reflectors
Cons
- Size range is not the best
- Pricey
- Product Information
- Size Variety: S – XL
- Waterproof: Yes, DWR coating and YKK Aqua Guard zippers
- Materials: Jaquar Knitted Fabric
