While aboard a recent Viking River Cruise through Russia, there were several times when I’d head down to the bottom deck to explore the ship’s boutique, drawn to the vast collection of colourful hand-painted matryoshka dolls for sale.
At the boutique, I also noticed Helly Hansen Viking-branded gear. Makes perfect sense — both Viking (Torstein Hagen) and Helly (Juell) Hansen hail from Norway.
Ahead of our latest cruise – this time along the Danube from Budapest to Bucharest – I decided to check out one of their jackets. How fitting for Vancouverscape that there’s a Vancouver Jacket in the line-up!
Part of an assortment that includes fleece jackets, belted hooded coats, mid layers, polo shirts, daypack and crew cap, Helly Hansen’s Vancouver Jacket is so very suited to being near water, anywhere in the world.
It’s lightweight (so you can easily pack it into a carry-on or daypack), is lined, has an adjustable hood, zippered hand pockets, adjustable cuffs and a bottom-hemmed cinch cord for a customized fit.
Vancouver gets more than its fair share of rain, so the Durable Water Repellency (DWR) and fully-seam sealed construction make this jacket ideal for both trails and city outings. You can wash it in warm water and hang it to dry.
TECH FEATURES
– Helly Tech® Performance
– Waterproof, windproof and breathable
– 2-ply fabric construction
– Anti-chafe chin guard
Viking tour guides are decked out in these easily-visible jackets (as well as the Viking x Helly Hansen day packs). The partnership is driven out of Norway; Viking buys HH uniforms for the cruise ships as well as for their on-board stores.
Future travellers can purchase the collection via the US-based Helly Hansen Viking microsite.
Available in red or navy in sizes XS through XXL, Helly Hansen’s Vancouver Jacket retails for USD $160 (Viking passengers get 15% off all HH/Viking-branded items). A men’s version is also available.
