Around Southern BC, we’re finally seeing double-digit temperatures Celsius and starting to swap out the parkas and boots for lighter layers.
I’ve been a fan of Helly Hansen tights for awhile now; their Pace Winter Tights are part of my daily wardrobe. When I work from our home office, I often dress for a mid-morning power walk; being geared up from the get-go is a ‘no excuses’ way to get out of the office.
Looking over Helly Hansen’s spring 2016 collection, I came across a few pieces I thought would be perfect for showcasing (and layering!) here.
Active Flow LS
This is a very soft, lightweight technical top with a rounded neck that sports striped sleeve accents for visibility. I like its lining, made to wick moisture away from the body by way of two technologies: LIFA®Flow and Lifa® Stay Dry, developed by Helly Hansen for comfort while you’re out enjoying a sweaty run or gym workout.
Down at the wrist, the band has a snug fit. You can easily layer it with a lightweight fleece or waterproof jacket; an image of an afternoon kayaking wearing this long-sleeved top comes to mind.
I’m wearing The Active Flow LS in Frozen Blue. It also comes in Pink Glow, White/Princess Purple, Magenta, Glacial Purple, Rock/Neon Pink and Ebony/Snowcrystal. CAD $27.50 CAD/USD $25
Aspire Tights
These tights bear somewhat of a resemblance to the Pace Tights I featured last year — with a lighter weight. The rear zippered pocket is included on these as well for stowing cash and ID. The fit is comfortable with a draw-cord waist and zippers at the legs.
The material is X-Cool Quick-dry, perfect for Western Canada’s finicky weather patterns. They fit pretty true to size and are available in both black and black/magenta (shown in photos).
I love the near-neon orange accents at the waist tie, logo and zippers. The magenta pattern is pretty snazzy too as an alternative to all-black.
The Aspire Tights are also designed to provide 360-degree reflectivity. CAD $80/USD $75
Daybreaker Fleece Jacket
Helly Hansen’s versatile, lightweight front-zip fleece is a classic. It’s suitable for mountain bike trails, city walks and travelling just about anywhere as it packs down into carry-on luggage and zips up high to help when the wind gusts kick up.
The array of colours help compliment most any wardrobe. I’ve got basic black here that works nicely with the Active Flow LS underneath. The material is breathable, fast-drying and durable 100-gram Polartec® Micro fleece.
In addition to black and white, there’s Evening Blue, Magenta, Aqua Marine, Sky High and Bright Bloom. CAD $75/USD $65
Odin Moon Light Jacket
From the moment I saw the Odin Moon Light Jacket – particularly this beautiful floral print version – I knew it would be perfect for warm, rainy weather. First off, it’s a light shell with a hood that zips up, covering your neck and head to protect from the elements.
For a comfortable fit, the bottom of the jacket has an adjustable toggle/cord system and its sleeves are partially elasticized to accommodate a sweater underneath.
The 2.5-ply fabric is Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treated to make the Odin fully waterproof, right down to the YKK®Aquaguard water-resistant front-zip area.
[Underarm ventilation area]
A small front pocket can stash a smart phone while two front pockets at the waist are perfect for keys or lip balm. And now a bit about the coat’s name.
Odin refers to the Norwegian “God of the Gods”, a supreme being who led the battle against evil during the Viking age. Odin embodies the eternal spirit: Helly Hansen fittingly named this collection to reflect the best of Scandinavian design and outdoor culture alike.
The line aims to create purposeful technology for mountaineers, but we think it’s more than suitable for a day spent on a BC ferry deck or storm-watching in Tofino. This stylish jacket is also available in Aqua Marine and Magenta. All three look pretty snazzy with the Aspire Tights since the Flower Print version contains a bright magenta zipper outline and pulls. CAD $220/USD $200
One more note: Both Daybreaker Fleece and Odin Moon Light jackets are bluesign® approved, produced with a minimum impact on both people and the environment.
All items are available on the Helly Hansen website as well as in retail shops around the globe. Helly Hansen generously provided me with a few pieces from their new collection to feature here.
