Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

Now that the days are gradually getting longer and sunnier, we’re ready for hikes and urban adventures on our two-wheelers. A few awesome layering jackets have caught our eye, from Helly Hansen, Arc’teryx and Fjällräven.

These can all be layered with both workout gear and streetwear and each offers different features for keeping warm on windy days. All three outerwear companies were kind enough to send us these jackets to check out.

Helly Hansen Crew Insulator Vest

This lightweight, front-zipper closing vest sports white piping details along the length of the zipper as well as around the neck and upper back panel, with a white Helly Hansen logo on back. Inside, the piping idea repeats with fluorescent orange. There’s two zippered hand pockets and what I like is the body-flattering diagonal quilt design.

The inside hem, armholes and collard are all elasticated for a snug fit. And speaking of fit, I did notice that this wind-resistant, water-repellant jacket – although advertised as a regular fit – is on the small size, so plan on going up a size when ordering one.

If navy’s not your thing, the Crew Insulator Vest also comes in white with navy contrast piping and a navy Helly Hansen logo. Both are insulated with Primaloft® Black and are DWR (Durable Water Repellant) treated.

This jacket is great to wear over a hoody or light sweater. It comes in sizes XS to XL and retails for CAD $130/USD $110. For more details and global store locator, visit Helly Hansen online.

Fjällräven High Coast Wind Jacket

Fjällräven’s light, packable High Coast Wind Jacket is ideal for our coastal climate, whether you’re into hiking, cycling, sailing or hitting the seawall on a blustery day. It’s made from waxed polyamide/organic cotton (54% Polyamide, 46% Cotton, to be precise) and has an adjustable hood, vertical chest pocket plus two zippered hand pockets.

To keep wind out, the jacket zips all the way up to protect your chest and neck from the elements. The inside hem has a cinching cord to adjust the waist while the cuffs have elastic edging and are nicely finished with piping material.

The wax impregnation adds a water-resistant element as well, especially handy for all the lovely rain that gets our mountains so green in summer.

I’ll be getting a lot of use from this one as it folds down nice and small for backpack adventures and carry-on luggage alike.

The High Coast Wind Jacket comes in sizes XXS to XL and is available in Limestone, Copper Green, Seashell Orange, Navy and Fog (in the US, available in Seashell Orange, Copper Green and Navy only); USD $150/CAD $219.99.

Visit Fjällräven online or in-store across North America.

Arc’teryx Atom SL Hoody

Still part of the Arc’teryx lineup, I’ve grown to love this one over the past summer and into fall for its lightweight, soft fabric and wearability. This hooded jacket zips right up to the neck to protect against cool, windy evenings.

The Atom SL Hoody is created for changes in exposure, elevation and climate using Tyono™ 20 shell material. 40g/m² Coreloft™ Compact insulation is highly compressible, insulates if wet, permits airflow and delivers superior performance for its weight.

The uninsulated hood is DWR (durable water repellant) treated, so it’ll come in handy for unexpected light rain as well.

This is a super compact, easily packable mid-layer jacket with air-permeable side panels that goes with everything in your wardrobe. A keeper.

Arc’teryx’s Atom SL is available in women’s sizes XS through XL and comes in Somerset Blue, Castaway (green), Black Sapphire, Rad (red) and Amarath (dusty pink); CAD $250.