Helly Hansen Hydropower Lift jacket

Helly's latest sailing coat offers unrivalled protection

Product

Helly Hansen Hydropower Lift jacket

Promise

Waterproof jacket for extreme situations that demand a higher level of protection.

Performance

If you're embarking on sailing or powerboating trips – or any one of a host of activities that virtually guarantee a soaking – you want reliability and longevity from your outer layers.

This Hydropower jacket from aquatic maestros Helly Hansen will do very nicely, thanks to its smart fabrics and subtle features. Imbued with HellyTech XP, the two-layer construction of the jacket is waterproof and breathable: it feels like trad stuff between the fingers, but once you work up a sweat you'll notice the difference - and be grateful for the fact that you'll no longer be basting in your own juices.

The detailing of Helly design really goes from strength to strength: here, they're giving as much as they can without disrupting a totally practical coat. Inner PU cuffs and adjustable cuff give you a complete water-tight seal, even when your arms are raised. There's enough panels of fabric to give you total freedom of movement too, which is always a major issue with modern sailing gear. For comfort there's a Polartec fleece-lined collar (which in itself is high enough to snuggle your nose into). Safety elements include reflective strips all round a kill cord ring and high-vis ocean hood.

Verdict

Bring on the storms. With one of these on you're practically unstoppable.