Helly Hansen Atlas Flow Jacket

Toughest, smartest all-round cold weather jacket we've seen yet

Product

Helly Hansen Men's Atlas Flow Down Jacket 3L

Promise

Helly Hansen markets the men's Atlas jacket as a 'snow sports essential'. It boasts a waterproof but breathable exterior, goose down insulation. PrimaLoft side panels (a new technology fabric that is insulating, soft, lightweight, breathable and water repellent). Plus it's got 'additional performance features' including a pocket for your phone or mp3 player, a removable powder skirt that seals in the jacket at your waist to stop snow or water getting inside, and water resistant zips. Phew.

Performance

First thing to bear in mind is that Helly kits out the world's best athletes and adventurers - not just people off on their annual snowboarding holiday (although they do that too). In short, it makes tough clothing. We took the men's Helly Atlas jacket to Beaver Creek, Colorado, to put it through its paces. Normally when we're product-testing we may spend a couple of days with a piece of gear, but for our winter gear reviews we really took these items through some punishing steps: off-piste skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking in blizzards. We take our responsibilities seriously!

So, the Atlas. It's incredible. The first thing you notice is it's not all that thick for a winter jacket (and although this is marketed as a ski jacket, we'd bet money on this being an ideal purchase for a hardcore sailing trip as well) but it has goose down stuffed into some conveniently located hexagonal pillows inside the jacket. These are designed to keep your vitals warm but also enable 'venting channels' so any excess heat and moisture can escape. Ingenious. And what's more - it actually works. It has re-inforced shoulder pads, a detachable hood, lycra wrist gaitors that fit over your thumbs (so you can put your gloves on and not leave any skin showing) and deep pockets in the sides and also, conveniently, on the left wrist.

If that wasn't enough, the Atlas also has a RECCO reflector. If you don't know what one of these is, listen up: if you're going on a skiing holiday in the mountains, upgrade your gear now to include an item of clothing that incorporates one. It's permanently sewn into a lot of new skiing and snowboarding clothing and weighs less than four grammes but is priceless. It emits a frequency that can be picked up by search and rescue teams, so if, god forbid, you fall victim to an avalanche and are buried under the snow, they can locate you. It doesn't need any batteries and it'll last a lifetime.

Verdict

Nothing short of remarkable. This jacket is an investment in your comfort and safety. And it'll last you years.