“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance…” – Albert Einstein
Since their founding in 1877, Helly Hansen has been pushing the paradigms of performance and function, driving advances in both the outdoor industry and in the way people think about protection, performance, and design. In line with this heritage of innovation, Helly Hansen has introduces the H2 Flow™ Jacket. Designed to be worn as a mid-layer or as a stand-alone jacket, the H2 Flow™ adds a technical edge to your cool weather layering program.
On Performance and Function…
Arguably the most important piece of clothing in the layering system, mid-layers are the true barriers that stand between the extreme and ever changing conditions in nature, and your body. However, these jackets also present athletes with a dilemma. Some mid-layers breathe out body vapor and heat crucial to staying dry and regulating your temperature. Others, without a way to efficiently cool down, can cause the athlete to overheat.
Helly Hansen’s new H2 Flow™ not only redesigns the look and function of the traditional mid-layer jacket, but reshapes the way we think about comfort and sustained performance in the field. The low bulk and high performance of the Helly Hansen H2 Flow Jacket are powered by the patent-pending H2 Flow™ Technology. Ideal for pursuing isolated panoramas that require some aerobic exertion to behold, this jacket fights off Mother Nature’s cold shoulder without suffocating you in the process.
The patent-pending H2 Flow™ Technology stands for “Hollow Heat Flow,” a system that marries insulation featuring both positive and negative spaces, and a proprietary approach to air flow regulation. The unique combination of elements allows the wearer to easily regulate their own temperature by making small and efficient adjustments based on his or her activity level and external weather conditions.
The unique power of the jacket resides in the red Polartec Fleece lining with various sized holes. This innovative lining provides 200g of insulation and creates ‘air pockets’ which help lock in warmth even in foggy or drizzly conditions when the jacket is fully zipped. As an added bonus, the negative spaces in the lining means less fabric, so the H2 Flow can provide durable protection without the bulk and weight of other insulated jackets.
When you’re pushing to the summit and your body starts to hit the red zone, simply open the zippered “air ports.” Once the air ports are opened, the holes in the inner liner help allow air to easily circulate around the body, providing an immediate cooling effect. The result? You’ll cool off more quickly than with a traditional jacket.
For those wondering, the Gumption HQ isn’t outfitted with a lab to scientifically assess the claims from any brand regarding the gear they provide for testing. Our lab is the great outdoors – the same place that you’ll be putting your gear through the daily grind of life, whether in the backcountry or the concrete jungle. After spending time in Mother Nature’s laboratory, here’s what we can tell you. Our field team emphatically backed not only the versatility of the H2 Flow Jacket, but more importantly, its ability to adjust the body’s microclimate and comfort level based on activity level.
Beyond Innovation and Performance…
More than just an innovative design that marks a legitimate advance in the outdoor industry, the Helly Hansen design team should be commended on an aesthetic styling that is both striking and subtly understated. A sleek black shell accentuated with bold lines of deep red is not only made from an ultralight ripstop material, but ready to shed water and block wind.
Moreover, the size XL jacket provided to our 6’4” tester was virtually spot on. Designed to serve as a mid-layer or stand-alone, the H2 Flow™ Jacket, has an athletic cut that hits near perfect on the torso.
Bottom Line…
Every so often you come across a piece of gear that makes everything in your gear closet look antiquated and out of date. With a technology that puts you in control of your own comfort while never losing site of fit of style, the H2 Flow jacket is that kind of product. It’s the new staple in your outdoor game. Gumption tested, gumption approved.
Manufactured by Helly Hansen, the H2 Flow Jacket is available for men and women, $180USD.
*Gumption Gear Review received a H2 Flow Jacket from Helly Hansen for this review, but the acceptance of this product in no way influenced the outcome of this review.