Equal parts savvy style and technical gear, the MerinoLOFT Helix Zip Hood Jacket from Icebreaker carries from trail to tailgate to tavern with ease. Featuring next generation merino wool, this jacket not only fends off the cold in style, but brings a new level of luxury to mid-weight insulated jackets.
On Performance & Design…
Whether you’re out stalking glassy alpine lakes, snow dusted high peaks, or simply waiting outside the local watering hole for your buddies, you can put your faith in Icebreaker Merino to keep you warm and protected from the elements. But more than just another cozy midlayer for inclement weather, this jacket (available for men and women), is about to make the rest of your winter wardrobe feel more than a bit antiquated.
It all starts with a construction that will make your little eco-friendly heart green with envy. The exterior is made with recycled polyester – a durable, water-resistant fabric that fends off light precipitation and rough play. But the heart and soul of the MerinoLOFT Helix is its down insulation.
Composed of repurposed and highly insulating MerinoLOFT™, the insulating layer includes up to ten percent recycled merino offcuts salvaged from the factory floor. The result is Icebreaker’s warmest layers ever offering plenty of warmth with minimal bulk.
Unlike puffer jackets made from down or a synthetic fill, MerinoLOFT jackets are warm when wet making them great for days when the weather suddenly turns sideways. And because the loft is treated with polyactide (pressed corn oil), the wool won’t clump so it can withstand the constant torture of being pushed and pulled in and out of your pack – and it can even handle your washing machine.
As if the MerinoLOFT insulation wasn’t impressive enough, the Icebreaker design team added merino cuffs and lined the interior body of this jacket with a durable woven merino lining that gives the Helix a touch of unexpected luxury. This next-to-skin lining not only beats the daylights out of the traditional nylon lining of similar jackets, but it helps regulate temperature and is naturally breathable to prevent overheating and claminess. And since it’s merino, it is also resistant to the bacteria that causes odors which is an added benefit when you celebrate the days climb at the pub.
Notes from the Field…
Typical of every Icebreaker garment we’ve tested, the MerinoLOFT Helix Zip Hood Jacket reflects an exceptional level of detail and quality construction that further solidifies the brand’s position as a provider of premium outdoor gear.
Yes, the $284 price tag may keep the MerinoLOFT Helix Zip Hood out of reach for outdoor enthusiasts on a limited budget. But consider that this isn’t just another midweight jacket. Much like a luxury off-road vehicle, it’s built to tackle your adventures on the trail, while an inviting interior and crisp exterior style give it the refined touch you want for daily wear around town.
While we have admittedly struck up a love affair with this jacket, there are a few minor fit issues worth noting. On the men’s side, any outdoor enthusiast over 6’3” will slightly disappointed in the overall fit. Our 6’4” field tester went with the XL, and still felt as though the Helix fell about one half of an inch short in the sleeves and on the waist.
While it doesn’t sound like much, it makes a big difference in coverage during active pursuits, or during simple tasks like the drive to your mountain rendezvous, or setting up camp. If the Helix fit more like the Icebreaker Sierra Plus Long Sleeve (review here), it may have actually hit the ‘perfect’ status mark with our editors. As such, we’d love to see a few tweaks to the sizing, or see Icebreaker add a ‘Tall’ option to future iterations of the jacket.
As always, Icebreaker has the little details dialed in. MerinoLOFT down lining in the low-profile hood keeps your melon toasty, and a handy media port ensures that you never need to tackle an adventure without a soundtrack. Adjustable drawcord hem offers another barrier from the cold, and Icebreaker killed it on the color options with the ‘pine’ earning unsolicited praise from fellow trail goers. However, there was one detail seemingly absent. Despite an adjustable toggle in the back of the hood, there are no front toggles which limits the level of adjustability for those who like the option of truly cinching in their hood.
Bottom Line…
The Icebreaker MerinoLOFT Helix Zip Hood Jacket distinguishes itself with first class eco-friendly construction and impressive performance. Whether you take the road less traveled, or forge your own way in urban jungle, this is your jacket.
*Gumption Gear Review received a product sample of the item featured in this review from Icebreaker at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.