Helly Hansen Odin 3D Air Shell Jacket: ventilation and lightness

The innovative Odin 3D Air Shell Jacket by Helly Hansen: ventilation and lightness without compromise.

Since 1877, Helly Hansen has been working with outdoor professionals to find the perfect balance between comfort and performance. Inspired by the theories of an evolutionary biologist, for the 2020 collection the Norwegian brand has followed the advice of mountain guides, rescue teams and professional athletes to develop a lightweight shell for the spring and summer season, without compromise in terms of performance. The result also convinced the German Design Award jurors who awarded the jacket in the Excellent Product Design category.

Norsk Folkehjielp is the organisation of volunteers who are responsible for search and rescue operations in the Norwegian mountains. As part of their collaboration with Helly Hansen, they requested that a jacket be developed for their uniforms for their activities, which involve moving quickly in a hostile environment characterized by unpredictable weather. Lightness, breathability and durability were at the top of the list of these mountain professionals.

The starting point was the adoption of a new 3D printed finish on the inside of the fabric with a waterproof and breathable membrane, which made it possible to obtain a jacket as light as a 2.5 layer but more resistant and durable than a 3.0 layer jacket of equivalent weight. 3D printing not only improves the mechanical qualities of the fabric but is also comfortable and dry in direct contact with the skin. But in order to promote perspiration during maximum effort during a climb or rescue activities, the Odin 3D Air Shell Jacket has also been equipped with a powerful mechanical ventilation system.

The jacket is in fact equipped with large two-way ventilation zippers that reveal openings protected by elasticated mesh panels, and on the back there is a large open bellows always protected by a mesh panel. In this way, when necessary, air can circulate freely around the body. The ventilation system has also been developed in the men’s and women’s models to ensure the most suitable form of ventilation and temperature control according to gender requirements, which are also reflected in the pockets and accessories.