Helly Hansen has been outfitting professionals and adventurers for over a century, and their reputation is built on fabrics that protect against wet, cold conditions while remaining comfortable in motion. For the brand, waterproofing and breathability are not just performance features but defining principles that shape the way their outerwear is developed.
The three-part system
Helly Hansen’s waterproof shells are constructed around a layered system designed to stop water from entering while allowing moisture vapour to escape. At the surface, durable woven fabrics act as the first barrier against wind and precipitation. These are finished with advanced durable water repellent treatments that encourage water to bead and roll off instead of soaking in. Beneath this protective shell lies the bonded membrane, the technical engine of the garment.
The company’s proprietary technologies, Helly Tech® Professional and LIFA INFINITY PRO™, form the basis of this membrane system. Both are fully waterproof and breathable, offering long-term resistance to external moisture while managing internal perspiration. By combining these layers, Helly Hansen ensures consistent protection without compromising comfort.
Waterproofing performance
Waterproofing is guaranteed by a hydrostatic head well above the industry baseline of 10,000 mm. Garments built with Helly Tech® Professional and LIFA INFINITY PRO™ are engineered to withstand sustained rain and snow, keeping wearers dry even under prolonged exposure. The durable water repellent finish on the outer fabric enhances this performance, ensuring the membrane is not overloaded by waterlogged materials.
What sets LIFA INFINITY PRO™ apart is its ability to deliver waterproofness without the use of chemical treatments. The fabric achieves water resistance through its construction, eliminating the need for reproofing sprays. This represents both a technological and an environmental step forward.
Breathability under testing
Breathability is equally critical to Helly Hansen’s design ethos. By allowing sweat vapour to move outward through the membrane, their fabrics reduce overheating and maintain comfort in active conditions. Helly Tech® Professional is rated at the highest level of the brand’s system, designed for extreme performance and endurance. Tests confirm that moisture vapour transfer rates exceed the thresholds required for high-output activity, ensuring that skiers, sailors, and mountaineers remain dry from within as well as from the outside.
Durability and responsibility
Helly Hansen knows that waterproofing and breathability mean little if the performance fades quickly. That is why the company subjects its fabrics to repeated testing that simulates long-term wear and laundering. Their aim is to ensure that garments retain both waterproof and breathable qualities season after season. LIFA INFINITY PRO™ pushes this further by removing the reliance on PFC-based durable water repellents. By creating performance through structure rather than chemical coatings, Helly Hansen delivers a membrane that stays effective while reducing environmental impact.
The verdict
Helly Hansen’s approach to waterproofing and breathability is rooted in experience and innovation. Through systems like Helly Tech® Professional and LIFA INFINITY PRO™, the brand demonstrates that it is possible to achieve high waterproof ratings, advanced breathability, and long-term durability without sacrificing responsibility. For professionals and enthusiasts who need protection they can trust, Helly Hansen continues to set a strong example of how technology and sustainability can work hand in hand.
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