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Three Things To Know:
- Advanced Waterproofing and Breathability – Thanks to its Helly Tech® Professional membrane, the jacket offers outstanding protection from heavy rain while allowing sweat to escape, keeping you dry inside and out during intense activities
- Designed for Mobility – The fabric has a bit of stretch, and the jacket features articulated sleeves and a slim fit, making it great for active pursuits like hiking or climbing without feeling restrictive
- Well-Thought-Out Features – Adjustable hood with wired brim, waterproof zippers, and multiple pockets combine practicality with protection, helping you stay comfortable and prepared in changeable weather
Our Rating:
Fit and Comfort
Waterproofing, Wind Protection and Breathability
Practical Features
Durability
Check availability at Helly Hansen and Amazon.
A veteran brand in the outdoor equipment world, Norwegian maker Helly Hansen has been making professional grade gear for more than 140 years. From skiing to sailing, Helly Hansen has been creating waterproof clothing since 1877, including the invention of the revolutionary waterproofing technology Helox in 1949, which was used by the Norwegian delegation at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki.
Made for backcountry skiing, hiking and mountaineering, I tested out Helly Hansen’s Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket, claiming to be one of the most waterproof jackets on the market. Here’s how it held up.
- Weight: 500g
- Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
- Breathability Rating: 15,000 g/m²
- Intended Use: Backcountry skiing, hiking
- RRP: £400.00
Fit and Comfort
I’ve worn the Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket on steep, windy hikes and it impresses with its purposeful fit. It’s moderately trim, athletic – not boxy – designed to layer over fleeces or mid-layers without feeling tight. I comfortably fit a lightweight down or fleece underneath in my usual size, which speaks to its well-balanced tailoring.
That said, Helly Hansen’s sizing leans European and on the snug side. If you typically size down, you might find this too fitted for roomy layering and may want to size up instead. In my case, the fit was spot-on – hip-length with a slight drop at the back, meaning the hem stayed in place during upward reaches without riding up.Comfort-wise, the Verglas is flexible, if a little crunchy when moving. Its articulated sleeves enhance mobility, making climbs and scrambles feel freer. There’s a brushed micro-suede chin guard that’s meant to reduce chafing – but I did notice it poked or irritated my chin slightly when fully done up, which may be a tiny design quirk rather than a deal breaker.
Waterproofing, Wind Protection and Breathability
This jacket has the highest level of waterproofing Helly Hansen offers, with a rating of over 20,000mm hydrostatic head (HH), meaning the fabric can withstand the pressure of a 20 metre high column of water before it starts to leak through.
Its Helly Tech® Professional membrane delivers top-tier waterproofing meaning it stands up confidently to heavy rain and persistent drizzle without letting water through. The fully taped seams and waterproof zips add an extra layer of protection, so I stay dry even when conditions get rough.
Wind-proofing is just as effective – the jacket feels like a solid barrier against biting gusts, which is a real plus on exposed ridges and coastal walks. At the same time, I’ve found it impressively breathable for a jacket this weatherproof. The advanced fabric technology allows moisture from sweat to escape, so I don’t get clammy or overheated during uphill scrambles or fast-paced sections. That balance of keeping wet weather out while letting internal moisture out is what makes it reliable for all-day wear in changeable conditions.
Practical Features
What really stands out about the Verglas Infinity Shell are the well-thought-out details designed for serious outdoor use. The adjustable hood fits snugly and stays put, with a wired brim that keeps rain out of my face without blocking my view. Two spacious hand pockets have waterproof zips, so I can stash my gloves or snacks without worrying about moisture creeping in. Inside, there’s a handy chest pocket for valuables like my phone or wallet.
The cuffs feature Velcro fasteners that seal out wind and rain while allowing quick adjustments on the go. The hem’s draw cord is easy to tighten or loosen depending on the weather, helping me regulate temperature and keep the elements at bay. Plus, the two-way front zipper lets me ventilate without fully opening the jacket, which is a real bonus on uphill stretches. These features all add up to a jacket that’s built for comfort and practicality, whether I’m scrambling over rocks or strolling through damp woodland.
Durability
After several months of regular use on rugged hikes and wet, windy days, the Verglas Infinity Shell has held up impressively well. The outer fabric feels tough and resistant to abrasions from brambles and rough terrain, showing minimal signs of wear despite plenty of scrapes and scruffs – and possibly a few ungainly falls.
The fully taped seams and quality zippers have stayed watertight, and the jacket hasn’t lost any of its waterproofing or breathability. The stitching remains solid with no loose threads or weakening, which speaks to the jacket’s high standard of construction.
Knowing it’s built to withstand tough outdoor conditions gives me confidence that this is a jacket designed to last through the seasons.
Value for Money
At £400.00 the Helly Hansen Verglass Infinity Shell Jacket is at the top of the ladder. It does provide excellent protection against the wind and rain, however, I do feel like for the average person, there are just as suitable lightweight waterproof jackets for roughly half the price.
Sustainability
The Verglass jacket is made from 54% recycled polyester, and while that’s the only sustainability information I can see about this specific item, Helly Hansen claims it’s constantly working “to develop and choose materials with the lowest environmental impact.” It is also Bluesign verified, an independent verifier that works to prevent hazardous chemicals being used in manufacturing.
Should You Buy It
Yes, if you’re looking for a very technical lightweight jacket for all year round, and you can afford to pay premium prices for it. If you’re on a different budget, less expensive jackets will also do the job.
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Looking to find your perfect walking companion? Why not take a look at our guide to the best lightweight waterproof jackets.
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