Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 Review
The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 is a technical jacket designed for alpine environments where staying dry is paramount. It features LIFA INFINITY technology, which boasts exceptional waterproofness and breathability. The jacket is also made with recycled face fabric and a PFC-free DWR treatment.
While it’s an investment, and there are some considerations regarding the jacket’s pocket design and weight, these factors do not compromise its performance in challenging weather conditions.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0.
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Pros and Cons
+ Comfortable, adjustable, and well-designed fit
+ Waterproofness that won’t soak through
+ Available in bright colors
+ Pit zips and RECCO reflector
– A bit heavier than other options
– No drop pockets
– Expensive
The Specs
- Weight: 17.64 oz / 500 g
- Shell materials: 100% Polyester (Recycled)
- Trim Fabric: 100% Polyamide
- Pockets: 2 Hand
- Adjustable Hood: Yes
- Adjustable Hem: Yes
- Adjustable Cuffs: Yes
- Pit Vents: Yes
- RECCO: Yes
- Fit: Regular
- Country of Origin:
- Colors: Dark Green, Cobalt 20, Golden Glow, Black
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
- MSRP: $350
Photo Gallery
The Good
The Adjustability
The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 offers about as much adjustability as you could expect in a shell. Despite a weight penalty, given its features, it remains relatively lightweight. It has an adjustable hood and hem—both adjusted via elastic bungee cords—and Velcro on the cuffs. It also has pit zips, although these are omnidirectional and unzip from bottom to top (i.e., when the pit zips are closed, the zippers are at the bottom). There’s also a stiffener in the hood’s brim, which helps to keep water out of your face in the pouring rain.
The Waterproofness
There are three types of fabric Helly Hansen employs for its waterproof garments: professional, performance, and protection. The Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 is made with the professional version of the Helly Tech fabric which is described as “Extremely waterproof and breathable designs and constructions. For highly aerobic, extremely wet or unusually long-lasting activities in extremely harsh conditions.” This is the fabric Helly Hansen uses for products designed for things like ocean racing; that is to say, this jacket is made to get wet and stay wet. It’s not made for casual rainwear walking the dog (although it would certainly work for that) and is instead a product designed for the most severe conditions and applications.
The Colors
I hate it when the only colors you can find in a jacket are black and earth tones. I’m not trying to blend into the backcountry. I want to pop in my photos, and I want to be found by search and rescue. Yes, there’s a black version of the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 available, but it also comes in gold/yellow, green, and blue – and despite the green being described as a “dark green,” it’s still light enough that it’s easily distinguishable from the black (the blue is similarly light and unique). The women’s version is available in a sweet magenta color that I would love to rock. Why do the women get the best colors, Helly Hansen?
The Okay
The Weight
The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 tips the scales at 17.64 oz / 500 g. It’s far from an ultralight jacket – you can find shells at nearly a third of the weight – but that’s somewhat beside the point as this jacket isn’t designed to be the lightest jacket imaginable. Compared to other jackets – those that cross the backpacking-ski touring divide – it’s pretty comparable. The extra weight is unavoidable with the addition of features such as a RECCO reflector and adjustable sleeves, cuffs, hood, and hem. The real question is whether the shell balances weight, functionality, and price. In this regard, the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 hits close to the mark.
The Sizing
The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 comes in five sizes: small, medium, large, extra large, and 2XL (do we write “double extra large”? I’m not sure). This is a standard range of sizes for a shell, but many companies now offer extra small sizes or 3XL+ sizes on the large side. Smaller and bigger users may find the lack of smaller and larger sizes boxing them out of considering this jacket as a solution to their “staying dry in the backcountry” needs.
The Pockets
There are two pockets on the Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0, each on either side of the chest. These pockets have large flaps to help keep water from seeping through the zippers, but I find the flaps to be cumbersome. The pockets are high enough to be accessed when wearing a hipbelt or a harness. That said, the pockets aren’t too deep so it might be tough keeping your hands warm inside of them when you’re wearing gloves (I find the positioning to be a little uncomfortable when standing with my hands in my pockets). I do with there are
The Bad
The Name
Say it out loud: the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0. I think a lot of companies have gone the way of attempting to overcorrect for people’s lack of knowledge of what a shell is by throwing jacket into the name as well; I’m surprised they didn’t just go for the whole thing and call it the “shell rain jacket.” From what I can tell, Verglas is the line of Helly Hansen the jacket belongs to, Infinity has something to do with it being a shell since there are other shells with the word infinity in the name, and then the 2.0 is because there was an older now discontinued version of this jacket. Maybe I’m the only one this bothers, but when someone asks me which jacket I’m using, and I have to say, “It’s the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0,” I feel silly (and let’s be honest, nobody remembers that).
The Price
Helly Hansen isn’t known for its inexpensive apparel, and the Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 isn’t doing anything about this trend. This jacket is an investment at $350 before tax; it may easily be the most expensive piece of gear in your pack (including your pack). That said, you are paying for a premium product, and – believe it or not – this is not the most expensive shell in this category. However, it’s also far from the least expensive.
Alternatives
| Shell | Price | Weight | Fabric | Pit Zips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc’teryx Beta | $400 | 10.6 oz | 300 g | GORE-TEX w/ GORE C-KNIT backer | Yes |
| Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 | $350 | 17.64 oz | 500 g | 100% Polyester | Yes |
| Mountain Equipment Makalu | $430 | 18.7 oz | 530 g | 3-layer GORE-TEX | Yes |
| Mountain Hardwear Premonition UL | $430 | 11.2 oz | 318 g | 3-layer Pertex Shield | Yes |
| Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell | $430 | 22.1 oz | 627 g | AscentShell 3-layer | Yes |
| Patagonia Granite Crest | $279 | 14.1 oz | 400 g | 3-layer nylon shell | Yes |
Wrap Up
If you’re ski touring, backpacking in a place where you expect to be hammered by weather, or want a jacket you’re going to be able to treat with a little less care than some of the more ultralight options available, the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 is worth a look.
It’s a jacket for those who will actually be using their shells to stay dry—as opposed to simply carrying a shell in case of an emergency precipitation event. Although not the lightest option available and despite its lack of drop pockets, you’ll likely be more glad for the waterproof protection and comfortable fit than sad about these potential drawbacks.
Questions, comments, or personal experience with the Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0? Leave a comment below or get in touch and let me know! Check out the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 here.
Rating + Recommendation
Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 Review
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Weather Resistance
(4.75)
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Breathability & Venting
(3)
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Comfort
(4.75)
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Weight
(3.5)
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Packed Size
(4)
Summary
The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0 is a high-performance shell jacket engineered for demanding alpine pursuits like mountaineering and backcountry skiing. Its LIFA INFINITY technology offers top-tier waterproofness and breathability, keeping you dry and comfortable in harsh weather. The jacket also prioritizes sustainability with its recycled face fabric and PFC-free DWR treatment. While it represents a significant investment, its exceptional protection in adverse conditions makes it a top contender for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
