Helly Hansen Verglas Dynamic Softshell Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

Helly Hansen is known for its quality outerwear. This jackets looks very nice for walking around town but this jacket falls a little short of the Helly Hansen name. The lack of features such as powder skirt, internal pockets, sub-par waterproofing, and pit-zips make this softshell not quite worth the price. I've used this shell skiing in 0-20*F conditions and it will keep you pretty warm with a few layers underneath. I would not recommend this jacket for wet conditions, as the waterproofing on this shell is not very good. It does breathe well, so maybe that is where it makes up for its lack in waterproofing.

Helly Hansen is known for its quality outerwear. This jackets looks very nice for walking around town but this jacket falls a little short of the Helly Hansen name. The lack of features such as powder skirt, internal pockets, sub-par waterproofing, and pit-zips make this softshell not quite worth the price. I've used this shell skiing in 0-20*F conditions and it will keep you pretty warm with a few layers underneath. I would not recommend this jacket for wet conditions, as the waterproofing on this shell is not very good. It does breathe well, so maybe that is where it makes up for its lack in waterproofing.

First off, I live in Nova Scotia, Canada, which is a little province of Canada on the East Coast of the country. Any more East & you're off to the UK. I live near the ocean so our winters are cold, windy & damp. Helly makes great products as the Norwegians know fishing, wet & cold. We have similar climates so that's why I always choose Helly. You can't beat their technology & toughness. This jacket is, in a word, perfect for the climate of Nova Scotia. Being quite active during the winter, I needed a piece that is warm, wind resistant, water resistant & has breath-ability. The Vergals Softshell has it all. I snow-shoe, ski, hike & yes "toboggan" (stereoype Canuck, I know!) in the winter & so far this jacket is fantastic. It is not a jacket for standing around in, it is meant for aerobic activity of some sort, so if you want to stand still outside, don't buy it. If you are active in the winter, this is the jacket for you. I should add, it looks great & has a great fit. I get a lot of compliments on it so what are you waiting for......buy one!