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When you think manufacturers can’t go lighter, thinner, warmer they come up with some new technology. And this is what I love about ISPO, always showcasing the latest active fabric innovations. Helly Hansen is a big contender, winner of several ISPO Awards through the past year. The major news for Helly Hansen for 2018 is the Lifaloft insulation, brand new insulation concept. After four years of development with PrimaLoft® the brand has created new insulation concept called Lifaloft™ and available for winter 2018
The Lifaloft™ concept came through Helly Hansen’s relationship with the Swedish national ski team. The new technology is based on a need for more warmth and versatility, with less bulk and minimal weight. The answer was found in Helly Hansen’s Lifa® fibres.
Lifa® fibres are one of the industry’s most timeless, best-performing materials for controlling body temperature in cool to extreme conditions.
The proprietary insulation, exclusively developed with PrimaLoft®, is constructed with 75% Lifa® fibers and 25% synthetic fibres. It is less bulky in construction and weighs 20% less than standard polyester alternatives. However, delivers more warmth based on an increased number of microscopic air pockets that capture and retain heat. It is also a more sustainable choice due to a lower water and carbon foot print.
Helly Hansen’s Lifa® fibers inherently do not absorb moisture, making the insulation ideal in variable conditions and suitable for high-intensive activities. Each jacket in the new collection includes 80g of Lifaloft™ insulation and a water-resistance and windproof outer fabric with PFC-free DWR certified by bluesign®.
Philip Tavell, Helly Hansen’s Category Managing Director for Ski, says, “As with all of our products, we are inspired and driven by our athletes and the professionals that wear our designs every day. The Helly Hansen-sponsored Swedish national skis team is constantly on the move, and needs products and layers that can hold up to training on the slopes and can be stuffed into a small space, but remain dry for travel to a race the next day. Versatility in a piece is key to traveling athletes and we delivered just that in each Lifaloft™ design.”
HOD collection
In 2018 Helly Hansen also releasse its HOD collection which combines innovative performance ski apparel style. The collection mixes colours, fabrics and collaborations to create an unexpected interpretation of resort living on and off the slopes. The AW18 collection is inspired by the classic leather moto jacket, with asymmetrical zippers and detailing using water and wind proof fabrics and must have ski features, such as the Life Pocket™, powder skirts and ski pass pockets.
Below some of the major pieces seen at ISPO Munich 2018:
Sligshot Jacket
Insulation: Primaloft Black Insulation, Eco 80g in body, 60g in sleeves. Primaloft Black Down Blend in hood and parts of the sleeve and body.
Features:
- 2 ply fabric contruction
- -4-way stretch fabric
- H2Flow™ System mechanical venting for optimal comfort
- LifePocket+ ™ with Aerogel Insulation
- DWR
Icon 2.0 Jacket
Perfect for those days when the mountains are calling, the Icon Jacket introduce the latest iteration of the H2Flow™ temperature regulation system which allows you to control your body’s temperature in the most effective way. The technology optimizes insulation, using air pockets or holes that store warmth from the body and, at the same time, allows you to control heat and airflow through ventilation zippers, enabling the cold air to enter and the warm air to exit.
To complete the design, the jackets have enhanced visibility features to ensure you are seen and safe on the mountain. With the knowledge that up to 12% of injuries that occur on the slopes are due to collisions, high visibility becomes more of an asset to safety. The jacket features a sleek, fold-away Hi-Viz brim on the hood to ensure you’re seen, no matter how many people are on the slopes. Life Pocket and premium high-loft PrimaLoft® insulation will keep both you and your electronics at the perfect temperature all day.
Features:
- 2 ply fabric contruction
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Water column: 10,000
- Insulation: Primaloft Gold Eco 60g in body and sleeves. 85/15 Goose Down Blend in hood and parts of sleeve and body.
- Waterproof wool detailing
- H2Flow™ System mechanical venting for optimal comfort
- LifePocket+ ™ with Aerogel Insulation
- DWR
Skistar Jacket
Insulation: Primaloft Black Eco 80g in body and 60g in sleeves. Primaloft Silver insulation Hi Loft 100g in hood. Water column: 10,000
Features:
- 2 ply fabric contruction
- 4-way stretch fabric
- Waterproof wool detailing
- H2Flow™ System mechanical venting for optimal comfort
- LifePocket+ ™ with Aerogel Insulation
- DWR
The W Paradise Heat Jacket – Gold Winner
Helly Hansen is proud to announce “Gold Winner” status for its W Paradise Heat Jacket – a garment that truly lives up to its name and allows female skiers to stay blissfully warm in cold temperatures.
Part of the new winter “HOD” collection, the jacket stood out for its unique ability to control the warmth and comfort of skiers through the NovaHeat® system. Developed and tested with the Swedish ski team, the jacket features a heating system with temperature controls to directly warm the blood through invisible heating wires integrated into the design. This featured jacket has Helly Tech® waterproof, breathable fabrics, PrimaLoft® insulation and a Life Pocket+™ to keep your phone battery alive longer.
Category Managing Director for Ski, Philip Tavell, comments on the win, “This award shows us that our work with professionals really makes a difference, and allows us to create innovative and desirable products. We are delighted to receive this prestigious award.”
Working with world cup skiers really makes us push the boundaries and produce professional grade gear to enhance their performance.
The W Paradise Heat jacket will be available instore and online from September 2018.