A protective hard shell jacket or rain jacket that is windproof and waterproof might be the most important item you will carry.
When it suddenly rains or snows, your emergency shell will keep you warm and dry. This can prevent deadly hypothermia.
The Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity shell is an incredible jacket. It is the best shell I have owned over the years.
This pro shell is versatile (I use it for hiking and skiing), 100% waterproof and windproof, quick-drying, extremely breathable (pit zips), eco-responsible (no harsh chemicals), lightweight (500 grams), and packable. I also appreciate that the fabric is not noisy when I move but is very quiet.
You can get this high-performance jacket for 50 percent off at the HH website in last year’s color scheme (green or yellow like mine below).
For just $250, this is an incredible deal considering all the pro features the jacket offers.
Here is a photo of me wearing this fabulous emergency shell on a winter hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Okay, let’s get into the details of this Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity shell jacket review.
Top features of the Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket
Not all windproof and waterproof jackets are equal. A shell jacket is not just a shell jacket. Far from it. The fabrics, the design, the styles, and the features are going to be completely different from one jacket to the next. Some features should not be overlooked to get the best value and the longest lifespan possible.
This jacket can be summed up as an extremely lightweight, windproof, waterproof, breathable, heavy-duty, durable all-in-one jacket.
- HELLY TECH Professional fabric 3-layer fabric construction
- Sustainable LIFA Infinity fabric technology
- Recycled face fabric
- Extremely waterproof (ideal for long days in extremely wet and harsh conditions)
- Extraordinarily breathable (this is super noticeable)
- PFC-free, chemical-free DWR coating (that does not need to be reproofed)
- Front placket for wind protection
- Pit zips with convenient 2-way sliders
- Weather-resistant zippers (YKK WR CF zipper, YKK WR hand pocket zips)
- 2 hand pockets also with 2-way slider zippers
- Pockets are set high and provide a design that is most compatible with a backpack or harness
- Inner waist shock cord adjustments keep the wind out
- Helmet compatible hood
- The fitted design is not bulky
- Fully taped seams keep water out
- RECCO Advanced Rescue system
- 500 grams in weight (feels even lighter)
Where to buy the Verglas Infinity Shell jacket?
Check each option below to see all the available colors and sizes. As mentioned, past year color schemes offer big savings.
Shop for men
Shop for women
What do I like the most about this jacket?
The features above translate into some real benefits.
Pros:
- 3-layer waterproof construction (3-layer guarantees keeping dry in persistent bad weather)
- The fabric feels soft and stretchy (not stiff, crunchy, or restrictive)
- Movement is very quiet, which is super pleasant
- Most breathable jacket ever (no sweating even if pit zips are closed)
- The jacket is streamlined in fit (not boxy) and doesn’t catch the wind
- Excellent windproof and waterproof performance
- Zippers appear more weatherproof and better quality than other zippers
- Great face protection from collar and hood
- 2-way zippers are convenient for accessing front pockets
- Made with sustainable, eco-responsible, and recycled materials
- Feels very lightweight
- Super packable
- Versatile (wear it skiing, fall, and winter hiking, in the rain, and pack it as an emergency shell in summertime)
Cons:
- Price is high for the newest color schemes – however, past year colors are 50% off!
Performance
After two years of use, I have had the opportunity to conduct a thorough test and review of the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell jacket. Even at the full price of $450, this jacket delivers many pro features and unbeatable value.
Windproofness
I have hiked and skied in relatively high winds wearing this jacket. It provides a solid barrier to wind. This helps you stay warm and protected. I love the high collar that zips up and covers the face when the wind is particularly strong.
Rating: 10/10
Waterproofness
I’ve worn this jacket in significant rain and wet snow and have not experienced my layers underneath getting wet at all. The outer surface dries very quickly after getting soaked, which is amazing.
Rating: 10/10
Breathability
I’ve never owned such a breathable jacket. Whether the pit zips are open or closed, I have not experienced excessive sweating or condensation build-up inside the jacket. Any moisture evaporates with ease.
Rating: 10/10
Lightness
Of course, you can get lighter jackets, but they probably won’t hold up to heavy rain or wet snow. This jacket offers top-notch weather protection and yet is still light in weight.
Rating: 9/10
Durability
My jacket is still in great condition after two years of use. Despite feeling very light, it also feels tough and durable.
Rating: 9/10
Versatility
The Verglas Infinity Shell can be used in all seasons for hiking, mountaineering, and skiing. Be sure to get a size that is big enough to fit a few warm layers underneath, and you can use the jacket in many conditions all year round.
Rating: 10/10
Total performance score:
The jacket scores were high in all of the above categories. My only question is, how long will it last?
Rating: 9.7/10 (total average rating)
Conclusion
By far, the most notable feature of this jacket is its breathability and lightweight feel. I have skied hard, hiked up 14ers, and done other demanding activities wearing this jacket, and I have not experienced getting damp with sweat or condensation.
When I purchased my REI Stormbolt GTX jacket I bought the best and most affordable 3-layer jacket I could find. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3-layer jacket was the runner-up (option) and is currently the cheapest 3-layer jacket.
At the time, I wasn’t thinking too much about versatility. I intended to buy an emergency jacket that would likely spend more time in my backpack than out of it. However, now I have a different opinion. If I were to do it all over again, I would spend more money on a better and more versatile hardshell jacket like the Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket.
You can immediately feel and see the difference in overall quality. The jacket also feels more comfortable. The quiet fabric is worth the higher price alone. Also, the extremely breathable and microporous membrane is mind-blowing.
In this case, if you spend more, you do get way more. The Helly Hansen product is right up there with Arc’teryx, in my opinion. I wear this Verglas Infinity shell jacket way more often because I truly like it and was pleasantly impressed. Plus, I love the traditional bright yellow color!
