Helly Hansen makes a big thing of the eco credentials of the Alpha Infinity ski jacket, which is fair enough since it utilises 100 per cent recycled, two-way stretch LIFA Infinity material in the shell along with 80 per cent recycled Primaloft Black insulation. The shell is also treated with a PFC-free water repellent and is, of course, waterproof and breathable, providing a winning combination that keeps you warm and dry whether sitting on a chair lift or hooning down the pistes.
It’s worth noting that the insulation obviously adds to the bulk and weight (1050g) of the jacket and means that the fit is quite snug, so if you want to layer up a lot beneath it you may need to go up a size. So is the Helly Hansen Alpha Infinity(opens in new tab) one of the best ski jackets around? Let’s take a closer look.
HELLY HANSEN ALPHA INFINITY REVIEW: DESIGN AND FEATURES
From the top, you get a detachable hood which is both insulated and adjustable, although it does tend to flap about a bit and doesn’t offer particularly good peripheral vision; on the other hand, it’s lovely and snug once you’ve cinched it down, even more so when you also have the usefully high collar zipped up, and the combination of the two does a good job of keeping wind and snow from getting down your neck.
The collar also acts as a good example of just how technical this jacket is, featuring as it does front ‘vents’ to allow your breath to escape and help prevent your goggles fogging up.
There are two handwarmer pockets and two chest pockets, all zippered, on the outside of the jacket, whilst inside the Alpha Infinity there’s a zippered security pocket and a generously sized mesh stash pocket, so there’s plenty of room to carry stuff like goggles, buff and energy bars if you don’t like skiing with a backpack. And you also get a zippered lift pass pocket on the left sleeve.
Mesh-lined pit zips help with temperature regulation on warmer days, whilst a snow skirt helps keep the snow out on snowier days, and further protection from the elements comes in the form of Velcro adjustable cuffs and an elasticated hem.
The choice of colourways is quite muted, which may not suit everyone, but if you don’t need your ski gear to make a statement on the mountain there’s a lot to like about the Helly Hansen Alpha Infinity, although it is towards the top end in terms of price when compared to similar products.
HELLY HANSEN ALPHA INFINITY REVIEW: PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT
The Helly Hansen Alpha Infinity is ideal for piste skiers who like to clock up some serious mileage, with the combination of waterproof/breathable two-way stretch fabric and Primaloft insulation ensuring you remain warm and dry whilst doing so.
The left-hand chest pocket – also called a ‘Life Pocket’ – is specifically designed to hold your phone, featuring as it does Primaloft Gold insulation to help insulate the battery. This is a really useful feature as it’s annoying at best when your phone packs up because of the cold, and potentially dangerous at worst. And talking of safety, the jacket also incorporates a Recco reflector should you decide to head off-piste (but please take and know how to use a transceiver too!).
As Helly Hansen’s most technical ski jacket the array of features it offers are generally very practical, from the array of pockets (seven in total) to mesh-lined pit zips and a powder skirt to help keep you comfy whatever the weather is doing; it’s a shame the hood is rather floppy, but bearing in mind that most people don’t wear a hood whilst actually skiing this isn’t that big a deal.
HELLY HANSEN ALPHA INFINITY REVIEW: VERDICT
The Helly Hansen Alpha Infinity is an extremely well-specced ski jacket that will appeal to piste skiers who don’t mind shelling out a few quid for their gear. It’s both very snug and comfortable in use and you’ll be glad of it you’re sitting on an icy chairlift in the middle of a blizzard, but it will work equally well when belting down the piste on a glorious, sunny day. However, it’s noticeably heavier and bulkier than a shell jacket, which makes it less practical for more high energy, serious off-piste action.
Some Offer Products On Helly Hansen
1.MEN’S ODIN 9 WORLDS INFINITY SHELL JACKET
Your next adventure is calling. One jacket will take you all the way. Versatile and durable, our award-winning 3-layer shell jacket returns with a watershed tech upgrade. We gave the new Odin 9 Worlds an extremely waterproof/breathable LIFA INFINITY™ membrane engineered to give you everlasting water repellent performance without the use of chemicals — a win for you and the environment. Our revolutionary LIFA Infinity Pro™ is a first-to-market, planet-friendly tech. In addition to extreme weather protection on the trail, the Odin has an articulated fit for maximum mobility. Additional features with a big impact on your trip comfort include: a 2-way central zip, pit zips for ventilation, helmet and backpack-compatible design, an adjustable hood and roomy gear pockets.
2.MEN’S CREW MIDLAYER SAILING JACKET
Our go-to marine all purpose jacket! When the weather calls for added protection, this waterproof, breathable jacket keeps you warm and dry. Fully fleece lined with a warming collar and pockets for added comfort offers a little extra insulation. Embellishment friendly design with both a back neck ID race pocket and embroidery/print access zip in the liner makes this a true favorite among clubs and teams
3.MEN’S ODIN MINIMALIST INFINITY SHELL JACKET
We upgraded our trusted HELLY TECH® Professional-grade Odin shell jacket with LIFA® INFINITY™ waterproof/breathable and responsible technology. Not only does it feature the most purposeful weather protection you need in the mountains, but it’s also environmentally responsible with 54% recycled fabric and PFC-free water-repellent treatment. This minimalist jacket is specifically designed to be light and packable; it packs down into its own chest pocket. Extra details include a helmet-compatible hood, sealed seams and an adjustable drawcord at the hem.
4.WOMEN’S SKAGEN OFFSHORE SAILING JACKET
Perfect for both offshore and coastal sailing, the Skagen Offshore collection was designed with input from professional sailors. We used durable and innovative materials so you stay protected season after season. Our HELLY TECH® Performance construction is a trusted waterproof/breathable solution; we updated it with 50% Oceanbound recycled materials – a win for you and marine ecosystems. The interior has a 100% recycled, quick-dry, mesh lining. The hood, hem and cuffs are all adjustable enabling you to customize the fit. Extra details include a hi-vis hood, a fleece-lined collar, SOLAS reflective elements, cargo pockets for gear and a hangar loop.
5.WOMEN’S KIRKWALL II RAINCOAT
We borrowed inspiration from the iconic Helly Hansen® fisherman’s raincoat to design this chic and 100% waterproof rain jacket.
- Fiber Content: 100% Polyurethane
- Weight: 900g
6.W HP FOIL PRO JACKET
We made this sleek sailing jacket for The American Magic team as their official racing gear for the America’s Cup. The jacket is highly aerodynamic and waterproof. It’s made with 3-ply HELLY TECH® PROFESSIONAL fabric with stretch, and it’s cut for total freedom of movement. Special upgrades include double-sealed seams achieved with ultrasonic technology – a lighter a lower-bulk design. In addition, we added stealth cuffs to keep water out, a low-profile protective collar and a packable hood.
7.WOMEN’S PIER 3.0 COASTAL SAILING BIB
Our coastal sailing bib is designed for the classic sailor who wants sharp trousers to trust for coastal adventures. Built with insights gathered from working with pro-sailors and coastal workers, these 2-layer trousers are waterproof, windproof and breathable. Other key features like reinforced seat and knees, articulated construction for mobility and a quick-dry lining, protect you from the wind and water for the long haul.
8.K HH LIFA MERINO SET
The best kids’ base layer on the market uses a clever 2-layer construction to keep active kids dry and warm. Our Lifa® technology wicks away moisture while merino wool creates breathable insulation.
9.JR LIFA MERINO MIDWEIGHT SET
The best kids’ base layer on the market uses a clever 2-layer construction to keep active youth dry and warm. Our Lifa® technology wicks away moisture while soft merino wool creates breathable warmth.
10.K LEGEND INSULATED JACKET
The ultimate kids’ ski jacket is waterproof/breathable, insulated and fully-featured. We designed it to deliver the weather protection kids need for long, fun days in snow, whether they are on the slopes or just playing outside. The insulation is 80% recycled and we added a PFC-free, water-repellent treatment – wins for you and the environment. Along with keeping kids warm and dry, the Legend jacket has an articulated cut and a detachable hood for free movement. Ski-specific details include a ski-pass pocket.