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Brand · Norway

Helly Hansen

A Norwegian brand with marine origins, strongest in sailing, professional workwear and ski outerwear.

Founded 1877Last verified 2026-10-19

Background

Founded in 1877 in Moss, Norway, by sea captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife Maren Margrethe; early protective clothing was linen soaked in linseed oil, not a modern membrane.

What to check before buying

Editorial buying guidance, not a brand rating

Choose by the conditions and activity rather than by the presence of a waterproof label. Sailing, mountain and everyday jackets can differ substantially in length, hood design, pocket placement and lining. Check the specification of the exact garment, including whether its protective features make sense for your intended use.

For the general method, see how to choose a waterproof jacket and waterproof ratings explained.

Brand facts

Published company information

Country of origin
Norway
Founded
1877
Price range
Mid to premium
Jacket families
Loke, Alpha, Odin
Warranty
US/Canada: HELLY TECH products carry a limited lifetime guarantee (the product's expected life, not the owner's); other products one year. Australia: two years for apparel. Regional policies differ.
Repair programme
Warranty remedies are account credit or replacement at the brand's discretion; a universal paid repair tariff could not be verified from the accessible official documentation.
Sustainability
See the brand's current material and supply-chain disclosures; verify claims per garment.

WaterproofJacket.com assessment

Our editorial view of the brand

Strengths

  • HELLY TECH tier system (Protection, Performance, Professional) makes intended use explicit
  • Deep sailing and professional-wet-weather heritage

Weaknesses

  • No platform-level water-column or breathability figures are published for HELLY TECH
  • The North American lifetime provision does not apply globally

Frequently asked questions

Is Helly Hansen's lifetime guarantee global?

No. The limited lifetime guarantee for HELLY TECH products is stated for US and Canadian purchases; the reviewed Australian policy gives apparel two years.

Sources