It’s not easy to find a jacket that you can wear sailing and to the bar for those all-important post-sail drinks, so I was excited to try out the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 Jacket – an apparent fusion of functionality, fashion, and durability designed to withstand the elements while keeping you looking effortlessly chic.
In the promotional photos, it looks as though this jacket is just that. But as we all know, the truth can be a little different when you get that jacket on and check yourself out in the mirror!
Or (equally frustratingly) I often find that the jacket that looked stylish and fit beautifully in the shop just didn’t perform in the elements.
Is a jacket that does both too much to ask for?
As an avid adventurer and fashion enthusiast (ok, maybe enthusiast is pushing it but I am a little tired of showing up to the pub in a fluorescent red sailing jacket complete with high vis strips), I had the pleasure of putting this jacket to the test in various conditions.
I’m excited to share my thoughts in this comprehensive review. Did I find what I was looking for? Is the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 a jacket that does it all?
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Table of Contents
- Review of the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 Jacket
- Is The Helly Hansen Crew Jacket Warm?
- Is The Helly Hansen Crew Jacket Waterproof?
Review of the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 Jacket
🏆 Buy the woman’s Crew 2.0 jacket here
🏆Buy the men’s Crew 2.0 jacket here
Adam and I are lucky to have had the chance to review a huge range of sailing and outdoor jackets from some of the big brands in the outdoor niche.
But Helly Hansen is a brand that performs exceptionally over and over. I guess that’s why they’re one of the main sailing clothes brands out there and why people keep coming back to their gear year after year.
Every time we test out a new Helly Hansen jacket I’m a little nervous that the quality will have dipped, as seems to happen all too frequently these days. I was worried this jacket was trying too hard to fill too many roles, and that it would fall short somewhere.
So I’ve really put this jacket through its paces in the hopes of discovering everything you’ll need to know before you buy.
Summary of the Helly Hansen Crew Hooded Jacket 2.0
I’ve delved into the nitty gritty in depth below, but first here’s a quick summary for those of you in a rush to buy!
🏆 Buy the Helly Hansen Crew Hooded Jacket here 🏆
Features at a glance
- HELLY TECH® PROTECTION – the waterproof, windproof and breathable outer layer, unique to Helly Hansen.
- 2-layer construction
- Fully seam sealed
- Durable Water Repellency (DWR) treatment
- Adjustable cuffs
- Brushed polyester inside collar and hand pockets
- Adjustable drawcord on the hem
- Packable hood with drawcord in collar
- Mesh lining for extra comfort
| Quality | ✅ Oozing features (see above). It’s lightweight but feels durable. The details on this jacket are what makes it. |
| Performance | ✅ Impressive. This jacket isn’t made for offshore sailing but is perfect for coastal wear. Read on to find out how it held up when put through its paces! ❌ You will want to wear a warm layer underneath for use in winter. But as a lighter-weight jacket, you would assume this. |
| Design and appearance | ✅ This jacket looks expensive. It fits well and has a flattering shape with a slightly nipped-in waist. ❌ The sleeves come up a little long, but I find this with most jackets so this might just be a me problem! |
| Features | ✅ LOVE the drawcord hood! And there are lots of other great features that make this jacket useful as well as perform well. ❌ No reflective strip, which is great for everyday use but useful for on the water. |
| Comfort | ✅ This jacket feels comfortable. I guess it makes me old that I consider this a priority! But it makes all the difference out on the water. I delve into this in more detail below. |
Quality:
Helly Hansen has a squeaky-clean reputation to uphold so I wasn’t surprised at the quality of this jacket. This jacket feels expensive. It also feels rugged and durable, which is what you really want from an outdoor brand.
But what really puts the crew 2.0 above the rest is the little details, like the adjustable cuffs and drawstring hood. Attention to the things that matter makes this jacket a quality option in outdoor apparel.
Performance and Functionality:
When it comes to performance, the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 Ladies Jacket truly shines. Engineered with Helly Tech® Protection fabric, this jacket offers superior waterproof and windproof properties, keeping you dry and comfortable in even the harshest conditions.
It’s Spring in Greece now so I took this jacket to task in the UK instead (where sure, it’s meant to be Spring, but the weather is still foul)! I decided to really put this jacket through its paces and wore just a thin layer underneath as I ventured out for a half-day trekking in Lulworth Cove in the rain.
I stayed dry and warm even in the parts of the walk exposed to the elements, which did surprise me. If I’d been sat on a boat I would have wanted layers underneath in the winter conditions, but for trekking (uphill mostly) it was plenty warm enough.
The usual pain points like the cuffs were brilliant and kept the wet out. But the hood impressed me the most. The hooded design adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, while the adjustable drawcord allows for a customized fit.
The breathable construction is meant to ensure optimal ventilation, preventing overheating during high-intensity activities.
To be honest it was cold enough that sweating wasn’t a problem so I couldn’t fully test this out, but I have always been a comfortable temperature wearing this jacket even with my 10 kilo baby attached to me like a koala.
One of the standout features of this jacket is its versatility. Equally suited for outdoor adventures and everyday wear, it effortlessly transitions from hiking trails to city sidewalks without missing a beat. The adjustable cuffs and hem provide a secure fit, while the multiple pockets offer ample storage for essentials such as keys, phone, and wallet (which also stayed dry by the way!)
I was particularly impressed by the durability of the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 Ladies Jacket. Despite rigorous use in various environments, including rain, wind, and sunshine, the jacket remained resilient and showed no signs of wear and tear.
That is until my little one wiped his muddy hands all over it – note to self, don’t opt for white when you have a small child! The mud wiped off easily and it still looks brand new now. I’m looking forward to seeing how it holds up to the Sahara dust once the sailing season starts!
Top tip: Make sure you look after your waterproof gear when putting it through the wash!
Design and Aesthetics:
The first thing that caught my eye about the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 Ladies Jacket was its sleek and contemporary design.
Crafted with a keen attention to detail, this jacket seamlessly blends form and function. The slim-fit silhouette offers a flattering shape without compromising on mobility, making it perfect for both outdoor adventures and urban escapades.
Knowing this is a coastal jacket and better for summer sailing I opted for a size bigger so I could layer up underneath. I was surprised that the fit is still really flattering.
It still gives shape even though it is a size too big. This is great because I can now use it for summer and sunny winter sailing, plus I look great wearing it out and about (if I do say so myself!)
The minimalist aesthetic is complemented by subtle branding, giving the jacket a sophisticated appeal that transitions effortlessly from sea to the city streets.
Helly Hansen hasn’t included the usual reflective strip on this jacket which is a blessing and curse. It makes the jacket way more versatile, but obviously it’s quite a useful feature when sailing. I’ve put this down a negative but honestly, I’m torn. I like having a performance sailing jacket that I can wear out and about too.
Available in a range of stylish colors, including classic black, versatile navy, and vibrant red, the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 Ladies Jacket offers something for every taste and preference.
I opted for white as I wanted something bright in case of a man overboard situation, but also something I would wear to the bar after a long sail. It’s the perfect compromise.
Whether you prefer understated elegance or bold statement pieces, there’s a color option to suit your individual style.
Comfort and Fit:
Comfort is paramount when it comes to outdoor apparel, and the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 Ladies Jacket delivers on all fronts.
The soft lining and articulated sleeves ensure a comfortable fit, allowing for unrestricted movement without feeling bulky or restrictive. This is a lightweight jacket and it’s the most comfortable Helly Hansen jacket I’ve tested.
I prefer slightly longer jackets so this would be my only gripe. I like the versatility of the drawcord which means you can adjust the length if you need (and obviously get even more protection from the elements).
As someone who values both style and functionality, I appreciate the attention to detail that went into the design of this jacket.
The tailored fit flatters without sacrificing comfort, while the ergonomic construction allows for natural movement whether you’re hiking, sailing, or simply running errands around town. You could even wear this jacket skiing, though I’d recommend you check out the Swift 3 in 1 instead for mountain wear.
✅ Buy the Crew 2.0 jacket here
Is The Helly Hansen Crew Jacket Warm?
Yes! Warmer than I thought possible in fact.
The Helly Hansen Crew Jacket is designed to provide warmth and protection against cold weather conditions. While its primary focus is on waterproof and windproof features, it also incorporates insulation to help keep you warm in chilly environments.
I would say however that this jacket is not intended for anything other than coastal sailing, so if you plan on heading offshore or out in harsh conditions you should consider a winter sailing jacket instead.
Is The Helly Hansen Crew Jacket Waterproof?
Yes, the Helly Hansen Crew Jacket is designed to be waterproof, offering protection against rain, snow, and other wet weather conditions. It features Helly Tech® Protection technology, which is a highly waterproof and breathable fabric membrane. I can vouch for that!
The Helly Tech® Protection membrane works by preventing water from penetrating the fabric while allowing moisture vapor to escape, ensuring that you stay dry and comfortable even during intense outdoor activities.
Additionally, the jacket is equipped with fully taped seams to further enhance its waterproof capabilities, ensuring that no water can seep through the stitching.
I’m not an expert on all things clothing design, but I can vouch for the fact this jacket is waterproof after spending 4 hours in the rain wearing it.
Conclusion: Helly Hansen Crew Jacket 2.0 Review
In conclusion, the Helly Hansen Hooded Crew 2.0 Ladies Jacket is a true game-changer in the world of outdoor apparel. With its stylish design, exceptional performance, and unbeatable comfort, it sets a new standard for versatility and functionality.
It has quickly become my go-to jacket for pretty much everything.
Out for a country walk, this is the jacket I grab.
Heading across the bay in the dinghy, this jacket is my top choice.
Drinks at the pub, you guessed it!
And I can’t tell you how happy I am to have found a jacket I can wear for everything. Packing for sailing this coming season has got a whole lot easier!
So for everyone out there looking for a jacket that does a little bit of everything but doesn’t sacrifice quality and performance, this is the jacket for you. Let me know which colour you opt for because I’m considering grabbing another in navy or black!
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