No one should be without a lightweight puffy jacket. They’re light, packable and warm.
Helly Hansen are known for making some of the best waterproof shell jackets around but they also make some of the best down insulation too.
The Verglas Down Insulated jacket is a lightweight insulated jacket made from goose down from Helly Hansen.
We’ve been testing one with some other Helly Hansen Kit out in the early winter weather here in the Pacific Northwest.
First up, the basic specs:
Specs
- 700+ RDS goose down
- 85% goose down, 15% goose feather
- bluesign approved
- 350 grams
- $275 USD ($320 CAD)
What is the Verglas Down Insulated Jacket?
The Verglas makes a great layering piece. It’s soft and comfortable to wear on it’s own. The thin Pertex outer shell is smooth and feels good against your skin. I’ve been wearing mine with just a t-shirt underneath, sometimes a long sleeve, merino baselayer.
Inside, the 700+ fill goose down is warm and lofts well. I didn’t notice any clumps of down anywhere.
There’s 1 pocket inside and 2 on the outside. All the pockets are quiet large, and easily fit my hands, wallet and phone. 1 zippered pocket inside kept things warmer and added more storage.
Most down jackets let the wind right through, kind of negating the effects of the warm down. The Verglas is quite wind resistant, blocking the wind out. I stayed a comfortable temperature walking around in open areas when it was 3 or 4 degrees and windy.
The Verglas isn’t waterproof but has a PFC-free DWR on the outside. This will help light rain and snow bead off. Eventually it soaks through and starts to get the down wet. Wet down won’t loft as well so it will get cooler. The down inside doesn’t have any water resistant coatings.
The version I tested didn’t have a hood. this makes it lighter and easier to fit under jackets like a shell. There is a hooded version though if you prefer.
Fit
The fit on the Verglas is pretty standard. I’m in between sizes so I chose to go up to a large. It fits well for stocky mediums and those regularly a large.
Best part of the Verglas is how long it is. It easily covers the hem of my pants and more. Many down jackets barely cover that much. The Verglas extends down slightly in the back even more.
The main zipper and the pockets slide nicely. When the zipper is zipped right up it sits in a small, soft zipper garage against your skin.
A down pillow
If you’re packing the Verglas into a backpack or need a quick pillow, it stuffs into it’s own left pocket. It’s got plenty of room to fit inside the pocket and easily zips up with the double-sided zipper.
Conclusion
Verdict: Highly recommended.
If you’re in the market for a lightweight down jacket (I think everyone should have one!) then have a look at the Verglas Insulated Down Jacket from Helly Hanson. It’s small, lightweight, comfortable and packs down easily, not to mention the longer hem to keep all the heat in.
All the key qualities for a good puffer.
Disclosure: Helly Hansen provided the Verglas jacket for free to review.