Norway -- Helly Hansen has thrived as a water sports and outdoor apparel and footwear brand for more than 130 years based on the company’s headstrong commitment to innovation. Helly offers premium products that simply work better for their intended uses on a boat deck or in the mountains. If a product doesn’t add anything new to the game it gets cut, no questions asked.

The Spring/Summer 2009 Collection is no exception. Innovation is rampant and the styles are clean and classic with Scandinavian influences. Notable themes:

Outdoor Apparel
Helly Hansen added multiple softshells to the collection to accommodate the growing number of outdoor enthusiasts who prefer the highly breathable, weather resistant designs for running, cycling, walking and hiking in the warmer months. Check out the Men’s Barrier Softshell with high density weave construction, and the women’s hooded Converter Softshell.

The Ekolab R&D Project, an earth-friendly design collection, expanded with the men’s Ekolab Converter Jacket (a three-layer shell), and three men’s and women’s casual lifestyle footwear models made with sustainable materials and processes.

Watersports Apparel Helly grew its technical apparel series for top-tier sailors with the new Ocean Smock for men and women’s Offshore Jacket made with Helly Tech XP waterproof breathable fabrics. Several new jacket styles were added with classic nautical styles to progressive prints that buck tradition, notably the men’s and women’s Lift II jackets.

Baselayer
Helly Hansen hands down makes the best performing next-to-skin layers for all levels of activities in hot or cold climates. The men’s and women’s Trailwizard shortsleeve jersey’s made with HH Cool move moisture better on hot days than any alternatives. Plus, LIFA® Stay Dry Technology is now available in casual men’s and women’s polos ideal for sailing or socializing.

Watersports Footwear
Helly introduces the men’s and women’s Hydro North, the first softshell sailing shoe that breathes and repels wind and waves in style. For wet and muddy days, seven new models of Welly rubber boots were added to the line. And Helly’s popular leather and canvas deck shoe collection expanded with several new models from the traditional to progressive.

Outdoor Footwear
A new rugged hiking shoe called the Elevate was added the to men’s and women’s collections. And the retro Trail Cutter 2, a runner that fits like a slipper, is definitely worth testing. You don’t know what you’re missing.
 
Helly Hansen ASA