Helly Hansen technologies and materials
Helly Hansen is a pioneer in the field of technologies used for work clothes, work bags, safety shoes and safety boots. Helly Hansen is constantly active in the development of new and improved technologies and materials to make the end user as comfortable as possible. It is not without reason that Helly Hansen is a favorite among many professionals, who would never want nothing else.
Helly Hansen offers the following technologies and materials:
- LIFA®
- LIFA® - Stay Warm Technology
- HELLY TECH®
- LIFALOFT™
- H²FLOW™
- LIFE POCKET™
Helly Hansen's technical partners:
- AMANN - yarns
- 3M - retroreflection
- POLARTEC® - fleece
- CORDURA® - wear-resistant fabrics
- PRIMALOFT® - insulation material
- YKK® - zippers and closures
- ALLIED® - goose down
An overview of Helly Hansen's technologies
Helly Hansen has now developed a large list of technologies used. Each technology is explained below.
LIFA® - Warm, dry and comfortable
The Lifa® fibers are used on the first membrane layer of the base layer, which is the layer closest to the skin. LIFA® is an extremely light base layer. Lifa® provides light insulation and moisture management via the 100% single-layer Lifa® fibers. Lifa® technology works best as a layer under another garment. That is why Lifa is widely used in the undgarment from Helly Hansen.
LIFA® - Stay Warm Technology
If the first layer (base layer) is combined with an extra layer with hydrophilic (moisture-absorbing) properties, perspiration is transported from the skin to the second layer and absorbed there. This way you stay warm, dry and comfortable. Removing moisture in this way is called the Lifa® Stay Warm technology. The more garments worn, the further the perspiration and moisture are transported out of the material and away from the skin.
HELLY TECH® - Waterproof and breathable
Helly Tech® forms a waterproof and breathable outer layer between you and the outside world. Helly Hansen jackets with Helly Tech offer you protection against rain and wind, but also ensure that you do not get clammy due to the breathable properties.
How does Helly Tech® work?
- The DWR-treated outer material is wind-resistant and water-repellent
- Waterproof and breathable membrane or waterproof and breathable coating between the inner and outer layers
- Very breathable material on the inside
Helly Tech® is a combination of membranes based on polyurethane (PU) and coating technologies. The PU membrane gives softness and stretch to the fabric, while the coating ensures waterproofness and ventilation. Helly Tech® is made with hydrophilic separation membranes or microporous membranes, depending on the application.
The hydrophilic separation works according to the osmotic principle, which prevents salt ingress and blocking of the pores. The microporous PU membranes are hydrophobic polymers that repel water. The waterproofness of Helly Tech® is due to this membrane construction where the pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but provide ventilation because the pores are 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule - and thus allow sweat and heat to escape.
It's actually more than just a regular fabric - it's a combination of a DWR-treated outer material, a highly breathable and waterproof membrane, fully sealed seams and highly breathable inner material. The seams of Helly Tech products are sealed with a water-resistant tape and glue which prevent water from entering through the small holes between the stitching of the seams.
Three different types of Helly Tech®
There are three different types of Helly Tech materials. The main differentiator is the number of layers that make up the material.
Helly Tech® Professional
3-layer construction. The outer material + membrane and inner material are bonded together and therefore light, quick-drying and durable. For strenuous, extremely wet or unusually long activities.
Helly Tech® Performance
2.5-layer construction. The outer material + membrane or coating are bonded together by a protective print on the inside and are therefore extremely light and compact. Highly waterproof and extra breathable sports-specific designs and constructions. For many different, intensive outdoor activities in very challenging, changeable and unpredictable weather conditions.
Helly Tech® Protection
2-layer construction. The outer material + membrane or coating are bonded together for breathable waterproofing and protected by lining or mesh on the inside for extra warmth and comfort. Completely waterproof, windproof and breathable materials and constructions. For all situations and weather conditions where protection against the elements is necessary.
LIFALOFT™ - Lighter and warmer
Developed in collaboration with Primaloft®, Lifaloft™ combines the unique insulation structure of Lifa® with the expert synthetic insulation of Primaloft®.
- LIFALOFT™ insulation creates more air pockets and therefore provides more warmth.
- The properties of LIFA® fibers ensure better moisture transport.
- A better choice for the environment.
Lifaloft™ is 20% lighter
Lifaloft™ is 20% lighter, yet warmer than standard insulation. With enhanced warmth, lightweight insulation and superior moisture-wicking properties LIFALOFT™ technology is a revolution in insulation, which will keep you warmer with less weight and bulk than standard polyester insulation.
How does Lifaloft™ work?
The unique hydrophobic properties of the LIFA® fibers provide the moisture management necessary for endurance sports. The Primaloft® structure provides excellent insulation that provides ventilation during active pursuits. LIFALOFT™ insulation is based on LIFA® fiber technology with a lightweight structure that retains more air than standard polyester and therefore provides more warmth. The fibers do not absorb water, making this insulation technology ideal for both winter and summer conditions.
H²FLOW™ - Warmer, cooler, drier
Helly Hansen jackets with H²Flow™ technology cool you 20% faster than competitor jackets without this technology. Products with the same weight and amount of insulation were compared with each other.
Self-regulating temperature
With H²Flow™ you can regulate your body's temperature yourself. The technology optimizes insulation by using air pockets or cavities that store body heat while allowing you to control warmth and ventilation via ventilation zippers by letting cold air in and warm air out.
Air pockets for extra warmth
Negative or positive air space is created by adding or removing material from the inside of the clothing so that this extra air space can be filled with air heated by the body. In both cases, the goal is to create air pockets in strategic places on the body. The air in these bags is heated by body heat and keeps you warm.
Ventilation zippers
How does H2Flow work? Ventilation zippers let cold air in if you get too hot. Air pockets or cavities store body heat, giving all H²FLOW™ jackets a high warmth-to-weight ratio.
LIFE POCKET™
Life Pocket™ is a pocket that maximizes the battery life of your personal electronics. This bag has been scientifically tested and proven by technicians to extend the battery life of your mobile phone or action camera in cold environments. Thanks to materials with high thermal resistance and an innovative construction, the Life Pocket™ stays warm twice as long as a normal bag.
Materials used from Helly Hansen's technical partners
Helly Hansen uses innovative techniques and materials, often developed in-house. Only the best is good enough! HH also works with technical partners who, carefully selected by HH, supply materials and supplies. These include zippers, yarns, reflective material, insulation material and down. Here is an overview of Helly Hansen's technical partners.
AMANN
Since 1854, AMANN has been one of the leading international manufacturers of high-quality sewing thread, embroidery thread and smart thread.
3M - Science. Applied to Life.™
3M is a pioneer in the development of retroreflection and has been the mastermind behind new, innovative developments in the technology for more than thirty years. 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material is used in more than 35 different products (including several high-performance options) and has one of the largest and most diverse portfolios in the industry. It is a well-known name in the world of retroreflective materials.
POLARTEC® - The Cornerstone of fleece insulation
Helly Hansen works intensively with Polartec®, a famous manufacturer of lightweight, warm fleece known for its performance, durability and aesthetic design. The main advantages of using Polartec® are warmth without much extra weight, optimal ventilation, compact and quick-drying.
CORDURA® - Durable. Versatile. Reliable
If it's made of CORDURA® material, then it's made to last. CORDURA® fabrics are the perfect combination of durability, versatility and reliability. People who enjoy being outdoors have trusted Cordura® fabrics to be as robust as they are for more than 40 years.
PRIMALOFT® - The world's best down alternative
PrimaLoft® is a synthetic insulation technique that offers superior thermal properties and is extremely water-repellent. It is made of very fine fibers that form air pockets to retain heat. An additional characteristic of the ultra-fine fiber is its superior softness.
YKK® - Little parts. Big difference
Small parts, big difference. High quality zippers suitable for all purposes. YKK® is a Japanese company founded in 1934. Today their products are sold worldwide and YKK® is known as a market leader in innovative, high-quality zippers and closures.
ALLIED® - Advanced down technologies
Natural goose down is considered the best insulation material available, thanks to its light weight, compressibility and heat retention. Allied Down supplies its customers with the best quality down and feathers on the market.