Mar 22, 2024 BY Elsa Powell-Dooley
Looking for a great freeriding ski jacket? Then check out this HH women’s Odin Backcountry Infinity Shell Jacket review by pro alpine skier Elsa Powell-Dooley.
In recent years, I’ve seen an increase in slope enthusiasts choosing shell jackets over the traditional insulated jacket and maybe for good reason. In this review of the Women’s Odin Backcountry Infinity Shell Jacket by Helly Hansen you’ll find out why.
I tested this shell over a week skiing in the Three Valleys in France. The weather was mild, temperatures hovering around 2°C with moderate winds at higher elevations. The snow conditions were good, firm groomed piste that weren’t too busy, a skier’s dream.
Shell jackets like this one lack built-in insulation, meaning you need to pair it with different layers. This gives you layering flexibility when the temperature fluctuates.
I paired the jacket with a merino wool thermal and a thin puffer jacket. This was along with Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pants on my lower half.
The Women’s Odin Backcountry Infinity Shell Jacket uses Helly Hansen’s Lifa Infinity Pro technology, it’s lightweight with a fully waterproof and breathable membrane. What impressed me is the everlasting water repellence, which never needs reproofing. Achieved without the use of chemicals!
It’s great to see that Helly Hansen is focusing on being more environmentally conscious. Check out this YouTube video If you want to know more about this technology: LIFA INFINITY PRO™ – Waterproof. Breathable. Responsible.
A mixture of rain, snow and wet chairlift seats, provided me an opportunity to test the jacket’s waterproofness and it didn’t disappoint. This is a high-quality shell to say the least. Any droplets stay on top of the material, come rain or snow, this will keep you dry throughout. Additionally, the shell shielded me from wind chill higher up the mountain.
Personally, I found this shell quite remarkable for its breathability. The combination of the LIFA Infinity Pro technology and the zips/ventilation allowed for complete moisture control. There are two huge pit zip’s which bring in a lot of airflow and I could imagine these features being beneficial for ski touring.
I’m 5’4 and 62 kg with an athletic build and I’m wearing a medium. If you’d prefer a more snug or fitted shell, I could imagine a size down would also work.
I was slightly concerned about what the material would feel like, as I’ve previously worn shells that feel like cardboard. I was pleasantly surprised at its softness and comfort. The oversized fit is perfect for being flexible with various layers underneath. While it lacks a powder skirt, which I know would annoy some users, there is an adjustable bottom hem.
I’m more inclined towards jackets that are above the hips and not too tight around the shoulder blades as it restricts my skiing. The Women’s Odin Backcountry Infinity Shell Jacket provides you with plenty of mobility.
While the jacket excels in many areas, the pockets slightly let me down. It lacks a forearm lift pass pocket which is important to me. I think that’s based on this being more of a backcountry ski touring shell, but it’s worth noting.
The only secure pocket is one on the chest which can hold a lift pass along with either my money or phone but I was conscious of losing my lift pass when grabbing things. The lack of storage is more doable when you’re wearing a jacket underneath with pockets, but on a spring day when you just want to wear the shell, it might be a challenge.
There’s a left-side zip with an open mesh pouch on the inside, designed to store gloves when taking off skins and it gives easy access to other items without undoing the main zip. But do remember not to store anything in it when you ski downhill as it could potentially fall out.
In terms of design, the main zip of the jacket was something special. It’s positioned slightly to your right side instead of the traditional middle zip. So when fully zipped up there’s no risk of the zip chafing against your chin since it aligns with the side of your face and is barely noticeable , all you feel is the Brushed Tricot Chin Guard.
During this Helly Hansen women’s Odin Backcountry Infinity Shell Jacket review I have found the hood to be nicely adjustable. It fits over your whole helmet, providing protection against snow/rain, or can be adjusted to be a close fit without a helmet.
Overall, the Women’s Odin Backcountry Infinity Shell Jacket impressed me, excelling in most categories. It’s understandable why shells are a popular alternative to the traditional ski jacket. They provide more flexibility with layering and the breathability is much better without compromising on their waterproofness.
Whilst this jacket is more tailored towards backcountry skiing and touring but I mainly used it for piste skiing. I noticed some missing pocket features and without the use of a backpack, I found this a storage challenge.
Other than that, I would recommend Helly Hansen’s Women’s Odin Backcountry Infinity Shell Jacket, to someone who wants a high-performance shell for ski touring/backcountry and some resort skiing. One thing is for certain, this jacket will protect you from whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
I hope you found this Helly Hansen women’s Odin Backcountry Infinity Shell Jacket review useful. Coming in grey and black this jacket is available in retailers for a RRP of £550. You can also buy direct from Helly Hansen: www.hellyhansen.com/w-odin-bc-lt-3l-shell-jacket
In this guide to Bhutan adventure travel you'll find out all about this alluring country. The best activities in Druk Yul – the Bhutanese name for Bhutan meaning:...
Did you know that removing layers keeps you warm when walking or trekking? If not then you need to read that article! As we explain one of the most useful hiking...
Asia, the world's largest continent, has some of the biggest and best rafting on the planet. Home to great rapids, an array of landscapes and ancient cultures Asia...
Login
Register
