This summer I have tested a range of Helly Hansen technical summer outdoor clothing to see how it deals with activities and adventures. Most of the gear is now a regular part of my wardrobe as some of the outdoor gear tested makes excellent everyday clothing.
I have previously reviewed quite a bit of Helly Hansen winter gear and I am a big fan. They produce excellent ski and snowboard outer clothing, brilliant midlayers and some of the best base layers on the market.
But they also have a range of technical summer outdoor clothing. Some of this is aimed at sailing, but much is more general outdoor wear. A lot of the range also looks like normal clothing you’d wear to the beach, for a walk or down the pub.
In many cases, although the clothing is technical it doesn’t look it. Which makes it ideal as everyday wear. They sell everything from trainers to t-shirts, shorts to swimmers and hoodies to hats.
At the beginning of the summer I got my hands on some Helly Hansen shorts, a hoodie, two T-shirts and a pair of trainers. Find out how I got on below:
If you are looking for some quick drying shorts that are suited to both outdoor activities and everyday wear then these are a great option. Since late spring they have been my go to shorts.
During the hot summer we have had in the UK they have been a revelation in everyday life! I have combined them with a polo shirt for a posh lunch with my wife, worn them with a technical t-shirt for hiking in the mountains and everything between.
During this review of 11 inch Cargo Shorts by Helly Hansen I found them to be very breathable and excellent in hot temperatures. Also when they have got wet they have dried out very quickly, including when I went swimming in them in a mountain lake.
Of the Helly Hansen technical summer outdoor clothing tested, these shorts have been my top bit of gear. They have the perfect combination of features to make them suited to everything from sports to everyday wear. There are 5 colour options including black, navy, green, beige and dark grey.
These 11 inch Cargo Shorts by Helly Hansen cost £55 and can be purchased here: www.hellyhansen.com/hh-qd-cargo-shorts
The range of Helly Hansen technical summer outdoor clothing tested includes these trainers that are designed for sailing. However, they are good for any situation where you may be getting wet feet, plus they make great lightweight summer footwear.
Like the shorts they are quick drying. This makes them ideal for water activities – I put them to the test by going canyoning in them. In and out of the water all day they did not become waterlogged like normal trainers, and dried out completely after less than an hour in the sun.
They have HellyGrip rubber outsole which is claimed to provide good grip on wet decks. I haven’t tested them in that situation, but on wet rocks, often slippery with moss and algae, they provide surprisingly good traction.
I have also found them to be good summer trainers. They are lightweight and very breathable so help you to avoid sweaty feet. They also look really good, particularly if you like to wear bright coloured trainers!
The HydroPower Shoreline F1 trainers by Helly Hansen cost £90 and can be purchased here: www.hellyhansen.com/hp-shoreline-f-1
Of the technical summer outdoor clothing tested, this sport t-shirt is the top I have worn most. It is perfect in hot weather or sweaty activities, and not only wicks sweat away but stretches as you move.
It makes for a very versatile t-shirt that I have worn a lot in everyday wear. I have also been hiking in it, found it to be great for camping and a good top to travel in.
Since I getting the top, the Rune T-shirt Helly Hansen has rebranded it as the Skog. It is almost the same but uses 100% Bluesign approved fabric. There are 12 different colour and graphic combinations, some of which are heavily HH branded and others less so.
The Rune T-shirt can still be picked up in shops for around £25, however its update the Skog is available from HH for £28 here: www.hellyhansen.com/skog-t-shirt
This wicking t-shirt is a useful bit of technical summer outdoor clothing. It is described as ‘semi-technical’ but I find the material helps you avoid getting sweaty even in hot conditions or when being active.
It is also a nice looking T-shirt, coming in nine different colour options. It is not overly branded and the marine theme graphics make it a good casual top that doesn’t look too sporty, whilst always being ready for action.
This HP Shore T-shirt costs £30 and can be bought here: www.hellyhansen.com/hp-shore-tshirt
Of the range of Helly Hansen technical summer outdoor clothing tested, this full zip hoodie is the least technical. But it is still a great bit of outdoor kit and just right for cooler summer evenings.
Although there is nothing technical about it, it has got plenty of wear as a jumper I can pull on when temperatures drop. I found it particularly useful camping, at a festival and in the back garden for late evening outdoor socialising.
It is soft and comfortable and is just the right thickness. Coming in 6 colours with subtle branding it makes a great jumper for everyday wear.
You can pick up the Club FZ Hoodie by Helly Hansen for £80 here: www.hellyhansen.com/club-fz-hoodie
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