Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Hybrid Softshell

Our take Frigid temps, brutal winds, surprise snowstorms—when we ventured into iffy weather but still wanted the breathability of a softshell, this was the jacket we took. This hybrid uses bodymapping to blend the best qualities of hardshells and soft-shells. (Its heavier fabric makes it much more protective and less breathable, though.) In this case, a waterproof membrane protects the hood, shoulders, and upper arms. Everywhere else, softshell fabric (still highly wind-resistant) boosts breathability. “On a winter ascent of Mt. St. Helens, I was working really hard on the final steep slopes,” says a tester. “But I stayed dry and didn’t freeze in the 40-mph winds at the summit.” Note: The burly material means this shell is overkill in temps above freezing.

The Details The Odin’s three-way adjustable hood fits over ski helmets, and the hand pockets sit mostly above a hipbelt. Nitpick: The sleeves were too long for shorter-limbed testers.

Trail cred “I didn’t get wet in this shell, even when it rained for about an hour of my
hike on Washington’s Orcas Island,” one tester says.

1 lb. 9 oz. (m’s L); m’s S-XXL, w’s XS-XL