There’s a saying here in Utah: “If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.” Shoulder season hikers can expect snow, rain, wind and cold temperatures, or a lovely mix of all four in the same outing. You need gear that can handle the mixed bag of elements, and Helly Hansen makes it. The Barrier 3L Stretch jacket promises to keep you warm and dry no matter what mother nature decides to throw at you.
I have been testing the jacket for 3 months, and thanks to one of the wildest springtimes in a while, it ran the full gamut of conditions. Helly Hansen calls it the “perfect blend of comfort, style and protection,” and as you will read in the review, I agree. The Barrier is a form fitting garment that is supposed to blur the line between hard and soft shell. It comes with a fixed storm hood and has three exterior pockets (two for your hands and one on the chest). All the zipper seems are sealed and water resistant. Velcro cuffs and single hand adjustment cords complete the fit. So how did it perform? From Moab to the Wasatch and the streets of SLC, this coat has seen it all and taken it with a smile.
During a hike in Moab I was subjected first to rain, then hail, and finally snow, all within about three hours. The wind kicked up as the front rolled in and the thermometer dropped into the low 40s. I wore the Barrier 3L through all of it and was amazed at its versatility. I stayed bone dry throughout all the downpour thanks to the Helly Tech XP fabric. This material does double duty, giving the jacket a solid water resistance rating (15,000 mm) and creating the stretchy feel of the coat. I had the jacket in full “storm mode” with all the zippers up and cords pulled tight, and yet remained comfortable inside thanks to 15,000 g breathability. You can bet the Barrier will keep you dry and warm in the face of dire conditions, and all of this with only a base layer underneath.
I was also impressed with the storm hood and side vents. I have struggled to find a perfect fitting hood, or even an acceptable one. The 3L Stretch’s hood does just that- stretches to your head. Pull the adjustment cord tight and it conforms to your dome with ease. When the weather is nice, the hood is hardly noticeable behind you. If things start to warm up, forget about stopping to stow the jacket, just open the side vent zippers and feel the breeze. The vents were used often during those steep slogs up Wasatch trails and kept me from overheating.
I could go on and on citing specific hikes where I was relieved to have the Barrier with me, but let’s cut to the chase: this jacket delivers. Simply put it’s one of the best shells I’ve ever used. Very water resistant, highly breathable, and quite stylish, the 3L Stretch is one of those pieces of gear you won’t leave the house without. Of course, all of this comes at a price: $250 MSRP seems pretty steep but when you consider this jacket will probably take a decade of abuse, it’s worth every penny.
To purchase, visit Helly Hansen online.