Perry and Cindy Mack
Combine the Midlayer with a hoody for windy, wet weather.
Words and photos by Perry and Cindy Mack
Helly Hansen describes this jacket as a coastal sailing and marine lifestyle jacket, but what they really mean is that when the weather gets wet, damp and breezy, put it on. The Crew 2.0 is uses Helly Tech Protection, to create a fully waterproof, windproof and the all-important, breathable, garment. The outer shell has an exterior DWR coating backed by a waterproof, breathable membrane. Visible features include a mesh band inside the hip hem to help wick moisture laden air out.
While Helly Hansen does offer two higher layers of waterproof, breathable materials, and construction (Performance and Professional), the Protection level is best for this style of jacket, creating a very comfortable, windproof, waterproof, breathable garment that can be worn every day. Our ski and board jackets fall into the Performance category, but the tougher construction creates a heavier stiffer garment that we don’t want to wear every day.
Perry and Cindy Mack
The DWR coating is very effective. Remember not to brush the droplets into the fabric.
Layering is a key component of getting ready for the day living close to the mountains on the west coast of Canada. Maybe it’s just getting to work, but better yet it’s getting outside. Our closets are full of shell jackets and the new Crew 2.0 is a great addition to what we have and a replacement for a few age old favourites.
A number of features made this possible. Firstly, it’s a fully seam taped jacket so moisture doesn’t leak in through the seams. Some jackets are just critically taped seams, typically just the shoulders so not the chest, sleeves, sides and back, where water with a little help from wind, and your body movement, will drive water unpleasantly to your inner layers.
Perry and Cindy Mack
The ladies in a Grey Fog to sail the seas, or walk the dog.
It’s an active lifestyle shell so fit and movement are a defining feature. We found this to be true. I typically wear a men’s medium jacket and the Crew 2.0 in a medium is a very comfortable fit with nicely articulated shoulders and elbows. Even with the Midlayer version I chose, I still have room for a hoody underneath. The Midlayer is a thin fleece lining for a built-in layer of warmth, great for our consistently cooler damp weather through fall to spring, and my choice to replace my aging North Face soft shell jacket.
Another option is hooded or not. The hood rolls up into the collar, which is perfect for some, but I find the added material uncomfortable as I can’t be bothered to fold it flat after use. The jackets’ high fleece lined collar and a cap or toque work best for me.
Perry and Cindy Mack
Articulated panels, superb stitching, and taped seams make it a very comfortable, stylish and functional jacket.
Other comfort features include a taffeta lining in the sleeves for easy on and off, adjustable Velcro cuffs, drawcord on the hip-length hem and brushed fleece lined pockets.
Helly Hansen describes the jacket as ‘embroider friendly’ with an inside zipper pocket. Although I’m not an embroidery expert, it looks as though you’ll lose the use of the chest pocket with embroidery and the stitching will make it less waterproof in the chest.
There are seven sizes available in men’s from S to 4XL and seven colours. I choose the 543 Cobalt 20 as I like to be recognizable, i.e. acting as lead or tail in a group hike, or unconscious at the bottom of a ravine or crossing the street at night. I was tempted by the orange 307 flame.