The Helly Hansen Juell Storm, with Helly Tech Performance technology, stacks up to its name even though it is a lightweight jacket, writes Mike Gormley.
~
This lightweight waterproof jacket from Helly Hansen really has proved its worth of recent times. I have used it a great deal and it works.
At first, I thought it seemed a bit lightweight a garment to be called ‘Storm’ but along the way there have been times where it really stood up to the mark. This especially on a camp trip to Dartmoor which most certainly put it to the test on its ability to keep the wet stuff outside when it was powered by a healthy sou’westerly wind. I had been hoping I might get a real-life test of this jacket, and this was it.
The Helly Tech Performance weatherproofing most certainly does what it says. It is an easy-wearing jacket so perfectly acceptable on days when you are not sure if it will chuck it down or bring a light shower and the Juell Storm is also good to keep the breeze at bay. It packs away easily so great as a ‘take with just in case’ sort of jacket but safe in the knowledge that it will perform if the need arises.
There is an element of stretch in the fabric so it works with you as you move, especially if you have to stretch a bit. There is a useful chest pocket, in my mind these days an essential item for the likes of your phone when you are battened down against the weather. The side pockets have well-protected zips and also have good soft feel fabric inside to keep your hands cosy if needs be. There are quite generous ‘pit zips’ under the arms for added ventilation if you need a bit of additional air flow. These only open the outer layer and so the inner mesh of the jacket keeps things under control.
The front zip has a good storm flap with additional press stud fixings. Cuffs, hem and hood all have adjustment to help keep that stormy weather out. The hood is good, adjusts well and stays in place when the wind and rain try to get at you inside. If you need some added warmth the Juell Storm is good for layering with an HH fleece such as the Odin and T-shirts (see my other reviews). I plan to take it with me on an upcoming overseas trip where I need to pack light and also have an effective waterproof jacket if needs be. It should be ideal.
This one is Deep Fjord Blue and there are others, each of which have a mix of colours to make the garment look a bit smarter and more interesting. All in all one would expect a weatherproof jacket from HH to work… and this one sure does.
[images © Mike or Jean Gormley]
~
