Helly Hansen’s answer to cold winter days is this appropriately named Tromsoe (or Tromsø) Winter Jacket, writes Mike Gormley.
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Getting this Tromsoe jacket to evaluate was spot-on timing for the recent cold UK weather, when it proved to be ideal in a number of ways. This is a fully featured jacket for colder weather as one might find in the north of Norway in Tromsoe, or Tromsø as it is generally known up there. It certainly was pretty cold those times I was up there, but sadly I did not have this jacket then!
Tromsoe Winter Jacket is immediately cosy as you put it on and zip it up. The zip goes right up high, so you can fully protect your neck and chin if required. Importantly, when this is done it remains comfortable unlike some garments which can aggravate the neck and chin. There is a press stud attached, and easy to remove, hood. This is a good one and adjustable to suit both you and conditions. A handy feature as it can be removed and stowed in one of the many pockets when not in use.
¤ Behind the main zip there is a secure inner pocket for more valued items
¤ There is a very useful mesh ‘poacher’ pocket on the inside
¤ There are well-placed hand warmer pockets on both sides behind the cargo pockets
[©JG]
To assist in the general cosiness of this jacket it has knitted inner windcheater cuffs to seal your arms from the cold. Termed by Helly as a ‘puffer’ jacket, it is just that with a High Loft synthetic insulation so no worries for those concerned over pure down. This jacket has PFC-free water-repellent treatment and seam are taped… although since I have been using it the weather has changed again and it hasn’t yet rained One feature I have got to try, however, and to prove is the breathability. Wearing the jacket on some good and perhaps reasonably testing moorland and coastal walks on cold breezy days, but where things got quite warm inside on the steep climbs, I always felt comfortable and not hot and clammy. Indeed on some occasions I removed my mid layer HH Daybreaker fleece, which proved to be a good combination.
¤ The fold-down reflective strips on both arms are a really neat safety feature
[©JG]
The outer material, which is 100% polyamide, feels robust and like it will put up with a lot of tough wear and tear, so I have not been concerned when brushing past gorse and brambles. The fabric is ripstop and, as previously mentioned, DWR treated to keep the wet out when necessary. There is also a good proportion of recycled material in this jacket, which always a good thing.
For a jacket that will be used for many environments and situations it has a great range of very useable pockets; a sizeable and easy to use chest pocket along with two flap-top cargo pockets which have convenient hand-warmer pockets in behind. All works well for active days out in cold weather. Inside is a sizeable ‘poacher’ pocket, which is perfect for the hood when not in use.
¤ The removable hood attaches to easy-fix press studs around the collar
[©JG]
This jacket is cut fairly long to keep the weather and cold out but not enough to be too restrictive when active. All in all this is a great jacket for the cold and possibly wet days out. The colour here is Deep Fjord and there is a good range of options, including slightly more tactical greens plus white and black. Size range is S to 2XL.
[images © Jean Gormley]
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