Helly Hansen Mens Panorama Pile Jacket

On our trip to the Antarctic I took the Panorama Fleece to work with other Helly Hansen outer jackets whenever temperature dictated a good mid layer was needed [©JG]

This Men’s Panorama Pile Jacket from Helly Hansen proved to be a great companion in the Antarctic, writes Mike Gormley.

I have found myself wearing this fleece very often since I first received it for review, and indeed I am wearing it now around home on a chill and damp early spring day.

I used the Panorama on its own when not so cold and the wind was not blowing, as well as around the ship ~ note the HH Mountain Beenie [©JG]

In essence a fairly basic mid-layer, but in reality a cosy and easy-to-wear fleece which is just as useful around home as it is as an extra layer on more active and adventurous outings. With a more multi-use fleece I would generally look for pockets that zip and also for that secure chest pocket for the ever-present mobile phone, but the Panorama has quite basic small hand-warmer pockets and that’s all.

The thumb loops work perfectly and enable the sleeve to work as a half glove [©JG]

As a mid-layer, so perhaps likely most often worn with an accompanying top layer, it has handy thumb loops built in to aid pulling on the top jacket over the arms and not having to go fishing to get the sleeves down where they should be; I know, we have all been there. But these loops also keep sleeves in place, so they also act as a half hand warmer as well. The Panorama is a nice ‘chunky feel’ fleece and has the cosy feel from the get go. The collar zips up to form a nice higher wind block but not too high as to be intrusive.

The Panorama also worked very well in conjunction with the HH Arctic Transition Parka, which has less insulation than the Puffer Jacket, so made a very flexible combination in not so cold conditions [©JG]

This one is designated Triple Espresso but if brown is not your taste it is available in three other colours. It has a good chunky easy to use YKK zip and is made in part from recycled materials.