INNOVATION SINCE 1877
From our home in Norway, Helly Hansen has been making professional grade gear that helps people stay and feel alive for the last 140 years. In 1877, after many years at sea, Norwegian captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife, Maren Margarethe, began producing oilskin jackets, trousers, sou’westers and tarpaulins, made from coarse linen soaked in linseed oil. Since then, the legacy of Helly Hansen lives on, developing and creating a long list of first-to-market innovations.
1949
HELOX - THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN WATERPROOF
Helox waterproof fabric featured a thin sheet of translucent PVC plastic that was sewn into coats to make them waterproof. It was revolutionary technology that became the must-have protection for outdoor use. With a production of 30,000 coats each month, the success was almost immediate and was used by the Norwegian delegation at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki.
1961
FIBERPILE - THE TECHNICAL MIDALYER IS INVENTED
Helly Hansen partnered with Norwegian Fiber Pile Inc. And developed the orignal Fiberpile - the first fleece. It featured a high warmth to weight ration and maintained its thermal qualities even when wet, making it a favorite of lumberjacks and outdoor enthusiasts. The concept lives on and the modern version of Propile is still in production today
1970
LIFA - THE BIRTH OF TECHNICAL BASE LAYER
HH’s LIFA® revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the first technical base layers. LIFA® moves moisture away from the body allowing users to stay warm and comfrotable. It has been used by professionals on every ocean, many of the world’s tallest peaks and was included in Outside Magazine’s list of The Most Influential Gear of All Time in 2012. LIFA® remians the cornerstone of what we believe is the best technical base layer available today.
1972
Helly Hansen launches PVC foam with closed cells for use in life jackets. The foam is the preferred flotation material 30 years later.
1984
HELLY TECH® - THE WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE SOLUTIONS
Helly Tech® waterproof and breathable fabric was launched in the 1980’s, winning awards and setting the new standard for performance and protection. It also provided the final layer for the 1986 introduction of the Helly Hansen 3-Layer System™, an industry - first program educating people on how to dress for the outdoors. Today, Helly Tech® fabrics are engineered to deliver the specific demands of professional skiiers, sailors, and at workplaces around the world.
1990
PROWOOL - THE PERFECT BLEND OF LIFA® AND MERINO
The Prowool (renamed HH Lifa® Merino) base layer for cold weather conditions was launched in the lat 90’s, combining Lifa® Stay Warm Technology™ with Merino wool for both moisture transport and added warmth. Designed for professionals facing the coldest conditions it quickly became the go-to piece for performance, warmth and comfort in extreme environments..
2012
H²FLOW™ - A BETTER SOLUTION FOR TEMPERATURE REGULATION
Helly Hansen introduced the new H²FLOW™ Technology in 2012 with the H²FLOW™ Jacket, which won an Award for Design Excellence from the Norwegian Design Council. The patented H²FLOW™ Jacket features an airflow venting system and a protective barrier. It allows adventurers to efficiently regulate their body temperature
2018
LIFA® MAX -OUR WARMEST BASE LAYER IN COLD CONDITIONS
Helly Hansen introduces its warmest base layer to date by thickening the already tried and tested Lifa® fibers to produce a warmer, lightweight and flexible garment. The enhanced, unrivaled warmth and comfort is why we believe Lifa® Max is the best technical base layer available today
2019
LIFALOFT™ With increased warmth, lightweight insulation and superior moisture management properties, Lifaloft™ technology is an insulation revolution that will keep you warmer with less weight and bulk compared to traditional polyester insulation. Developed in cooperation with Primaloft®, Lifaloft™ is a combination of Lifa®’s unique insulation structure and Primaloft®’s extensive knowledge in synthetic insulation.
2022
BRZ - Climate Regulating Comfort Helly Hansen Workwear launched BRZ. Designed to deliver climate regulating comfort and versatility, BRZ is a product construction bolstered by lightweight fabric and mechanical ventilation