Helly Hansen’s All-New Lifaloft Insulation: Work With PrimaLoft Produces Lightweight Warmth For All Seasons

Despite the popular belief that Helly Hansen made a pact with Norse gods to do the impossible and create a lighter, thinner, warmer insulation, in truth the human minds at the Oslo-based performance apparel brand broke the code through four years of development with PrimaLoft to create Lifaloft, available to all mortals in Fall 2018.

The concept came about through Helly Hansen’s relationship with the Swedish national ski team that wanted more for less – more warmth and more versatility with less bulk and minimal weight – in designs that work on snow, are packable and practical for travel. The answer was found in Helly Hansen’s Lifa fibers that have proven to be one of the outdoor apparel industry’s most timeless, best-performing materials for controlling body temperature in cool to frigid conditions since the Norwegian brand introduced the world’s first technical base layers in the 1970s. The proprietary insulation, constructed with 75% Lifa fibers and 25% PrimaLoft insulation, is less bulky in construction and weighs 20% less than standard polyester alternatives yet delivers more warmth based on an increased number of microscopic air pockets that capture and retain heat. It is also a more sustainable choice due to a lower water and carbon foot print.

Helly Hansen’s proprietary Lifa fibers inherently do not absorb moisture making the insulation ideal for wearers in variable conditions. Through moisture management, Lifaloft insulated pieces allow for uses during high-intensive activities one day, and urban-wear or travel usage the next. Each jacket in the new collection includes 80g of Lifaloft insulation and a water-resistance and windproof outer fabric with PFC-free DWR certified by Bluesign.

“As with all of our products, we are inspired and driven by our athletes and the professionals that wear our designs every day,” said Philip Tavell, Helly Hansen’s Category Managing Director for Ski, “The Helly Hansen-sponsored Swedish national skis team is constantly on the move and needs products and layers that can hold up to training on the slopes and can be stuffed into a small space, but remain dry for travel to a race the next day. Versatility in a piece is key to traveling athletes and we delivered just that in each Lifaloft design.”

Highlights of the collection include the men’s and women’s Lifaloft Hybrid Insulator jackets featuring slick-face fleece fabric in the arms and side panels. The zonal construction makes the insulator an ultra-versatile layering or stand-alone jacket for conditions throughout the year and will be worn by the Swedish Olympic Ski team on training and travel days leading up to the 2019 World Championships.

The first Lifaloft products will be released in Fall 2018 with 11 all-season styles designed for sport, travel and every-day casual wear. See the full collection including hooded, knee-length, and vest designs at the Winter Outdoor Retailer and ISPO trade shows in January 2018.