Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Review

We used this jacket on backcountry ski objectives, trail hikes, and around town. We enjoyed the larger sizing, providing plenty of freedom of movement as well as the ability to layer underneath on colder days. Weather protection is definitely the strongest suit of the Odin Mountain, though some of the other metrics suffer for it.

Performance Comparison

Weather Protection

One of the things we like the most about the Odin Mountain is its ability to protect us from the weather. Using a four-way stretch softshell fabric coated with a DWR water-resistant treatment and backed by a grid fleece inner fabric, we found that the wind and water blocking properties were top-tier for a softshell. A large hood easily accommodates a ski helmet and has a three-way adjustment to seal out icy drafts.

The most noticeable difference between this jacket and most of the others we reviewed is the length of the hem. Ending well below the waist, this longer cut helps to hold in warmth and provide extra protection during transitions. Adjustable cuff closures are easy to use with gloves, and large zippered handwarmer pockets give you a chance to get our mitts out of the elements if not wearing gloves.

Breathability

The Odin was an average performer when it came down to breathability. Comparing this jacket to one of the ultralight, unlined jackets would be unfair, though. This softshell is equipped with a fleece backing, which gives it extra warmth and wind protection but also affects its ability to shed perspiration.

We used this jacket on a cold and windy day in the Sierra Nevada, hiking up 2,000 feet with our skis on our packs, and found that at a moderate pace, the Odin was able to breathe well enough that we didn’t get overly sweaty. But hiking quickly uphill with a base layer on underneath was too much, and we felt overheated.

Mobility

With its large sizing (at least compared to many of the slim-fitting technical jackets that are becoming more common), there is ample room for movement in the Odin. The combination of the large sizing and the stretchy fabric kept us from feeling constricted, and the long cut stayed put underneath a climbing harness.

Although the extra room allows for layers and freedom of movement, we found ourselves wishing for a slimmer fit in many applications. While climbing and hiking, the Odin feels a bit too baggy, and for casual, around-town use, it looks like you’re almost wearing a trench coat.

Weight

The Odin Mountain is one of the heaviest jackets in our review. This weight comes from the stout fabric and the fleece backing, as well as the fact that it is cut so generously. This extra weight can be forgiven if you plan on using this jacket for mostly downhill skiing, especially if it is lift-accessed. We feel that it is too heavy and bulky to bring along on days where it might end up in your backpack — in these instances, we’d rather have a lighter shell with a fleece layer.

Versatility

We find the Odin Mountain to be an overall good choice for mountain activities, though it really shines for skiing and snowboarding. It is a bit on the heavy side for ski touring at an aerobic pace because of its diminished breathability, though for many sidecountry ski and splitboard tourers, this might be a great jacket. For inbounds riding, we really like how much coverage we get from the longer hem, keeping our backsides off the chairlift. It is a bit too baggy for casual use, and most hikers and climbers will prefer a trimmer fit.

Value

This is a nice jacket that offers a lot of weather protection, but it feels too expensive to be justified at its list price. Similar offerings can be found at a lower price point and a better value.

Conclusion