There are small groups of people who are outdoor professionals, whereas most of us are adventure seekers. Emergency services work outdoors, in awful conditions: If there’s anyone who knows what it takes to make good professional outdoor clothing for extreme conditions, it’s them.
So, I thought let’s see just what advice they have: As it happens, Helly Hansen has been working with UK Search and Rescue (SAR) teams since 2021, so I made a call. It turns out the SAR teams have their own ‘responder kit’ and that they are developing a ‘civilian’ version of the gear.
Let’s find out about this collaboration and get an exclusive look at some of the gear.
- The Helly Hansen collaboration
- How the gear is tested
- Exclusive look at the insulator jacket
- SAR team gear
- Innovations
- What can we learn? Interview with SAR team leader
The Helly Hansen collaboration
Many brands like to tie in with influencers, etc. While that has its benefits, I’m really not sure how much us consumers learn from it. But developing outdoor gear through field testing by search and rescue teams, that’s useful to everyone. So hats off to HH for taking that approach.
How the gear is tested, how, by whom, conditions
Helly Hansen has been collaborating with five dedicated UK Mountain Rescue teams across to develop and field test the new bespoke Mountain Rescue Responder Kit. Over the past two years, the Helly Hansen product development team joined these volunteers in simulated rescues, closely monitoring their needs in various mountain environments.
We got an exclusive look
At this point the civilian version isn’t on the shelves*. However, we got an exclusive look and chance to trial one of the pieces from the range: the insulator jacket. Briefly, the key additions we can spot are the extra large internal dump pocket, rear zipped kidney pockets, lined internal pockets, extra hi-viz and modified cuffs.
There’s a clever blend of material panels, with extra weather proofing in vulnerable areas such as the shoulders and tougher panels in high abrasion points (underside of the arms).
*we’ll review the waterproof layer once it’s available
The other sections look like a type of fine ripstop and the hood – despite also being insulated – closes down snug. Warmth comes from Helly Hansen’s PrimaLoft® fill which has a high warmth to weight ratio and performs well when wet.
I really appreciated the internal fabrics: If you’re going to spend hours and work hard in a jacket, the ‘feel’ also matters. I suspect these are also the go-to jacket for most things when not actually on a call…
Enough from me – I’ve not got the jacket up in the hills yet – let’s hear more about how this collaboration comes about and grab some insights from the professionals.
In our role, we can be out in the mountains for hours on end searching, or rescuing an injured person , so it’s imperative we are kitted with technical outdoor clothing that is trusted by professionals
Neil Butcher, Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team Leader
Where was it tested?
The rigorous testing process took place through all weather conditions over a six-month period. Teams from Assynt, Arrochar, North of Tyne, Western Beacons, and Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue rigorously tested the gear, ensuring it met their demanding operational requirements.
What’s the gear the SAR teams use?
It’s called The Mountain Rescue Responder Kit. This includes a three-layer system for optimal warmth and protection.
- Layer 1 features the LIFA® base layer for moisture management
- Layer 2 is a PrimaLoft® mid-layer for additional warmth
- Layer 3 is a HELLY TECH® Professional 3-layer outer jacket for waterproof protection.
How does Helly Hansen develop this range, and how long does it take?
Helly Hansen’s development process involves three prototype stages. The first prototype is based on feedback collected from Mountain Rescue team partners during the product briefing process. Adjustments are made for each prototype, including zipper lengths, pocket placements, pocket sizes, and fit adjustments. This process can take from three to nine months, depending on the product’s complexity.
Are these totally unique items or evolutions from your current range?
At first the initial design inspiration came from testing various collections, including Verglas and Odin. The resulting kit, while having similarities to Helly Hansen’s Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 shell jacket and Odin Stretch midlayers, is a bespoke design tailored specifically for the needs of Mountain Rescue teams and the extreme conditions they face.
What innovations and incremental improvements came out of working with mountain rescue professionals?
As a result of the testing, innovations developed for the Mountain Rescue team kit include a comprehensive head-to-toe offering with a three-layer system of outdoor clothing suited to extreme conditions. This system includes base layers, mid-layers, and an outer protective shell, with multiple options for jackets and trousers based on climatic conditions.
Additional features like 360-degree reflectivity and a Solas strip on the hood for helicopter use were added. A new women’s specific cut and fit across all styles was also developed without compromising any features.
So, what difference does it make? What can we learn about choosing outdoor clothing for extreme conditions?
All that time iterating, just what difference does it make to the professional rescue teams and what tips do they have for us? We spoke with Neil Butcher, Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team Leader. We got his insight on the professional outdoor gear the teams use and his tips for gear to wear on UK walking trips into the mountains.
How long have you worked in rescue teams?
I’ve been a part of the Western Beacons Mountain Rescue Team for 28 years, 5 of which I’ve been in the role of Team Leader. It feels like a lifetime! Well, I have been in Mountain Rescue for more than half my life…
Can you share any specific instances where the Helly Hansen gear made a difference in a rescue operation?
I can’t think of a specific instance, but if you don’t notice the kit that you’re wearing, it’s doing its job!
Helly Hansen designs our official team kit. The quality and durability ensures we are able to do our job to help others whilst being protected ourselves by our gear.
How does the Helly Hansen SAR jacket perform in the worst conditions?
It’s extremely robust! As you can imagine being based in Wales, we experience a fair share of harsh weather conditions. Coupled with a diverse landscape, from mountains and hills like Brecon Beacons to multi-terrain and forests, the Helly Hansen SAR Jacket’s extensive features such as its three layer system allows us to perform to the best of our ability, whilst feeling safe.
The three-layer system includes a LIFA® base layer for warmth, comfort and moisture management, a PrimaLoft® mid-layer for added warmth when needed, and a HELLY TECH® Professional 3 layer outer jacket for extreme waterproof/breathable protection.
What are the most critical features you look for in professional outdoor gear for difficult conditions?
My top three are features are:
- Premium materials to easily undertake our job, no matter when or what conditions
- Robust construction
- Zips with decent pulls on them (so you can use them with gloves on)
Three items you should always pack when hillwalking in the UK?
My three essentials to pack are:
- Helly Hansen waterproof outdoor gear
- Physical map (no batteries required)
- A compass
Any popular clothing items people really shouldn’t wear in the mountains?
There’s lots! Trainers (always opt for hiking boots), UGG boots, denim, cotton (it offers no insulation when it’s wet), the list is quite long…
What’s in your flask? 🙂
If I’m personally backpacking, Laphroaig for the evening! Otherwise, on the job it’s always Vimto or Ribena – I’m not too keen on tea or coffee out of a flask!
Supporting UK Search and Rescue
I was shocked to find how little money the UK Search and Rescue teams get from the government. Personally, I think these should be salaried jobs – even if it was only part-time. From my conversations with one team, they need to raise £30,000 per year just to keep the lights on. Please take a moment and look more into their work; maybe there’s something you could do to help raise awareness or funds for them or make a donation.
very good Adventure Gear