When we began looking for ways to make our HELLY TECH® Professional construction more environmentally friendly, we knew we couldn’t sacrifice performance. The volunteer workers we collaborate with are passionate about protecting the spectacular environments they work in. As outdoor apparel companies have tried to reduce their negative impact, the most common approach has been to reduce the fluorocarbons in DWR treatments. Decades ago, C8 DWRs were the norm, and they were the most harmful to the environment. We’ve since moved from C8, to C6, and now C0 DWR treatments. Yet even with a C0 DWR treatment (zero fluorocarbons), it’s difficult to provide professional grade protection alongside environmentally reduced side effects. So, we tried to change the concept completely: could we provide professional grade performance without a DWR treatment?

It’s taken years of research to come up with a waterproof/breathable fabric without a DWR treatment. With LIFA INFINITY PRO™, we’ve overcome this challenge by creating a fabric that does not require any DWR. We provide waterproof/breathable performance at the level search and rescue teams demand.

After years of research, our team came up with the ultimate solution, LIFA INFINITY PRO™. LIFA INFINITY PRO™ is a waterproof/breathable technology that works without the use of any added chemical treatments. Therefore, rescue workers never have to re-proof their jackets; it’s easier to care for and there’s much less environmental impact. Plus, a long-lasting and durable jacket will remain a key piece of kit for years to come and not end up in a landfill after only a little use. Thanks to this new technology, the HELLY TECH® Professional protection in the Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell is just as waterproof and breathable as possible, but in a more responsible way.

The jacket also provides maximum comfort with an articulated construction compatible for layering, and additional features include mechanical vent zippers, hood and cuff adjustments and a Recco® reflector for added safety, enabling the wearer to be searchable to rescuers.

As partners with the Norwegian People’s Aid, we’ve been lucky enough to have a wealth of skilled volunteers close to our design headquarters in Norway. The Helly Hansen designers and developers worked closely with rescue workers in the initial development of the award-winning Odin 9 Worlds. 

Over the years, we’ve taken their feedback into real-world action and improved upon the design. One of the main requests we’ve received from our search and rescue partners was that the volunteers wanted an environmentally responsible design. This request was in line with our own ambitions, but of course, environmentally friendly could not come at the sacrifice of performance.

Another key takeaway from our feedback sessions was that women’s gear isn’t always as functional as men’s. When they’re in the field, female volunteers are rescuing the same subjects as men. They need the same level of performance, but a shrunken down men’s jacket with pink details isn’t what they need.

Thanks to their key insights, the Women’s Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell features a meticulous pocket design and a smart fit. Many women’s jackets feature fewer pockets than their men’s counterparts as designers seek a slimmer silhouette. Search and rescue workers NEED the pocket space, but it has to be in the right locations and function properly for quick and easy access with a backpack on. The Women’s Odin 9 Worlds Infinity Shell Jacket maintains the same pocket space as the men’s, but the majority of that space is located in the body, not on the chest. Long pockets run along the seamline, ensuring things sit more on the midsection than on the hip or chest. The chest pocket was meticulously placed (but not removed) to ensure the least interference with the fit. The Women’s Odin 9 Worlds has an appropriate women’s fit that reduces bulk but maintains storage and performance.