Facing a biting wind on a mountain trail? Navigating a downpour in the city? Choosing the right outdoor gear can make or break your experience. When it comes to trusted brands for weather protection and outdoor performance, The North Face and Helly Hansen consistently top the list. But which one is right for you? This article provides a detailed comparison of these two leading brands to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and activities.
Brand Overviews: The North Face
The North Face, named after the coldest, most unforgiving side of a mountain, was founded in 1966 in San Francisco. Initially a small mountaineering retail store, it quickly grew into a designer and supplier of high-performance apparel, equipment, and footwear. Their early innovation was in tents and sleeping bags designed to survive the harshest conditions. The brand’s iconic logo, inspired by Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, is instantly recognizable and synonymous with outdoor adventure.
The North Face primarily caters to a broad audience, including mountaineers, hikers, campers, skiers, snowboarders, and even urban adventurers seeking stylish and functional everyday wear. Their philosophy centers around exploration and pushing boundaries, encouraging people to “Never Stop Exploring.”
The North Face offers a comprehensive range of products, including jackets (from lightweight shells to heavy-duty parkas), tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear (hiking boots, trail runners, casual shoes), and a variety of apparel for both men and women.
Brand Overviews: Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen boasts an even longer history, dating back to 1877 in Norway. Founded by Captain Helly Juell Hansen, the company initially produced waterproof oilskin jackets and trousers for sailors. This maritime heritage continues to heavily influence the brand’s identity. Helly Hansen’s innovative approach to waterproof technology quickly established them as a leader in protective gear.
Helly Hansen primarily targets professionals and serious outdoor enthusiasts who require reliable protection in demanding environments. This includes sailors, skiers, snowboarders, construction workers, and rescue teams. The brand philosophy is rooted in helping people stay and feel alive, focusing on performance, protection, and safety in harsh conditions.
Helly Hansen’s product range includes sailing gear (jackets, trousers, wetsuits), ski wear (jackets, pants, base layers), workwear (jackets, trousers, coveralls), rainwear, and a smaller selection of general outdoor apparel.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Key Features & Factors
Performance & Technology
Both The North Face and Helly Hansen invest heavily in developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance the performance of their gear. Waterproofing, breathability, insulation, and durability are critical factors to consider.
Waterproofing
The North Face utilizes DryVent technology, a multi-layered fabric designed to repel water and allow moisture vapor to escape. DryVent comes in different levels, offering varying degrees of waterproofness and breathability. While effective, some users find that DryVent can be less breathable than other technologies, especially during high-intensity activities.
Helly Hansen employs Helly Tech, a waterproof and breathable fabric developed and refined over decades. Helly Tech relies on a microporous membrane that prevents water penetration while allowing perspiration to evaporate. Helly Tech comes in various versions, including Helly Tech Performance and Helly Tech Professional, offering different levels of protection and durability. Many consider Helly Hansen’s Helly Tech to be superior in extreme wet conditions.
In a direct comparison, Helly Hansen generally excels in providing superior waterproofing, particularly in heavy rain and prolonged exposure to water. The North Face’s DryVent is adequate for most conditions but may not perform as well in extreme wet environments.
Breathability
The North Face integrates breathability features into its DryVent fabrics, aiming to minimize sweat buildup and maintain comfort. However, breathability can be a trade-off with waterproofness, and some users report feeling clammy during strenuous activities.
Helly Hansen prioritizes breathability in its Helly Tech designs, ensuring that moisture vapor can escape, even in demanding situations. Helly Hansen’s fabrics are generally regarded as having better breathability than The North Face’s DryVent, especially in high-exertion scenarios.
Helly Hansen often wins in breathability, making it a better choice for activities where you’ll be sweating heavily.
Insulation
The North Face offers a variety of insulation options, including ThermoBall (synthetic insulation that mimics down), down insulation (sourced responsibly), and various synthetic fills. ThermoBall is known for its warmth-to-weight ratio and ability to retain warmth even when wet. Down insulation provides exceptional warmth but requires more care to maintain its performance.
Helly Hansen utilizes Lifaloft, a lightweight and highly efficient synthetic insulation developed in partnership with PrimaLoft. Lifaloft offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and retains its insulating properties even when wet. PrimaLoft is another synthetic insulation option used by Helly Hansen, known for its softness, compressibility, and warmth.
Both brands offer excellent insulation options. The choice depends on personal preference and specific needs. Down provides superior warmth for its weight in dry conditions, while synthetic insulation excels in wet environments.
Durability
The North Face uses durable materials and construction techniques to ensure the longevity of its products. Reinforced areas and robust zippers are common features in their gear. The North Face often uses thicker face fabrics on more durable products, like their mountaineering jackets.
Helly Hansen emphasizes durability in its designs, particularly in its workwear and sailing gear. They use rugged fabrics, reinforced stitching, and high-quality hardware to withstand demanding conditions. Their focus on professional use often results in more durable gear.
Helly Hansen typically has an edge in overall durability, especially in products designed for professional use. Both brands, however, produce long-lasting gear if cared for correctly.
Design & Style
The North Face embraces a sporty, modern, and urban-influenced aesthetic. Their designs often incorporate bold colors, athletic silhouettes, and versatile features suitable for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear. The North Face is popular for its stylish appeal and adaptability to different settings.
Helly Hansen favors a classic, functional, and Scandinavian design aesthetic. Their designs prioritize practicality, clean lines, and timeless appeal. Helly Hansen’s style is often understated but functional, reflecting its focus on performance and protection.
Style is subjective, but The North Face generally appeals to those seeking a trendier and more versatile look, while Helly Hansen caters to those who prefer a more classic and functional style.
Price
The North Face products generally fall into the mid-to-high price range. The brand’s reputation, advanced technologies, and stylish designs contribute to its pricing.
Helly Hansen’s pricing is also in the mid-to-high range, but they often offer more affordable options in their workwear and rainwear collections. While some high-end Helly Hansen gear can be very expensive, more affordable alternatives are usually available.
The relative affordability depends on the specific product category. Helly Hansen may offer a better value for comparable performance in certain areas, especially for waterproof gear.
Fit & Sizing
The North Face typically offers a more athletic or relaxed fit, catering to a broad range of body types. Sizing can sometimes run slightly large, so it’s advisable to check size charts and read reviews before purchasing.
Helly Hansen often features a more tailored and performance-oriented fit, designed to allow for freedom of movement while minimizing bulk. Sizing tends to be more true to size, but it’s still important to consult size charts. It’s a good idea to check if their product fits height and weight.
Consider your body type and intended use when choosing the right size and fit. If you prefer a more relaxed fit, The North Face might be a better option. If you prefer a more streamlined and performance-oriented fit, Helly Hansen might be a better choice.
Sustainability
The North Face has implemented various sustainability initiatives, including responsible sourcing of down insulation, use of recycled materials in its products, and partnerships with organizations focused on environmental conservation. They are also working to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize waste.
Helly Hansen is committed to sustainability through responsible manufacturing practices, use of recycled materials, and initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. They also focus on creating durable products that last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Both brands are making efforts to improve their sustainability practices, but further research into specific products and initiatives is recommended for environmentally conscious consumers.
Product Recommendations: Best for Specific Activities
To further assist your decision, here are some product recommendations based on specific activities:
- **Hiking/Backpacking:** For The North Face, consider the Summit Series jackets. For Helly Hansen, look at their Verglas series.
- **Skiing/Snowboarding:** The North Face’s Freethinker jacket and pants are popular. Helly Hansen’s Odin Mountain Infinity Shell Suit is a top pick.
- **Sailing/Water Sports:** Helly Hansen’s Skagen Offshore Jacket is a classic. The North Face doesn’t focus as heavily on sailing-specific gear.
- **Everyday Wear/Urban Use:** The North Face’s McMurdo Parka is a stylish and warm option. Helly Hansen’s Aden Long Rain Jacket is a practical choice for wet weather.
- **Workwear:** Helly Hansen dominates this category with its Chelsea Evolution series. The North Face offers some durable outerwear but isn’t a primary workwear brand.
Pros and Cons: Quick Summary
The North Face
- Pros: Wide variety of products, stylish designs, strong brand recognition, versatile for general outdoor use.
- Cons: Can be pricier, may not be as specialized for extreme conditions as Helly Hansen.
Helly Hansen
- Pros: Superior waterproofing, exceptional durability, often better suited for professional/extreme use, may offer more affordable options.
- Cons: Less emphasis on fashion-forward styles, may not be as widely available as The North Face.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Customer reviews often highlight The North Face’s stylish designs and versatility, with many praising the comfort and warmth of their jackets. However, some users mention that The North Face’s waterproofing may not be as reliable in heavy rain compared to other brands.
Helly Hansen’s customer reviews consistently praise the brand’s exceptional waterproofing and durability, particularly in their sailing and workwear lines. Users often mention the reliability and performance of Helly Hansen gear in demanding conditions. Some customers note that Helly Hansen’s style may be less fashion-forward compared to The North Face.
Conclusion
Both The North Face and Helly Hansen are reputable brands offering high-quality outdoor gear. The key difference lies in their target audience and design focus. The North Face caters to a broader audience with a focus on style and versatility, while Helly Hansen prioritizes performance and protection in demanding environments.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and activities. If you prioritize style and versatility for everyday use and general outdoor adventures, The North Face might be a better fit. If you require maximum protection in harsh conditions and prioritize durability and waterproofing, Helly Hansen is likely the superior choice. Before purchasing, be sure to consider exactly what you intend to use your gear for, and always check customer reviews.
