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My jacket for the last few months – as we’ve transitioned from winter to spring and towards summer – has been the Helly Hansen Universal Moto Jacket.
Norwegian dynamos Helly Hansen are renowned for producing tough, lightweight, yet well-designed jackets largely thanks to their background in the outdoors. Since 1877, they have been providing outdoor attire designed specifically for people on the ocean and clambering up mountains. This background means they know a thing or two about creating top quality waterproof products.
As soon as I got my hands on the jacket – which I got in ‘soil green’ (not as gross as it sounds) – the quality oozed out of it. Also available in ‘ebony’, AKA black, the Universal Moto Jacket is packed full of functionality and handy features that make it not only perfect for riding, but also for day to day life. It’s not cheap at £180 a pop, but this jacket is the real deal and feels like it will last for years.
This is a lightweight jacket that will also do a job in almost every season: in autumn as the temperature dips, in winter with a few extra layers, in spring as the weather becomes unpredictable and even on summer evenings or gloomier days.
It is waterproof and windproof. No messing about. This jacket will look after you.
Zips Galore
There is a packable hood in case of emergency and loads of pockets (two cargo hand pockets, one buttoned chest pocket, another zipped chest pocket and an interior zipped pocket). So, if you’re a pocket stower like me, this Helly Hansen jacket is just the ticket.
The hip-length of the jacket also lends itself to cycling, as it protects your dignity, while it is also a loose fit giving your body plenty of space to breath. I normally opt to go up a size for jackets, but this was not necessary with the wider fit of this Helly Hansen number.
In terms of style, this jacket looks the part too. It’s simple, non-sense, with the solid ‘soil green’ colouring throughout, except on the shoulder pads which have a darker brown/charcoal colouring. The design of this jacket is adapted from the countryside park, with a retro feel. This jacket isn’t just for the country though, it fits right into the city too.
The specs of the jacket sound impressive too, with ‘Helly Tech® Protection, Waterproof and Breathable Technology’ (ooh la la), and a ‘YKK Matuluxe Zipper’ – however, I did find the zip to stick on occasion – one of the very few flaws in the jacket.
All in all though, I found this jacket to be absolutely excellent. If you’re looking for a good sturdy jacket for all seasons, for all that weather can throw at you – this is the real deal. You get what you pay for at £180 – which isn’t cheap, but nothing about this jacket feels cheap. A fine example of style and function combined.