[Review] The Lifaloft Insulator Coat by Helly Hansen (You’ll reach for it every day)

Since receiving the Lifaloft Hybrid Insulator Jacket last season and wearing it almost every day in the winter since then, I knew I would instantly love the Women’s Lifaloft Insulator Coat by Helly Hansen. I was in the market for a lighter, yet longer, mid-weight jacket and already knew I loved the tech and feel of Lifaloft. The Lifaloft Insulator Coat is the mid-weight jacket you didn’t know you needed and the one you’ll reach for every day.

Not only is the Lifaloft Insulator Coat warm, it’s also very lightweight thanks to the making of LifaLoft. Lifaloft doesn’t absorb water and has “inherit water repellency without the need for treatment due to the hydrophobic properties of the Lifa® fibers” (hellyhansen.com). This jacket will keep you warm even if it gets wet. The Lifaloft is a synthetic insulation that has been developed to the high standards of Helly Hansen gear. It’s used in many of their pieces and is light, comfy, and warm.

The most notable feature of this jacket is simply the length of it. It’s not too long and it’s not too short – it’s the perfect length for those days when you want to wear leggings out on your hike but you know the wind ripping through is going to be too cold. With the length of this coat, you’ll be comfortable the entire hike. I personally think it’s the perfect weight for hiking because even on those cold days, you can easily work up a sweat and get overheated if wearing too heavy of a jacket. Not the case with this one and it always seems to fit the bill perfectly. It’s also great for changing in parking lots, trailheads, or the hut full of dudes.

Weighing in at only 410g and being extremely easy to pack down, the Lifaloft Insulator Coat is the perfect fall or spring coat and amazing winter layer. It’s really the only thing you’d need to pack unless you were going somewhere very wet. This coat, combined with a long waterproof layer would be the perfect system.

I do find the fit of Helly Hansen’s Lifaloft layers to be a little big. I have this and the Lifaloft Hybrid Insulator Jacket in medium and I’m happy with the fit. I’ve tried them in the large and they are too big. I’m 5’10 and 155 pounds and usually wear a size 6/8 in pants and medium or large up top. Something to keep in mind if you are ordering online! I would think you could go down a size and be happy with the fit.

If you’re looking for a layer that you can use year-round for any activity, look no further than the Lifaloft Insulator Coat by Helly Hansen. This coat will keep the upper 65% of your body warm and comfortable without overheating. The Lifaloft insulation keeps you warm without the weight or bulk. Be sure to check out more Helly gear we’ve tried in the past here. If you’re interested in purchasing the Lifaloft Insulator Coat, doing so using our provided link supports us as we get a small kickback from your Amazon purchase. We appreciate the support!

*We received the Women’s Lifaloft Insulator Coat for free in exchange for a review, however, it’s important to know that all thoughts are our own.