The Odin Mountain Softshell Jacket by Helly Hansen is hands down my most worn jacket this winter season. I’ve worn it extensively in different conditions, doing different activities. It’s perfect for ice climbing, ideal for backcountry skiing, and great for paragliding. The Odin Mountain Jacket is versatile and durable making it the perfect one-quiver jacket for any of your winter mountain adventures.
My favorite feature of the Odin Mtn Softshell Jacket is the hood. Not only is it large enough to fit over any helmet, but it also has four adjustment points so no matter if you’re wearing a large helmet, small helmet, or no helmet, it never falls down into your face. I can always cinch it down so it’s not falling into my face and even with a larger ski helmet on, I have a great range of motion and never feel restricted.
I’ve been really surprised by how bomber and durable this jacket is. I feel like I could do anything in it and not damage it. Whether tree skiing, paragliding, or ice climbing, I have yet to show any wear on this jacket. All of those activities can be particularly hard on gear but I’m confident that I won’t ruin the Odin Mountain Jacket.
The exterior material of the Odin is tried and true softshell even though I found it kind of hard to tell that from the website photos on HellyHansen.com. The fine grid fleece inner is especially beneficial for movement and the jacket in its entirety moves with me, not against me.
I do love that I have two large hand pockets that are still easily accessible if I’m wearing a climbing harness but I don’t love that I don’t have pit zips. Instead of pit zips, Helly Hansen has integrated mesh into the two upper pockets to act as ventilation points. Personally, I won’t use these as pockets because I’d hate to lose something if I use them as vents. While they allow for airflow, I don’t feel as though I can ever cool down quite as much as if I had full-on pit zips. It’s not a make or break for me on this jacket because I still wear it all the time but is one thing I would change. The softshell material is also breathable – most so than a shell that would include pit zips so that is worth mentioning.
Overall, the Odin Mountain Softshell is the perfect jacket for a multitude of activities. It’s protected me from the harshest of environments and allowed me to move and articulate as I would without a jacket on. It’s comfortable, breathable, and fits me well. If you’re interested in purchasing the Odin Mtn Softshell Jacket, 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 Odin Mtn Softshell for free in exchange for a review, however, it’s important to know that all thoughts are our own.
