[Review] The Elevation Shell by Helly Hansen

Your peers will notice the color while you’re noticing all the sweet features, big and small, throughout the Elevation Shell by Helly Hansen. Helly Hansen rolled a lot into this shell including fit and comfort, durability, and amazing functionality. While I’ve worn this jacket primarily at the resort so far, I can’t wait to put it through the wringer in the backcountry.

I love the relaxed fit of this shell, as most of my shells are tighter fitting. It allows me to be able to layer up easily underneath and not feel like I’m bustin out of my seams when I want to wear a down layer. It’s also a perfect length and covers my butt just enough. I’m wearing a size Large and I’m 6’0 and 200 pounds.

Although this is named a shell, the Elevation has a little extra something in the back of the jacket that is one of many things that makes it stand out from your average shell. There are 4 H2Flow Insulating Primaloft pillows that keep my back warm and help regulate my temperature whether I’m lapping runs at the resort or skinning in the backcountry.

The durability of the material of this jacket, which is the new HellyTech Professional Fabric is the perfect material for a shell. I always get discouraged when I throw on a new jacket and love the style and features but feel the fabric will rip and tear within a matter of runs. This is definitely not the case for the Elevation Shell. I’m not sure you could force it to rip if you tried. With that said, at first the Elevation is a little bit stiff feeling but after wearing it for a couple of days it will be unnoticeable.

Simple features that are usually included on/in your average ski jacket are also a part of the Elevation Shell but of course, Helly Hansen has found a way to do them better. First of all, the cuffs are much larger and super easy to grab with a mitten or gloved hand. With that, the Velcro will not come undone because of the surface area of the cuff. The venting is also smartly done. Instead of a pit zip (which if you think about it, no air flow), there are vents placed on the front of the jacket for optimal air flow.

Aside from how much I love the look of the Elevation Shell paired with the Wasatch Pants, I also love all of the simple yet strategically done features of the jacket. For instance, the pockets are all very easy to access even when wearing a backpack. The two front hand pockets are awesomely huge and make it easy to place whatever is in the pocket in a good position so as not to get in the way. The hood is an oversized hood that easily fits over your helmet, complete with a hi-viz brim. Ok the whole thing is pretty hi-viz but every little bit helps.

The Elevation Shell is my new favorite shell for those deep powder days in-bounds or out. Everything is extremely well thought out and the durability of the fabric will ensure years of skiing without getting minor or major rips and tears. If you’re looking for something so people won’t have to look for you, check out the Elevation Shell paired with the Wasatch Pant. You won’t be disappointed and your friends will never lose you again.