My new favorite shell for the backcountry is the Aurora Shell by Helly Hansen. While it is a feature-packed shell, it is a loose, relaxed fit for comfort, style, and easy layering.
I’ve tried many backcountry shells and I’ve always found that while they have beneficial features for backcountry travel, they are tight and uncomfortable. My take on skiing in the backcountry is that I’m willing to compromise a little bit of weight on the way up for comfort skiing down. The relaxed fit of the Aurora Shell not only looks better than the tight performance fitting pieces; you can actually layer up underneath it for the colder ski down. The long arms are an added bonus complete with oversized adjustable cuffs so it’s easy to dial in your fit with gloves or mittens. The elastic inner cuff also ensures you won’t end up with an arm full of snow.
The collar is perhaps my favorite part of this jacket and I’m so happy companies are finally developing women’s jackets with the oversized collar in mind. It is definitely rare to find a shell that I can actually zip all the way up my neck without feeling strangled. Not the case with the Aurora Shell! Even on sunny, warm days I ski with my collar up over my face for protection from the sun. The Aurora Shell even has an extension zip to make the collar even bigger (which I love and keep extended all the time). You’ll really be grateful for this collar when you find yourself in a blowing and snowing shit storm.
I love the color-way of the Aurora Shell, and while the pink and green look amazing together, the bright pink accents is a safety feature that will allow your girlfriends to see/find you on the super deep powder days.
Truly designed with the thought in mind that you will be wearing a backpack with this shell, there are a few notable features, which stand out in my mind. Pockets and vents are still accessible with a backpack on. The slightest bit of grip on the top of the shoulders keep your backpack straps from moving around throughout the day, just one more small feature to keep you comfortable all day long.
The Aurora Shell is waterproof, windproof, and breathable and built with Helly Hansen’s Helly Tech Professional 3-ply fabric. Combined with fully taped seams, it’s evident that even in the wettest of conditions, you will stay dry.
Between the fit, style, and functions of the Aurora Shell it’s safe to say it will soon become your favorite backcountry shell. Finally a shell that is easy to layer underneath, fits extremely well, has a big ole collar, and looks amazing on! Be sure to check out Helly Hansen’s Verglas Down Insulator which is what I throw on underneath my Aurora Shell for the ski down!
