I have been looking for a smarter waterproof jacket for a while and therefore jumped at the chance to get the new Helly Hanson Ask Hybrid jacket to review.
The Hybrid is marketed as “a modernized Scandinavian version of the classic trench coat” and would fill a large gap in my wardrobe between all out technical jackets and an old, smartish raincoat I inherited that gets dragged out for meetings and weddings.
Once I received the jacket and opened the packaging, I was impressed with the quality and presentation. The jacket looks superb and comes complete with transport box and hanging bag.
The jacket itself feels luxurious but hard wearing. The attention to detail is impressive with subtle black embroidered logos overlaid on black fabric.
The fabric is unusual in the fact it looks like an oilcloth but is, in fact, three layer Gore-Tex. More than enough protection for anything the British weather could throw at it.
The jacket has a fitted feel which can be accentuated by push fasteners on the back strap or relaxed a little to enable a jumper or fleece to be worn underneath.
The cuffs have a stud fastener which stops them riding down over your hands but isn’t so tight as to snag your watch.
It is comfortable for walking in and the large, stiff collar is great for keeping the wind away from your ears. By fully buttoning the collar you can keep the rain at bay and there is a detachable hood for the most torrential of downpours, although the hood itself seemed somewhat large.
I found that the shoulder movement was slightly restricted. This was noticeable if wearing the jacket whilst driving. Having said that, this jacket isn’t meant for driving in.
Wearing the jacket out for he first time was rather like taking a celebrity for a swift half at your local pub. It created a lot of interest and admiring glances and was unwillingly passed around for fitting and further inspection.