Helly Hansen’s mid range salopettes, the Skagen 2, are designed with coastal sailing in mind and are of a lighter weight than their ocean range but are still hardwearing and more than enough for most coastal sailors.
The Skagen 2’s use Helly Hansen’s Helly Tech® performance fabric which is waterproof, windproof and breathable yet still flexible enough not to hinder you if you have to clamber up to the mast or forestay in bigger seas.
They feature a chest to crutch zip with fabric bellows to keep the water out but still allow of the call of nature, a great feature. They also have some quite unusual shoulder straps. These consist of numerous Velcro patches alternating hook and loop that fold back on themselves to keep the strap ends tidy.
I can see the logic but found, in action that the folded strap ends can flap about when moving. My solution was to tuck them into the D rings but would like to see a neater method of hiding loose strap ends.
Having said that, the straps were very comfortable and didn’t cut in or twist on my shoulders after a day of moving around and the usual minor acrobatics.
The Skagen 2 also features waistline adjustment in the form of two straps with locking clasps that allow for accurate and sturdy waist cinching that avoids the dreaded ‘crutch-creep’ suffered by other salopettes that ride down over the course of a days sailing.
It has twin leg pockets, one mesh faced, to keep all of the usual essentials in (snacks!), and one zipped to keep anything you don’t want to lose overboard in.
The lined trouser legs are finished with velcro adjustment to keep water ingress from your boot tops.
Specifications:
Helly Tech® Performance
Waterproof, windproof and breathable
2 ply fabric construction
Fully seam sealed
Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR)
Mesh lining
Quick dry inside
Seat and knee reinforcements
High back for extra protection
Two way front zip
Adjustable suspenders
Adjustable waist
Thigh cargo pocket
Adjustable leg openings
Articulated seat and knees
Hanger loop