Getting into hiking? The Helly Hansen Verglas Down Jacket 2.0 is a neat all-rounder that ticks a lot of my boxes

When it comes to choosing a new down jacket, I'm looking for one reliable puffer that will work for everything, and now that I've worn the Helly Hansen Verglas Down Jacket 2.0 for an entire year, I can honestly say this jacket is a strong contender for the job.

I've been testing the Verglas 2.0 on the trails and around town, and brought it along for après-ski during a few days away skiing in Chamonix. From the flattering fit to the instant boost it gives me on a cold day, it's become one of my favourite, easy jackets that never lets me down.

The Helly Hansen Verglas 2.0 is warm enough to protect you against the cold, especially if you wear it with a waterproof on top, but on its own, it's light enough to see you through spring, summer and autumn. This versatile jacket is super soft to the touch and is an easy pick for our guide to the best women's down jackets.

Helly Hansen Verglas Down Jacket 2.0 review

Specifications

• Size range: XS - XL
• Fit: Athletic
• Materials: Recycled polyamide shell/lining with 85% duck down, 15% duck feather insulation
• Hood: No
• Pockets: Two hand pockets and one inner chest pocket, all zipped

What's it like to wear the Helly Hansen Verglas Down Jacket 2.0?

This is a slim-fitting jacket, which means it looks nice on, and it's more versatile than bulkier down jackets. It's really comfortable to wear over a long-sleeved shirt, and I can even squeeze a light fleece in there too in winter, but it's not so loose or bulky that I can't easily wear a waterproof over the top. In this way, it's similar to my favourite-ever down jacket, the Rab Microlight Alpine jacket.

The cut doesn't come down really low at the back like a lot of down jackets, and appears slightly cropped. So, it might not keep my bum as warm as some, but it is adjustable to keep the draft out and looks more stylish than some jackets I've worn over the years. I like the nice, high collar, which keeps my neck warm when it's windy.

The fabric is really soft where it touches my skin, especially around the collar, and all in all, it's just a light, cosy layer that feels good to wear. Some down jackets are really quite fragile, which isn't ideal if you're walking on overgrown trails or your dog likes to jump up on you, but the fabric on this jacket is a little more robust.

The Verglas 2.0 is the only down jacket I've tested that doesn't have a hood, and I really like that. It means that I can more easily wear it with a rain jacket on top and don't find myself battling with too many hoods.

There are two hand-warming pockets plus a handy inner chest pocket, which I use to keep my phone close by and protected from the cold.

What's the Helly Hansen Verglas Down Jacket 2.0 like on a hike?

Unlike other down jackets I've tested, this one uses a mix of down and feathers, which does mean its insulating power is a little inferior to jackets that use all down. That said, the difference is marginal, and I do still feel the benefit of the Verglas 2.0 as soon as I put it on.

For outdoor use, I've worn it hiking and been able to keep it on for the whole hike, even with some steep climbing involved, where some other jackets might have been too sweaty.

It's made with hydrophobic down and treated to be water-repellent, like all good down jackets. That won't hold off a steady rain for long, and you'll want one of the best raincoats for proper downpours, but it does mean I can trust it on days where there might be a passing shower.

The w&h verdict on the Helly Hansen Verglas Down Jacket 2.0

The bottom line is that the Verglas 2.0 is a real contender for your next go-to down jacket. You know, the one that hangs on the hook by the front door, ready for whatever dog walking, hiking or grocery shopping adventure life throws at you. It's not too fragile but light enough to layer and warm enough to make a difference.

I also love the colour. In my sea of grey, blue, and black hiking jackets, this unique green shade is a favourite of mine. It's not widely available online anymore, but there are plenty of colourways to choose from - including pink, blue, black, and a stunning deep purple that would be my go-to.

For under £200, it's much like the Montane Alpine 850 Nano Hoodie, being relatively budget-friendly, given most down jackets with a waterproof lining go for over £300.