ISPO Award Winner 2024: Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Down Parka

For nearly 150 years, Helly Hansen has been a trusted choice for professionals around the world, providing gear built to withstand the harshest environments. For its Arctic Patrol collection, the Norway-based company collaborates with Arctic scientists to gain insight into the extreme conditions they face and the essential gear they rely on to live and work in polar climates. During this process, Helly Hansen's designers recognized the need for a parka that could maintain warmth and comfort, particularly during periods of reduced activity. While the researchers are required to engage in physical exertion and movement during certain parts of the expedition, their work is often sedentary, necessitating prolonged periods of sitting to collect measurements and examine the ice in the glaciers. Based on this knowledge and insight, Helly Hansen designed the Arctic Patrol Down Parka, a lightweight, warm, and durable parka that provides the highest level of protection in even the coldest climates.

When a down-insulation comes into contact with water, the down can often wet-out, reducing the ability to retain warmth. To address this issue, the Arctic Patrol Down Parka features HyperDRY Water Resistant Down, which is hydrophobic and provides maximum warmth in a variety of weather conditions. Additionally, the parka includes a detachable faux fur lining on the hood, offering protection in especially snowy, windy conditions. For durability, the parka is constructed with CORDURA® fabric, which was appreciated by the professional researchers who didn't have to worry about reduced warmth or protection due to tearing or ripping.

In addition, every feature of this new parka is purpose-built, as Helly Hansen's designers used the experience and feedback of the scientists to refine every detail. Strategically placed pockets and side zippers allow the wearer to use a harness while wearing the parka, and large loops on the pockets allow for easy access while wearing gloves. Other features include a full-front 2-way zipper with double storm flap, internal stash pockets, and an adjustable hem, hood, and cuffs for customized comfort and warmth. 

Kristoffer Ulriksen, VP of Lifestyle & Collaborations at Helly Hansen underlines the importance of the collaboration with professional partners in the development process of the new Arctic Patrol Down Parka: “We are honored to be recognized as an ISPO Award winner for our new Arctic Patrol Down Parka, an achievement that would not have been possible without the knowledge, insights and feedback from our professional partners. Their experience as researchers and scientists in the frigid, polar temperatures of the Arctic inspired every feature and detail of this parka, which we then use in the design and functionality across our entire parka collection. We are truly proud of the collaboration and work that went into creating this parka and we’re excited that this innovative, purpose-driven design has been recognized with this industry-leading award.”

• Maximum warmth: ALLIED’s HyperDRY water-resistant down insulation 
• Durable: Robust CORDURA® fabric 
• Harness compatible due to side zippers and pocket positioning 
• Detachable faux fur lining on the hood