The features of the Helly Hansen Pier 4.0 are correspondingly reduced: simple mesh lining instead of a laminate membrane, thin heat pockets, elasticated waist adjustment. The hood turns surprisingly well, but the adjustment was a little awkward - a small eyelet tore off during the test. However, the oilskin fulfils its function.
The Pier 4.0 does not have a laminate with a separate membrane, but an applied coating on the inside. The inner lining is a simple mesh. This construction is cheaper to manufacture, but less durable and less breathable than a high-quality membrane. However, it is sufficient for occasional use. However, high-quality membranes offer advantages in terms of breathability, especially for high-intensity sports activities.
The jacket has a zip with storm flap and the collar is not particularly high. There are heat pockets, but they are only thinly lined. There is also a Velcro pocket on the legs of the trousers.
There is an elasticated adjustment at the waist of the Salopette - you don't adjust anything manually, the elastic adjusts itself. This works, but is less precise than adjusting the straps. The straps can be adjusted with Velcro.
Hood turns well
Surprisingly, the hood turns surprisingly well. However, the adjustment was a little awkward. A small eyelet tore off during the test, but this did not render the oilskin unusable. The problem: the adjustment was not intuitive to use without looking. You have to pull on a rubber band that is clamped into a fitting. It works, but is awkward.
Simple but functional
The Pier 4.0 is a simple oilskin with no frills. It has no double cuffs, no massive reinforcements, no fluffy heat pockets. But it keeps you dry and fulfils its function.
The price of 500 euros for the complete set is fair. If you only have to weather the rain from time to time, you don't need a €1,600 offshore oiler. The Pier 4.0 is perfectly adequate for such applications.
Technical data:
Price:
- Jacket: 280 Euro
- Bib: 220 Euro
- Total: 500 euros (cheapest complete set in the test)
Weight:
- Jacket: 946 g
- Trousers: 864 g
Material:
- Helly Tech Performance
- Vapour-deposited coating
- Simple mesh lining
- Waterproof and breathable
Field of application:
- Coastal
- Coastal sailing
- Occasional use
- Weekend cruises
Colours:
- Red, black, grey
- White, black (trousers)
- Pink version for a feminine cut
Sizes:
- Men/Ladies: S - 2XL
- Separate female cut available
Jacket features:
- Zip with storm flap
- Collar not particularly high
- Heat pockets (only thinly lined)
- Reflectors available
- No double cuffs
- Simple equipment
Bib features:
- Heat pockets on the chest (thinly lined)
- One pocket with Velcro on the legs
- Elasticated waist adjustment (no manual adjustment)
- Straps adjustable with Velcro
- Reinforcements on knees (no pads)
- Reinforcement on the buttocks
Hood:
- Twice adjustable
- Turns surprisingly well
- Adjustment somewhat awkward
- A small eyelet tore off during the test (not critical, but shows a weak point)
- Adjustment not intuitive without looking
- Rubber band must be clamped in fitting
Cuffs:
- Single cuffs (no double version)
- No PU coating
- Reduced sealing
Special features:
- Cheapest complete set in the test (500 euros)
- Coating instead of membrane (saves costs)
- Perfectly adequate for occasional sailors
- Reduced equipment, but functional
- No massive reinforcements as with offshore models
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
