Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore: Offshore oilskins at a fair price

The Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore is a solid piece of offshore gear with good features at a fair price. The jacket and bib cost 430 euros (jacket) and 320 euros (trousers) respectively. The oilskins have a very high collar, storm flap and good heat pockets. Reinforcements on the arms and buttocks protect high-wear areas. A good offshore oilskin for sailors who don't need the absolute top model.

Easier assembly, robust material

The jacket has a much simpler construction than the Ægir: no membrane in the classic sense, but a vapour-deposited coating on the inside. A mesh-like inner lining protects the coating. The finish is clean, the storm flap and very high collar - which reaches the back of the head - offer good protection.

The hood has a wire around the edge that can be moulded. The hood is easy to adjust and visibility is good. It does not rotate completely. A general problem with offshore oilskins. The solid collar construction makes the movement stiffer. A storm flap can be folded over the nose or stowed in the collar. It is padded with neoprene and comfortable to wear.

Heat pockets and reinforcements

The trousers can be easily adjusted at the feet, shoulders and waist. There are heat pockets on the chest and they are pleasantly warm. Reinforcements on the knees offer protection against wear, but without padding. Large pockets on the legs are only secured with two Velcro points - not waterproof.

The jacket has an extremely high level of reinforcement: all the way down the arm, across the buttocks and in high-wear areas. This makes it durable and resistant. Many reflectors increase visibility.

Space for warming layers

The Skagen has a slightly wider cut. This has advantages: There is room for a warming mid-layer underneath. Especially in cold conditions, you can put on fleece or an insulating jacket underneath without it getting tight. The oilskin is easy to adjust.

Good price-performance ratio

For 750 euros (jacket + trousers) you get a robust, well-equipped offshore oilskin. It doesn't have all the refinements of the Ægir, which costs twice as much, but offers solid protection for tougher conditions. If you regularly sail in bad weather, the Skagen is a good choice.

Technical data:

Price:

• Jacket: 430 Euro
• Bib: 320 Euro
• Total: 750 Euro

Weight:

• Jacket: 1,237 g
• Trousers: 1,026 g

Material:

• Helly Tech Performance
• Vapour-deposited microporous coating as membrane (no laminate membrane)
• Mesh-like inner lining
• Waterproof, breathable

Field of application:

• Offshore
• Long passages in bad weather
• Autumn and winter sailing
• Regatta sailing

Colours:

• Jacket: blue, dark blue, light grey
• Trousers: dark blue, light grey
• Also available in pink as a version for women

Sizes:

• Men: S - 2XL
• Ladies: XS - XL (separate cut with dropseat function)

Jacket features:

• Very high collar (reaches to the back of the head)
• Storm flap with neoprene padding (can be stowed in the collar)
• Reflectors for better visibility
• Heat pockets (thinly lined)
• Zip with storm flap
• Massive reinforcements: complete arm, shoulders, buttocks
• Slightly wider fit (space for midlayer)
• Inside pocket

Trouser features:

• Heat pockets on the chest (thinly lined)
• Large pockets on the thighs (with two Velcro points, not waterproof)
• Reinforcements on knees (no padding, only reinforcement)
• Reinforcement on the buttocks
• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Adjustable waist
• Adjustable ankle cuffs

Hood:

• Twice adjustable
• Wire on the edge (mouldable, can be bent to shape)
• NO transparent insert (unlike the Ägir)
• Does not turn completely, but visibility is good
• Stowable in the collar