Helly Hansen Vika Jacket – Review

By Steve Crabtree – March 2024

As winter transitions into spring, finding the perfect jacket becomes paramount. The Helly Hansen Vika caught my eye as an ideal option for unpredictable weather, promising protection from wind and rain without the bulkiness of a heavy coat.

I’ve got an abundance of thin jackets for summer, and thick coats for the cold.  But, and I do this every year, I fall down in the in-between season. This year, I’m correcting that fashion faux pas, and it seems like I chose wisely.

After ripping open the packaging, the jacket’s tidy appearance and quality feel stood out straight away, hinting at its potential as a reliable transitional piece…

Fabric Facts

• Shell: 100% Polyester
• Lining: 100% Polyester (Recycled)
• Trim Fabric: 97% Polyester, 3% Elastane
• Weight: 550g

First Impressions

First off, the Helly Hansen Vika jacket is a stylish piece. It’s a take on the bomber jacket, but with a more subdued design that strikes a balance between fashion and function. The black colourway provides a simple look, complemented by the subtle HH logo that blends seamlessly into the fabric. The material feels premium to the touch, conveying durability without sacrificing comfort. And the jacket’s cut is impressively versatile too. And that’s the first thing I love about this coat: It offers ample room to layer with jumpers or sweatshirts, yet maintains a flattering fit when worn over lighter garments like shirts or t-shirts.

Versatile Styling

One of the standout features of the Helly Hansen Vika jacket is its versatility in styling. It pairs nicely with various outfits, including dark blue and light blue jeans. The neutral black colour allows for easy matching with different trousers, so it’s a go-to choice for both casual and slightly more formal occasions. Whether you’re heading to a weekend brunch, the pub with your mates or a casual evening out with the wife, this jacket has the look you’re after, while providing the necessary protection against the elements.

Comfort is paramount when choosing outerwear too, and the Helly Hansen Vika jacket delivers in spades. Its lightweight design feels almost weightless when worn, and if you could describe wearing a coat as “hassle-free”, that’s what you get here. The fabric is soft, and there’s a noticeable lack of friction, allowing for free and easy movement.

Performance in Various Conditions

Going further than its appearance and comfort, the Helly Hansen Vika jacket also shines in performance. On blustery days, its wind-resistant properties provide a reliable shield against gusts, keeping you well protected. And on crisp spring days, the jacket’s breathable fabric ensures you stay cool and comfortable, preventing overheating. Its water-resistant capabilities come in handy during unexpected showers, making it a practical choice for unpredictable weather conditions.

You’ve got pockets by your waist, and an internal zip pocket for your phone. But, again they’re subtle in the look. And I like that.

What Helly Hansen says

The Vika is a protective, bomber-style jacket designed for urban life. With our trusted HELLY TECH® Protection 2-layer fabric system, it’s fully waterproof/breathable and windproof. The exterior is a soft premium fabric with a slight sheen and a PFC-free DWR treatment to shed moisture.

The verdict

Well, the Helly Hansen Vika jacket has exceeded all expectations for me. Offering a perfect blend of style and comfort, it performs too. Its design and high-quality materials make it a great spring and summer wardrobe piece. Its versatility in styling ensures it caters to a wide age range, appealing to individuals from their early 20s to mid-40s and beyond.

Whether you’re looking for a casual outerwear option or a slightly smarter but non-formal coat, this jacket ticks all the boxes. With its suitability in various conditions, and subtly cool design, the Helly Hansen Vika is an investment in quality and time – it promises many months, if not years, of wear.

I like it. It offers excellent value for its price, and it’s must-have addition to a male jacket collection.

The Helly Hansen Vika jacket is available from hellyhansen.com – RRP: £150