Review: Helly Hansen Sogn Shell 2.0 Ski Jacket

A good shell is one of the most versatile jackets in an outdoorsman’s closet—useful in any condition the mountain throws our way. When it comes to shells for skiing, the Sogn Shell 2.0 by Helly Hansen is as good as it gets. After several weeks of use, I can confidently say this is one of the best outerlayers I’ve ever owned.

The Sogn fits perfectly—not too baggy that it becomes a parachute when I’m rippin’ down groomers on a bluebird day, but not too tight either, so I can throw a couple layers on underneath when the temps drop below zero. The left chest phone-pocket is insulated to protect your battery so you can easily reconvene with your buddies at the base for some après action or call your mom for a pep-talk atop a steep chute (talk about GNAR points!) It comes with all sorts of other bells-and-whistles, including two external hip pockets with an attached lens cloth for goggles, a pass-holder on the forearm, inside wells for holding gloves or libations, a powder skirt, and under-arm vents. Did I mention this thing comes with RECCO? Oh yea, they thought of everything. There’s nothin’ flimsy about the Sogn either, so don’t fret if you get a little up close and personal with some shrubbery.

The jacket looks pretty sharp, too—nice enough to throw on before a date night or evening on the town. Plus, there’s plenty of Velcro and cinches to adjust the jacket to fit exactly how you like it. All the seams are fully taped, and with Helly Tech professional fabric, you’re sure to stay warm and dry day-after-day. So, if you’re looking to get rid of your hand-me-down, duct-taped parka and invest in a ski jacket that’s built to last, look no further than the Sogn 2.0.

Available at hellyhansen.com; ($400).