Construction & Features

The Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell Jacket is a simple, minimalist design that packs and carries well. Weighing in at just over 10 ounces for men’s medium, it’s on par for an average lightweight hard shell jacket, but by no means exceptional. Many ultralight models exist weighing 6-8 oz, which may not seem like much difference, but ends up being 20-40% less weight.

The 2.5L HELLY TECH waterproof breathable laminate has proven to be quite waterproof, at least in our testing thus far. Enough so that we’re willing to give it high marks in what matters most – keeping you dry. We also nod to the beefy, wider than average seam-taping, with impressive quality and craftsmanship. It looks built to last.

Verglas Micro Shell’s ripstop polyamide exterior face fabric feels quite durable, and we have yet to damage it in the slightest.

Unlike three layer rain gear, this is a 2.5L textile, which means the laminate is protected by a surface coating that feels and looks plastic-y. Conversely, three layer rain gear is always more expensive and sought-after because its fabric interior has a more pleasant feel against the skin, and protects the laminate better and for longer. That being said, 2.5L is perfectly in line with Micro Verglas’ price point, and we don’t have any specific complaints about this 2.5L configuration. Just that 2.5L is inferior to 3L in general.

As to the features, well, there aren’t very many. But of course, that’s intentional; it’s a minimalist design after all. But you do get a full size zipper chest pocket, which inverts to make a self-contained storage pocket. The hood has horizontal crown cinching and a stiffened brim. The cuffs have an elastic hem but no adjustability beyond that. The bottom hem has a shock cord cinch. In short, you get all of the basic features you’d expect on a minimalist lightweight rain shell. Except for pit zips. Oh, how we wish it had pit zips.

The lack of pit zips would be our biggest knock against the Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell Jacket. Every single rain jacket is improved by pit zips, and any jacket without pit zips is worse off for it. They just do so much to improve ventilation for only very minor weight penalty. Without mechanical venting, all humidity and heat expulsion is managed by the 2.5L HELLY TECH laminate, which is fairly average in that regard, and hampered by the trim fit. The combination of no pit zips, plus average-waterproof-fabric-breathability, means this one score a bit below average on temperature regulation and sweat reduction.