Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 Review

After field testing this winter, Ridge Infinity 2.0 It felt less like a gamble and more like a legitimate option.. After several days of skiing in variable Colorado resort conditions in Vail, Arapahoe Basin and Breckenridge – from dry powder to wind-driven storms to wet sleet in the spring – it proved that Helly Hansen’s in-house waterproofing technology could compete.

Like most high-end ski jackets, the initial impression is one of heavy protection. But after a few days, the novelty wears off and what matters is consistency.

Does it keep you dry, block out wind and protect from abuse? In my analysis, the Ridge Infinity 2.0 answered “yes” across the board — albeit with a slightly different feel and personality than other options from Helly Hansen and its competitors.

In short: Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity 2.0 ($725) is a durable, freeride-fit shell for skiers who prioritize weather protection and long-term reliability over weight savings and minimalism. It’s not the lightest or most breathable option, but for skiers who want a tough, storm-ready all-mountain ski jacket without paying top-tier GORE-TEX Pro prices, it’s an attractive option.

See how this ski jacket stacks up against our other top picks in the Best Ski Jackets Buyer’s Guide.

Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 Review

Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 Helly Hansen’s answer to the premium freeride shell category dominated by Gore-Tex Pro pieces. Instead of licensing GORE membranes, Helly Hansen uses its proprietary LIFA INFINITY construction – a waterproof-breathable system positioned as a GORE-TEX Pro competitor, featuring a waterproof-breathable membrane and durable water-repellent coating.

When tested over several stormy days in varying Colorado conditions ranging from mid-winter to steamy spring, the jacket avoided getting wet and maintained solid protection against snow and wind. I live and ski primarily in Colorado, where heavy rain is not common, but even in mixed spring rainfall, I found its performance to be on par with high-end shells in real-world resort conditions, even if it lacks the prestige (and perhaps long-term durability) of the GORE-TEX PRO.

Fit and aesthetics

The Fit lands squarely in modern freeride territory. It’s comfortable without being oversized, with enough room underneath to layer comfortably. I wore it with everything from lightweight fleece to medium-weight puffy layers and felt the fit without restriction. If you like tailored ski outerwear kit, this will feel loose-fitting, but it’s not a loose-fitting fit for teenagers.

This type of shell has solid mobility despite the lack of stretchy fabric. Long sleeves and a well-executed cut, reportedly refined with input from pro skiers, help the jacket move naturally on the hill.

visually, Ridge Infinity 2.0 To stand out. Fluorescent orange accents on the hood, logo and Ullr wrist patch give it a distinctive look that’s easy to spot on the mountain. It’s functional and bold, though not everyone will appreciate the high-visibility styling.

weather protection

The LIFA Infinity membrane is the defining feature, and it provides strong protection against the elements. The jacket is completely windproof and reliably waterproof, maintaining its performance even after repeated use without any noticeable degradation over the few months of testing.

Helly Hansen has a ton of trademarked names for its fabric technology, so it’s worth noting that this is LIFA INFINITY, not LIFA INFINITY PRO. The PRO instantiation uses a DWR-free water-repellent fabric that does not require reapplication, as do all modern chemical DWRs. The Ridge Infinity uses the familiar chemical DWR. for one helly hansen ski jacket With that LIFA Infinity Pro technology, check Helly Hansen Odin Mountain Infinity 3L Shell.

While testing the Ridge Infinity 2.0 over several months and about a dozen ski days, water continued to shed rather than soak the thick and durable fabric, giving it an “armor-like” feel in inclement weather. But knowing modern DWRs, that performance will eventually fade and require washing and reapplication with subsequent DWR treatments.

Compared to GORE-TEX PRO in Arc’teryx Rush JacketSecurity is effectively the same in most scenarios, but the experience is different. The Arc’teryx Rush is lighter and thinner but traditionally more gnarly and noisy, while the Ridge Infinity 2.0 has a softer, quieter hand feel with thicker face fabric.

Breathability and performance on ice

Like most 3-layer hardshells, breathability is solid but not exceptional. Ridge Infinity 2.0 Handles moderate activity well in cold conditions, but with a high-output bootpack or during hot days, it can run hot. The pit zips help regulate temperature, but this is not a shell designed for long, sustained touring expeditions.

For its intended use – resort skiing and occasional sidecountry – it performs exactly as expected. This is a jacket you wear all day when the weather is bad, not a jacket you keep in your pack for emergencies.

Features and durability

this jacket There is a lot of reliance on durability and real-world applicability, probably the result of consulting those professional skiers for the 2.0 version. The construction feels solid across the board, from the face fabric to the strong zippers and seams.

One standout feature is the integrated phone strap, a small but thoughtful addition that solves a very real problem. I’ve dropped the phone from an open ski jacket pocket several times, so I appreciated the extra protection, especially when taking the phone out on a lift or while skiing. It takes some minor effort to put the phone on the leash, but it’s much better than losing it in deep snow.

Other details, such as large, easy-to-use wrist cuffs, reinforce the jacket’s practicality. Everything seems to be designed with gloved hands and harsh conditions in mind.

criticisms

As much this jacket Feeling like a capable GORE-TEX PRO competitor, it feels like something consumers should get a little more discount off of those premium sticker prices. Ridge Infinity saves you $150 Arc’teryx RushFor example, but Helly Hansen’s Odin Mountain Infinity For just $50 more you get their latest DWR-free waterproofing technology. I’d like to bring this technology to the Infinity Ridge at its current price or drop that price a bit further.

My other main criticism might be a specific criticism, but I wish the Haley branding was more subtle. If I’m paying $725 for a ski jacket, I don’t want to feel like a billboard. The fluorescent orange highlights are nice, and I really think it’s a sign of good design that their outerwear is so recognizable and aesthetically consistent across all models. But the bright orange “HH” logo on the chest is too big, and I often felt like I was skiing for a club while wearing it.

conclusion

Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 A strong, reliable ski shell that prioritizes durability and weather protection over weight and minimalism. Its LIFA INFINITY construction proves that high-end waterproofing doesn’t need to rely on GORE-TEX, providing strong performance for the price.

It’s heavier and less breathable than some GORE-based competitors, and its bold styling won’t be for everyone. But for skiers who spend most of their time riding lifts in challenging conditions, it offers a reliable, well-built option.