Helly Hansen® Clothing - Technology that wears well

For Helly Hansen®, the company that has designed and supplied the clothing for the Ericsson Racing Team, it wouldn’t be a stretch to call the Volvo Open 70 its largest test lab.

“A single leg of the course lasting 30 days is the equivalent of 10 years of use for clothing worn by the average person,” says Karl-Einar Jensen, Marketing Manager of Water Sports for Helly Hansen.

Three different collections of clothing – one for the crew on board, another for the crew on shore, and one for the supporters on shore – have been individually tailored and designed to complement the colors and patterns of the boat. “Everything hangs together, so that everyone associated with the Ericsson entry is immediately recognized as members of a well-coordinated team,” Jensen comments.

But it’s the technical clothing systems and footwear worn by the crew during the race that has received the most scrutiny from a purely technical standpoint. “The course covers so many different climates that a wide wardrobe is needed,” Jensen continues. “For example, in warmer weather conditions, UV protection is a major consideration. And during legs of the race where temperatures plunge and gale force winds are a constant presence, layers of clothing are needed to stave off the cold.”

Putting clothing to the test

Throughout training and into the race itself, the Ericsson Racing Team will “wear-test” clothing, including alternative materials other than those offered by Helly Hansen today. The first test was completed after the boat sailed from Stockholm to the Ericsson training base in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote. Every item of clothing was checked for wear, and the crew was asked for their input regarding the fit and finish. Because some crew members run around and sweat more, while others move less in their positions on the boat, variations of clothing packages are analyzed. “We also consider individual preferences, such as someone who wants a shorter jacket,” Jensen says.

Performing admirably – one layer at a time

For cold weather clothing systems, lifa® stay dry technology™ will be utilized as a base layer for its ability transport moisture away from the skin during high-energy activities. Developed by a Nobel Prize winner, this polypropylene material has been a mainstay of the Helly Hansen clothing line for more than 35 years.

In addition to providing thermal insulating properties, some of the Helly Hansen mid-layers are wind-proof and feature a shell that acts as a barrier to prevent moisture from seeping back toward the base layer. If the mid-layer material has a sleek surface it also helps keep the insulation from feeling too bulky.

According to Jensen, the outer layer is about building the right shape and fit. “In recent years, we actually took things too far in being too light weight – and have taken a step back,” he explains. “Experience has taught us that some bulk, resulting from a slightly stiffer shell fabric such as Helly Tech® XP, creates some space or distance from the body. It actually makes the clothing more comfortable.”

“The clothing we build is subject to the same high expectations as every other piece of equipment on the Ericsson boat,” Jensen concludes. “It has to be of such quality that it gives the team every possible advantage in the race.”

See Nordic crewmember Thomas Johanson present all the clothing.