Arc'teryx vs. Helly Hansen: Which brand should you buy?

Arc'teryx is known for its high-performance, precision-engineered outdoor gear with a minimalist aesthetic and a premium price tag, appealing to serious alpinists and technical users. In contrast, Helly Hansen, rooted in its Norwegian maritime heritage, offers practical, durable apparel for sailing, skiing, and outdoor work at a more accessible mid-range price point.

Let's compare everything you need to know to decide which of these outdoor brands is right for you.

Arc'teryx: Precision-Engineered for Extreme Performance

Arc'teryx stands at the peak of the outdoor industry, designing gear for those who venture into the harshest environments. The brand obsesses over every detail, from fabric selection to seam taping, resulting in products that offer unmatched durability, weather protection, and mobility. Their target customer is the dedicated outdoor athlete or professional who views their gear as a critical investment in safety and performance.

• Product mix: Specializes in technical outerwear, including climbing harnesses, backpacks, and apparel engineered for alpine sports, skiing, and hiking.
• Price point: Premium pricing reflects its commitment to quality. Shell jackets like the iconic Alpha SV can run upwards of $700, while baselayers start around $80-$100.
• Quality & Materials: Utilizes top-tier materials like GORE-TEX Pro for ultimate waterproofing and breathability, combined with meticulous micro-seam construction and articulated patterning for a superior fit.
• Sizing/Fit: Tends to have a trim, athletic fit designed for efficient layering and freedom of movement. Sizing is generally true to size but is less forgiving than more relaxed fits.
• Style: Characterized by a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with clean lines and a functional design that transitions well from the mountain to urban environments.
• Sustainability: Focuses on creating incredibly durable products that last for years to reduce waste. They also utilize programs like the Bluesign system for responsible material sourcing.

Arc'teryx gear is built for those who refuse to compromise on performance and are willing to pay a premium for equipment that withstands extreme use.

Shop Arc'teryx: arcteryx.com

Helly Hansen: Durable and Practical Outdoor Gear

With over 140 years of experience, Helly Hansen has a proven track record of creating protective gear for professionals who face punishing weather at sea and on the mountains. The brand excels at making reliable, functional, and durable apparel that performs exceptionally well without the extreme price tag of some competitors. Their customer is the outdoor enthusiast, resort skier, sailor, or skilled worker who needs dependable gear that offers great value.

• Product mix: Offers a wide range of apparel for sailing, resort skiing, urban living, and industrial workwear, with a strong focus on waterproof and insulated pieces.
• Price point: Positioned in the mid-to-upper price range, offering strong value. Jackets typically cost between $150 and $400, providing excellent performance for the price.
• Quality & Materials: Employs proprietary technologies like Helly Tech waterproof fabric and LifaLoft insulation, which are highly effective, breathable, and hard-wearing. The construction is rugged and built for practical use.
• Sizing/Fit: Provides a more accommodating, relaxed fit that is comfortable and allows for easy layering. Sizing is generally accurate and offers a bit more room than athletic-cut brands.
• Style: Leans toward a functional, utilitarian aesthetic. Designs are classic and straightforward, often featuring bold colors and high-visibility elements for safety.
• Sustainability: Commits to responsible manufacturing practices and the use of eco-friendly fabrics, with clear goals for reducing their environmental footprint.

Helly Hansen is a go-to for anyone seeking tough, practical, and affordable gear with a legacy of keeping people safe in harsh conditions.

Shop Helly Hansen: hellyhansen.com

Arc'teryx vs. Helly Hansen Comparison

Price Comparison

The most significant difference between the two brands is price. Arc'teryx operates in the luxury tier of outdoor gear, with hardshell jackets frequently costing $500 to $700 or more. This price reflects the cost of premium materials like GORE-TEX Pro, cutting-edge design, and painstaking construction.

Helly Hansen is far more accessible, with most of its popular insulated skiing and sailing jackets priced in the $200-$400 range. While still an investment, it provides excellent performance-to-price value, making it a more practical choice for a broader audience that doesn't necessarily need gear for Himalayan expeditions.

Quality & Materials

Arc'teryx is synonymous with best-in-class materials and construction. The brand is a longtime partner with GORE-TEX and uses the highest-end GORE-TEX Pro membranes in its premier jackets, ensuring bombproof waterproofing and excellent breathability. The attention to detail, from the tiny seam taping to the laminated zippers, is second to none, contributing to gear that often lasts for over a decade of hard use.

Helly Hansen uses its own proprietary Helly Tech membrane, which is a highly competent waterproof/breathable fabric that keeps users dry and comfortable in most conditions. For insulation, its LifaLoft technology offers excellent warmth without bulk. While these materials are very effective for resort skiing or coastal sailing, they may not offer the same level of extreme durability or breathability as the premium fabrics used by Arc'teryx.

Style & Aesthetic

Arc'teryx apparel adheres to a minimalist, technical design language. The jackets are sleek, with clean lines, articulated patterns, and muted, sophisticated colors. This makes the gear highly versatile, looking just as good in the city as it does on a summit. The fit is athletic and intended for performance.

Helly Hansen’s style is more utilitarian and classic. Its designs are guided by function, with a focus on practicality and visibility. This can mean bolder color blocking and a more relaxed fit that favors comfort. It's a look firmly rooted in the worlds of sailing and ski resorts rather than high-fashion crossovers.

Fit & Sizing

Arc'teryx uses an athletic block for most of its apparel. The fit is trim and close to the body to reduce bulk, maximize breathability, and allow for precise layering. It runs true-to-size, but those with broader builds or who prefer a roomier feel might need to size up.

Helly Hansen generally offers a more relaxed or regular fit. Their jackets provide more room through the chest and waist, making them comfortable for a wider range of body types and ideal for casual layering with fleece or sweaters underneath. The sizing is often considered more inclusive.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands produce excellent technical apparel, but they are built for different users with different priorities.

Choose Arc'teryx if:

• You participate in demanding activities like ice climbing, mountaineering, or backcountry touring where failure is not an option.
• You have a generous budget and view your purchase as a long-term investment in best-in-class gear.
• You value a sleek, minimalist aesthetic and an athletic fit that prioritizes mobility.
• You need the absolute highest levels of weatherproofing and durability available on the market.

Choose Helly Hansen if:

• You need reliable and durable outerwear for resort skiing, sailing, hiking, or daily wear in wet climates.
• You are looking for the best possible performance at a reasonable price and value is a key consideration.
• You prefer a more relaxed and comfortable fit that allows for easy layering.
• You want gear from a brand with a deep, authentic heritage in protecting people from the elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arc'teryx or Helly Hansen more expensive?

Arc'teryx is significantly more expensive. Its products are positioned in the premium to luxury end of the outdoor market, with top-tier jackets costing over $700. Helly Hansen occupies a mid-to-high-end position, offering strong performance for a much lower price.

Which brand is better for skiing?

It depends on the type of skiing. For backcountry touring and demanding conditions where lightweight breathability is key, Arc'teryx is the superior technical choice. For resort skiing, where warmth, durability, and value are more a priority, Helly Hansen offers an exceptional range of insulated jackets that are more than capable.

How durable is Arc'teryx compared to Helly Hansen?

Both brands are known for durability. However, Arc'teryx's use of high-denier GORE-TEX Pro face fabrics and meticulous construction often results in a longer lifespan under consistent, harsh use. Helly Hansen's workwear lines are incredibly tough, but for general outdoor use, Arc'teryx often has the edge in abrasion resistance and long-term weatherproofing.

Which brand has a better fit?

This is subjective. Arc'teryx offers a trim, athletic fit ideal for layering and an active use. Helly Hansen provides a more relaxed, accommodating fit that many find more comfortable for casual wear and daily use. Choose based on your body type and intended activity.

What is Helly Hansen best known for?

Helly Hansen built its reputation on professional-grade marine gear for sailing and fishing. Today, it's also a major presence in the ski industry, trusted by ski patrollers and mountain professionals worldwide for its durable and warm apparel.

Is Arc'teryx apparel worth the high price?

For elite users who require maximum performance in extreme environments, the price is often justified by the advanced materials, superior fit, and exceptional durability. For hobbyists or those in milder climates, the performance benefits may not be worth the substantial cost difference compared to great-value brands like Helly Hansen.

Do both brands offer a warranty?

Yes, both brands stand behind their products with warranties covering manufacturing defects. Arc'teryx is particularly well-known for its excellent repair service and customer support, reinforcing its commitment to product longevity.

Which brand is better for everyday urban wear?

Both have a strong presence, but Arc'teryx's minimalist aesthetic and sleek designs, especially in its Veilance line, often appeal more to a fashion-conscious urban audience. Helly Hansen also offers many urban jackets that are practical and stylish in a more classic, functional way.