[Review] Women’s Lifaloft Hybrid Insulator Jacket by Helly Hansen

Having a good mid-layer in your life is almost as important as having a pair of fat skis on a POW day (pretty much mandatory). Having a perfect mid-layer is essential for everyday life and versatile enough for year-round use. Helly Hansen’s new Women’s Lifaloft™ Hybrid Insulator Jacket is my new go-to mid-layer. The combination of Lifaloft insulation and amazingly soft fleece makes it hard to take this one off.

Not only is Lifaloft insulation warm, it’s also really light. “Lifaloft traps a maximum amount of air in a small space, making it warm, lightweight, and low-profile” (hellyhansen.com). Because it’s synthetic insulation, it also means that it will keep you warm even if it gets wet. To me, because of it’s ultimate comfort and lightweight capabilities, the Hybrid Insulator Jacket is the perfect traveling piece. I wear it almost every day whether I’m at home, on the road, or skiing.

I used to be the type of person who couldn’t layer under my ski jacket with a layer that had a hood but I’m a changed person now. The hood on this jacket doesn’t bother me at all when I layer it under my ski gear (if you really don’t like hoods, check out the W’s Lifaloft Insulator Jacket). The Lifaloft Hybrid Insulator Jacket is warmth without the bulk, which also makes it a key layering piece.

As far as sizing goes, it’s important to note that I have always been a size large in Helly Hansen gear. With this jacket, the large was too big and didn’t fit me well at all. It was pretty frumpy and not very flattering. When I sized down to the medium, it fit perfectly and was very flattering! 

Before this layer, my previous everyday wear was the Ullr Midlayer by Helly Hansen. Unfortunately, that layer was in a suitcase that was stolen. I was so bummed, but being able to replace the Ullr with the Hybrid Insulator has filled the empty place in my heart! I know that this mid-layer is a little bit more expensive than some, but for me, being something I wear almost every day, I think it’s worth it. 

If you’re looking for a jacket that can withstand some abuse, keep you warm and comfortable, and is flattering, look no further than the Women’s Lifaloft Midlayer Jacket by Helly Hansen. If you’re interested in some other Helly gear, be sure to check out our reviews!