THE SELL: A fully featured hard shell that feels and stretches like a soft shell. THE TEST: At 17 ounces, the Barrier is the heaviest hard shell here. But with pit zips, three good-size pockets, and creature comforts like a microfleece-lined chin guard, it’s also the most tricked-out. Testers loved the soft, quiet, and springy exterior fabric (“I swear this is a soft shell…”). Still, the Barrier has the guts of a hard shell. Helly’s proprietary Tech XP fabric easily fended off several hours of steady rain—and several rowdy rapids—during
a rafting trip on British Columbia’s Gold River. It could easily double as your ski jacket thanks to
a helmet-compatible hood and glove-friendly Velcro cuffs. THE VERDICT: A versatile and durable all-season shell.
Waterproofness: 4.5
Breathability: 4
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