Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Jacket review: Top-tier mountain protection

A summer heatwave isn't the ideal scenario to test a technical waterproof hiking jacket, in this case, the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0, so when the brand offered me the chance to visit Norway with a bunch of other likeminded people, it made a lot of sense.

So, I headed to Bergen in the farflung fjordlands of western Norway with a large group of new friends as a guest of the Norwegian brand, whose mission is to help people stay and feel alive in the great outdoors.

Our goal? To put the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 jacket to the test in the rugged wilds of Scandinavia and see if it makes the cut as one of the best waterproof jackets on the market. Only, it turned out Norway was also dealing with a heatwave, so I ended up doing additional testing of this jacket on a multi-day hike in Wales.

Before all that, though, I visited Helly Hansen’s headquarters in Oslo to learn more about the brand’s approach to waterproofing technology. I soon found myself in the brand’s R&D nerve centre, surrounded by spinning gizmos and rain-simulating contraptions in some kind of crazed scientific laboratory.

"This is our shock box," explained Issam Yousef, Helly Hansen’s resident gear boffin and fabric whizz-kid, pointing to an electronic machine spinning around on a pendulum with a Viking-like violence.

Filled with water, lined with sandpaper and stepped with ledges, the bespoke machine was throwing a Helly Hansen waterproof around with thunderous enthusiasm.

The purpose was simple. "These experiments help us to truly replicate the rough and tumble of outdoor adventures and to scientifically analyse their impact on our clothing and fabrics," said Issam.

Further discussions got seriously technical and geeky – including a deep-dive on the performance of PFAS-free DWRs ("the holy grail of waterproofing is a PFAS-free DWR with oil repellency," according to Issam) – but it was interesting to see how Helly Hansen approaches product development.

Now, on with my own product testing...

Waterproofing and construction

As mentioned, I tried to test this jacket in the Norwegian fjords but, alas, I experienced an unexpected heat-wave with no rain at all during my visit to Bergen and the surrounding islands. So instead I put the jacket through its paces on a seven-day wild camping expedition on the 217km Glyndŵr's Way National Trail in Wales.

While some days were sunshine-drenched, I did experience some heavy downpours during the trek – and, at least anecdotally, I can say that the jacket beaded rain well, deflected precipitation and kept me dry. However, of course, as with all waterproof jackets, more time is needed to truly test its long-term performance.

It’s fair to conclude, however, that the Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 is justified in its status as one of Helly Hansen’s flagship hardshells – a serious bit of kit aimed squarely at hardcore mountain-goers.

It’s expensive (Scandi-pricey, you might say), but for serious users who demand top-tier performance in punishing conditions, this jacket stands tall alongside shells using Gore-Tex Pro such as the likes of the Rab Latok (£480) and Mountain Equipment Lhotse (£500). Let’s break it down.

This is a burly waterproof built with Helly Hansen’s top-spec HELLY TECH Professional 3-layer fabric. Fully seam-sealed and designed with mountaineers in mind, it’s windproof, waterproof and clearly engineered to take a beating.

The fabric has a rigid, almost chunky feel – more like armour than a supple raincoat. That’s not a criticism per se; this jacket prioritises robust protection over softness and stretch. It’s a hard shell in the truest sense, and you get the reassuring sense it could shrug off an Atlantic squall without flinching.

Breathability and ventilation

For a shell this protective, breathability is actually half decent. No, it’s not featherweight or ultrathin, and of course it is relatively easy to over-heat and get sweaty in this jacket (this is true for all "proper" waterproof hard shells, in my opinion).

But you do get some nice features to help combat this issue. The mechanical, two-way pit zippers (33cm long by my measurements) allow for aggressive ventilation on the go. The 3-layer membrane breathes competently enough when you’re moving hard uphill and the large zip openings help dump heat fast(ish).

For high-output use in rough terrain, I’d say the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 balances protection and breathability about as well as you could expect.

Weight and packability

At 615g on my scales (men’s medium), it’s not going to bag any awards in our list of the best lightweight waterproof jackets, but that’s the trade-off for durability and a feature-rich design.

It packs down to a reasonable size for a 3-layer shell, though you’ll need to allocate a chunk of rucksack space if you're going fast and light. This isn’t a jacket that disappears into a corner of your bag – it’s a jacket that earns its keep on your shoulders in tough conditions.

Size, fit, freedom of movement and comfort

Fit is true to size but errs slightly on the roomy side. I tested a size medium and found it left plenty of space for layering underneath without feeling too baggy or boxy. The articulated sleeves and slightly dropped rear hem give good coverage and movement, especially when scrambling or reaching overhead.

The fabric isn’t exactly soft – it’s got a stiff, structured, rigid feel – but comfort is still decent enough, helped by soft fleece at the chin and brushed tricot in the collar. Just don’t expect the feel of a softshell jacket – it’s not that kind of garment.

Features and functionality

Helly Hansen has done a solid job of ticking the technical boxes. The hood is excellent. It's helmet-compatible, with vertical and horizontal adjustment and an impressive wired peak. The hand pockets sit high enough to work with a harness or hip belt, and you also get a chest pocket, pit zips, adjustable hem and articulated sleeves.

The RECCO reflector adds a layer of safety, particularly for backcountry missions in the snow. Overall I’d say it’s a jacket that’s been designed with real-world mountain use in mind.

Sustainability

The Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 scores well on eco credentials. It’s a bluesign approved product, made with recycled polyamide and Oceanbound recycled materials, and it’s finished with a PFC-free DWR.

It’s good to see Helly Hansen taking these steps without compromising on performance, especially at this technical level. If you’re looking for a high-end hardshell with some sustainability baked in, this one makes a strong case.

Verdict

The Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 is a rugged, technical, feature-rich waterproof jacket designed for people who go into the mountains when the forecast looks grim.

Yes, it’s expensive. But you’re buying top-tier mountain protection, with features and construction that match or beat other flagship shells on the market.

It’s not the softest or most packable jacket around – but if you value durability, protection and proper mountain-ready design, it could be a worthwhile investment.

About the author

James Forrest writes regular features and route guides for Trail and LFTO, and has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s walking in his local fells.