Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket Review
The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch ($775) is one of the warmest and most protective resort jackets we’ve tested, combining storm-grade waterproofing with enough warmth for bitterly cold days spent on the lift. Its 2-layer Helly Tech Professional shell gives Gore-Tex a run for its money, and we love the stash-happy pocket layout and the smartly executed side vents. That said, the Atlas Infinity’s main zipper is fussy, and the short fit won’t suit everyone—two considerations that are hard to dismiss considering this jacket’s price. Even so, it stands up to almost any nasty weather, which is just about priceless.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-Layer Helly Tech Professional
Insulation
133g and 100g synthetic
Fabric
Stretch polyamide
Pros
Cons
Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch
For a breakdown of this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Jackets.
I don’t dispense praise easily, so take this to heart: The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch is the most stormproof jacket I’ve worn to date. While it doesn’t feature a Gore-Tex membrane like category leader the Arc’terx Sentinel ($750), the performance of the Helly Tech Professional 2-layer construction is admirably close enough that I never noticed the difference. I tested the Atlas Infinity in classic wet, adverse Pacific Northwest conditions, including floodlit skiing at Snoqualmie on a 34-degree night when rain mixed with snow. That’s the kind of weather that tests any waterproof design, but not a single drop soaked through. Droplets beaded and rolled off with ease, and the fabric never felt saturated.
I also wore the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch in much colder, drier conditions at Crystal Mountain, and it kept the wind entirely at bay. The collar comes up to my lower lip and creates a full seal against wind and snow while still feeling soft to the touch. The oversized hood fits comfortably over my ski helmet, and when I’m not wearing a lid, I can cinch it down to keep it from flopping over my face. I also particularly appreciated the hood’s extended brim, which helps shield the top of my goggles from accumulating snow in the lift line. To top it off, the Atlas Infinity's durable water-repellent coating remains incredibly effective even after repeated use, which adds confidence for the jacket’s weather resistance as the laps add up.
If there’s a caveat to the Atlas Infinity’s protection, it’s the length. This ski jacket is on the shorter side, and it hits right at my wrists and doesn’t offer as much coverage in the back as I’d prefer. I typically favor longer cuts, both for style and added coverage, and I did feel a bit exposed in this coat. That said, I haven’t had snow sneak in even on falls—the adjustable powder skirt takes care of that—and the short length hasn't led to any functional issues yet. Still, it’s something to consider if you’re used to a drop hem or often find yourself sitting in deep snow.
This is a properly warm jacket, designed to shield you from midwinter conditions. The Atlas Infinity is a synthetic jacket with 133-gram PrimaLoft Gold Cross Core in the body and 100-gram fill in the sleeves. It’s even infused with aerogel to enhance insulation without adding more bulk, and the result is one of the most effective resort jackets I’ve tried for single-digit wind chills. It perhaps doesn’t match the warmth of the down-filled Arc’teryx Andessa, but that model costs $1,100, and it's on par with Helly Hansen's own cozy Alphelia and outclasses the Patagonia Powder Town Insulated ($399). (For the price, it had better.)
On a 25°F day at Crystal with noticeable wind, I was comfortable all day with just a merino baselayer underneath. That’s impressive performance and should make the Atlas Infinity a top pick for skiers who run cold or choose to make their turns in high-elevation, high-latitude resorts. Even my mom—who gets cold at the mention of snow—reported feeling perfectly toasty in this jacket while skiing Sun Valley during a windy March cold snap. I would happily take this ski jacket down to the teens with not that much layering underneath.
The Atlas Infinity’s warmth-to-bulk ratio here is also excellent. This jacket weighs only 2 pounds 7.9 ounces (the down-filled Andessa is only a bit less heavy, at 2 lb.) and doesn’t feel overstuffed. I never noticed it feeling heavy or unwieldy while I was skiing, and even in frigid gusts at the summit, I stayed protected. If you live or ski somewhere cold like Montana, Utah, or Colorado, this jacket makes a ton of sense. For those of us in the Pacific Northwest, though, this much insulation is often too much. On days over 35 degrees, the Atlas Infinity quickly became too warm for me, and I had to unzip fully or head inside. (It might be obvious, but this is also too heavy and warm for backcountry use, or even for in-bounds hikes longer than a quick booter.)
Given its burly build, I was surprised by how comfortable the Atlas Infinity felt once I put it on. Yes, it’s a thick jacket, but the weight and insulation are distributed evenly, and I didn’t feel like I was hauling extra bulk around. What stood out most, though, is the fabric’s stretch. Helly Hansen built this jacket with a shell that’s a blend of 95% polyamide and 5% elastane, and while it doesn’t look particularly supple, I discovered that I was able to lift skis, swing my arms, and bootpack without restriction. While the Atlas Infinity is not as fluid as my lightweight, uninsulated shells like the Patagonia Stormstride, it never felt limiting—and is, of course, much warmer.
The waterproof shell isn’t soft to the touch, which is expected from such a stormproof fabric, but it does make the jacket feel a bit “technical.” That didn’t bother me, especially since I know that softer materials usually don’t repel moisture as well. Plus, the inside of the jacket is lined with soft, smooth materials that feel good against a base layer. There’s no scratchiness, or stiff or noisy panels—just plush insulation and gentle fabrics. I especially liked the cozy lining around the neck and collar, which adds next-to-skin comfort when everything is fully zipped up. Compared to other insulated ski jackets I’ve used (including some that claim “stretch” in the name), the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Infinity ranks quite high in this category.
For such a burly insulated jacket, the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch breathes better than I expected, but still not well enough for high-output use. I’d rate its passive breathability as low (maybe a 2 out of 5), but with the side vents open, it jumps closer to a 3. That vent placement is a win: Instead of traditional pit zips, the Atlas Infinity features vertical zippers along the sides, just below the armpits. Because they’re lower down and less blocked by your arms than most vents, they let in more air while you’re skiing or standing still.
I kept these zips open during breezy groomer laps and noticed a real difference in cooling, especially around my core. The fresh air moves through the vents more effectively than standard pits, and it helps keep things from getting clammy. That said, once I started bootpacking or traversing, I still overheated quickly. No surprise there—insulated jackets just aren’t made for high exertion. The Atlas Infinity is better than some older insulated models I’ve used in the past, but it’s still no substitute for a breathable shell layered with active insulation.
Simply put, the Atlas Infinity is a bomber piece of outerwear. The polyamide/elastane shell fabric is thick, tough, and doesn’t show wear easily. Helly Hansen doesn’t list the material’s denier, but it feels more abrasion-resistant than any of my other insulated jackets. I especially appreciated the reinforced shoulder panels, which add a burly, extra-durable layer exactly where ski edges and pack straps usually cause damage. It feels a lot like the material on the bottom of a Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, and it’s built to shrug off abuse.
After multiple resort days, a few parking lot hauls, and plenty of pack carrying, the jacket still looks great. The only issue I’ve run into is cosmetic: My jacket’s off-white color is prone to showing stains and scuffs. That’s on me, though—I haven’t washed it yet, and I’m guessing some basic care would clean it right up. I trust it to last several seasons of heavy use.
The Atlas Infinity’s only true flaw is its main zipper. It’s the only fragile-feeling component on an otherwise excellently made jacket. The zipper snags on the inner fabric easily, especially when I’m wearing gloves, and takes patience to zip cleanly. For a premium and expensive ski jacket like this, it’s a frustrating oversight. I expect better hardware at this price point. Still, everything else—from the cuffs to the drawcords to the inner pockets—feels thoughtfully executed and robust.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Pockets
The Atlas Infinity Stretch is an organizer’s dream: It has eight pockets in total, and nearly all of them are useful. The two hand pockets are generously sized, big enough to stash a sandwich or an extra pair of liners. Two chest pockets offer solid utility as well, especially the left “Life Pocket,” which is insulated to preserve your phone’s battery in the cold. It worked exactly as intended: my phone stayed warm and alive even on long, freezing chair rides. There’s also a small pass pocket on the left forearm and two massive interior mesh dump pockets. I’ve stored everything from snacks to goggles to a compact fleece in those without issue.
Hood
The hood is helmet-compatible and features an oversized brim that helps keep snow off your goggles. I could fit it over my Smith Vantage MIPS helmet with a bit of tightness, but no real discomfort. When you’re skiing without a helmet, the hood cinches down nicely using the rear adjustment cord. The brim is a particularly thoughtful touch that elevates the functionality—on storm days, it helps minimize goggle fog by keeping snow off the lenses.
Powder Skirt
Rounding things out is the zip-away powder skirt, which I found easy to ignore when not in use and effective when deployed. It’s not bulky and doesn't bunch around my waist the way some fixed skirts do. It’s the kind of small-but-smart feature that doesn’t get in the way of everyday wear but adds value on powder days.
Tester: Height: 5'5”; Weight: 140 lbs; Chest: 36"; Waist: 29"
Size tested: Women’s medium
I am a women’s size small in base layers, but I usually opt for larger outerwear so I can move and layer underneath it. I tested the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch in a women’s medium, and the fit is definitely on the slim side. The jacket was shorter and more form-fitting than I expected, especially compared to my usual preference for longer, freeride-style models. The cut ends just above my hips and doesn’t provide a lot of bottom coverage, which makes bending over or falling a little riskier in terms of snow creeping in. The arm length, however, was spot-on. It provided solid wrist coverage even when I was reaching forward or planting poles aggressively.
The insulation fills in some of the extra space you’d normally get in a looser jacket, so the Atlas Infinity feels snug with more than two layers underneath. On cold days, when I wore a midweight fleece over a base layer, I felt that I was pushing the limit of what the jacket could accommodate. If you prefer layering heavily or want more room to move, sizing up would be a smart call. If you’re a minimalist when it comes to layers, true-to-size will likely be fine. I appreciate that Helly Hansen offers a solid size range (XS to XL for women and up to XXL for men), but the cut and shorter profile of the Atlas may not work for everyone.
Arc’teryx Andessa ($1,100): A Down-Filled, Pricey Delight
The Andessa (men’s Macai) is the current title holder of Better Trail’s warmest ski jacket, but the Alpha Infinity is close on its heels. Each model arrives at its cozy conclusion in a different way: The Andessa is packed with 750-fill down, which delivers a puffier feel than the Alpha Infinity's synthetic insulation and perhaps adds a few degrees of leeway in the coldest temps. However, both jackets are built for bone-chilling midwinter ski days, and it might be nitpicking to differentiate between them. The Andessa is built with 3-layer Gore-Tex, meaning it’s also bomber on the waterproof end, again perhaps slightly more so than the Alpha Infinity. There’s the rub, though: All of the Andessa’s premium materials price it out of most people’s consideration, and it’s almost $400 more than the Alpha Infinity. Unless you’re an Arc’teryx fan, you can probably go with Helly Hansen’s comparable and cheaper offering. For more, read our review of the men's Macai.
Helly Hansen Alphelia ($485): Same Brand, on a (Relative) Budget
The Alphelia has a similar silhouette to the Atlas Infinity, with the same weight synthetic insulation in the torso and arms (albeit PrimaLoft Black Eco instead of the latter’s PrimaLoft Gold) and a stretchy polyamide/elastane shell. It should keep you plenty warm as well—perhaps a score of 4 to the Atlas Infinity’s 4.5 in that metric—but the waterproofing isn’t as dialed. To help achieve its lower cost, Helly Hansen kitted this jacket out with its 2-layer Helly Hansen Performance fabric, rather than the Professional version found in the Alpha Infinity. It provides decent protection, but you get what you pay for. In this case, that’s quite a bit of cash saved; if you’re not in an area with terribly wet weather, the Alphelia is definitely worth a look. To learn more, check out our Alphelia review.
The Atlas Infinity Stretch is Helly Hansen’s attempt to play with the big dogs in the ski jacket world. It largely succeeds, offering excellent warmth, waterproofing, and features. However, this jacket’s price is as high as its performance goals, and its sizing might not appeal to everyone.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
An undeniably primo (and expensive) insulated jacket, the Macai Insulated features high-end 3-layer Gore-Tex construction and 750-fill goose down. If you’re a resort skier willing to make an investment for the best possible combination of warmth, comfort, and protection, the Macai is it.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Designed specifically for female (or female-identifying) skiers, the Alphelia stands out with its substantial insulation and tailored, feminine cut. These two highlights could also be its downfall, especially for skiers who prioritize versatility and prefer looser, freeride-inspired styles.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Alpha Infinity for You?
If you ski primarily at resorts with cold, windswept slopes and lots of snow, the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch could be your ticket to a cozy season. It’s extremely warm, shrugs off weather, and thoughtfully designed, making it perfect for long days chasing powder in inclement weather. The short cut and snug fit won’t work for everyone, and it runs too hot for spring days or hiking. But there are few ski jackets that we’d trust more to keep us out of the lodge when it really starts blowing, and you’ll be glad to have the Atlas Infinity as you rack up vert while your friends call it a day.
pray for snow
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