Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Review
The Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 ($450) packs top-tier protection and build quality at a price that undercuts most of its competition by $200 or more. Put through the wringer across an Alaskan winter, it held strong in truly brutal conditions. It can get steamy when temperatures and exertion rise together, and it's on the bulkier side. But for outright weather protection in a value-minded package, the Odin 9 Worlds delivers.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3L Helly Tech Professional
Weight
1 lb. 4 oz.
Fabric
Polyamide
Pockets
2 external hand pockets; 1 external chest
Vents
Yes (pit zips)
Pros
Cons
Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hardshell Jackets.
The Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 is a serious stormshell, and three months of varied winter use across Alaska made that abundantly clear to me. Testing spanned the relatively mild, wet conditions of Southcentral Alaska and the dry, brutal cold of the Interior, with temperatures ranging from 40°F down to -55°F, along with wind and mixed precipitation. Activities included mountaineering, ice climbing, skiing, and snowshoe hiking—a demanding enough slate to put the jacket through its paces.
Rather than the Gore-Tex builds that dominate the hardshell space, the Odin 9 Worlds relies on Helly Hansen's in-house Helly Tech Professional 3-layer construction. This comes with significant cost savings: At $200 less than a popular alternative like the Arc'teryx Beta AR, you might expect some tradeoffs in protection. In practice, though, you don't give up much. Precipitation consistently beaded on the face fabric without soaking in, the cinchable hem and longer-cut length helped seal out blowing snow and rain in winds up to 40 mph, and the velcro cuffs and cinchable hood locked out the elements without restricting movement. In the coldest conditions, the jacket served as a reliable first line of defense against brutal wind chill, keeping the insulating layers underneath dry and functional. Throughout my testing period, I found the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 to be properly fortress-like.
The Odin 9 Worlds wears like the serious stormshell it is. The material is fairly stiff and substantial, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it uncomfortable, either. The jacket is clearly designed to be worn over a layering system, and in that context, it fits nicely, with ample room for a base layer and midlayer. The interior lacks a soft backer (like Gore's C-Knit fabric) and is bare nylon, so it would be unpleasant against skin in a t-shirt. But that's not really what this jacket is made for (if you want a supple and more flexible shell for three-season, non-winter use, consider a lighter model like Patagonia’s Granite Crest).
On the move, the Odin 9 Worlds doesn't hamper movement at all. The articulated construction allows for full range of motion, and even while I was wearing a harness—swinging ice tools or climbing—there's no noticeable restriction. During a multi-day winter backpacking trip involving hours of snowshoe hiking with ski poles and sled-pulling, the jacket remained in the background throughout. The tall collar zips up over my chin and lower face, and a strip of brushed fabric on the inside keeps it comfortable even when fully buttoned up against the cold.
Breathability was not a design priority for the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0, and it shows. The Helly Tech Professional 3-layer construction excels at keeping weather out, but it doesn't release moisture and water vapor as readily as Gore-Tex alternatives, putting it a step behind the best in the category in this regard. For venting, I relied on the front zipper and underarm zip vents, though the pit zips are on the shorter side by hardshell jacket standards. They run from the mid-ribs to roughly halfway up the bicep, rather than the longer, more gaping openings found on premium alternatives from Norrøna or Arc'teryx.
That said, in the cold winter conditions this jacket is built for, it was sufficient. Even during high-output efforts like pulling a sled on a multi-day winter trek, opening the vents kept my overheating and moisture buildup in check. The key caveat: this is a cold-weather shell. In warm, wet summer conditions, the Odin 9 Worlds would feel stifling. Stick to fall and winter use, where the cold air itself does much of the temperature regulation, and breathability becomes much less of a concern.
At 1 pound 4 ounces, the Odin 9 Worlds sits on the heavier end of the hardshell spectrum. Compared to alternatives like the Arc'teryx Beta AR (1 lb.), the Norrøna Trollveggen GTX Pro Light (15.2 oz.), and the Mammut Eiger Nordward Advanced HS (1 lb. 0.2 oz.), the weight difference is modest in absolute terms. But wearing the Odin 9 Worlds, it felt noticeably more substantial than those jackets, and certainly more so than my lighter shells from the likes of Stio, Outdoor Research, or Patagonia. It simply doesn't have the bomber-yet-light feel that comes with a higher price tag.
Packability is similarly mediocre. Rolled up, it's roughly the volume of a large grapefruit. It’s manageable, but not something that disappears into your kit. For the type of objectives this jacket is made for, though—mountaineering, winter backpacking, ice climbing in full-on conditions—pack weight and bulk tend to take a back seat to protection. And crucially, those pricier competitors cost hundreds of dollars more.
The Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 is exceptionally well built. The Helly Tech Professional 3-layer construction is robust, the seams are fully taped, and the zippers and their weather-resistant coatings worked flawlessly. After three months of consistent winter use in Alaska—including two multi-day hut trips where my jacket was stuffed into packs, thrown on hut floors, dragged against trees, and put to work cutting firewood with large saws and axes—it emerged without a single hole, tear, or failed zipper. All closures, cinch cords, and velcro continue to function as new. My takeaway: the heavy-duty material clearly meets the demands of serious mountain and backcountry use.
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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.
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.
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.
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 of 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.
Storage
The Odin 9 Worlds has a well-considered pocket layout for a mountain-ready hardshell jacket. Two large hand pockets sit high on the torso, positioned above a pack hipbelt or climbing harness, with openings that run nearly the full length up to the armpit. The pockets are roomy enough for gloves, snacks, or bare hands in a pinch, and both zip securely. An external chest pocket handles smaller essentials like a phone or glasses and is also zippered. All zipper pulls are large and easy to grab with gloves on, which matters a lot in cold, demanding conditions.
The one notable absence is interior storage. Helly Hansen opted against a mesh drop pocket for gloves or climbing skins, which may be a drawback for some users, though it wasn't an issue in my testing.
Hood
The helmet-compatible hood is a strong point. It accommodates both my ski and climbing helmets, features a stiff brim that stays clear of my face, and adjusts via cinch cords at the collar and back of the hood (both operable with gloves on). The collar cinch lets me burrow in when conditions deteriorate (or when ice climbs get drippy), while the rear cord pulls the hood back to restore visibility when you need it. Coverage is excellent, and adjustment is intuitive. As a bonus, the hood includes an embedded RECCO reflector for backcountry rescue scenarios.
Tester: 5'10", 175 lb.; 32" waist
Size tested: Men's medium
I tested my usual size medium, and found the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 fits true to size with a regular cut. Arm length, shoulder width, and chest all fit well in a medium, and the articulated sleeve construction allows overhead movements without exposing a gap at the wrist. There's ample room for a base layer and a midweight insulating layer like my Patagonia R1, and the length and cut work well under a climbing harness. For very heavy winter use requiring a full down midlayer on top of a base, the fit could feel tight. But generally, its moderately roomy cut should work well for most users.
Mountain Equipment Makalu ($430): You Want Gore-Tex?
We tested the Makalu alongside the Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 through an Alaskan winter, and both impressed. The two jackets share a lot of DNA: three roomy external pockets positioned above a hipbelt or harness, helmet-compatible hoods, and sturdy fabrics and hardware throughout. The Odin 9 Worlds is slightly thicker and doesn't breathe quite as well, though neither jacket is built for fast-and-light pursuits in mild conditions. At $20 less than the Odin 9 Worlds and packing a Gore-Tex membrane plus a two-way main zipper that's particularly handy for belaying, the Makalu is a standout deal that edges out the still-impressive Helly Hansen. For more, read our ME Makalu review.
Arc'teryx Beta AR ($650): Gore-Tex Pro, Premium Price
The Beta AR is one of the Odin 9 Worlds' most natural comparisons. Both are burly hardshells built for serious mountain use, with helmet-compatible hoods, harness-friendly pockets, and pit zips. The Beta AR's Gore-Tex Pro ePE construction gives it similar durability but a breathability edge, and it's notably lighter at 1 pound versus the Odin 9 Worlds' 1 pound 4 ounces. But that pedigree costs $200 more. For those who want the best Gore-Tex has to offer and have the budget for it, the Beta AR delivers. If you'd rather put that $200 toward your next expedition, the Odin 9 Worlds gives up surprisingly little in real-world protection. For more, read our Arc'teryx Beta AR review.
Rab Namche GTX ($350): Leaning Lighter and Suppler
Where the Odin 9 Worlds is a bargain winter stormshell, the Rab Namche GTX makes a strong case as a value-oriented three-season option. Its thinner, more flexible construction and standard 3-layer Gore-Tex build add up to solid mild-weather protection, better packability, and more versatile ventilation. If your pursuits lean toward ice climbing and mountaineering in serious conditions, the Odin 9 Worlds is the superior tool. For backpacking, hiking, and summer alpine travel, though, the Namche is our pick. To learn more, see our Rab Namche GTX review.
Protective and tough enough to go toe-to-toe with a Gore-Tex Pro build, Helly Hansen’s long-standing Odin 9 Worlds is a true winter fortress. It’s also an excellent value, although compromises are made in weight, packability, and breathability.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
A mountain-ready shell without the usual take-your-breath-away price, the Mountain Equipment Makalu is one of the best values in the hardshell market. It's not a weight or packability leader, but its Gore-Tex waterproofing, articulated cut, and climbing-ready features make a strong case for this capable all-rounder.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
The “All-Around” in the Beta AR’s name sums it up effectively: this is a generalist mountain shell built to withstand serious, unrelenting conditions. It’s not as well-tuned for skiing as some other hardshells, and the Gore-Tex Pro construction is stiff and a bit crinkly, but it’s a compelling option for four-season hiking and backpacking, mountaineering, and more.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 for You?
The Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 excels in exactly the conditions we tested it in: an Alaskan winter of mountaineering, ice climbing, snowshoeing, and skiing. It's a highly protective shell that handles serious weather with confidence, and the cost savings compared to the Gore-Tex Pro models that dominate the hardshell space are substantial. That said, if you're after true four-season versatility, lighter and more breathable alternatives will serve you better. But as a durable, value-oriented winter hardshell, the Odin 9 Worlds makes a compelling case.
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