Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist Review
The ultralight rain shell world is booming right now, and the Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist ($400) is an intriguing new addition. The jacket competes with the lightest existing models weight-wise at just 7.6 ounces, but features a unique 3.5-layer construction to boost durability. In testing, we found the Odin Infinity Minimalist balances weather protection and comfort better than most UL shells, and with above-average breathability and low bulk, it’s a strong three-season option for fast-moving alpine days. If only it were more affordable.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Waterproofing
3.5L Helly Tech Professional
Weight
7.6 oz.
Fabric
Nylon
Vents
None
Packable
Yes (pocket)
Pros
Cons
Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist
For this season's top shells, see our guide to the Best Rain Jackets.
Ultralight shells—those below about 8 ounces—occupy a special, compact place in your gear kit. They’re meant to withstand quick bouts of rain that catch you out on a hike, trail run, or mountain bike ride, as opposed to being worn for all-day treks in the rain. That’s usually due to their builds, which sacrifice bomber construction in the name of weight savings and just-in-case packability.
The new Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist offers a unique build for the category: It features a 3.5-layer waterproof material, which, at least on paper, is a bump up from the 3-layer builds you’ll find on normal rain jackets, and even some premium ultralight models like the Zpacks Vertice and the Patagonia Storm Racer, and The North Face’s Futuelight Papsura. (Those models range from 5.9 to 7.9 oz.; there are lighter—but less protective—2.5L shells as well, like the Rab Phantom and the Outdoor Research Helium UL.)
Helly says that the design consists of 3-layer Helly Tech Professional fabric—not quite Gore-Tex, but still one of the most waterproof builds in the business—with its new ePP Lifa Infinity Membrane, which features a non-porous PU layer paired with a breathable material on top, and with the shell fabric above that. It also has an additional film on the interior that enhances durability without adding weight. This design is basically unheard of for a shell that weighs only 7.6 ounces, and during my testing so far, the Odin Infinity Minimalist has delivered on its promise. I wore it across a wide range of shoulder-season conditions, including late fall alpine backpacking in Colorado, a desert canyon trip in Utah, and even an early winter backcountry ski hut trip. While I didn’t get sustained heavy rain during testing, the jacket consistently kept me dry and comfortable in light precipitation, high winds, and snow flurries.
Water beaded effectively off the shell during showers and snowfall, and even after kneeling or sitting in snow, the fabric didn’t immediately wet out. I also ran water over the jacket at home in known pressure points and noticed surface wetting but no internal leakage. Wind protection was excellent for a shell this light—paired with a warm midlayer, the Odin felt secure and protective even in strong gusts where standing still was a challenge.
The shell’s coverage is good but not perfect. There’s no drop tail, which I missed at times, but sizing up to a large gave me adequate arm and back length to protect my layers underneath. The single-pull hem and hood cinches are simple and effective, and an internal zipper placket is great to have at this weight, though the lack of adjustable cuffs limits how well you can seal the jacket over gloves. Overall, I found the protection more confidence-inspiring than wispy shells like the Phantom, but not something I’d choose over the Arc’teryx Beta AR when the forecast looks truly ugly—keep in mind, though, that the Beta AR weighs more than double the Odin, which should work well for any plans short of intentionally heading into a maelstrom.
While testing the Odin Infinity Minimalist, I was amazed at how little it felt like I was wearing a shell at all. The fabric isn’t particularly stretchy, but it’s light enough that it doesn’t bind your joints, even when you’re on the move. I noticed mild restriction in the shoulders when reaching overhead, but it was never enough to be annoying or limit functionality.
The Odin’s interior lining has a matte finish that avoids the sticky, clammy feel of older coated shells. I frequently put this jacket on to fend off wind or light rain and left it on well after conditions improved, which says a lot about its comfort. Layering underneath was easy—because I sized up, I was able to wear midweight fleeces and puffers without issue—though cinching the hem too tightly could bunch layers and require adjustment.
The collar offers solid protection when fully zipped, coming up to my mouth without feeling restrictive. With the hood over a helmet, though, the collar pressed more tightly against my face than I’d like, and I often left it partially unzipped. Compared to more full-featured rain jackets like the Beta, the Odin has a less refined fit, but it’s noticeably more comfortable than many true ultralight options like the Phantom and the Helium UL.
Breathability is one of this jacket’s most surprising attributes, which is particularly impressive for an ultralight shell with no pit zips. (A lack of airiness is the main complaint with the Helium UL and the Rab Downpour Light, although the Montbell Versalite, which has vents, is better in that regard.) Despite the lack of pit zips, I consistently found the Odin Infinity Minimalist comfortable to wear during sustained uphill travel in cool conditions without overheating or feeling clammy. During fall hikes and ski approaches, I often left it on all day, which is something I rarely do with lightweight shells.
The Odin’s thin fabric clearly helps shed heat more efficiently than heavier Gore-Tex shells, and in cool weather, moisture management felt excellent. Even during harder efforts, I didn’t experience the swampy buildup common with many minimalist rain jackets. While I wouldn’t call it a shell you should wear for high-effort summer outings, it performs impressively well across three seasons.
In terms of breathability, I’d put it on par with some of my Gore-Tex shells, though it lacks the ventilation flexibility those jackets offer. For colder conditions or prolonged heavy rain, I’d still reach for something burlier, but for active mountain travel where you want to minimize the on/off layering dance, the Odin Infinity Minimalist stands out.
At 7.6 ounces, the Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist is one of the lightest 3-(plus)-layer rain jackets on the market. It’s noticeably lighter than popular full-featured models like the Beta AR (1 lb. 0.2 oz.), but much more substantial and comfortable than mega-ultralight options like the Phantom (4.1 oz.) and the Helium UL (5.7 oz.).
The Odin packs into an internal mesh pocket, compressing to roughly 9 by 6 by 3 inches—smaller than a Nalgene—and includes a hanging loop if you want to stash it on the outside of a pack or a climbing harness. Fully compressed, it’s not as teeny as the Phantom and Helium but still easily fits into nearly any pack. The lighter fabric also benefits the hood, which feels less droopy than on heavier shells. For multi-day backpacking trips, it offers a great balance of low bulk and usable protection without feeling like dead weight in your pack. You can basically carry this shell with you anywhere, any time, just in case.
This jacket’s nylon face fabric is thin and light—no surprise there—and while it feels adequate for normal trail use, I’d be cautious in overgrown terrain or during bushwhacking. A sharp branch could easily cause damage. The Odin’s YKK coil-design zippers are PU-coated and operate smoothly; they feel appropriate for the jacket’s lightweight but high-quality build.
After a few trips, however, I noticed the shell’s DWR wearing down at the shoulders under pack straps, leading to surface wetting but no water intrusion. Compared to bulkier, premium shells like the Beta series and the Patagonia Granite Crest, the Odin shows a clear step down in burliness and perhaps a bit of build quality, with simpler seam taping, fewer panels, and lighter trim. Given that this shell costs $400, the construction could be a bit more impressive, but then again, that would compromise its low weight, which is the Odin’s entire point.
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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.
Hood
The Odin Infinity Minimalist’s hood is a highlight of its design. It’s helmet-compatible, easy to adjust with a single rear shock cord, and stays put in strong wind without impairing your vision. The laminated brim is substantial and does an excellent job of shedding water, and it discreetly houses a Recco reflector. The collar integrates directly with the hood, which works well unless you’re wearing a helmet—then it can feel a bit tight.
Storage
Storage consists of one external chest pocket and one internal mesh pocket, both large enough for a phone, snacks, or lightweight gloves. The lack of hand pockets is noticeable but not surprising given the minimalist design, and to be honest, having two storage spaces overall is a win at this weight. Overall, though, the Odin is a stripped-down shell that prioritizes simplicity over accoutrements.
Tester: 5’11”, 175 lb.
Size tested: Men’s large
I usually rock a men’s medium when it comes to shells, but I sized up to a large for better arm length and was glad I did. The Odin’s sleeves extend to my knuckles when I’m at rest and cover my wrists when I’m reaching. The back provides good coverage past the waist, though the lack of a drop tail is noticeable. The regular cut is fairly boxy, with ample room for a midweight fleece and a light-to-medium puffer underneath. Shoulder mobility was slightly tighter than expected, but not restrictive. I’d prefer a trimmer cut with longer arms, actually, but sizing up made this jacket’s fit workable.
Outdoor Research Helium UL ($225): A Fellow UL Newcomer
Another new ultralight shell with an interesting build, the Helium UL is made with a “2.75-layer” Dermizax membrane that has a printed pattern on the inside for increased durability and a touch more comfort. As you might expect, though, it’s not as waterproof or as breathable as the Odin Infinity Minimalist, though; the Helium UL also lacks pit zips and becomes swampy pretty easily, and although it offers a bit more room to move in the shoulders, it’s less appealing for use that lasts more than a brief rain shower. However, it’s also almost 2 ounces lighter and about half the cost of the Odin (and the women’s version has two hand pockets). The Helium UL is a fine compromise if lightweight waterproofing is your main objective. For more, read our review of the Helium UL.
Rab Phantom ($200): The Lightest of Them All
Coming in at a scant 4.1 ounces and packing down to the size of your palm, the Phantom might be the ultimate packable emergency waterproof layer. You can fit it in just about the smallest pack pocket imaginable (heck, you could probably squish it into a large pants pocket), and it also costs half of what the Odin does—for quick, don’t-even-think-about-it protection, the Phantom is about as good as it gets. What’s it’s, though, is a high-functioning shell in many respects. Its 2.5-layer printed interior is plasticky, and it lacks vents, pockets, and adjustability. It’s also less protective and much less breathable than the Odin. For a better and more well-rounded experience overall, the latter jacket easily comes out ahead—that price jump is no joke, though.
Super lightweight and featuring a unique 3.5-layer construction, the Odin Infinity Minimalist is an intriguing option for fast-and-light mountain missions. It lacks some creature comforts and can’t match the build quality of a Gore-Tex shell, but its durability and protection impressed in testing.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
The lightest of the light, OR Helium excels as an emergency layer when showers are in the forecast. The latest UL model is a leap forward in comfort and style, but it sacrifices breathability and will soak through in sustained precipitation.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
The Fineline is an extra-comfortable and easy-moving rain jacket, thanks to a stretch-woven shell and underarm gussets. With a low weight and packable design, it’s suitable for backcountry use. However, it isn’t our first choice as a daily driver due to its trim fit and relatively thin shell fabric.
Weather Protection
Comfort
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Odin Infinity for You?
Opting for an ultralight rain shell usually means making significant compromises, but the Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist does away with many of those caveats. Its unique 3.5-layer construction grants eye-opening amounts of waterproofing and breathability for a jacket that weighs less than 8 ounces, and it’s even comfortable enough to wear longer than the usual 10 minutes you’d expect out of a featherweight shell. The big issue here is price; the Odin costs much more than even some of the most waterproof, durable, full-featured models on the market. If you’re looking for a versatile, everyday shell, you might want to go with one of those. But if you want to shave ounces from your kit without resigning yourself to getting soaked, this jacket makes a lot of sense.
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