Helly Hansen Odin Stretch Hood Insulator 2.0 Review
The Helly Hansen Odin Stretch Hood Insulator 2.0 ($295) is a synthetic active midlayer that works best for moving fast in cool, dry conditions. It’s light, stretchy, and easy to wear all day (if not on its own in temps below about 40°F), and when paired with a warmer puffy or a shell, it’s a useful layering piece for winter hiking, climbing, and ski touring. The Odin Stretch isn’t cheap, nor is it feature-heavy, but its performance speaks for itself.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 3.4 oz.
Insulation
PrimaLoft Gold Active
Fabric
Nylon, polyester/elastane mix
Packable
No
Pros
Cons
Helly Hansen Odin Stretch 2.0
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets.
I wore the Odin Stretch Hood Insulator 2.0 on a fall backpacking trip into the North Cascades in search of golden larches, as well as on day hikes and around town. During testing, temperatures ranged from the low 30s at night to the 50s during the day, and conditions were dry, with gusts around 20 mph at times on my hikes. This is an active piece, not one for keeping you super warm, but the Odin Stretch’s synthetic PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation still kept me comfortable in that temperature range as long as I was moving. In that mode, it didn’t make me overheat, either, and I was able to keep it on when I hiked uphill.
As an active layer, the Helly Hansen Odin Stretch is perfect for its niche; on the trail, it kept me warm without feeling stifling. The same breathability and carefully considered insulation are limiting factors during slower moments, though. At my camp at Wing Lake in the North Cascades, it wasn’t warm enough to use as my outer insulating layer when temperatures trended towards freezing. However, once I pressed it into duty as a midlayer beneath a larger puffy, I was able to go about my camp chores in comfort. I think the Odin Stretch is best used for normal hiking during the spring and fall, as well as a warm layer you can keep on during highly active use (ski touring, perhaps) on cold winter days.
This light, supple jacket is easy to wear, which is about the highest compliment I can give a synthetic insulated jacket. The Odin’s fabric has a smooth hand, and it’s soft without feeling too fragile. It’s also legitimately flexible—something you don’t often think of when it comes to puffies—and I noticed that most in the shoulders and around my armpits. (Part of the shell fabric is polyester with a bit of elastane, which helps it stretch.) It never felt restrictive when I was reaching, scrambling, or moving around camp. It won’t hold you back if you’re getting into the activities it's designed for.
The Odin Stretch’s low bulk helps in that respect, too. It’s not overbuilt, and I never felt overencumbered. On a smaller scale, one detail I kept noticing was the cuff construction. The outer fabric folds over at the tip and connects to hidden elastic inside. I couldn’t tell if it was doing something functional beyond keeping the cuff clean and sleek, but it felt clean and comfortable against my wrist all day.
I wouldn’t hesitate to wear the Odin Stretch Insulator 2.0 for active outdoor use. During my chilly fall larch hikes and my backpacking trip, it hit a really usable balance: warm enough when the wind cut across exposed sections of trail, but breathable enough that I did not get overly sweaty on the climbs. It vented heat well while I was moving, which is the whole point of a piece like this.
That said, I did notice that my armpits got hotter than in similar jackets, especially compared to more breathable models like the Arc’teryx Atom and the Patagonia Nano-Air Light Hybrid. The Odin still breathes better than most synthetic insulated jackets I have used, but it sits just shy of the Atom and the Nano-Air at the top of the class. For hiking and climbing, it’s plenty breathable; ski touring or climbing might take a colder day for it to feel comfy. If you run hot and want the most air-permeable option possible, that is where even lighter models like the two jackets above have an edge.
The Odin Stretch Hood Insulator 2.0 weighs 1 pound, 3.4 ounces, and I never felt like I was hauling extra bulk around. Packing it is a little less impressive, though. There is no stuff sack and no self-stowing pocket. When I rolled it into its hood, it compressed down to about the size of a small loaf of bread. That means it should fit fine into a daypack or among your ski touring gear.
Compared to some lighter synthetic layers that disappear into dead space (such as the Patagonia Micro Puff or the Enlightened Equipment Torrid, two of the most packable options out there), it does not compress as small. Lightweight down jackets will also be more compact. I wouldn’t care on most normal day hikes and backpacking trips, although I could see ultralight hikers being pickier here.
When faced with 20-mph wind, the Helly Hansen Odin Stretch did what I wanted. It blocks gusts fairly well, which I noticed most on exposed ridgelines in the Cascades. It’s not a shell, of course, but it takes the edge off enough that I did not feel rushed to throw on a hardshell the second a breeze picked up.
For moisture, I would treat this jacket like a typical synthetic insulated layer with light water resistance. Morning dew beaded off fine, but steady moisture will likely soak through since it is not waterproof. (Although, of course, it will keep you warm when wet better than down insulation will.) I would trust the Odin to handle cold, dry weather, light wind, and brief drizzles, then swap to a shell when actual moisture moves in.
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Longevity
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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.
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
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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.
My initial impression of this jacket’s build quality was strong. The stitching looked clean, seams and details felt well finished, and the fabric felt thin but still tough, soft, and stretchy. The zippers ran very smoothly, and the hardware felt solid, which matters a lot on a layer you’re likely to wear a lot and take on and off as the conditions dictate.
After two day hikes, one overnight backpacking trip, and a bunch of city wear, I do not have any durability concerns. The Odin Stretch feels like the kind of layer that will hold up to regular use, as long as you are not expecting it to behave like a heavy, abrasion-resistant softshell.
Hood
The Odin’s hood is on the shallow side and sits close to your head. It fits over a beanie or a ballcap without issue, but it is too shallow to go over my climbing helmet. There are no hood adjustments, though the elastic trim does a decent job keeping it in place, and my field of view stayed clear since the sides do not collapse inward. In light wind, it stayed put reasonably well.
Storage
Storage is straightforward: two hand pockets and one outer chest pocket, all medium sized. I mostly used the hand pockets to warm my fingers and used the chest pocket for quick-access stuff like trail mix or salt chews. Zipper pulls were easy enough to grab with gloves.
Tester size: 6’3”; 44” chest; 43” waist
Size tested: Men’s XL
I normally wear a men’s large, but I went with an XL based on the size chart. I was glad I did, because the Helly Hansen Odin Stretch has a slim fit. Even in the XL, it wears like a trim active piece rather than a relaxed casual jacket (which makes sense). Back length and sleeve length were both good, and the sleeves did not ride up when I reached. Thanks to the stretch, I did not feel any shoulder constriction.
As a midlayer, it works incredibly well. The low bulk and smooth fabric slide under a shell cleanly without bunching. If you want a roomier, more casual fit, sizing up is worth considering, especially if you plan to layer a thick fleece and a warm base layer underneath.
Arc’teryx Atom Hoody ($300): Same Lane, Better Breathability
In our testing, the Odin Stretch felt pretty similar to the Atom Hoody, a classic in the active insulation category. Their construction, comfort, and mobility are all high-quality (perhaps a tiny bit more so on the Atom), and they’re both excellent additions to any cold-weather layering system. Where the Atom pulls ahead, though, is breathability when your blood is pumping. Its fleece side panels and just the right amount of 60-gram synthetic fill are even better at preventing the wearer from getting overcooked, and you can work even harder in this jacket than in the Odin. If you run cold or are sticking to slower-paced activities, though, this is pretty much a toss-up. To learn more, check out our Atom Hoody review.
Rab Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded ($200): A Budget Compromise
Almost $300 is a lot to spend on a jacket that’s not that warm (even if the Odin Stretch is very breathable), and the Cirrus Flex provides slightly less premium performance but at a much more reasonable price. Like the Arc’teryx Atom, it also has fleece panels under the arms to help shed heat; it’s a little less efficient at that than the Odin (and the Atom), but you can still wear the Cirrus Flex during moderate activity—a hike, a languorous bike ride—in chilly to cold weather. Build quality is also impressive, but the Cirrus Flex is a bulky jacket, and it doesn’t pack down as well or slide as easily beneath heavier layers or a shell. We wouldn’t say no to saving some cash and spending it elsewhere in our kit, though. For more, read our review of the Cirrus Flex Insulated Hooded.
The Odin Stretch Hood Insulator 2.0 is built for moving fast in cool, mostly dry conditions, with standout stretch and breathability. It’s not warm enough to replace a standalone insulated jacket and unfortunately heavy, but nevertheless delivers reliable warmth for hiking, climbing, and ski touring without overheating.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
A perennial favorite for both front and backcountry use, the Arc’teryx Atom Hoody balances breathable warmth, luxurious comfort, and high-end construction with clean styling. It’s not the lightest or warmest synthetic jacket out there, but it remains one of the most polished and well-rounded options.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Arguably the best value among synthetic jackets, the Cirrus Flex offers exceptional performance for a low price. The baffled body and fleece side panels strike a balance between warmth, comfort, and breathability. Just don’t expect as much warmth as some competitors, and be sure to size up.
Warmth
Comfort & Mobility
Breathability
Weight & Packability
Weather Resistance
Sustainability
Is the Odin Stretch 2.0 for You?
If you want an active synthetic jacket you can actually move in without swamping out, the Helly Hansen Odin Stretch Hood Insulator 2.0 is a strong pick for hiking, climbing, and ski touring in dry, cool-to-cold conditions. Its breathability and mobility will help you chug up, down, and around to your heart(rate)’s content—just don’t expect it to replace your camp puffy in cold weather. If your layering system is built around staying comfortable while moving, this jacket will fit right in.
hit the trail
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