Helly Hansen – Roll out of kit to Arrochar MRT & Assynt MRT

Helly Hansen – Roll out of kit to Arrochar MRT & Assynt MRT

Over the past two years, Helly Hansen has been working closely with the Mountain Rescue Teams and their volunteers to gain a true understanding of the incredible work they do to keep the public safe in the outdoors. In the development of the bespoke Responder Kit, the Helly Hansen product development team spent long days in the mountains, attending simulated rescues and field testing, carefully monitoring all the specific needs of Mountain Rescue volunteers.

These dedicated Mountain Rescue volunteers have played an integral part in the development of the new Helly Hansen Mountain Rescue Responder Kit. Each team conducted their own rigorous, field testing through all weather conditions over a six-month period.

Mountain Rescue Teams from Scotland (Assynt MRT and Arrochar MRT), England (North of Tyne), Wales (Western Beacons) and Ireland (Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue) are now being presented with their new kit, featuring a three-layer system. Helly Hansen introduced the three-layer system in the 1970s which includes a LIFA® base layer for warmth, comfort and moisture management, a PrimaLoft® mid-layer for added warmth when needed, and a HELLY TECH® Professional 3 layer outer jacket for extreme waterproof/breathable protection.

The new Responder Kit is based on Helly Hansen’s renowned Odin collection which delivers professional-grade waterproofness, wind resistance, and breathability. The new kit includes a bespoke 3L jacket (the Squad Jacket), 3L pant (the Action Pant), PrimaLoft® insulator, quick-dry trousers, and beanie, along with a choice of Helly Hansen’s iconic LIFA® base layers. All mid-layers and base layers are available in both women’s and men’s specific fit, and features of the Squad Jacket have been developed in response to specific feedback from the volunteers. The jacket can be adjusted for the perfect fit and features a 360 degree hi-vis design, ensuring volunteers are easily visible at a distance, even from the air, along with helmet compatibility, reinforced shoulder cuffs and hem, hand warmer pockets, map-compatible chest pockets and underarm venting. The Action Pant is also available in a wide range of sizes and leg lengths.

Piers Barnes, Helly Hansen UK & Ireland General Manager, says, “We work with over 55,000 professionals around the globe and respect the important and life-saving jobs they do every day. We are very proud to be able to deliver this kit to the Mountain Rescue volunteers and know it will protect them against the UK and Ireland’s temperate weather conditions, enabling them to do their life-saving jobs out on the varied landscapes.

Damon Powell, Chair at Scottish Mountain Rescue, says, “Our volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and with the nature, the terrain and the unpredictable weather in the Scottish Mountains, having bespoke clothing is vital to ensure that the individuals are able to safely and efficiently conduct rescues.”

Picture 1: Arrochar Mountain Rescue
Picture 2: Assynt Mountain Rescue