In your closet right now (and in ours too) there’s probably a jacket or pant coated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent). Many DWR coatings contain perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs, which are good at repelling water, dirt, and oil. We don’t yet fully understand the health effects of PFCs but we know they will stay in the environment much longer than the life of your jacket. And there is limited evidence that one variety of PFC could be a human carcinogen.

No one is saying that skin contact with a DWR coating is bad for your health—but it sounds like it’s high time for an alternative. Luckily for us, Helly Hansen has just set the standard for sustainably made outerwear with the invention of LIFA Infinity Pro Technology.

Helly-Hansen-Launches-Sustainable-LIFA-Infinity-Pro-Fabric-Elevation-Infinity-Shell-Jacket-snow-detail — Elevation Infinity Shell Jacket. Photo: Helly Hansen

This 3-layer outerwear with top-level waterproofing and breathability uses no chemicals, topical coatings or solvents.

LIFA was already one of Helly Hansen’s longstanding proprietary fibers. The face fabric of the new LIFA Infinity Pro is 100% LIFA fibers for a highly durable and infinitely hydrophobic quality that will never need to be reinvigorated or re-treated with a coating. In addition, LIFA requires solution-dyeing which uses 75% less water in the process, resulting in less harmful wastewater overall and superior colour-fastness over time.

Hello LIFA Infinity Pro—Goodbye DWR

LIFA is also used to create a highly breathable and waterproof membrane. As with the face fabric, this microporous membrane is created without the use of chemicals or solvents. The membrane is heated and stretched, folded over and then repeated until it reaches the desired porosity. This 100% polypropylene membrane not only provides premium breathability, it also offers pro-level waterproofing. So you can be comfortable in the wettest conditions, as well as during high-output activities.

Elevation Infinity Shell Jacket

Taking design inspiration from the best-selling Elevation Shell and incorporating the new LIFA Infinity Pro Technology, this jacket features a longer freeride fit and a host of thoughtful features that emphasize comfort and safety while skiing/snowboarding both on and off-piste.

A built-in removable balaclava, high-vis hits, and Helly Hansen’s signature Life Pocket that uses NASA-engineered PrimaloftAerogel insulation to keep your phone and electronics alive longer, make this a hard-charging and extremely rugged shell jacket.