Mountain Rescue Responder Kit by Helly Hansen

Professional grade outdoor clothing developed by mountain rescue teams

Two years in the making, with test and research from five rescue teams throughout the UK and Ireland, and it’s finally rollout week for this hardcore outdoor apparel – the Mountain Rescue Responder Kit by Helly Hansen.

Mountain rescue teams Assynt and Arrochar (Scotland), North of Tyne (England), Western Beacons (Wales) and Dublin Wicklow Mountain Rescue (Ireland) have conducted rigorous field testing through all weather conditions over a six-month period. It’s with these organisations that the Helly Hansen development crew has been working to gain an understanding of the work they do in the outdoors to keep the public safe in all conditions and environments, and what they need from their kit.

With the range designed to meet the specific needs of mountain rescue volunteers, it’s more than good enough for us.

In return, the teams are kitted out in this newly designed Helly Hansen clothing. As the partnerships continue, the life-saving teams will be instrumental in providing feedback and insight to further develop and evolve Helly Hansen’s outdoor collections.

It’s all about protection against weather conditions, no matter the time of year or landscape, as well as protection against changing activity levels. How’s it been done? Through the 3-layer system Helly Hansen first introduced in 1970. This includes a LIFA® base layer for warmth, comfort and moisture management, a PrimaLoft mid-layer for warmth, and a HELLY TECH Professional 3 layer outer jacket for extreme waterproof/breathable protection.

The professional-grade gear is now on sale and this weekend, 8 – 11 July, 5% of all online purchases will go to the UK to Scottish Mountain Rescue and Mountain Rescue England & Wales to help towards providing training and volunteer teams with necessary resources.

North of Tyne Mountain Rescue team | Image Nadir Khan

This isn’t the first collaboration Helly Hansen has had with search and rescue operations. Alongside Recco reflectors and Air Zermatt (its helicopter pilots, paramedics), Helly Hansen brought out its Mountain Collection.

The Norwegian brand started in 1877 to produce clothing for fisherman. The Skagen collection is built to help sailors withstand swirling tide currents, sun, wind and snow and Helly Hansen has worked with RNLI to raise money (50% of sales during May went towards its Mayday campaign) to help save lives at sea.

Needless to say, Helly Hansen is official partner to the Norwegian Alpine Ski Team.