The Great Outdoors – July 2019

The Great Outdoors July 2019 81

Helly Hansen

W Lifa Active Light LS

£35 167g (M)

polypropylene next to skin, price

dense fabric is slow to dry

Fabric: 50.6% polypropylene, 49.4% polyester
Sizes: XS-XL (men S-X XL)
hellyhansen.com

Helly Hansen is famed for its pioneering use of polypropylene
in Lifa base layers (see facing page). This incarnation, Lifa Active
Light, veers away from the proven polypro formula, with a
two-layer construction of polypro next to skin and polyester on
the exterior face. In a very modern twist, it also includes S.Café
technology, where recycled coffee grounds are incorporated in
the polypropylene filament. The stated aim is for UV protection
and to aid odour control. But the two-layer construction is dense
and warmer to wear than standard Lifa, making the increased
UV protection seem unnecessary, since I can’t see rays struggling
through two layers. Odour control was definitely superior to
standard Lifa, so perhaps the coffee grounds kicked in there.
Helly Hansen says the point of blending polypro and polyester
is to move moisture rapidly from the skin (polypro), to the outer
layer for rapid evaporation over a larger surface area (polyester).
Problem is, this top was slower to dry than straight polypro, so
moisture was held for longer – due to the dual layer of fibres
creating a dense fabric. As a result I was less comfortable than in
a 100% polypro or a lightweight polyester. In design terms it’s a
simple crew neck with side panels, a narrow collar-to-cuff panel
and flat-locked seams. The cut is looser than standard Lifa, which
reduced moisture movement efficiency but was immensely
comfortable. This top is notable for the technology push more than
anything else; and would be a well-priced choice for cooler weather.
Note on HH sizings, which vary between styles and fabrics.

Sprayway

Rissa Crew

£40 209g (12)

better for cold weather

weight, elbow/forearm seam, loose body/tight forearms

Fabric: CoreC (94% polyester, 6% elastane stretch jersey marl)

Sizes: 8-18 (men S-X XL Dako Crew)

sprayway.com

Rissa is a simple crew neck in a dense, soft fabric: stretch jersey

polyester. The body fit is loose, verging on shapeless, while the

arms are tighter, especially over elbows and forearms. This

narrow cut on the lower arms was made more apparent by the

(flat-locked) seam that runs in a continuous line from cuff to hem

across the elbow, which is the bit that needs the most flex. Since

seams are virtually static, it counteracts the stretch of the fabric.

It’s a shame, since there is a good-size underarm gusset, and a

raglan shoulder to prevent any seam/rucksack clash. Plus, super-

soft CoreC feels lovely next to the skin. Body length is generous

and the arms are long.

In terms of fabric performance, it’s as you’d expect: the dense

fabric is warmer than others tested, and it retains sweat, so it feels

damp for longer. Wicking speed was below average because of the

loose fit: apart from where my rucksack pressed it to my back, the

torso element of this top didn’t make much contact. Odour control

was about average compared with others in the test although it,

too, stayed fresh for much longer under a merino layer. Personally,

for summer use I find it too warm and slow to dry, and the cut makes

no sense unless you have a chunky body and skinny forearms. For

colder weather when you’re less likely to get sweaty, and if that arm

seam doesn’t annoy you, it could be a cosy choice.

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