Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket: PFAS-Free Insulated Shell for SS26
- May 1
- 8 min read
Helly Hansen launched the Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket as part of their SS26 collection: a hybrid that behaves like a softshell on the move and a hardshell when the weather turns. Pair Helly Hansen's PFAS-free LIFA Infinity waterproof/breathable membrane with PrimaLoft Gold Cross Core synthetic insulation and a four-way stretch face fabric, and you get a piece designed specifically for the variable spring and winter conditions where a single jacket has to carry the load. No layer rebuild at the trailhead.
What it is
The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket is a $450 insulated waterproof stretch shell that ships now as the headline piece in Helly Hansen's SS26 technical apparel line. It is the cleanest expression of an emerging hybrid category: jackets that combine the wind and rain protection of a hardshell with the warmth of a synthetic insulated piece and the freedom of movement of a softshell.
The Atlas Infinity sits in a specific weather window: 30°F to 55°F, mixed precipitation, active use. That is the window where most hikers and ski tourers end up cycling layers, shell on, puffy on, shell off, puffy off, multiple times in a single outing. The Atlas Infinity is built to be the one piece you wear for the whole day in that window.
It also lands at a meaningful moment for the category. The outdoor industry is in the middle of a multi-year transition away from per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in waterproof technologies. Helly Hansen's LIFA Infinity is the brand's PFAS-free answer, and the Atlas Infinity is the SS26 piece that puts it forward.
Specs that matter
Waterproof membrane: LIFA Infinity (PFAS-free)
Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold Cross Core
Face fabric: Four-way stretch
Seams: Fully taped
Zippers: Waterproof
Hood: Adjustable with wired peak
Vents: Underarm zip vents
Pockets: Chest pocket, two hand pockets
Articulation: Articulated elbows, stretch gussets
MSRP: $450 USD
A few of these reward extra context.
The LIFA Infinity membrane is Helly Hansen's PFAS-free waterproof technology. PFAS chemistry has been the standard in outdoor waterproofing for decades because it works so well, but it does not break down in the environment and has been linked to health concerns. Regulators in the EU and several US states are moving to ban PFAS in consumer apparel. LIFA Infinity is Helly Hansen's bet on a chemistry that delivers comparable waterproofing without the PFAS profile.
The PrimaLoft Gold Cross Core insulation is one of the warmer synthetic insulations on the market, with insulation panels that mimic down's loft while maintaining warmth when wet. Synthetic over down was the right call for this piece: in the variable wet weather the Atlas Infinity targets, down would clump and lose loft when soaked through.
The four-way stretch face fabric is what makes the jacket behave like a softshell. Most waterproof shells use a more rigid face fabric for durability, which restricts movement at the shoulders and elbows. Four-way stretch lets the jacket move with you on overhead reaches, on diagonal arm motions for ski touring, on the kind of full range of motion an active day demands.
The wired peak on the hood is a small detail with a big impact. A wired peak holds its shape against rain and wind, keeping water off your face and visibility intact. Without a wired peak, hood brims collapse in a downpour and rain hits your eyes.
Materials & construction
The Atlas Infinity is built around the LIFA Infinity membrane, a microporous waterproof and breathable membrane developed by Helly Hansen specifically as a PFAS-free alternative to traditional ePTFE membranes. The membrane is bonded between an outer four-way stretch face fabric and an inner backer that holds the PrimaLoft insulation in place.
The construction approach is what sets the Atlas Infinity apart from a simple "puffy with a waterproof shell layer." The insulation is integrated into the shell construction using PrimaLoft's Cross Core technology, which means the insulation panels are mapped to the body's heat zones rather than uniformly distributed. More insulation goes to the chest and core; less to the underarms and back where heat dump matters more.
Every seam is taped on the inside. The main zipper and the underarm vent zippers are waterproof YKK constructions that eliminate the need for storm flaps. The cuffs use a stretch gusset that seals against the wrist without a cinch tab, which is a small detail Helly Hansen has done well for years on their technical pieces.
The articulated elbows are cut into the pattern, not the panel, meaning the jacket is shaped with a slight bend at the elbow rather than relying on stretch alone. That kind of pattern detail is the difference between "moves with you" and "almost moves with you."
Who it's for
The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket is built for the active outdoor user who deals with variable weather and does not want to manage a layering system mid-effort. Specifically:
Ski tourers in spring conditions where temperatures swing from below freezing on the climb to above freezing in the sun.
Hikers doing 4-8 hour days with mixed precipitation forecasts.
Snowshoers who need warmth on stops but breathability on the move.
Fastpackers in shoulder seasons where the weather can flip fast.
Backcountry photographers and other "moving but stopping" users who need the jacket to handle both states.
It is the right pick if you regularly find yourself rebuilding your layering at the trailhead or mid-route, and you want a single piece that handles the whole window. It is also the right pick if you care about the PFAS-free transition and want to support brands moving in that direction.
It is the wrong pick if you do alpine climbing where a true hardshell is required for rock contact and harness compatibility (the Atlas Infinity does not have a two-way zipper or a helmet-compatible hood). It is also the wrong pick if you need a sub-15°F static-warmth jacket, the insulation level is tuned for active use, not for standing still in deep cold.
It is the wrong pick if budget is the primary constraint. At $450, this is in the mid-premium category for hybrid shells, alongside the Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow and the Arc'teryx Beta AR. Cheaper PFAS-free options exist if you are willing to give up some of the technical features.
How it compares
The hybrid insulated waterproof stretch shell category is small but growing. The Atlas Infinity has a few credible competitors:
vs. Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow: Patagonia's Stretch Rainshadow is fully waterproof and uses a stretch face fabric, but it is uninsulated. It is the right pick if you prefer to layer your own insulation underneath. The Atlas Infinity is the better one-piece solution.
vs. Arc'teryx Proton SL Hoody: The Proton SL is a similar active-insulation piece but is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof. It is lighter and more breathable for high-output efforts in dry weather. The Atlas Infinity wins for true wet-weather conditions; the Proton SL wins for high-aerobic dry conditions.
vs. Patagonia Nano-Air Hybrid: The Nano-Air Hybrid is the closest direct competitor in the active-insulation hybrid category, but it is not fully waterproof. It uses Patagonia's FullRange synthetic insulation and a softer face fabric. Better breathability, less waterproof. The Atlas Infinity is the wetter-weather choice.
vs. Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield: The Odin Pro Shield is HH's heavier, more technical alpine shell with a similar membrane but no integrated insulation and a more durable face fabric. The Odin is the better pick for hard alpine use; the Atlas Infinity is the better pick for moderate active use across variable weather.
Where it shines (and where it doesn't)
The Atlas Infinity shines when:
Weather is variable and you want one jacket for the whole day. The hybrid construction is exactly the right tool.
You move and stop multiple times in an outing. The insulation handles stops; the breathability handles movement.
PFAS-free chemistry is a deciding factor for you. LIFA Infinity is one of the more credible PFAS-free waterproof systems on the market.
Your typical use case sits in the 30-55°F window with mixed precipitation. That is the design center.
It does not shine when:
You need a true alpine shell with a helmet hood and harness-compatible cut. The Atlas Infinity is a hybrid, not an alpine specialist.
Conditions are deep cold and static. The insulation is tuned for active use, not standing-still warmth.
Your activity is high-aerobic in dry weather. The waterproof membrane will overheat compared to a softshell or a non-waterproof active insulation piece.
You need ultra-light. At hybrid weight (estimated 500-650g), this is not the piece for ounce-counted ultralight kits.
Where to get it
The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket is shipping now from Helly Hansen's US site at $450 as part of the SS26 collection. Standard sizing in men's and women's cuts.
It is also stocked at specialty outdoor retailers carrying the Helly Hansen technical line. As the SS26 launch continues, expect broader availability through REI and similar partners.
The bottom line
If you spend time outside in variable weather and you are tired of managing a layering system mid-effort, the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket is a credible $450 hybrid that does the job of a hardshell and an insulated jacket in one piece. The PFAS-free LIFA Infinity membrane is a real signal, the outdoor industry's move away from PFAS is the next major materials shift, and Helly Hansen is one of the brands actually shipping production pieces on it. Buy it if your weather window matches the design center; skip it if you need a specialist tool at either end of the temperature range.
Specs and pricing accurate as of 2026-04-29 when this post was published. Check the brand page for current availability and colorways.
FAQ
What is LIFA Infinity in the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket?
LIFA Infinity is the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket's waterproof and breathable membrane. It is Helly Hansen's PFAS-free alternative to traditional waterproof laminates, which historically relied on per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances. LIFA Infinity delivers comparable waterproofing and breathability without the environmental and health concerns associated with PFAS chemistry.
Is the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket warm enough for winter?
The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket uses PrimaLoft Gold Cross Core synthetic insulation, which gives it warmth comparable to a midweight insulated shell. For active winter use such as ski touring, snowshoeing, or winter hiking, it provides enough warmth on the move and a windproof shell when you stop. For static cold below 20°F it should be paired with a midlayer or used during high-output activity only.
Can the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket replace a hardshell?
Yes, in most variable-weather scenarios. The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket is a hybrid: it is fully waterproof and seam-taped like a hardshell, but with built-in insulation and a four-way stretch face fabric for movement. It cannot match the durability of a heavy hardshell for technical climbing, but for hiking, ski touring, and shoulder-season alpine use, it eliminates the need for a separate hardshell-plus-puffy combo.
How does the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket compare to the Patagonia Nano-Air Hybrid?
The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket is fully waterproof; the Patagonia Nano-Air Hybrid is water-resistant but not waterproof. The Atlas Infinity is the better choice if you need true rain protection in addition to insulation. The Nano-Air Hybrid is lighter and more breathable for high-output efforts in dry weather. Different tools for different conditions.
Is the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket PFAS-free?
Yes. The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket uses Helly Hansen's LIFA Infinity membrane, which is the brand's PFAS-free waterproof technology. This addresses the growing regulatory and consumer pressure to eliminate per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances from outdoor apparel without sacrificing waterproof performance.
What activities is the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket best for?
The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket is built for variable spring and winter conditions where the weather can shift mid-day. Best for hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing, fastpacking in cool weather, and any activity where a single jacket needs to handle wind, rain, light snow, and active warmth. It is overkill for mild-weather hiking and underkill for static deep-cold conditions.
When does the Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket ship?
The Helly Hansen Atlas Infinity Stretch Jacket is shipping now as part of Helly Hansen's SS26 collection. It is available directly from Helly Hansen's US site at $450, and through specialty outdoor retailers carrying the Helly Hansen technical line.
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