Helly Hansen’s Crew 2.0 Midlayer Jacket

With corrosion-resistant zippers, Polartec fleece and improved fit, the Crew 2.0 Collection enhances comfort on the water.
Helly Hansen Crew Vest 2.0
The Crew Vest 2.0 is windproof and waterproof. Brushed fleece is in the pockets and collar for extra warmth. Courtesy Johan Wedenström/Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen’s original crew midlayer jacket was introduced more than a decade ago. It was based on a shelled fleece that the company made to take a real beating for a Volvo Ocean Race team. Since then, it has become one of the brand’s bestsellers among all kinds of boaters who want to stay warm and dry out on the water. Tweaks have been made to the design here and there, but this year Helly Hansen did a full-on upgrade as part of the new Crew 2.0 Collection.

Helly Hansen Men’s Crew Hooded Jacket 2.0
Shown here in Grey Fog, the Men’s Crew Hooded Jacket 2.0 has a hood that packs into the collar to stay out of the way when the sun is shining. Cuffs are adjustable. Courtesy Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen Crew Hooded Jacket 2.0
The women’s version of the Crew Hooded Jacket 2.0 is shown here in Ultra Blue. It has an updated lining with taffeta in the sleeves so cruisers can slide it off and on easier. Courtesy Helly Hansen

One of the big evolutions is a main zipper that does a better job of resisting saltwater corrosion. Helly Hansen incorporated Vislon on this element, trying to give an assist to cruisers who can’t always douse their gear with a freshwater rinse before damage from the elements sets in. Vislon is made of injection-molded plastic, not metal, so it also reduces weight a bit.

Helly Hansen Men’s Crew Vest 2.0
Navy is one of four available colors for the Men’s Crew Vest 2.0. It is fully seam-sealed to keep water out, and lined with mesh so it stays breathable all day long. Courtesy Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen Women’s Crew Vest 2.0
The Women’s Crew Vest 2.0 comes in white, as shown above, as well as in black and navy. The material is friendly to embroidery for crew who want to personalize it. Courtesy Helly Hansen

Also new in the Crew 2.0 Collection is an update to the fleece lining. The styles are now made with Polartec fleece, which is known for being water-resistant in addition to being warm and lightweight. Polartec is further known for being fast-drying, which makes it a real benefit for cruisers who get caught on deck in a squall.

Helly Hansen Women’s Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0
This is the Flame color of the Women’s Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0. Both this and the men’s version no longer have a plastic placard in the back yoke. Courtesy Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen Men’s Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0
This is the cobalt version of the Men’s Crew Midlayer Jacket 2.0, which also comes in Flame, Grey Fog, white, red, black and navy. It has dual zippered hand pockets. Courtesy Helly Hansen

Helly Hansen worked on an improved fit with the Crew 2.0 Collection too. In particular, the company focused on shoulders and sleeves, trying to make the material move as one with the person wearing it. Shoulders are articulated, which means they are made in a way that allows a greater range of movement while pulling up fenders or handling lines.

And fear not, group cruisers: Helly Hansen also made sure there is still adequate space for teams and clubs to add their favorite logos on the chest and back.