🧡 Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield Jacket & AWE Hiker Shoes Review: Mountain Kit That Actually Kept Up
- Janire
- 16 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Testing a lightweight technical jacket and waterproof hiking shoes on Shropshire trails and a big Snowdonia mountain day.
Disclosure: These Helly Hansen items were kindly gifted to me to trial and review. However, as always, this review reflects my personal thoughts and honest experience testing them on the trail.
There are two things I want from mountain kit: it needs to work hard, and it needs to not annoy me halfway up a hill. Bonus points if it makes me look like a cheerful little emergency beacon — handy if anything ever goes sideways in the mountains and Mountain Rescue need to find me.
Enter: the Helly Hansen Women’s Odin Pro Shield Jacket in Ignite Orange and the Women’s AWE Hiker HELLY TECH® Shoes in Khaki / Pebble.
For this Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield Jacket review, I focused on the things that really matter on the hill: fit, comfort, breathability, layering, pocket space, movement and how useful it feels as an active mountain layer. I’ve been testing both on shorter Shropshire Hills hikes and a much bigger mountain day in Snowdonia, and so far, they’ve both earned a very happy place in my hiking kit.
👀 First Impressions
Straight away, both of these pieces felt like proper outdoor kit — practical, technical and made for real days out in the hills. The kind of kit that feels just as happy on a big mountain day as it does at the post-hike coffee stop afterwards.
The Women’s Odin Pro Shield Jacket in Ignite Orange is an absolute beauty. The colour is bold, bright and very “please don’t lose me on a mountain” — which, as a Mountain Leader, I fully support.
It has that technical-but-still-stylish Helly Hansen look and feels like the kind of layer you can throw on for big hill days, windy ridgelines, cooler starts and fast-moving adventures.
The Women’s AWE Hiker HELLY TECH® Shoes in Khaki / Pebble also gave a really strong first impression. They look smart, lightweight and trail-ready without feeling bulky. I absolutely love the retro camo-inspired look — they have that outdoorsy, slightly old-school adventure feel, but still look modern and stylish.
They sit somewhere between a hiking shoe and a trail adventure shoe — supportive enough for proper walks, but light enough for warm-weather days when you don’t want full boots on.
🥾 Where I Tested Them
I’ve tested both the jacket and shoes on shorter hikes in the Shropshire Hills, as well as on a much bigger mountain day in Snowdonia on Elidir Fawr and the Marchlyn Horseshoe.
The weather has mostly been good so far, so I haven’t fully tested the jacket in proper wet, wild, sideways-rain Welsh mountain conditions yet. I know. Very unlike Wales to behave itself.
However, I have tested both pieces on real hikes, over varied terrain, and during a big mountain day where comfort, movement, grip and practicality really mattered.
⛰️ The Big Mountain Test: Elidir Fawr & the Marchlyn Horseshoe
The real test came on a big day out in Snowdonia, taking on Elidir Fawr and the Marchlyn Horseshoe — a proper mountain route with rocky ground, big views, steady climbs and enough terrain variety to quickly reveal whether kit is genuinely comfortable or quietly ruining your day.
This was where both pieces impressed me most.
The jacket moved really well over layers without feeling restrictive, and the shoes felt secure and comfortable from start to finish.
No rubbing.
No hot spots.
No slipping around on rock.
No dramatic “why did I wear new shoes on a mountain?” regret.
Which, frankly, is the dream.
The Odin Pro Shield Jacket is designed for technical outdoor enthusiasts who want reliable protection and comfort while moving fast. It’s a hybrid jacket that combines durable softshell weather protection with the warmth of a fleece, making it a great option for hiking, trekking, mountaineering and ski touring.
It’s built for dry, windy and semi-cold conditions where you want breathability, wind protection and freedom of movement, rather than a heavy waterproof shell.
For me, this sits firmly in the “active mountain layer” category. It’s the sort of jacket I’d reach for on cool starts, breezy ridges, dry mountain days and faster-moving hikes where I want protection without feeling bundled up like a walking duvet.
✨ Key Features
✅ 4-way stretch fabric
✅ Durable Water Repellency treatment
✅ Fleece-like warmth
✅ Excellent breathability
✅ Wind protection
✅ Helmet-compatible hood
✅ Hood with shapeable brim
✅ Adjustable hood and bottom hem
✅ Articulated elbows for freedom of movement
✅ Secure zipped hand pockets
✅ Harness-compatible design
✅ RECCO® technology
✅ bluesign® main material
👕 Fit, Comfort & Layering
I went for a size L in the jacket. I would usually wear a medium, but I wanted this to work as an outer layer over other layers in the colder months, and I’m really glad I sized up.
The fit feels roomy without being shapeless, and it gives enough space to layer underneath without feeling restricted. For me, that makes it much more versatile. I can wear it over a base layer on warmer days, or over a fleece or mid-layer when it gets cooler.
I wouldn’t personally use it as a standalone winter jacket in properly cold or wet conditions, but as part of a layering system, I think it works really well. On colder days, I’d pair it with a warm layer underneath and still pack a waterproof shell if the forecast looked wet.
The 4-way stretch and articulated elbows make movement feel easy, which is exactly what you want when you’re hiking, scrambling, using poles, checking a map, reaching for snacks, or doing the classic “why is my compass now in the wrong pocket?” dance.
🗺️ Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield Jacket review
One of my favourite things about this jacket is the two front zipped pockets.
They are genuinely useful and big enough for the things I want quick access to on walks — map, compass, phone, snacks, gloves, tissues, and all the tiny bits of Mountain Leader faff that somehow multiply during a hike.
The hood is also well designed, with a shapeable brim and drawstring adjustment. It’s helmet-compatible too, which makes it more versatile for mountaineering, scrambling or ski touring use.
The adjustable bottom hem is another useful feature, especially when it gets breezy and you want to trap a bit more warmth in.
It’s also light enough to carry in a day pack without feeling like you’ve packed half your wardrobe, though I’d describe it more as a technical softshell layer than an ultra-packable emergency jacket.
And honestly, the Ignite Orange colour is a huge win. It’s bright, cheerful, visible and very Ray of Sun Adventures.
Subtle? No.
Fabulous? Absolutely.
🌦️ Weather Protection & Breathability
The jacket is not a full waterproof shell. It has a Durable Water Repellency treatment and is designed to offer softshell weather protection, especially in dry, windy and semi-cold conditions.
So far, I haven’t tested it in heavy rain or really poor winter weather, so I can’t honestly say how it performs in proper mountain rain. For wet-weather hiking, I would still carry a waterproof shell.
Where I think this jacket shines is as a breathable, active layer — something comfortable, stretchy and protective enough for windy ridges, changeable conditions, cooler starts and fast-moving days.
One of the biggest takeaways from my Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield Jacket review is that this jacket works best as a breathable softshell layer, rather than a replacement for a full waterproof shell.
The Women’s AWE Hiker HELLY TECH® Shoes are designed for adventurous day hikes on mixed terrain, in both dry and wet conditions.
They feature HELLY TECH® Waterproof protection to help keep your feet dry, plus Helly Hansen’s Trail Grip outsole for traction on varied surfaces.
The lightweight upper and Fast Foam midsole are designed for all-day comfort, and the shoe also includes a padded comfort collar and protective details like HH Pro Guard.
✨ Key Features
✅ HELLY TECH® Waterproof membrane
✅ HH Trail Grip outsole
✅ HH Fast foam midsole
✅ HH Surround-Grip
✅ HH Pro Guard
✅ Padded comfort collar
✅ 100% recycled laces
✅ 100% recycled polyester webbing
✅ 100% recycled lining
✅ 100% recycled polyester strobel
👣 Fit & Comfort
These shoes were comfortable straight out of the box. I wore them first on shorter Shropshire hikes to gently wear them in, but to be honest, they didn’t really feel like they needed much breaking in at all.
No rubbing. No blisters. No heel drama. No “why have my feet turned against me?” moments.
I then wore them on the same big mountain day up Elidir Fawr and around the Marchlyn Horseshoe, and they stayed comfortable throughout.
The sizing feels true to size. I wore a size 8 and had no issues with the fit. They felt secure, supportive and comfortable without feeling too tight or restrictive.
I found the fit comfortable for my feet, but I wouldn’t describe them as an especially wide-fit shoe. If you usually need wide-fit footwear, I’d recommend trying them on first rather than blindly ordering and hoping for the best. Feet are fussy little creatures.
🪨 Grip & Traction
The grip really impressed me.
I often find that new hiking shoes or trail shoes need a bit of wearing in before the sole feels properly grippy on rock, especially on mountain terrain. These felt grippy from the get-go.
I tested them on mixed terrain, including rocky mountain paths, trails and stream crossings, and they felt secure underfoot.
The HH Trail Grip and HH Surround-Grip gave me confidence, particularly on the bigger Snowdonia day where reliable grip matters.
For a lightweight hiking shoe, they performed really well.
💦 Waterproofing
I tested the shoes through streams, and they kept my feet dry.
The HELLY TECH® Waterproof membrane did what it needed to do, which is always a relief because soggy feet are a very specific kind of misery.
I haven’t yet tested them in endless hours of wet grass, bog or proper mountain downpours, but for stream crossings and wet sections of trail, they performed well.
🥾 Shoes vs Boots
These feel lighter and more flexible than a traditional hiking boot, which makes them ideal for warmer days and faster-moving hikes.
You do lose ankle support compared with boots, but you gain comfort, breathability and freedom of movement. For summer mountain days, lowland walks, trail adventures and day hikes, that trade-off makes a lot of sense.
For heavy-pack, multi-day mountain routes, very cold conditions or more technical terrain, I’d personally still reach for a more supportive boot. But for day hikes and lighter adventures, these shoes are a really strong option.
🤩 What Surprised Me Most
The shoes surprised me the most.
I expected them to be comfortable, but I didn’t expect them to feel so grippy straight away. Usually, I find new hiking shoes need a few walks before the sole feels properly worn in on rock, but these felt reliable from the first outing.
The jacket surprised me in a different way — mostly because it feels like such an easy layer to reach for.
It’s not bulky. It’s not stiff. It doesn’t feel overly technical. It’s practical, bright, comfy and easy to move in.
☀️ Weight & Warm-Weather Use
These shoes feel like a brilliant option for summer and warm-weather mountain days.
They’re lighter than a boot, comfortable for long days, and still protective enough for proper hiking. I’d reach for these when I want something more breathable and less bulky than a traditional hiking boot, but still more supportive and protective than a basic trainer.
For lowland walks, day hikes, camping trips, summer mountain days and mixed-terrain adventures, I think they’re a great choice.
Even though these were gifted to me to trial and review, I’d genuinely consider buying the shoes myself for summer mountain days because they’ve been so comfortable and grippy from the first wear.
For very cold winter conditions, technical mountaineering or heavy pack multi-day routes, I’d probably still choose a more robust boot depending on the terrain and weather.
🌿 Best Use
For me, this setup is ideal for:
✅ Spring, summer and early autumn hiking
✅ Warm-weather mountain days
✅ Dry and breezy conditions
✅ Mixed terrain walks
✅ Day hikes where you want comfort, movement and reliable grip
✅ Adventures where you want lighter kit without compromising on performance
In short: the jacket is best as a breathable active layer, and the shoes are best for comfortable, lightweight day hiking on mixed terrain.
The jacket is a brilliant active layer rather than a full waterproof shell, and the shoes are a great option when you want something lighter than boots but still supportive enough for proper day hikes.
🔧 What I’d Improve
For the jacket, I’d love to test it in more challenging conditions before fully commenting on how it handles proper Welsh wind and rain. So far, it has performed really well as a breathable, active outer layer, but I’d still carry a waterproof shell for wet mountain days.
For the shoes, I honestly don’t have much to grumble about yet. They’ve been comfortable, waterproof through streams and grippy from the first wear.
I’ll be interested to see how they hold up after more miles, especially on rougher mountain terrain.
♻️ Sustainability Details
I also really like that both items include more considered materials and design features.
The jacket uses bluesign® main material, and the shoes include recycled elements such as 100% recycled laces, polyester webbing, lining and strobel.
Outdoor kit still has a long way to go when it comes to sustainability, but I always appreciate brands making more conscious choices where they can.
👩🦰 Who I’d Recommend Them For
This kit combo works really well for hikers who want lightweight, practical layers and footwear that can handle proper days outside without feeling bulky or overbuilt.
The Odin Pro Shield Jacket is a great choice if you want a breathable, stretchy softshell layer for cool starts, breezy ridgelines, fast-moving hikes and active mountain days. It’s roomy enough to layer over a fleece, practical enough for map-and-compass faff, and bright enough to bring serious “happy mountain human” energy.
👉 Love the jacket? Check out the Helly Hansen Odin Pro Shield Jacket here
The AWE Hiker HELLY TECH® Shoes are ideal if you prefer a lighter hiking shoe over a boot in warmer weather. They’re comfy straight out of the box, waterproof through streams, grippy on mixed terrain and perfect for summer mountain days, lowland walks and adventurous day hikes.
👉 Curious about the shoes? Check out the Helly Hansen AWE Hiker HELLY TECH® Shoes here
They may not be the best choice for full winter mountain conditions, very technical mountaineering, long boggy routes where you’d want more ankle coverage, or heavy-pack multi-day routes where a more supportive boot might be better.
And just to be clear — the jacket is a brilliant active softshell layer, but it isn’t a replacement for a full waterproof shell in proper wet mountain weather.
⭐ Final Verdict
9/10 – A strong, comfortable and trail-ready combo for hiking, mountain days and fast-moving adventures.
The Helly Hansen Women’s Odin Pro Shield Jacket is lightweight, stretchy, breathable and practical, with a brilliant fit for layering and pockets that actually work for hiking essentials.
I especially love the Ignite Orange colour — bright, bold and very mountain-leader-friendly.
The Women’s AWE Hiker HELLY TECH® Shoes were the biggest surprise for me. They were comfortable straight out of the box, true to size, waterproof through streams and impressively grippy from the first wear. I also absolutely love the retro camo look — stylish, outdoorsy and just a little bit nostalgic in the best way.
No blisters, no rubbing, no drama — which is exactly how we like our hiking shoes.
🧡 Tried, Tested & Trail-Approved
After testing both pieces on shorter Shropshire hikes and a big mountain day in Snowdonia, I’m really impressed.
The jacket has already become the kind of layer I’d throw on for cool starts, breezy ridgelines and fast-moving hill days. The shoes handled rocky terrain, streams and a big mountain route with no issues at all.
I’ll keep testing the jacket in more challenging weather, because Wales will absolutely provide that opportunity soon enough — probably when I’ve just done my hair.
But so far? Both pieces have earned their place in my hiking kit.
If you’re looking for a lightweight technical jacket and a comfortable waterproof hiking shoe for day hikes, summer mountains and adventurous trails, these Helly Hansen pieces are definitely worth a look.
👉 Ready to have a nosey?
Even better, the Helly Hansen Summer Sale runs from 30th July – 31st August, with up to 50% off selected lines 👀😉
Because good mountain kit is even better when it comes with a little discount-shaped joy.
Happy hiking, happy feet, and here’s to kit that actually keeps up. 🧡🥾
