With the average temperature in the Arctic being 50º F (or -10º C), scientists still face cold conditions. Many of our jackets and parkas designed for cold-weather activities feature LIFE POCKET™. This nifty pocket has extra insulation to help keep your device running for longer. For skiers, commuters and hikers, a phone without battery might serve as an inconvenience at best, or a safety issue at worst. For Arctic scientists who prepare for months, even years ahead of an expedition, preserving battery life could be a lifeline for both their safety and their precious research. 

It’s night-time, you’re facing winds up to 140km and it’s your turn to be on polar bear watch. This is the reality for Dr. Heidi Sevestre when she is in the field. A parka in this environment is non-negotiable. To better withstand the wetter conditions, we upgraded the parka with 2-layer HELLY TECH® Performance construction. The seams are fully taped and act as an additional barrier from rain and snow. 

We also reinforced the parka with Taslan – a lightweight material that draws moisture away from the body while remaining durable. Additional reflective detailing also features so you can remain visible in low-light conditions.

With multiple storage pockets and reflective detailing, the utility vest serves as a fantastic addition to round off the four layers. This is especially useful for multi-day trips when Arctic scientists need more equipment such as batteries. The pockets on the vest are made with LIFA INFINITY™ technology to protect essential items from the wetter conditions.

In Svalbard, a snowmobile suit is a staple piece of gear, but they are quite bulky and lack pockets. Dr. Heidi Sevestre tells us that she is thinking of ditching the suit in favor of the Arctic Patrol Modular Parka 2.0 - the greatest compliment we could ever receive!

Kristoffer Ulriksen, Vice President of Lifestyle at Helly Hansen, said:

“The Arctic Patrol Modular Parka 2.0 is the pinnacle piece of our Arctic Patrol collection, and for the last two years, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to truly understand the challenges that Arctic scientists and professionals face. As the conditions of the Arctic continue to change, we want to create gear that can be adaptable without compromising on protection, durability, and functionality. Our professionals rely on us to provide gear they can trust, and we’re confident that this new parka will meet the needs of both professionals and consumers alike.”

It was over a decade ago when Dr. Heidi Sevestre hiked around the Alps with a mountain guide who told her that it is possible to carve a living in glaciology. She went on to study glaciers around the world – from the Alps to Greenland and from the Arctic to Antarctica - and invests her time in science policy and outreach. As a fellow international of The Explorers Club, working at AMAP (the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme) and Working Group to the Arctic Council, she believes researchers have a duty to communicate their work about the wonders of the cryosphere and the threats targeting it. In 2022, she won the inaugural Shackleton Medal for the Protection of the Polar Regions.

The Arctic Patrol collection draws on insights from Arctic scientists who live and work in this harsh climate, carrying out research that is often tied to the future of our planet. With their first-hand experiences of witnessing the changing conditions, we continue to expand the collection to help them continue their work  unhindered by the conditions and their activity levels.