The design team at work on the Arctic Patrol Down Parka

Behind the design: The Arctic Patrol Down Parka

An Interview with Dorte Vedal, Design Director Lifestyle

September 29, 2025

4 min read

When your mission takes you to the world's most unforgiving environments, your gear is more than just clothing—it's your lifeline. The award-winning Arctic Patrol Down Parka was developed with insights from scientists and explorers who don't just survive in extreme cold, they work in it.

We sat down with Dorte Vedal, Design Director for Lifestyle at Helly Hansen, to get the inside story on how this exceptional piece of gear was brought to life through deep collaboration with professionals on the front lines of Arctic research.

What was the initial insight that led to the concept of the Arctic Patrol Down Parka?

The journey began with feedback from our professional partners—Jan Rasmussen and Nicklas Marc Heinecke of the Adventure and Research Collective—who were preparing for an expedition to Greenland. They had already tested our Arctic Patrol Modular Parka, but needed something lighter, warmer, and more durable for periods of low activity—like life at camp, working on the ice, or resting in the tent at night.

Since they had to drag all their equipment on pulkas (sleds), the warmth-to-weight ratio became our primary focus. The gear also needed to withstand heavy use and wear, so durable fabrics and trims were crucial. We also knew that protecting the face from harsh conditions is one of the most important features, so adding a protective fur trim was a key decision from the start.

Were there specific environmental challenges that became your north star in the design?

Absolutely. We designed for cold, wet, and unpredictable weather with huge variations in temperature. The team also experiences big swings in their activity levels, from intense physical exertion to periods of rest. And, of course, weight was a constant consideration, because they had to transport everything themselves. These challenges guided every decision we made.

Can you walk us through the key design phases?

It's a deeply collaborative process. It starts with initial meetings with professionals to get a clear understanding of their plans, needs, and challenges. We brainstorm with them to define the main direction. Our pattern makers and materials team are involved from the beginning.

From there, we have in-depth conversations about what their “dream” product would be, and create a product brief to reflect that. We'll then gather similar products from our existing range for them to try on and get a real feel for as a starting point.

During the design and development phase, our design, pattern, and material teams work closely to build the best product possible with the right combination of materials, fit, and construction. The first prototype is reviewed internally and with the professionals, and we create a second prototype based on their feedback. If possible, we test each phase in the field to truly gauge if the product holds up.

Testing is critical. Ideally, the product team gets into the right environment to get a real feeling for the conditions. This gives us the best insight into the product's needs and sparks new ideas. The professionals test the gear and give us feedback, which we use to make the final product.

Did any specific stories or feedback from the field directly inspire design decisions?

Definitely. There was the realization of how cold and hostile conditions can be. It reinforces that the gear is a matter of life and death—every detail needs to hold up. The gear becomes their home and office; it’s where they seek protection and comfort.

Several of our professionals talk about the comfort aspect, how some garments feel like a “hug”—something that cocoons and protects you. That really stuck with us.

How and where was the parka tested, and what did you learn?

The crew of The Greenland Project put our gear to the test during a training trip to Haugastøl, where our product team joined them on a frozen lake. Their feedback confirmed that the parka met all their demands. The insights we gained from that trip proved invaluable and continue to shape our ongoing development.

Dr. Heïdi Sevestre, a glaciologist, has also provided us with overall insights and knowledge that we use in all garments made for cold conditions. She loves the parka and plans to use it for her upcoming expedition to Antarctica.

Were there any surprising lessons you learned about how scientists use their gear in the field?

We learned how important the comfort level is to them. For example, adding faux fur on the inside of the placket made a huge difference. The importance of having many pockets to store things in was another key takeaway. We also discovered how padded jackets and pants can double as a “sleeping bag” when needed. And small details, like having long pullers on zippers so they can be used while wearing gloves, are essential.

What new innovations or materials were introduced in this parka?

We used a super-light Cordura fabric that offers incredible durability. We also incorporated ALLIED HyperDRY™, a hydrophobic down that maintains its warmth even in damp conditions. This was critical for the wet and unpredictable weather the team faces.

How did working on this project change the way you approach design challenges?

It reinforced that open conversations and close collaboration with both the professionals and the wider product team are essential to spark ideas and develop great products. The positive feedback we get on these extreme products builds trust in the work we do, in our team, and with our suppliers. When we develop our commercial range, we bring this insight with us, knowing we can create products that can withstand the harshest conditions on Earth.

If you had to describe this project in one word, what would it be and why?

Complex. It takes a lot of effort, planning, and collaboration to get this right. The product simply cannot fail. On the other hand, it is highly rewarding, inspiring, and fun.

Trusted where it matters

The Arctic Patrol Down Parka is more than a jacket; it's a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Born from the real-world needs of those pushing the boundaries of exploration, it delivers trusted protection when it matters most.

Ready for your next adventure? Explore the full Arctic Patrol Collection and gear up with professional-grade equipment built to take you anywhere.