Helly Hansen

Founded in 1877 by Norwegian sea captain Helly Juell Hansen and his wife, Helly Hansen originated by producing waterproof oilskin jackets and trousers for sailors. Over 145 years later, the brand remains renowned for its maritime heritage, technical outerwear, and a legacy of innovation such as the development of Helox PVC rainwear, the introduction of LIFA base layers, and Helly Tech® waterproof technology.

Strengths

• A rich innovation legacy: from oilskin garments to Helox, LIFA, and Helly Tech, the brand has repeatedly led in functional apparel technology.
• Global presence and credibility: Helly Hansen is the go-to brand for sailors, ski professionals and outdoor workers globally. In Canada, products are available via official online store and select physical locations.
• Retail footprint in Canada: Operates official brand stores such as Vancouver, Whistler and New Westminster, enhancing direct access for customers.

Considerations

• Positioned as a high-performance technical brand, pricing trends toward the premium end, which may not suit all consumers.
• Physical stores in Canada are limited to select Western BC locations; customers in other regions mostly rely on online shopping or third-party retailers.

Summary

Helly Hansen blends maritime innovation, technical durability, and Scandinavian design into high-quality outerwear. While premium in price and with limited retail reach, it remains a trusted choice for Canadian outdoor and marine enthusiasts accessible via online and select physical stores.