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What is Helly Tech and how does it work?
Helly Tech is a waterproof and breathable membrane from Helly Hansen. The membrane blocks water and allows sweat vapours to pass through so you always stay comfortable. Helly tech consists of several layers, the outer fabric is treated with a DWR treatment, the membrane is very breathable and waterproof, the inner fabric is also very breathable and a lining or mesh is often used for this inner fabric.
The DWR treatment consists of polyurethane (pu) and coating technologies. PU is created from a chemical process and gives softness and stretch to the outer fabric, the coating provides waterproofing and breathability. A microporous membrane is used for the membrane at Helly Tech. What does this mean? A microporous membrane consists of pores that are too small for water droplets to penetrate from outside but large enough to release sweat vapours from inside. The breathability of the membrane is therefore very good, as the pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water drop and 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule, or sweat vapours.
Helly Tech is a combination of DWR treatment, a highly breathable and waterproof membrane, fully sealed seams and a highly breathable inner fabric. In fact, the seams of the products are sealed with water-resistant ribbon and glue, so water cannot enter anywhere, even through the small holes normally found at the stitching of the seams.
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The different types of Helly Tech
Technology has three different types, Professional, Performance and Protection, each for a specific situation. Check out the three different types to find out which one best suits your adventure.
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Helly Tech Protection
This technology is fully waterproof, windproof and breathable. It provides protection in all situations and weather conditions where protection from the elements is needed.
Helly Tech Protection consists of a 2-layer construction, the outer material and a membrane joined together. These are protected by a lining or mesh fabric.
Helly Tech Performance
This technology is highly waterproof and extra breathable, it is designed for challenging activities with changing and unpredictable weather conditions.
Helly Tech Performance consists of a 2.5-layer construction, the outer material and membrane are bonded together with a protective print, making it extremely lightweight and compact.
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Afbeelding door: @Helly Hansen
Helly Tech Performance
Deze technologie is zeer waterdicht en extra ademend, het is ontworpen voor uitdagende activiteiten met veranderende en onvoorspelbare weersomstandigheden.
Helly Tech Performance bestaat uit een 2,5 laags constructie, het buitenste materiaal en het membraan zijn aan elkaar gemaakt met een beschermende print en daarmee is het extreem licht en compact.
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Helly Tech Professional
This technology is extremely waterproof and breathable, it is designed for highly strenuous, extremely wet or unusual prolonged outdoor activities in extremely harsh conditions.
Helly Tech Professional consists of a 3-layer construction, the outer material, membrane and inner material are bonded together. The advantage of this is that it is lightweight, quick-drying and durable.
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When is something waterproof?
This all has to do with the water column. The water column is a measure used to indicate the waterproofness of fabrics. It indicates how much water pressure the material can withstand before water penetrates. The water column is usually measured in millimetres (mm). Therefore, the higher the value of the water column, the more resistant the material is to water.
But how is this measured? The process starts by placing a tube, with a diameter between 2.5 and 5 cm, filled with water on the fabric. The height of the water in the tube is gradually increased until water begins to penetrate the material. At that point, the height of the water is measured and expressed in millimetres is then the water column value. So if you have a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm, this means that the fabric can withstand a water pressure of up to 20,000 mm. A pressure higher than 20,000 mm, which is the same as 20 metres, then causes the product to no longer be waterproof. From a pressure of 20,000 mm, a product is fully waterproof.
But how does this pressure work? Imagine you are on your knees in the snow then there is more pressure because the weight of your body is distributed over a smaller surface area than if you sit on your buttocks. But roughly how much pressure is there? If you sit on your knees then there is a pressure of about 2,000 mm. If you sit on your buttocks, this pressure is a lot less and creates about a pressure of 1000 mm.
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How should you maintain Helly Tech?
To ensure your Helly Tech® garment retains its best performance, it is important to take good care of it, wash after wash.
Before you start, make sure all zips are closed to avoid surface damage. Use hot water as indicated on your garment's washing label and avoid fabric softeners or other agents with softeners, as these can affect the fabric's performance.
Give your garment a second rinse to remove any residual detergent before drying safely in the dryer to reactivate the DWR treatment.
If the water-repellent properties decrease, it is time to apply a new DWR treatment. Remove the garment from the washing machine, hang it to let excess water drip off, close all zips, spray DWR evenly over the entire surface of the garment and dry the garment in the tumble dryer on medium temperature for 50 minutes.
By following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your Helly Tech® garment and ensure it continues to perform, time after time.