Helly Hansen Loke 2.0 Rain Jacket Review

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When rain hits in the Pacific Northwest, your gear either makes or breaks the experience. They say there’s never bad weather – just bad clothing. So last weekend when there was a rainy forecast, instead of canceling my adventure, I reached for my Helly Hansen Loke 2.0 rain jacket and set out on the trail.

I headed to Norvan Falls, one of my favorite local spots just outside Vancouver. With 15 km of misty rainforest, rushing glacial creeks, and a waterfall finale, it’s the kind of hike that demands reliable waterproof layers. And on this particular day, the Loke 2.0 proved itself in spades — keeping me dry, comfortable, and warm through hours of steady rain and cool, damp air.

This jacket didn’t just perform on a rainy hike in British Columbia. I’ve also taken it across the world — through tropical downpours in Fiji, windy coastal towns in Australia, and unpredictable spring days closer to home.

If you’re looking for a rain jacket that delivers protection without sacrificing packability or style, the Loke 2.0 deserves a serious look. Here’s everything I put it through — and how it held up.

Why the Helly Hansen Rain Jacket

Living in the Pacific Northwest (where we get on average around 152 days of rain a year!), I’ve tested a lot of rain jackets for hiking. I always keep one in my pack, even in the summer, because weather can change on a dime especially when hiking at different elevations or walking around town.

As far as outerwear brands go, I really like Helly Hansen because of its’ roots in building great gear for rain, starting in Norway way back in 1877. Starting out with gear for working at sea, the company has evolved it’s innovative technology around waterproofing to help keep athletes and adventurers dry from the trails to the ski slopes. For example, here in British Columbia you’ll find Helly Hansen gear on all employees at Whistler Blackcomb, the main ski resort in the Vancouver region and the largest in North America.

What impressed me about the Helly Hansen Loke 2.0 rain jacket was how well it performed across all conditions. On the trail, as the temperature dipped and the wind picked up near the waterfall, this jacket kept me warm without overheating. It’s lightweight, breathable, and compact. I didn’t end up soaked in sweat while climbing, and when we stopped for lunch, I didn’t immediately start freezing either. It struck a great balance of waterproof protection and warmth, without the bulk of a puffy.

Key Features I Loved

I’ve tried many types of outdoor gear for hiking, and here’s what stood out about this Helly Hansen outerwear:

• Fully adjustable hood: It covered my forehead properly (unlike many jackets!) and stayed in place. I didn’t need a separate baseball cap to cover my face, which is a big plus when it’s windy or pouring.
• Zippered hand pockets: Secure and deep enough for my phone and snacks.
• Perfect weight: Not too thin or heavy, ideal for hiking or everyday wear in the city.
• Built-in RECCO reflector: This jacket includes a RECCO reflector, a feature typically found in snow and ski jackets and is more uncommon in rain jackets. Wearing gear with RECCO embedded makes it possible for search and rescue organizations to better find you in an emergency, as the RECCO works like an identifying beacon, even when buried in snow. This is an added layer of hiking safety if you’re ever lost or injured in the backcountry.
• Bright blue color: I love the color of this jacket. It’s a vibrant blue that really makes my hiking photos pop. But beyond aesthetics, bright colors can be a smart safety choice in the backcountry. If you ever need to be located by search and rescue, wearing something visible from a distance can make a huge difference. This jacket comes in bright blue, red, green, orange (and of course classic black and grey).

A Rain Jacket for Travel

I also brought this breathable rain jacket on a two-week trip through Fiji and Australia earlier this month. While it was winter in both countries, I experienced both light rain and a couple of torrential downpours (especially in Fiji). This jacket handled it all.

Because I was traveling with only a carry-on, I needed a packable rain jacket that could roll up small but still be functional. Whether I was on a rainforest trail in Fiji or walking the coastal trail in Sydney, this jacket kept me dry and comfortable.

Rain Jackets are a key piece of the 10 essentials

And of course, make sure to bring your 10 essentials — the basic survival gear every hiker should carry, even on short or familiar trails. You can also check out my day hiking packing recommendations, where this jacket is included.

Here’s a list of what I packed on this rainy day hike:

• Rain jacket – lightweight, waterproof, and breathable (Helly Hansen jacket)
• Base layer & warm layer – in case temperatures drop
• Trail runners or waterproof hiking boots
• Water (at least 1.5L)
• Snacks/lunch
• Dog gear – leash, treats, and water bowl
• 10 Essentials:
  • Navigation (map, compass, or GPS)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen)
  • Extra clothing
  • First-aid kit
  • Knife or multitool
  • Fire starter (matches or lighter)
  • Emergency shelter (foil blanket or bivy)
  • Extra food
  • Extra water or water filter

All Around Jacket

If you’re looking for a high-performance rain jacket for hiking, travel, or city wear, the Helly Hansen jacket is a fantastic all-around option. It’s stylish enough for everyday use, tough enough for the trail, and smartly designed for anyone who values safety, comfort, and durability.

I felt confident wearing it — whether deep in the backcountry or caught in a surprise downpour abroad. That peace of mind is exactly what I’m looking for in my outdoor gear.

Want a Helly Hansen jacket for yourself?

Shop the Helly Hansen rain jacket here. It’s currently on sale as part of the Helly Hansen 4th of July Sale where you can get 25% between June 30th and July 4th, 2025.

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