Every base layer seller out there seems to believe that their product has the ultimate wicking power - with many this often seems to mean at best it'll hold the sweat off your body for a little while then baste you like a Christmas turkey - at worst you'll be wetter than a sponge in a monsoon.

With theDry Revolution, however, it seems that Helly have got it absolutely right.

Tempted by a sale at Blacks, I bought the top and set about testing it in the Brecon Beacons on a cold wet day in December, tempted by the freezing rain to have a go at setting a decent time for the 24 km 'Fan Dance' over Pen Y Fan.

The top has long sleeves and is extremely light and comfortable. I bought a large, and found it to have plenty of room - real athletes might prefer a smaller size and tighter fit - my middle-aged build was glad of the slightly looser fit....

The designers have kept seams to a minimum and sewn them using flatlock stitching - the top therefore looks and feels very smooth inside and out and this increases the comfort.

On the ascent to Pen Y Fan I found the top, combined with an Astron soft shell and Changabang hard shell kept me comfortable and warm, with no restriction of movement. Once over the other side we decided to run the 8km to the half way point , and the Helly really came into its own - absolutely no chafing, maximum comfort, and really living up to its name in keeping me dry - I fund it hard to believe when we stopped that I was almost totally dry.

We double checked this at the end of the day - after 4 hours 33 minutes of fast hiking and running, the helly was soaking, but I was warm dry and comfortable - this meant that whenever we stopped we didn't immediately start to get very cold, and normal consequence of moving fast and sweating, then rapidly cooling when we stop.

I'd strongly recommend this top to anyone who wants to be comfortable arm and dry, and wants to avoid being clammy wet and cold after relatively strenuous outdoor activity - an excellent buy.

I've been told that the Changabang is strictly speaking an alpine climbing and mountaineering jacket, but I've found it to be a fantastic all round hard shell that keeps out the wind rain snow and sleet superbly.
The 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Ascendor II fabric with 3-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell Tenacity fabric reinforcements makes it tough enough for all day in the mountains, waterproof enough to keep out 'sheeting' North Wales rain and snow for 8 straight hours, and breathable enough so that you stay dry underneath too.

The underarm zip vents are great for allowing in a little air when its hot, and often means that you don't have to remove the jacket as soon as you warm up a little - you can unzip the vents, let the air circulate and remain warm and dry.

The jacket looks and feels to be excellent quality, and it's almost tailored fit means that as well as protecting you from the elements, it'll look really good too. I agree that it's not all about the looks, but the fit of the Changabang means it keeps you well protected, feels extremely comfortable and light to wear, and allows freedom of movement whatever you're doing.

The Changabang has a hood large enough to accommodate a climbing helmet, but with sufficient elastic tighteners to keep the rain off you whilst not obstructing your vision. I've often resisted putting up my hood due to the restricted vision it gives me, but that's not a problem with the Changabang.

The jacket whilst well fitting allows room for several layers underneath - the sleeves are shaped and articulated, allowing freedom of movement and fitting the cuffs neatly to your wrist.

The Stratum Storage System with 2 large chest pockets and 2 ‘A4’ sized Napoleon pockets all with protective plackets give plenty of storage room both inside and on the outside of the jacket.

The Changabang also contains a Zip-out internal snow skirt and GPS / Ski Pass pocket - great for keeping the snow out of your hardshell, and very handy for storing and accessing your GPS when needed.

Adjustable cuffs and dual tether hem drawcords mean the jacket can be adjusted in almost any fashion so that the best and most comfortable fit can be achieved.

I've used the Changabang for everything from a gentle stroll in light rain, hiking in Snowdonia, and even running in the Brecon Beacons while attempting the 'Fan Dance' - the Changabangs style, fit, versatility and comfort is fantastic - coupled with a Helly Base layer and an Astron soft shell, it kept me warm and dry in the Beacons in howling gales and torrential rain, yet allowed me to run the downhill stretches without overheating - awesome!

At circa £330 it's a bit ore expensive than some, but I think its quality and versatility makes it worth every penny.

The Astron caught my eye in a store in Bude, Cornwall....it's a striking looking softshell, and the blue or yellow zips really stand out. It's ideal as a mid or even top layer, in all but the worst rain. With Polartec Powerstretch panels and elastane cuffs it slips on like a second skin - it looks and feels great.

The hooded version I bought has a stiffened peak giving some protection for your face from wind snow and rain - the hood is big enough for a climbing helmet, and that combined with the active cut of the jacket and the stretch panels allows you to move freely, making it ideal for climbers.

I found the Astron keeps out all but the heaviest rain, and is wind resistant yet extremely breathable - I've worn the jacket for active hiking and even a little running in the mountains, and its kept me warm and dry without overheating.

Its got two external pockets, ideal for holding your GPS when hiking, or light gear when climbing - the pockets are easy to access even when climbing.


An elasticated and adjustable cord around the base of the jacket allows you to adjust it to fit, and the cuffs are 'elastane' so the jacket fits very comfortably but with room and stretch enough to make you feel you're not really wearing it.

Its so comfortable I find myself wearing it as an everyday item of casual clothing, yet it stands up to heavy weather in the mountains - combine it with a good base layer and a hard shell and you're good to go!

One small reservation is robustness - my son's Astron has had the stitching come apart at the seam along the shoulder - in fairness though, it hasn't torn, simply come undone, and is with ME currently waiting for a response- the store readily admitted they would either replace or repair it, so fingers crossed!

My own jacket has taken everything I have thrown at it and come back for more....


This jacket is an absolute 'must have' in my backpack for any kind of outdoor activity - if you're looking for something you can wear for everything from every day hiking to climbing and mountaineering, the Astron is an ideal addition to your outdoor wardrobe.