REASONS TO BUY
Warm
Wind resistant
REASONS TO AVOID
Awkward hood design
Poor breathability
Norrona Lofoten Hiloflex200 Review
This is a unique softshell jacket that includes a facemask that some skiers or climbers might find useful
Credit: Backcountry
Our Verdict
The Norrona Lofoten Hiloflex200 takes a tried and true softshell design (a fleece-backed midweight coat with a durable exterior finish) and adds some unique new features. These additions make it useful for specific users but likely annoying for most others. The jacket itself is an average performer, warmer and more comfortable than many thanks to the soft inner fleece, though it does not breathe especially well. Where we have issues is the execution of the integrated hood design, something climbers who like their hoods under helmets will appreciate, but most others will find to be over-thought and uncomfortable to use.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Hiloflex200 is a decent softshell jacket that performed adequately in most of our review metrics but did not stand out in a way that made it rise above the others. For certain applications, such as climbing in windy conditions, the integrated facemask may be a benefit, but more than likely, you'll find it an annoyance.
Performance Comparison
A specialized layer for face protection in the wind, the Lofoten Hiloflex200 did its job on a chilly day.
Credit: Steve Mace
Weather Protection
The Lofoten Hiloflex200 uses a woven polyester/elastane blend to comprise the outer shell. This heavier weight material adequately blocks wind and snow, though it was not tight enough to offer much protection from wetter precipitation. The inner recycled fleece backing aids in warmth, making this a more favorable jacket for cooler weather. The elastic thumb loops help keep the jacket cuffs in place, though the cuffs felt too tight to slip over gloves. We had to wear gloves over the cuffs, which does not offer as much weather protection. The hood is only useful if you plan on wearing it underneath a helmet. It is not made of weather-resistant material and is more like a sewn-on balaclava.
This outer layer beads off water far less effectively than others, and wetted out faster than we would have hoped.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Breathability
This jacket performed slightly below average when we considered breathability. It uses a fleece backing, which makes it warm, but it also felt like it trapped perspiration when on steady uphill climbs. The fibers do not easily dry out, which caused us to feel cool and uncomfortable after stopping. This softshell would be a more appropriate choice for someone recreating in cooler weather who will benefit from the added warmth and wind protection that the fleece offers and who does not expect to be exerting as much.
This fleecy inner layer is warm, but it did trap excess moisture.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Mobility
The Hiloflex200 is reasonably mobile, with stretchy fabric and a trim fit. We found it to respond well to the demands of climbing, skiing, and hiking. The thumb loops are a benefit to climbers who plan to do a lot of overhead reaching.
Ski touring in cold temps felt like a place the Lofoten could shine.
Credit: Steve Mace
Weight
This jacket had a verified weight of 17.6 ounces. This puts it on the heavier end of the spectrum, but that is only due to the extremely lightweight nature of some of the other jackets our review. At barely over a pound this weight is fine, and for those looking for a warmer softshell, a couple of extra ounces for the fleece backing will seem worth it.
Checking the weight on the Lofoten
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Versatility
Versatility was a metric we could not give this jacket high scores because of how awkward the facemask/hood combo is to use, how it is really only meant to be worn under a helmet, and how it does not offer any wet weather protection. One of the things we had an issue with was deploying the facemask when already wearing the hood.
Comfortable thumb loops are a nice feature and help keep the cuffs in place.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Value
The Lofoten Hiloflex200 is a reasonably priced softshell when judged against the retail prices of other jackets we reviewed, though it is a very niche jacket that is more of a specialized tool than a do-it-all performer.
Conclusion
If you prefer to wear your hood underneath a climbing or ski helmet, and you often like to wear a facemask or balaclava for wind protection, then this jacket might be the right call for you. But if you don't need such a niche feature and value breathability and water resistance, you may want to look elsewhere.
For those who want to wear the hood under a helmet, you're in luck.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
—Ryan Huetter
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