 This Product
Helly Hansen Moss - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  Best Value for Everyday Use | Best Value for Active Use | |||
| Price | $109.99 at Evo Compare at 3 sellers | $64.99 at Evo Compare at 3 sellers | $59.98 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $100.93 at REI | $100 List $99.95 at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A highly wind and waterproof design that is perfect for urban commutes or low-output chores during inclement weather | A breathable option with good mobility for vigorous activities in light to moderate precipitation | A reliable rain jacket that offers great value and solid performance at a reasonable price | Although this jacket receives style points for its flattering color blocking, the fabric quickly absorbs moisture and isn't able to provide a high degree of waterproofing | An easy-to-use rain jacket that combines functionality and value at a reasonable price point |
| Rating Categories | Helly Hansen Moss -... | Rab Downpour - Women's | Marmot PreCip Eco -... | Cotopaxi Cielo - Wo... | REI Rainier - Women's |
| Water Resistance (45%) | |||||
| Breathability (20%) | |||||
| Comfort and Mobility (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Helly Hansen Moss -... | Rab Downpour - Women's | Marmot PreCip Eco -... | Cotopaxi Cielo - Wo... | REI Rainier - Women's |
| Measured Weight (Size Small) | 24.3 oz | 10.6 oz | 9.0 oz | 12.0 oz | 11.4 oz |
| Number of Fabric Layers | 1.0 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Waterproof Fabric Material | 100% polyurethane | 2.5-layer 50D Pertex Shield Revolve with a PFC-free DWR finish | 2.5-layer PFC-free NanoPro (proprietary material) | 100% recycled polyester, 10k/10k breathable membrane with C0 DWR (non-PFC) finish | 2.5-layer HydroWall (proprietary material) with non-PFC DWR finish |
| Pockets | 2 hand with button closure | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest | 2 zippered hand, 2 interior drop-in |
| Pit Zips | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Pit Zip Length | N/A | 14 in | 10 in | N/A | 10 in |
| Stows into Pocket | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Helmet Compatible Hood | No | No | No | No | No |
| Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Additional Features | Back yoke with ventilation holes, front placket with hidden snap button closure and YKK zipper, welded waterproof seams | Dual adjustable hood, brushed tricot chin guard, zipper storm guards, adjustable Velcro cuffs, drawcord hem | Adjustable stowable hood, DriClime-lined chin guard, adjustable Velcro cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem | Hook-and-loop adjustment cuffs, encased elastic at hem, one hand hood adjustment | Adjustable hood, adjustable Velcro cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem, brushed collar lining |
The Helly Hansen Moss is a flattering and functional rain jacket for women that is perfect for non-technical use. The 100% polyurethane (bluesign certified) construction combined with Helox technology and extended hemline will keep you dry during everyday outdoor chores and urban commutes, although the fabric lacks any functional breathability for taking on activities that would elevate your heart rate.
The Moss features a 100% Polyurethane shell complete with Helly Hansen's proprietary Helox fabric to maximize its water and windproof performance. Originally constructed from a fine layer of translucent PVC plastic, modern Helox fabric technology is now PVC-free yet still provides waterproof performance when exposed to heavy rain for an extended period of time. In addition to the Helox fabric, the design also features welded flaps over the main zipper and two hand pockets that, while simple in design, do prevent water from penetrating the interior.
During our objective shower and pour test, the exterior kept us completely dry, even though it didn't bead water away from the fabric as other more technical layers in our lineup often do. When chopping wood and kindling during an early season Sierra storm, lead tester Trish Matheny noted, “I was grateful for the longer length, welded seams, and full coverage hood that helped keep me dry.” While not a rain jacket we feel comfortable recommending for high-output activities or technical mountain pursuits, this jacket is perfect for chores in rainy climates or for the urban commuter in the Pacific Northwest.
While the Moss effectively provides wind and waterproof performance, its thick, heavy fabric simply isn't built to breathe. While Helly Hansen does include a backflip, or yoke, over the shoulders to shield you from heavy rain, the holes incorporated beneath it aren't quite enough to offload body heat. The longer length and full coverage hood also trap body heat. So, if your chores have you working up a sweat, you will find it warm and sticky inside very quickly.
Due to the lack of breathability, the jacket will provide more warmth than the other, lighter-weight, more technical designs in our lineup. For this reason, we suggest using this lack of breathability and additional warmth to your advantage and using the Moss for low-output chores or urban commutes during extended periods of precipitation.
The Moss features a 100% polyurethane fabric that is stretchy and flexible, allowing for a range of motion that isn't restricted. “The fitted design is flattering, stylish, and true to size,” says Trish Matheny, who found the fit neither too slim nor too big, allowing you to easily layer thicker fabrics underneath the jacket as well. The interior of the jacket is soft and flexible, which supplies a comfortable interface if conditions don't require more layers underneath.
While the jacket isn't vented in the back for additional mobility in the lower body, the main zipper doesn't zip all the way, so your legs aren't restricted. While doing chores in a heavy Sierra snowstorm, we appreciated the stretchy fabric that allows us to bend and extend without any restriction. Although the Moss features a simple, basic, and fitted design, it kept us comfortable during heavy rains.
There's no doubt about it; the Moss is one of the heaviest designs that we tested. The non-technical features such as buttons, flaps, back yokes, longer length, and full coverage hood all combine to add weight to this jacket. That being said, these features, along with the heavy polyurethane construction successfully keep you dry.
Due to the heavyweight and longer length, we recommend wearing the Moss during low-output activities rather than technical mountain pursuits.
Our testing team is happy to report no major issues with the Moss during our extensive testing period, even after using the coat to chop, carry, and stack wood. Although the design is simple, the buttons easily open and close, and the YKK zipper appears to be well-made and built to last. Helly Hansen even includes a tiny repair kit that is attached to the garment tag, which will help repair any tears in the fabric after significant use.
Although the shoestring-like toggles don't immediately stoke confidence in longevity, we never experienced any issues in performance or durability during testing. While simple, the buttons featured on the Moss similarly help up just fine. Perhaps the only real complaint in this metric is that it was easy to scuff the lighter yellow fabric when in use, which may be a concern if you're buying a jacket to look your best for a commute. Those who simply want to stay dry, shouldn't have any major concerns.
If you live in the rainy parts of the world, such as the Pacific Northwest, the Helly Hansen Moss is the perfect jacket to consider for low output, everyday activities and urban commutes. The 100% polyurethane construction combines with updated Helox technology to prioritize water resistance without skimping on comfort and mobility. Due to the lack of breathability and additional warmth of the heavyweight design, we do not recommend this jacket for those seeking protection during technical pursuits. That being said, this jacket offers a ton of value for those who simply want waterproof performance for limited-action outings.
The Helly Hansen Moss is a unique and flattering design that's perfect for everyday use in climates like the Pacific Northwest. However, there are other options that offer similar benefits and/or even more versatility at a reasonable price. The Marmot PreCip Eco is built for those who are after a more technical layer and can afford to sacrifice some degree of storm protection, as it will be far more comfortable once you start sweating, but it really doesn't compare when it comes to water resistance. If water resistance is your main concern, and you aren't afraid of investing in a high-quality design, the Arc'teryx Beta SL is tough to beat. For the more budget-conscious shops who don't mind wearing a more rigid fabric, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is among the best choices we've handled.
