Helikon-Tex Squall Hardshell TorrentStretch Jacket

The Squall Hardshell is an outer-shell jacket made from TorrentStretch, a proprietary Helikon-Tex trilaminate combining hardshell nylon, a microporous polyurethane membrane, and a nylon inner lining. It is designed for people working outdoors in heavy rain, wind, and cold who need a shell that does not restrict freedom of movement.

The core of the jacket is the microporous membrane, which pairs a hydrostatic head of 30,000 mm with a breathability rating of 30,000 g/m²/24h. Hydrostatic head measures the pressure a fabric can withstand before water penetrates: at 30,000 mm it comfortably exceeds the demands of sustained heavy rain. The matching breathability rating means body vapour can escape even during prolonged physical effort, keeping internal condensation in check. Thermally bonded seams and YKK AquaGuard waterproof zips prevent ingress at the most structurally vulnerable points. The DWR finish on the outer face is PFC-free, which allows it to be regenerated in a standard washing machine without losing effectiveness over time.

As a standalone outer shell the Squall Hardshell works well in spring and autumn, when temperatures do not call for additional insulation. In colder winter conditions the trilaminate is slim enough to layer over a mid-layer of fleece or synthetic insulation without adding bulk. One point worth clarifying: this jacket is a waterproof-membrane hardshell, not a water-resistant softshell. The difference matters: a softshell slows water; this membrane stops it even under prolonged exposure. At the same time, the stretch construction of the TorrentStretch trilaminate delivers greater freedom of movement than traditional rigid shells — an advantage when climbing, shooting a long gun, or doing anything else that demands a wide range of motion.

Key features

• Microporous membrane with a 30,000 mm hydrostatic head: holds up against heavy, sustained rain without failing
• Breathability of 30,000 g/m²/24h: reduces internal condensation even under sustained physical effort
• Thermally bonded seams and YKK AquaGuard zips: eliminate water ingress at seams and zip lines
• PFC-free DWR treatment: maintainable with standard machine-wash cycles without performance loss
• Stretch construction: compatible with a full range of movement, suitable as an outer layer in a layering system

In the box

• Helikon-Tex Squall Hardshell TorrentStretch jacket