Helikon-Tex Squall Hardshell TorrentStretch Jacket

The Squall Hardshell is a standalone outer-layer jacket made from TorrentStretch® trilaminate fabric, designed for shooters, hunters and operators working or moving in harsh weather conditions. The trilaminate combines a rigid nylon outer face, a microporous polyurethane membrane and a soft nylon inner lining, delivering a construction that needs no separate liner and does not bunch or restrict movement.

The membrane is rated at 30,000 mm hydrostatic head and 30,000 g/m²/24h breathability: both figures sit at the upper end of the range for hardshell jackets under heavy use. The critical point of any waterproof jacket is managing internal moisture: a high hydrostatic head keeps external water out, but without equally high breathability sweat condenses inside and comfort deteriorates rapidly. TorrentStretch® balances both parameters, keeping the jacket effective both during high-output activity and during extended static periods outdoors. Thermally welded seams and YKK® AquaGuard® waterproof zippers eliminate the entry points that conventional stitched seams leave open.

The DWR treatment applied to the outer face is free of perfluorocarbon compounds (PFC), a choice that does not affect water-repellent performance but lowers the environmental footprint of the product. It is worth keeping the distinction between water repellency and waterproofing in mind: the DWR sheds light rain and reduces the weight the fabric absorbs, while the internal membrane is what maintains protection under sustained heavy rain. The two-way front zipper with chin guard allows the jacket to be opened from the bottom when seated or wearing a belt, without exposing the collar to wind. Worn over an insulating mid-layer in colder months, it retains its properties without restricting movement, thanks to the stretch of the fabric.

Key features

• TorrentStretch® trilaminate with 30,000 mm hydrostatic head: holds out even under prolonged heavy rain without frequent re-proofing.
• 30,000 g/m²/24h breathability: moisture produced by the body passes through the membrane even during physically demanding activity.
• Thermally welded seams and YKK® AquaGuard® zippers: eliminate infiltration points that conventionally stitched seams cannot seal.
• PFC-free DWR: the outer-face water-repellent treatment meets current environmental standards without sacrificing performance.
• Two-way front zipper with chin guard: easy to operate with gloves and usable open from the bottom without exposing the collar to air.
• Compatible with insulating mid-layers: the cut and stretch of TorrentStretch® allow the jacket to be layered over a mid-layer without losing mobility.

In the box

• Helikon-Tex Squall Hardshell TorrentStretch® jacket