Introduction

Overview of the Product

The Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant is designed for avid hikers and outdoor adventurers seeking reliable and high-performance hiking pants. Known for their innovation in outdoor gear, Helly Hansen has developed these pants with a focus on durability, comfort, and adaptability to diverse weather conditions. The Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant aims to provide exceptional performance on the trail, ensuring hikers can tackle various terrains and climates with ease.

Initial Impressions

Upon first inspection, the Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant stands out with its robust build and thoughtful design elements. The pants are crafted from high-quality materials that promise longevity and resilience against wear and tear. The sleek, modern aesthetic combined with practical features suggests that these pants are designed to meet the needs of serious hikers.

Context of Testing

To thoroughly assess the performance of the Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant, I tested them over several weeks in a variety of hiking environments. From rocky trails and steep inclines to wet and windy conditions, these pants were put through rigorous trials to evaluate their functionality and comfort. The diverse testing environments provided a comprehensive understanding of how well the pants perform under different stressors and weather scenarios.

In the following sections, I will delve into the technical specifications, performance evaluation, fit and comfort, and other key aspects to provide a detailed review of the Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant.

Technical Specifications

Key Features and Technology

The Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant is engineered with cutting-edge technology to ensure optimal performance and comfort for hikers. Here are the key features and technologies integrated into these hiking pants:

• Material: The pants are made from a blend of durable and flexible fabric, primarily consisting of 94% polyamide and 6% elastane. This combination provides a balance between toughness and stretchability.
• Water Repellency: Treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish, the pants offer excellent resistance to water, ensuring that light rain and splashes roll off the surface, keeping the wearer dry.
• Reinforcements: The pants feature reinforced panels in high-wear areas such as the knees and seat. This reinforcement enhances durability and extends the lifespan of the pants, even under rough conditions.

Design and Materials

• Construction: The Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant is designed with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch to provide maximum mobility and comfort during dynamic movements. This design is particularly beneficial for climbing and scrambling over rocks.
• Weight: Despite their robust build, the pants are lightweight, making them ideal for long hikes where minimizing weight is crucial.
• Seams: All seams are triple-stitched, ensuring durability and preventing seam splitting even under significant strain.
• Zippers and Closures: High-quality YKK zippers are used for all pockets and closures, providing reliable performance and longevity.

Practical Features

• Pockets: The pants come with multiple pockets, including:
  • Two front hand pockets
  • One zippered thigh pocket
  • One zippered rear pocket These pockets are strategically placed for easy access and secure storage of essentials like maps, compasses, and snacks.
• Adjustments: The waistband is partially elasticated and features belt loops, allowing for a customizable fit. Additionally, the cuffs are adjustable with Velcro straps, enabling hikers to tighten the fit around their boots to prevent debris from entering.
• Ventilation: Side zippers on the thighs offer adjustable ventilation, helping to regulate temperature and maintain comfort during intense activities or in warmer climates.

The Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant combines advanced materials, thoughtful design, and practical features, making it a versatile and reliable choice for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. In the following sections, we will explore the performance, fit, and comfort of these hiking pants to provide a comprehensive review.

Performance

Fabric Performance

The Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant excels in fabric performance, thanks to its blend of polyamide and elastane. The material strikes a balance between durability and flexibility, providing excellent abrasion resistance while allowing for a full range of motion. During rigorous hikes over rocky and rugged terrain, the pants showed no signs of wear and tear, demonstrating their robustness. The addition of elastane offers stretch, enhancing comfort and mobility, which is crucial for demanding activities like climbing or scrambling.

Weather Resistance

Water Repellency The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish on the Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant provides effective protection against light rain and splashes. While hiking in wet conditions, water beaded up and rolled off the surface, keeping the interior dry. Although not fully waterproof, the pants performed well in moderate rain, ensuring that I stayed comfortable and dry.

Wind Resistance The fabric also offers good wind resistance, providing an additional layer of protection in windy conditions. This was particularly beneficial during high-altitude hikes where wind chill can be a significant factor. The pants helped to maintain body warmth by blocking out cold gusts.

Durability

The reinforced panels on the knees and seat significantly enhance the durability of the Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant. These high-wear areas are well-protected against abrasions and impacts, which is essential for rugged outdoor activities. After multiple uses in harsh conditions, including rocky trails and dense underbrush, the reinforced areas showed minimal signs of wear, attesting to the pants’ long-lasting construction.

Practical Features Enhancing Hiking Experience

Pocket Design The Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant features a thoughtful pocket design that enhances practicality on the trail. The thigh pocket is particularly useful for storing items like maps, GPS devices, or snacks, making them easily accessible without needing to remove a backpack. The secure zippered closures ensure that valuable items remain safe during vigorous activities.

Ventilation The side zippers on the thighs provide adjustable ventilation, which is a standout feature for regulating body temperature. During strenuous hikes or in warmer weather, opening the vents allowed for increased airflow, preventing overheating and maintaining comfort.

Adjustable Cuffs The adjustable Velcro cuffs are a practical addition, enabling a snug fit around hiking boots. This feature prevents debris, such as dirt and small stones, from entering the pants and causing discomfort. It also adds an extra layer of protection against insects and ticks.

Quick-Drying The fabric’s quick-drying properties were evident during river crossings and unexpected rain showers. The pants dried rapidly, minimizing downtime and keeping discomfort to a minimum. This feature is particularly beneficial for multi-day hikes where wet gear can be a significant issue.

Overall, the Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant performs admirably in various conditions, offering durability, weather resistance, and practical features that enhance the hiking experience. The next sections will delve into the fit and comfort of these hiking pants to provide a complete review.

Fit and Comfort

Sizing and Fit

The Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant is available in a range of sizes, accommodating different body types. The sizing chart provided by Helly Hansen is accurate, and most users will find their fit by following it. These pants are designed with a slightly relaxed fit, allowing for layering underneath during colder conditions without feeling too bulky. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch enhance mobility, making these pants particularly suitable for activities requiring a wide range of motion, such as climbing and scrambling.

Adjustability

Waistband The waistband of the Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant is partially elasticated, providing a comfortable fit without the need for a belt. However, belt loops are included for those who prefer or need additional adjustment. This dual feature ensures that the pants stay securely in place during dynamic activities.

Cuffs The adjustable Velcro cuffs allow hikers to tighten the pants around their boots, preventing debris from entering. This feature also helps to keep the pant legs in place, avoiding the annoyance of them riding up during strenuous activities.

Comfort During Various Activities

Hiking During extended hikes, the Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant proved to be exceptionally comfortable. The fabric’s breathability helped to manage perspiration, keeping the wearer dry and reducing the risk of chafing. The pants’ lightweight nature also contributed to overall comfort, as they did not add unnecessary weight.

Climbing and Scrambling The stretch provided by the elastane content in the fabric allowed for unrestricted movement, which is crucial when climbing or scrambling over rocks. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch further enhanced flexibility, ensuring that the pants moved with the body rather than against it.

Temperature Regulation The side zippers for ventilation played a significant role in temperature regulation. On warmer days or during intense activity, opening these zippers allowed for increased airflow, preventing overheating. Conversely, during cooler conditions, keeping the zippers closed helped to retain body heat.

Additional Comfort Features

Soft Interior The interior of the pants features a soft lining that feels comfortable against the skin. This is particularly appreciated during long hikes, where rougher materials could cause irritation over time.

Quick-Drying Fabric The quick-drying properties of the fabric enhanced comfort by ensuring that the pants did not stay wet for long periods. This is especially beneficial during river crossings or unexpected rain showers, as it helps to avoid the discomfort of wearing wet clothes.

Overall, the Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant excels in providing a comfortable and adaptable fit for various body types and activities. The combination of thoughtful design elements and high-quality materials ensures that these pants meet the demands of serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The next section will highlight the main advantages and drawbacks based on extensive testing.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Durability The Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant is constructed from a durable blend of polyamide and elastane, with reinforced panels on the knees and seat. These features ensure the pants can withstand rugged terrain and abrasive conditions, making them a reliable choice for long-term use.

Water Repellency The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish provides effective protection against light rain and splashes. This feature is essential for maintaining comfort and dryness during unpredictable weather conditions.

Flexibility and Mobility Thanks to the elastane content and articulated design, the pants offer excellent flexibility. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch enhance mobility, allowing for unrestricted movement during activities like climbing and scrambling.

Practical Features

• Pocket Design: Multiple pockets, including a zippered thigh pocket and a rear pocket, offer convenient storage options for essentials.
• Ventilation: Side zippers on the thighs provide adjustable ventilation, aiding in temperature regulation during intense activities.
• Adjustable Cuffs: Velcro cuffs allow for a snug fit around boots, preventing debris from entering.

Comfort The lightweight fabric, combined with a soft interior lining, ensures comfort during extended hikes. The quick-drying properties further enhance comfort by reducing downtime caused by wet conditions.

Drawbacks

Fit While the relaxed fit is beneficial for layering, some users might find the fit too loose, particularly those who prefer a more streamlined silhouette. Adjustments with a belt can help, but the overall fit might not appeal to everyone.

Price The Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant is priced at the higher end of the market. While the features and durability justify the cost for serious hikers, it may be a significant investment for casual users.

Waterproofing Although the pants offer excellent water repellency, they are not fully waterproof. In heavy or prolonged rain, additional waterproof layers might be necessary to stay completely dry.

Conclusion

The Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant boasts numerous strengths, including durability, flexibility, and practical features, making it a top choice for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, its relaxed fit and premium price point may not suit everyone. The next section will provide a comparative analysis with similar products in the market.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing the Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant to the Prana Stretch Zion II Pants and the Arc’teryx Gamma Pant, a few key differences and similarities emerge, helping to highlight the unique strengths and weaknesses of each.

Prana Stretch Zion II Pants

The Prana Stretch Zion II Pants are renowned for their comfort and versatility, much like the Odin Huginn 2.0. Both pants offer excellent flexibility, thanks to their respective fabric blends that include elastane for stretch. However, the Stretch Zion II Pants excel in their breathability and quick-drying properties, making them particularly suitable for warm weather hiking. They also feature a streamlined fit, which some hikers might prefer over the relaxed fit of the Odin Huginn 2.0. On the downside, the Stretch Zion II Pants do not offer the same level of durability and weather resistance as the Odin Huginn 2.0, which has reinforced panels and a DWR finish for better performance in rugged and wet conditions.

Arc’teryx Gamma Pant

The Arc’teryx Gamma Pant is another strong competitor, offering superior durability and a tailored fit that appeals to many outdoor enthusiasts. Both the Gamma Pant and the Odin Huginn 2.0 are designed for demanding activities, with reinforced areas and high-quality materials. However, the Gamma Pant tends to have a higher price point, which might make the Odin Huginn 2.0 a more attractive option for those seeking value for money. The Gamma Pant is also known for its excellent wind resistance and overall durability, slightly edging out the Odin Huginn 2.0 in extreme conditions. However, the Odin Huginn 2.0 offers better breathability and flexibility, making it more comfortable for longer hikes and diverse weather conditions.

In summary, while the Prana Stretch Zion II Pants excel in comfort and breathability, the Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant offers superior durability and weather resistance. The Arc’teryx Gamma Pant, though slightly more expensive, provides outstanding durability and wind resistance. Each pant has its strengths, catering to different hiking needs and preferences.

Verdict

The Helly Hansen Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant is an outstanding choice for serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking durability, flexibility, and practical features. Its robust construction, reinforced panels, and DWR finish ensure excellent performance in rugged and varied weather conditions. While the relaxed fit may not suit everyone, it allows for comfortable layering and enhanced mobility. The practical features, such as multiple pockets, adjustable ventilation, and quick-drying fabric, add to the pants’ overall utility on the trail. Despite its premium price point, the Odin Huginn 2.0 Pant offers good value for money, particularly for those who regularly engage in demanding outdoor activities. Ideal for hikers, climbers, and adventurers facing challenging environments, these pants are a reliable and versatile addition to any outdoor gear collection.