Reader rating
Rate it and you move it. Community ratings re-rank this product inside its Top 10 list.
Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
The Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 is built for demanding freeriders and resort skiers who prefer the modular flexibility of an uninsulated shell. Designed to handle varying mountain conditions, this jacket acts as an external shield against moisture and high winds while leaving internal temperature regulation entirely up to your layering choices. It is geared toward active skiers who frequently drop into sidecountry terrain and generate significant body heat. At the heart of the Ridge Infinity 2.0 is Helly Hansen's proprietary Lifa Infinity membrane, a solvent-free technology bonded to a recycled face fabric that maintains high-end waterproof breathable standards. Testers point to its relaxed, articulated cut that easily accommodates insulated midlayers without feeling restrictive across the shoulders or chest. Weighing roughly 860 grams, the shell carries enough substance to shrug off heavy snow and tree branches while offering reliable wind blockage on exposed ridge lines. Because the shell carries zero built-in insulation, purchasing this jacket means committing to a dedicated layering system for colder midwinter days. It also sits on the heavier side for dedicated ski mountaineers who prioritize ultralight gear. For skiers who prioritize ruggedness, weather protection, and off-piste mobility, it remains one of the strongest technical hardshell contenders available. **Highlights** - Eco-conscious Lifa Infinity waterproof/breathable membrane technology - Relaxed freeride cut optimized for comfortable under-layering - Backpack-compatible high-volume chest pockets - Life Pocket insulated compartment to preserve phone battery life in the cold - Detachable stretch powder skirt with jacket-to-pant attachment **Watch-outs** - Zero thermal insulation requires disciplined layering underneath - Sits slightly heavy for long-distance backcountry missions - Relaxed cut may feel excessively baggy for slender frames
Pros
- Resilient Lifa Infinity membrane delivers reliable storm-day waterproofing
- Relaxed cut easily accommodates thick midlayers without restricting movement
- Life Pocket aerogel compartment prevents phone battery death in severe cold
- Durable face fabric withstands abrasion from packs, trees, and ski edges
Cons
- At 860 grams, it is heavier than dedicated backcountry touring hardshells
- Requires a disciplined layering system due to the absence of insulation
- Relaxed freeride profile can feel overly boxy on slender frames
Best uses
- Resort freeride skiing
- Lift-served sidecountry laps
- Wet storm-day riding
- Modular cold-weather layering
Specifications
- Designation
- Uninsulated freeride shell
- Weight
- 860 g (30.3 oz)
- Membrane
- Lifa Infinity waterproof/breathable
- Insulation
- None (pure shell)
- Fit Profile
- Relaxed freeride cut
- Key Feature
- Life Pocket with aerogel insulation
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Resort freeride skiing, Lift-served sidecountry laps, Wet storm-day riding, Modular cold-weather layering
Where to buy the Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 is an uninsulated hardshell tailored for aggressive resort skiers and sidecountry freeriders who demand robust weather protection without thermal bulk. Recognized by independent gear reviewers as a premier do-it-all freeride shell, the jacket emphasizes modularity by stripping away internal insulation. Instead, it serves as a rugged outer shield against wind, wet snow, and driving squalls, leaving microclimate control entirely to the user's layering system. At the core of the jacket is Helly Hansen's proprietary Lifa Infinity construction, a waterproof and breathable membrane engineered without chemical solvents and bonded to a recycled outer textile. This technical shell focuses on active performance, venting body heat during high-output tree runs while defending against alpine exposure on ridgelines. Its feature set includes thoughtful freeride details, such as backpack-accessible chest pockets and an insulated phone compartment. Weighing approximately 860 grams, the Ridge Infinity 2.0 leans toward storm-ready durability rather than minimalist backcountry weight savings. For skiers who spend the majority of their time navigating lift-accessible peaks, hunting stashes through tight timber, and managing temperature swings across varying elevations, it represents a versatile, highly dependable outer layer.
Target Audience and Intent
The Ridge Infinity 2.0 is aimed directly at dedicated resort skiers and lift-accessed sidecountry riders who prefer an adaptable system over integrated insulation. Because it has no built-in warmth, it appeals to energetic skiers who generate significant heat during descents and short bootpacks. Skiers in regions with volatile weather—such as the Pacific Northwest or maritime alpine zones—will appreciate the shell's ability to shed heavy, wet snow while allowing flexible base and midlayer adjustments beneath. It is less suited for casual resort skiers who want an out-of-the-box warm coat, or for dedicated ski mountaineers who prioritize ultralight packability for big human-powered ascents.
Materials and Membrane Tech
Helly Hansen constructs the jacket around its proprietary Lifa Infinity membrane, a technological approach that eliminates the use of chemical solvents in production. The microporous membrane is bonded to a recycled face fabric treated with a durable water repellent finish. This setup delivers reliable waterproof barrier performance while retaining enough vapor permeability to vent sweat during sustained exertion. The face fabric carries substantial physical heft, resisting abrasion from abrasive cordura ski packs and direct contact with sharp ski edges or dense pine branches. Fully sealed seams and water-resistant external zippers reinforce the garment against moisture penetration during prolonged storms.
Weather Protection and Features
In wet and windy alpine environments, the jacket functions as an uncompromising storm barrier. The helmet-compatible hood adjusts securely to preserve peripheral vision without letting drafts inside, and a tall protective collar shields the lower face on chairlifts. Ski-specific features are thorough without creating unnecessary bulk. The integrated powder skirt seals out deep snow and connects to compatible ski pants, while large underarm pit zips allow quick heat dumping on warm spring days. A notable functional detail is the chest-mounted Life Pocket, which incorporates PrimaLoft aerogel insulation to shield smartphone batteries from cold-induced drain.
Durability and Longevity
Built to withstand rough resort use, the Ridge Infinity 2.0 exhibits excellent build quality throughout. The dense outer weave holds up well against edge scrapes, chairlift hardware, and tree snags that frequently puncture lighter backcountry jackets. High-wear areas along the shoulders and waist maintain integrity under heavy pack straps. Critical zippers are reinforced, and the seam taping is clean and resilient against repeated flex cycles. Long-term reliability depends on routine washing and occasional heat reactivation of the surface finish, standard upkeep for technical membranes to prevent surface saturation and sustain breathability.
Fit and Layering Nuances
Helly Hansen designed this shell with a relaxed, articulated freeride cut. The silhouette is slightly longer in the hem for extra seat protection on snowy chairlifts and provides generous room across the chest and shoulders. This cut makes it simple to layer an insulated puff jacket or heavy fleece underneath without binding or restricting movement through turns. However, skiers with slender frames may find the profile somewhat boxy or excessively roomy if worn over just a thin base layer. Sizing down might be tempting for a closer fit, but doing so can compromise the jacket's intended coverage and under-layering capacity.
Market Alternatives and Trade-offs
At this price point, the Ridge Infinity 2.0 competes against high-end shells like the Arc'teryx Sabre and Patagonia Untracked. While the Sabre often carries a steeper price tag and Gore-Tex Pro pedigree, the Ridge Infinity 2.0 provides comparable storm defense with a more eco-conscious membrane construction. Compared to lightweight alpine touring jackets like the Outdoor Research Skytour, the Ridge is noticeably heavier at 860 grams, making it less attractive for high-mileage uphill skinning. The trade-off is clear: you accept extra pack weight and bulk in exchange for superior durability, storm-day coverage, and cold-weather resort utility.
How we picked
We started with a long list of ski jackets that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Warmth and weather protection
- Insulation, waterproof shell and seam sealing for long days in snow.
- Mobility and venting
- Articulation, pit or thigh vents and fit over the layers you actually wear.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 — frequently asked questions
- Is the Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 worth it?
- We rank it #2 in Ski Jackets. 0 is built for demanding freeriders and resort skiers who prefer the modular flexibility of an uninsulated shell. Designed to handle varying mountain conditions, this jacket acts as an external shield against moisture and high winds while leaving internal temperature regulation entirely up to your layering choices.
- What is the Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 best for?
- Best for resort freeride skiing, lift-served sidecountry laps, wet storm-day riding and modular cold-weather layering. Standouts: resilient lifa infinity membrane delivers reliable storm-day waterproofing and relaxed cut easily accommodates thick midlayers without restricting movement.
- What are the downsides of the Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0?
- At 860 grams, it is heavier than dedicated backcountry touring hardshells, Requires a disciplined layering system due to the absence of insulation and Relaxed freeride profile can feel overly boxy on slender frames.
- What are the key specs of the Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0?
- Designation: Uninsulated freeride shell · Weight: 860 g (30.3 oz) · Membrane: Lifa Infinity waterproof/breathable · Insulation: None (pure shell) · Fit Profile: Relaxed freeride cut
- Target Audience and Intent — what should I know about the Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0?
- 0 is aimed directly at dedicated resort skiers and lift-accessed sidecountry riders who prefer an adaptable system over integrated insulation. Because it has no built-in warmth, it appeals to energetic skiers who generate significant heat during descents and short bootpacks.
- Materials and Membrane Tech — what should I know about the Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0?
- Helly Hansen constructs the jacket around its proprietary Lifa Infinity membrane, a technological approach that eliminates the use of chemical solvents in production. The microporous membrane is bonded to a recycled face fabric treated with a durable water repellent finish.
Compare side by side
Put the Ridge Infinity Jacket 2.0 against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.