HikingHelly HansenWaterproof Trousers

Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell waterproof trousers review: big protection, small pack size

Tested through a long wet stomp across the Brecon Beacons — these 185g shell trousers deliver genuine waterproof performance in a package that fits in a jacket pocket.

✓  Top PickHelly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell Trousers Weight185 gWaterproofingHelly Tech PerformancePrice~£72 (RRP £120) The good✓  Featherlight at just 185g
✓  Genuinely waterproof in sustained rain
✓  Excellent breathability for weight
✓  Packs down to woolly-hat size
✓  Comfy elasticated waistband and drawcord
✓  Quick deployment lower leg zips
The not-so-good✗  Boot zips not long enough for chunky hiking boots
✗  No pockets
✗  Not suitable as standalone trouser in cold conditions
Check price at Helly Hansen →

At a glance

Overview

Helly Hansen has been making waterproofs since the 1800s, and the Verglas Micro Shell trousers represent a contemporary expression of that heritage — focused on maximum portability without sacrificing the waterproof performance that matters in British conditions. At just 185 g and packing down to approximately woolly-hat size, they are one of the lightest and most packable waterproof overtrousers we have tested.

Compared to similar options, they are lighter than the Rab Downpour Light Pants (205g, £90), and far more compact than the Berghaus Deluge 2.0 Overtrousers (390g, £80). At the current reduced price of around £72, they represent compelling value for a genuinely technical specification.

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How we tested

We tested the Verglas Micro Shell trousers on a long, wet stomp through the Brecon Beacons — sideways rain, muddy trails and sustained uphill sections in warm, humid conditions. The testing deliberately combined the two things waterproofs typically fail at simultaneously: keeping rain out while not turning you into a sweaty mess inside.

Features and performance

Build quality

The Verglas Micro Shell is built from Helly Tech Performance fabric — a 3-layer construction that manages to feel both waterproof and genuinely breathable simultaneously. The materials are notably quiet and pleasant against base layers, which makes wearing them for extended periods far less unpleasant than older crinkly waterproof fabrics.

“At 185g and woolly-hat packed size, there is genuinely no excuse not to carry these on every single UK hill day.”

Weather performance and fit

The Verglas Micro Shell kept our tester’s legs bone dry through sustained heavy rain and high-output uphill sections. The elasticated waistband with a drawcord sits comfortably without digging in, and the ankle button closure does a solid job of sealing out puddle splash and upward drafts. The lower leg zips work well with trail shoes and approach footwear — just be aware that chunky walking boots will not clear the zip without removing footwear first, which is a genuine inconvenience in a sudden squall.

There are no pockets — a deliberate weight saving, and entirely acceptable on an emergency overtrousers layer. These are designed to be pulled on quickly when the weather turns, worn until the weather improves, and then stashed away again. In that use case, they are very nearly perfect.

Our verdictFeatherlight waterproof trousers that have earned a permanent place in our pack.The Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell trousers are among the best packable waterproof trousers we have tested for UK hiking and hillwalking. At 185g and woolly-hat packed size, the barrier to carrying them is essentially zero.The boot zip issue is a legitimate frustration for those in larger footwear, but for anyone in trail shoes or lightweight hikers, they are close to flawless.Buy the Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell trousers →

FAQs

How waterproof are the Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell trousers?Seriously so. Tested through extended downpours in the Brecon Beacons and stayed bone dry — Helly Tech Performance kept everything out, even in horizontal rain.

How breathable are the Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell trousers?Impressively so for their weight. No clammy feeling even when working hard uphill in warm, wet conditions. A genuine high-performance shell that earns its claims.

How do the Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell trousers fit over boots?Easily with trail shoes or lightweight hikers. Chunky walking boots will not clear the lower leg zips without removing footwear — plan accordingly before the weather turns.

How packable are the Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell trousers?Exceptionally. They compress to woolly-hat size — small enough to stow in a jacket pocket or the side pocket of a daypack. At 185g, you genuinely forget they are there.

Are the Helly Hansen Verglas Micro Shell trousers worth the money?Yes — particularly at the current reduced price of around £72. You are getting a premium waterproof trouser that packs smaller, weighs less, and breathes better than most alternatives at twice the weight.