Helly Hansen Pier 4.0: Weather protection without frills

Mesh lining instead of laminate membrane, thin heat pockets, elasticated waist - the Pier 4.0 is clearly limited to the bare essentials. The fact that the hood still turns so well is surprising. However, the individual adjustment caused problems in the test. It was awkward to operate and a small eyelet tore off. Nevertheless, the oilskin remained ready for use.

Coating instead of membrane

Instead of a separate membrane, the Pier 4.0 has an applied coating on the inside and the inner lining consists of a simple mesh. This is cheaper to produce - but comes at the expense of durability and breathability compared to high-quality membranes. However, this is sufficient for occasional use in most cases. If you wear the set during high-intensity sports activities, you will notice the difference in breathability.

Zip, heat pockets and adjustment

The jacket's zip is equipped with a storm flap and the collar is not particularly high. The heat pockets are thinly lined. There is also a Velcro-fastened pocket on the trouser legs. The waist of the salopette is adjusted using an elasticated waistband - there is no need to adjust it manually, the elastic adjusts automatically. This is less precise than belt adjustments. The straps can be adjusted using Velcro.

Hood turns well

Surprisingly, the hood turns surprisingly well. However, the adjustment was a little awkward. A small eyelet tore off during the test, but this did not render the oilskin unusable. The problem: the adjustment was not intuitive to use without looking. You have to pull on a rubber band that is clamped into a fitting. It works, but is awkward.

Simple but functional

The Pier 4.0 is a simple oilskin with no frills. It has no double cuffs, no massive reinforcements, no fluffy heat pockets. But it keeps you dry and fulfils its function.

The price of 500 euros for the complete set is fair. If you only need to weather the rain from time to time, you don't need a €1,600 offshore oiler. The Pier 4.0 is perfectly adequate for such applications.

Technical data:

Price:

• Jacket: 280 Euro
• Bib: 220 Euro
• Total: 500 euros (cheapest complete set in the test)

Weight:

• Jacket: 946 g
• Trousers: 864 g

Material:

• Helly Tech Performance
• Vapour-deposited coating
• Simple mesh lining
• Waterproof and breathable

Field of application:

• Coastal
• Coastal sailing
• Occasional use
• Weekend cruises

Colours:

• Red, black, grey
• White, black (trousers)
• Pink version for a feminine cut

Sizes:

• Men/Ladies: S - 2XL
• Separate female cut available

Jacket features:

• Zip with storm flap
• Collar not particularly high
• Heat pockets (only thinly lined)
• Reflectors available
• No double cuffs
• Simple equipment

Bib features:

• Heat pockets on the chest (thinly lined)
• One pocket with Velcro on the legs
• Elasticated waist adjustment (no manual adjustment)
• Straps adjustable with Velcro
• Reinforcements on knees (no pads)
• Reinforcement on the buttocks

Hood:

• Twice adjustable
• Turns surprisingly well
• Adjustment somewhat awkward
• A small eyelet tore off during the test (not critical, but shows a weak point)
• Adjustment not intuitive without looking
• Rubber band must be clamped in fitting

Cuffs:

• Single cuffs (no double version)
• No PU coating
• Reduced sealing

Special features:

• Cheapest complete set in the test (500 euros)
• Coating instead of membrane (saves costs)
• Perfectly adequate for occasional sailors
• Reduced equipment, but functional
• No massive reinforcements as with offshore models