The Helly Hansen Pier 4.0 is correspondingly minimalist in design: a simple mesh inner lining instead of a laminated membrane, thin thermal pockets, and an elasticated waistband. The hood moves surprisingly well with the head, though the adjustment was a bit stiff – a small eyelet tore off during testing. However, the oilskin does the job.
The Pier 4.0 does not have a laminate with a separate membrane, but rather a coating applied to the inside. The inner lining is a simple mesh. This design is cheaper to manufacture, but less durable and less breathable than high-quality membranes. However, it is sufficient for occasional use. High-quality membranes offer advantages in terms of breathability, particularly for high-intensity sporting activities.
The jacket has a zip with a storm flap, and the collar isn’t particularly high. There are hand-warmer pockets, but they are only lightly lined. There is also a pocket with a Velcro fastening on the legs of the trousers.
The dungarees have an elasticated waistband – there’s no need to adjust anything manually; the elastic adjusts itself. It works, but isn’t as precise as a strap adjustment. The straps can be adjusted using Velcro.
The hood moves easily
Surprisingly, the hood moves with you remarkably well. The adjustment mechanism was a bit stiff, though. During the test, a small eyelet came off, but this didn’t render the oilskin unusable. The problem is that the adjustment mechanism wasn’t intuitive to use without looking. You have to pull on an elastic band that is clamped into a fitting. It works, but it’s a bit fiddly.
Simple oilskins, but functional
The Pier 4.0 is a simple oilskin jacket with no frills. It has no double cuffs, no heavy-duty reinforcements, and no fluffy pockets. But it keeps you dry and does the job.
The price of €500 for the complete set is fair. If you only need to weather the rain now and then, there’s no need for a €1,600 offshore oilskin. The Pier 4.0 is perfectly adequate for such occasions.
Technical specifications:
Price:
- Jacket: 280 euros
- Price: 220 euros
- Total: €500 (the 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
Area of application:
- Coastal
- Coastal sailing
- Occasional assignments
- Weekend sailing trips
Colours:
- Red, black, grey
- White, Black (trousers)
- Pink version for a feminine cut
Sizes:
- Men's/Women's: S – 2XL
- A separate women's cut is available
Jacket features:
- Zip with storm flap
- The collar isn't particularly high
- Warm-up jackets (lightly lined only)
- Reflectors fitted
- No double cuffs
- Basic facilities
Bib features:
- Chest pockets (lightly lined)
- A bag with Velcro fastenings on the legs
- Elasticated waistband (no manual adjustment)
- Straps adjustable with Velcro
- Reinforcements at the knees (no padding)
- Reinforcement on the back
Hood:
- Adjustable in two ways
- It handles surprisingly well
- The adjustment is a bit stiff
- During testing, a small eyelet came off (not a major issue, but it does highlight a weak point)
- Adjusting it without looking isn't intuitive
- The elastic band must be clamped into the fitting
Cuffs:
- Simple cuffs (not double-layered)
- No PU coating
- Reduced waterproofing
Special features:
- The best-value complete set in the test (€500)
- Coating instead of a membrane (saves costs)
- More than adequate for occasional sailors
- Minimalist design, but functional
- No heavy-duty reinforcements as found in offshore models
