Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant Review

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Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant

Well Hello There Helly

The Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant is waterproof, breathable, and insulated to provide for excellent protection from the most vicious of elements out on the mountain. A stylish and relaxed fitting ski pant will give anyone ski lift envy as they check out your sweet Skandinavian pants. The very bright green statement piece is actually a good new look for me. I usually tend to lean towards orange as my flashy “be different” color, but this very elegant green hit home. My wife was complimentary as well, so these bad boys have now found a home in my winter apparel arsenal.

Great fit, and check out the inner cuff material for extra strength and durability.

The Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant Fit

I went with a size Medium, and for the most part the fit was relaxed, comfortable, and perfect for some downhill skiing action. My 31 inch waist line did have some room to spare, but the 2 simple velcro cinch straps allow for a wide range of adjustments. They are connected (out of sight) with a stretch elastic band making the need for a belt almost non existent. The feel of the pant leg was roomy but not baggy. The Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant is insulated, but if frigid temperatures are encountered there’s enough space to add a base layer or insulated fleece.

Insulation First and Foremost

These pants and the ability to keep you warm is the result of some amazing technology.  The PrimaLoft Insulation Eco is not only warm, but also breathable, lightweight, and possesses superior softness. And they somehow managed to use 60% recycled content to create this very important piece of apparel.

Outer Fabric of the Helly Hansen Mission Cargo pant

The 2-ply outer layer of fabric is called Helly Tech PROFESSIONAL which was developed for the most extreme conditions. This is a highly advanced fabric engineered to hold up no matter what you throw at it. As I was pushing through the trees brushing up against the pine branches, I did not get one single scratch. The mechanical stretch will aid in protecting your legs when you push the limits. All of the seams are fully taped and welded for great performance and many seasons on the slopes. The very outer layer is coated with the Durable Water Repellency that sheds water keeping you dry and comfortable.

Pockets, yes pockets

The name ‘Cargo’ brings to mind 2 rather large pockets on the outside of a pant. Yes, this Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant has 4 very useful pockets. The “mission” style pocket on the right thigh is neither bulky nor exposed. It’s built into the pants and is very streamlined. Large enough to hold a terrain map or mid mountain snack, but not what you’d envision your traditional Mission Cargo pocket might be able to hold. If you want to stuff extra gloves or hats, feel free to stow them in your jacket pockets.

Two inner thigh waterproof zippers provide the opportunity to vent if needed. The back half of the pants right above the belt line and loops has a zipper that attaches to its tandem top, the Helly Hansen Mission Jacket (See review HERE). A super nice feature to keep you virtually dry as you tackle that virgin powder.

Check out the “Cargo” pocket. Simple and streamlined. The zippered inner thigh vents are a great feature for when you need to purge some access heat.

Venting for the Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant

Venting zipper features on the inside legs provide a nice opportunity to control the temperature on the inside so to speak. When closed, these venting zippers are completely wind and waterproof.

The inside cuffs of the Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant is reinforced and differentiated with a black color. The integrated gaitors are great of course, and keep the snow and wind from creeping up your pant legs. This is nothing new though. A couple subtle yet effective features are the elastic grip system and a small venting window towards the top. I’ve seen various zipper and button fasteners, but those all had their issues over time. This grip system keeps the gaitor securely in place over your boot, and the ‘pipe’ venting does allow for air movement along the lower leg without sacrificing the ability to keep snow out.

The bottom cuff on the right with grip system , and the pipe venting on the left.

The safety factor

The integrated RECCO system rescue reflector will aid Search and Rescue if you are ever in a bind. This technology does provide some piece of mind, but do not let this take the place of proper backcountry avalanche gear and beacons.

Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant Overall Performance

With some decent early season ski conditions here in Colorado, I’ve had the chance to put these pants to the test at Keystone Resort. The early morning chill especially on the fast and icy sweeping descents were no match for the Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant. They withstood the wind, and subsequent lift ride back up to the top. The late morning sun provided a perfect blue bird ski day, and with it a rising thermometer. People were shedding layers left and right. I, however, took advantage of the built-in breathability and continued without missing a beat. On one occasion I did hike a few hundred feet for a couple of turns in untouched virgin snow, and the inner thigh venting worked to perfection.

I also took them out for a windy and cold day of snowshoeing in the Indian Peaks Mountain Range. I was simply out for the experience, and staying warm to enjoy the beautiful surroundings was the goal. Snowshoeing without fail will raise the heartbeat in no time causing those first few sweat beads to start forming. I didn’t think I needed the vents at first, but soon realized that they needed to be put into play. The return trip saw the sun disappear behind the clouds, and staying warm was once again top priority. These pants kept me warm while allowing them to breathe. The inner cuffs also held up nicely as my snowshoes brushed up against them numerous times.

Great success for 2 quite different experiences. I managed to beat the elements and have fun in my favorite backyard playground, the Rocky Mountains.

The Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant provide a clean and simple design from the rear.

Technical Features

• HELLY TECH® PROFESSIONAL
• YKK® water resistant zippers
• Belt loops
• Waistband adjustment
• Dual hand pockets, cargo and back pocket
• Reinforced bottom hem
• Boot gaitors with Pipe Ventilation
• Fusion modular system jacket to pant with zip
• Articulated legs and knees for superior fit
• Inner thigh venting zippers
• Seat and knee insulation
• PrimaLoft® Black Insulation 60g
• Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR)
• Fully seam sealed
• 2 way dynamic stretch fabric
• 2 ply fabric construction
• Waterproof, windproof and breathable

Final Thoughts for the Helly Hansen Mission Cargo Pant

Helly Hansen never ceases to amaze me in bringing the highest quality ski apparel to market. This is not the most expensive pair of ski pants in the market, nor is it the cheapest. At an MSRP of $250, it’s definitely a pretty penny to shell out. You’d certainly expect a high-end piece of equipment to keep you warm and comfy while enjoying the slippery snowy slopes, and these bad boys deliver!  It’s a hardworking set of pants with all the bells and whistles of its pricier counter parts. With the ability to keep the snow, wind, rain, and cold at bay, the Helly Hansen Mission Caro Pant will keep you focused on the task at hand. As in, ripping some corduroy, plowing through deep powder, or dropping into a couloir.

For more information on the Mission Cargo Pant and other Helly Hansen gear, please visit www.hellyhansen.com or www.amazon.com/hellyhansen.