Helly Hansen has been making professional grade gear to help people stay and feel alive for more than 140 years. It all started in 1877 when Norwegian captain Helly Juell Hansen wanted to find a better way to protect his sailors from the harsh, Nordic weather. By applying linseed oil to cotton canvas, he created supple, waterproof apparel. Soon after, he and his wife Margarethe started producing oilskin jackets and pants in Moss, Norway. Their waterproof gear was an immediate success, landing an award at the Paris World Expo in 1878 – and the legend was born!!