187. Dressed for SOS: Oliver Flaser

Protection, layering, flexibility – the team behind our latest crew kit explain what makes the ultimate ‘cape’ for lifeboat heroes

Which reflective material shines through fog? How high should a jacket collar be to protect crew in the harshest conditions? 

These questions – and more – have been put to the test by the Helly Hansen Pro team, who partnered with the RNLI to develop our new crew kit in 2018. Category Manager Oliver Flaser describes how, by working closely with crew members, Helly Hansen have designed kit to keep them protected, warm and able to work at their best.

He charts the innovative history of Helly Hansen – another 19th-century institution – which has gone from linseed-soaked linen in the 1870s, to the technical three-layer systems protecting sailors, skiers and lifeboat crews today.

200 Voices is produced by Adventurous Audio for the RNLI   

Interview by Adventurous Audio

Soundtrack composed and performed by Jon Nicholls   

The RNLI is a charity celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea - find out more at RNLI.org/200