Rain is inevitable. As a brand born out of the seas and raised in the mountains, Helly Hansen has made it their business to beat inclement weather. So they’ve launched a new four-strong range of waterproof jackets for spring 2011.

While not strictly bike-specific, they boast many of the features we look for in a cycling jacket. And if you want a jacket that can be used in a range of sports as well as off the bike in a social setting, these jackets are right up your street.

First up is the men’s Dakota Jacket, a clean-cut outdoor shell featuring pit zip venting, adjustable cuffs and soft, cotton-like Helly Tech waterproof breathable weather protection. It’ll cost you £353.

Costing a more reasonably £125, the lightweight Anchorage Jacket is available in male and female styles. The 2.5 layer Helly Tech shell follows Helly Hansen’s Scandinavian design acumen in its simplicity, but is loaded with features like a one-hand hood adjustment, a hem drawcord and adjustable cuffs.

The women’s Vancouver Packable Jacket (£92) and Granville Jacket (£100) are designed to look great while also keeping out the weather. Both jackets fold up into internal pockets for easy storage when the sun comes out.

Availability TBC. More on the complete range at www.hellyhansen.com