Designer’s Voice: Functional design for urban life – Kallio by Halti

Functional design for urban life – Kallio by Halti

The award-winning Kallio collection by Halti proves that design can be functional, responsible, and visually bold all at once. Designer Hanna Koivula has brought together Halti’s technical know-how, urban practicality, and rugged visual edge to create garments that work in everyday city environments—whatever the weather. Kallio is Halti’s bold platform for a new kind of design—responsible materials, gender-neutral aesthetics, and functionality that goes beyond the outdoors, moving with the wearer through metro rides, bike commutes, and office hours.

Design born from values

Launched in 2022, the Kallio collection is built around everyday functionality. Every detail is designed to make moving around and living through changing weather easier. Large hoods and longer hems offer protection in poor conditions, while slits and hem zippers make cycling or hopping on a tram smoother. Plenty of generously sized pockets keep essentials like your phone and keys easily within reach. Reflective details increase safety but blend seamlessly into the garment’s look.

Visually, Kallio merges a modern aesthetic with timelessness. Silhouettes, sizing, and color choices are designed to stand the test of time—not just in durability, but in appearance from one season to the next. Gender neutrality and inclusivity are at the core of the collection’s design principles.

Koivula sums it up: “The Kallio collection reflects our company values: courage, inclusivity, quality, and responsibility. Timeless design and durable materials are our way of committing to sustainability—they help extend a product’s life already at the design stage”

“All Kallio products use mono-materials, meaning they are made as much as possible from a single fiber. This makes recycling at the end of the product’s life easier,” she adds.

International recognition

Kallio by Halti has gained international attention as well. In 2022, the Bergga jacket—designed by Koivula—won the ISPO Award. The following year, the innovative 3in1 Synkas jacket received the same recognition. Both pieces embody the essence of Kallio: technical performance, urban functionality, and aesthetic clarity.

“It feels amazing to have our bold and responsible vision recognized by a respected jury in the industry. But the best part is if we can genuinely make people’s everyday lives easier with our products. And offer them go-to gear that simply works—whatever the sky throws at them,” Koivula smiles.

A passion for both design and sport

Halti’s Finnish design team is made up of experts from diverse backgrounds. Hanna Koivula brings design and style sensibility to the team, along with a deep-rooted passion for sports as an enthusiastic alpine skier. Though she began studying architecture, her drive to work closer to people led her to clothing design at the University of Art and Design Helsinki. She’s been designing at Halti for six years—merging her two passions: clothing and sport.

In addition to the Kallio collection, Koivula designs Halti’s ski apparel. Time spent on the slopes—and in the streets of Helsinki’s Kallio district—is an essential part of her design process.

“I test my own designs and pay close attention to how people combine clothing and what colors they prefer,” says Hanna.