Harri Tarvainen is an outdoor photographer, art director, and Halti brand ambassador based in Oulu, North Finland. Working in the extreme conditions of the north, he has spent the past year testing Halti’s upcoming outdoor and ski collections.

“Photographing action sports at the mercy of the weather always brings challenges. Every good shot needs a touch of luck, because you can’t repeat the same frame in constantly changing conditions. Success comes down to preparation and adapting to the elements. Clothing defines your ability to perform,” Harri says.

Last season, Harri made two ski-touring trips to Lyngen, Norway, with the new Halti Rizle 3L jacket and pants. Over eight ski days, he clocked around 60 hours of testing.

“Conditions ranged from heavy sleet and snowfall to clear, sunny powder days, and from zero visibility to perfect runs. Only the harshest cold snaps were missing, but otherwise I got to test the kit across a full spectrum,” Harri notes.

Rizle was truly put to the test when Harri’s crew faced dangerous weather conditions during their trip:

“The weather closed in completely. All sense of elevation and terrain disappeared, and many people lose their bearings and balance in that kind of situation, experiencing symptoms similar to seasickness. We dug a pit about a meter deep to stay warm and sheltered. The weather never cleared, so after waiting it out, we turned back. Knowing when it’s time to turn back is perhaps the most important skill in the mountains,” Harri explains.

“The clothing worked flawlessly in the field. The cut and fit don’t restrict movement, making it just right for touring. The collar and hood give good protection in tougher conditions, while the vents open wide to release heat when climbing or working hard. Seams and taping felt durable, and the gear stayed dry even in heavy rain,” Harri reports.

Harri especially liked the Rizle bib pants for both fit and color. On the jacket, he offered one development suggestion:

“The Rizle pants are really good, and the colorway works well. The cut is right, and the fit is perfect for freeriding. The jacket hem felt too short in my opinion, and I passed that feedback to Halti’s product team. The large chest pockets are essential, and overall, everything felt high-quality and functional, just as it should. I also wore the bib pants with Halti’s Settler jacket and the Haave midlayer, and it was a great combo!”

“Rizle is the highlight of this winter’s ski collection, tested by several of our athletes and ambassadors in different weather conditions. Based on their feedback, we lengthened the jacket hem and expanded the bib construction for a better fit. We also upgraded functionality by adding two-way zippers to the front and to ventilation openings,” says Halti’s Skiwear Product Manager Maija Kiiski.