5 Alternatives to the Helly Hansen Sport II (Including Options Better for Specific Watersports)

If you’re comparing the Helly Hansen Sport II, start by asking what you actually need from your kit. For kayaking, paddleboarding and general UK watersports, fit, buoyancy, comfort and visibility matter most — especially in colder shoulder-season conditions where you want something you can wear for longer without it feeling bulky.

The closest swap is the Helly Hansen Rider Vest Buoyancy Aid in Ebony, available in 60–70 kg and 70–90 kg versions. Compared with the Sport II, it’s the more purpose-built watersports option: better if you want a snug, secure fit for paddling, sailing or messing about on the coast. What’s better is the weight-specific sizing, which can improve comfort and safety. What’s worse is that it costs more, and you’ll need to choose the correct size carefully rather than relying on a smaller unisex XXS fit. Choose this if you want a more technical buoyancy aid for regular sessions on UK rivers, estuaries or sheltered sea paddles.

The Premium 35L Waterproof Dry Bag Backpack is not a buoyancy aid, but it’s a strong alternative if your priority is keeping kit dry rather than wearing flotation. Compared with the Helly, it’s better for day trips, beach sessions and kayak touring because you can carry clothes, snacks, phone and spare layers in one waterproof pack. What’s worse is obvious: it won’t help keep you afloat. Pick this instead if you already have a buoyancy aid and need practical storage for wet, windy British conditions.

The AIRBANK Electric SUP Pump Puffer Pro is a totally different kind of alternative, but a useful one if you’re searching because you’re building a SUP setup. It’s better than the Helly Hansen Sport II for convenience: it saves effort, inflates boards quickly and is ideal for cold mornings when manual pumping is miserable. The downside is price — it’s far more expensive — and it doesn’t solve safety or clothing needs. Choose it if your main issue is getting on the water faster with an inflatable paddleboard.

The AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K Action Camera is for people who want to record their sessions rather than protect themselves or their gear. It’s better than the Helly if you want underwater footage, helmet mounting and a waterproof camera for surf, paddleboarding or summer swims. It’s worse because it’s not essential kit and the image quality, while solid for the price, won’t match premium action cams. Go for this if you’re after memories, content or coaching footage from your time on the water.

So, in practical terms: the Rider Vest is the best like-for-like alternative, the dry bag is best for kit protection, the SUP pump is best for inflatable board owners, and the action camera is best for documenting sessions. The right choice depends on whether you need flotation, storage, convenience or footage — and for UK waters, that distinction matters more than the brand name on the label.