Helikon Tex poncho Review

I review the Helikon Tex poncho. My never ending quest to find a USGI Poncho Clone Continues!

[@charlesartificer2158]

Contrary to popular belief this is not the Poncho Review Channel.

[@rbrrhllngswrth]

No it isn't. However, among those of us that rock the outdoors/external evirons, Poncho's are definately a thing! Consider it a compliment that your at the forefront of Poncho reviews!

[@billbarton9046]

Thanks for a great review on the Helikon poncho.I've looked to buy one, you're review has made up my mind to buy it.Cheers from England.

[@charlesartificer2158]

Glad I could help. There will be an update on the Helikon poncho coming soon in the myog video series. So I hope you subscribe and give me a thumbs up. Have a great day.

[@billbarton9046]

@@charlesartificer2158 Yes you got a 👍 and a new subscriber.

[@geektarded]

Best poncho review channel on youtube!

[@SouthernPatriot1]

Awesome review my friend.Really detailed oriented and precise. Take care and God bless 🙏🇺🇸🦅

[@charlesartificer2158]

Thanks

[@rbrrhllngswrth]

Two years later: If you have the time, let me/us know how you feel about this poncho now. Updates are a good thing...

[@charlesartificer2158]

Funny you should ask that. Just last week we had some pretty rainy weather here I was out in it using this Poncho it's still works fine. But just remember I take care of my gear I don't abuse it and if I do end up with a hole in it I patch the hole. I've met a lot of people in my life that beat the hell out of their gear and then wonder why it fails. Have a great day man I'm on my way to work I'll catch you all later

[@rbrrhllngswrth]

Sounds great! And: Keep the reviews coming - your excellent!

[@rbrrhllngswrth]

I have a question: What tape do you prefer to use for additional waterproofing of the stiched areas?

[@charlesartificer2158]

Unfortunately the tape I used to use is no longer made. I have tried a few of the chinese made versions but they have been subpar at best. So I have moved on to using my homemade seam sealer. So far several years in it is holding up well. It is cheap to make but it is messy and takes some time to apply. I made a video on it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o32sl6psiq-coqc I hope this helps you out. have a great night.

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

I bought the Helikon yesterday on Amazon. Best price for it. The USGI original is not to be found on the internets, only the "style" version comes up a lot. Got it in stealth black.

[@charlesartificer2158]

I hope it works out for you mark. Thanks for the comment and views hope you stick around the channel and have a great New Year.

[@MovementDrifter]

Thanks for the metric conversions. Don't get it from American channels often!

[@charlesartificer2158]

I try. Thanks for the comment

[@carpediemadventure7404]

Thank you for the comparison. For not-military use I would prefere the cheap and light helikon tex poncho. Greetings from Germany

[@charlesartificer2158]

Thanks for the comment. So far the Helikon tex is the best one of the lot. Hope all is well in Germany 😎

[@tikkidaddy]

All I can say is I hope you did a wrap up comparing all these cause that I wanna see😂

[@charlesartificer2158]

Cant remember if I did

[@Luka-mu7ei]

Could you perhaps review the Savotta rain poncho?

[@charlesartificer2158]

I looked into the brand, currently they done have any of the XL Sizes available. I will keep an eye on it and if they come back into stock will try and get one. thanks for the comment and views.

[@myerextra]

What poncho would you suggest today?

[@charlesartificer2158]

Helikon tex or miltec are fine. Its up to you which one is right for you. I like the Helikon tex myself but the miltec is a nice 2nd. Thanks for the comment.

[@gregb.8280]

So I bought a mil tec a while ago and I've been considering a helikon but as in weight which one is heavier? I had a bushcrafter usa poncho really light, but gave it to a friend, bought the mil tec and was like wow this is heavy, but considering a close match to gi ones I get it,

[@charlesartificer2158]

Ok pulled both out and that kitchen scale I use, here what they weighed in at. Mill Tec 1lb 8oz or 679g the Helikon with the stuff sack 1lb 1 1/8oz or 484g. Holding them in the hand the Helikon feels much lighter so if weight is your concern Helikon is the way to go. Just remember that stitching in the front for the waist string is a leak point and needs fixing.

[@gregb.8280]

@@charlesartificer2158 thank you !!

[@charlesartificer2158]

@@gregb.8280 thank you for your views and comment.

[@gregb.8280]

@@charlesartificer2158 one more quick ? Does the helikon have the rubberized coating like the milt tec? And if not you think the rubberized mil tec has a better durability design because of it?

[@charlesartificer2158]

@@gregb.8280 the Helikon has a clear coat on it that is very light when compared to the mil tech. As to wich one is more durable time will tell. But my gut says the mil tech probably will last longer. But I could be completely wrong. What we need is a time machine to ask future me 10 years from now as to which one lasted longer. Hope this helps.

[@johnreese0117]

Don’t let the waist string tabs worry you! I use pieces of gorilla tape around the sides of the square tabs, (1” roll) and have had no issues. All good. Helikon Tex to me and my experiences, is far superior to any other brand.

[@charlesartificer2158]

@johnreese0117 Agreed.

[@wildinthewild3704]

Great review. Thank you. Greetings from Germany

[@charlesartificer2158]

Thank you. How are things in Germany? I hope everything is going well over there considering the war on your doorstep. I appreciate the views and the comment, stay safe.

[@wildinthewild3704]

@@charlesartificer2158 I'm starting to get used to cold showers and I'm going to sell my car soon, because petrol prizes became crazy here. Hope, we are not slidinng into a war. Thanks for your wishes. All the best. Alex

[@charlesartificer2158]

@@wildinthewild3704 with any luck in God's help we won't have a war brother. I pray every night I ask for that not for myself just for the whole world. I've heard several people from different parts of the world say similar things. The economy everywhere just sucks right now. A lot of people here in the USA are living in denial. The gas prices and the price of food and the price of everything else is starting to Dawn on people, this economy is a very bad. I just hope that we're seeing the roughest parts of it right now and it's going to get better. God bless.

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

Thanks for the review. I was wondering if it was the same size as the gi one. 👍🏻

[@charlesartificer2158]

@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE Thanks for the comment and views.

[@blackboardbloke]

The genuine surplus USGI poncho is slightly bigger than civilian copy versions, as are all NATO member nations military ponchos. They were made to a standard size and stud spacing so allied troops could buddy up and make larger multiple poncho shelters. So if you can’t get USGI, NATO member nation military ponchos eg Belgian, *Dutch (*different grommet pattern), British (heavier duty), German (also heavier duty) etc are a good alternative and will last you decades. (USGI is 66”/167cm x 90”/229cm).

[@develentsai3215]

Do you think that helikon is durable enough to setup as a hommock? Thanks

[@charlesartificer2158]

Yes but would depend on your weight. If you weigh in at over 250lbs I would say your pushing the limits of what it could hold.

[@develentsai3215]

@@charlesartificer2158 Thanks for your reply, I am 205lbs so it should be no problem, I will get one of this:) great review!

[@charlesartificer2158]

@@develentsai3215 your welcome. Let me know how it works out.

[@tonywillingham8109]

Did Helikon send you this or did you buy it yourself?

[@charlesartificer2158]

I purchase all products I review here myself. Thanks for the comment.

[@liamkramer2836]

Where did you get the USGI poncho?

[@charlesartificer2158]

In a army surplus store in the late 90's

[@liamkramer2836]

@@charlesartificer2158 Could you do a stranger on the internet a favor and tell me if there is a National Stock number somewhere on it?

[@charlesartificer2158]

@@liamkramer2836 its very faded, but here is what I made out. Nsn 8405-01-100-0976 opc industries inc 88jun07 DLA100-88-F-EF62. The rest of the text I can make out is how to care for it and how to join it to another for shelter. This is very faded and I hope I got it right. Had to do it by flashlight as I have a power outage here is good old MICHIGAN right now. If you want to thank me please give me some thumbs up on my videos. Have a better night than me lol.

[@napadaanlng69]

My helikon poncho is crafted in vietnam i just dunno if its thicker quality than the china version

[@charlesartificer2158]

Who knows, lets hope they have some standards. Thanks for the comment.

[@wandering_not_lost]

It might have been useful if you’d actually put the poncho on so we could see how it looked and how large it was.

[@charlesartificer2158]

Its the same size as the U.S. GI poncho. So if you have ever seen a picture of a GI in a poncho then there ya go. Thanks for the comment.

[@azclaimjumper]

Arcturus Poncho is a camo pattern that isn't shiny.

[@charlesartificer2158]

It is, compared to Milspec its a neon sign.