The Best Tactical Fleece Jacket? - Helikon-Tex Alpha Tactical Jacket Review

In this Review, Luke is discussing the Helikon-Tex Alpha Tactical Fleece Jacket...Yes, the jacket that everyone has been asking about!
The value of this jacket is incredible but be careful, there are companies out there who are trying to RIP PEOPLE OFF!
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Helikon-Tex ALPHA TACTICAL JACKET - GRID FLEECE - Review
What it is : The Alpha Tactical is what Helikon refers to as a lightweight grid fleece jacket - It’s part of the Helikon-Tex Urban line and I’ve been wearing this for the last couple of months and have received more than a few emails about it. This is my Agenda Free Review.
Agenda Free Link : www.helikon-tex.us/alpha-tact...
Colors : Black, Olive Green, Grey
Materials : 100% polyester, YKK zippers
Versions : There is a hooded version of this jacket if that is your style.
Style : Slim Fit Cut - I don’t agree with this, it’s more of a relaxed fit instead of a slim fit in my opinion. The company says that this can be used as a base layer when used in conjunction with outer jackets and shells.
It can be used on its own.
Sizes : X-Small to 2X Large
Price : $58
Features :
Stand-up collar
Chin guard
Velcro panels for personalization - 3.9” x 3.3”
5 pockets
Elastic Cuffs
Adjustable waist
Chin guard
Mesh lining
Pros :
Love the looks of this jacket - it’s sharp looking
I like the grid - different!
Very comfortable to wear
Plenty Warm for fleece jacket
Excellent quality - good construction
Has held up well to my use
Excellent zipper
Plenty of pockets
Breathable
Retail price is very fair
Good fit, True to size at least for me - enough space to layer with. Speaking of sizing, this is always a bit subjective - I have a buddy who is quite big and the sizing was right for him too bit every body type is different so take this pro with a grain of salt.
Cons :
Heavy - Seriously, this is a pretty heavy fleece jacket - it surprised me when I first received it.
There are warmer fleece jackets out there for the weight
Non-compressible
Zipper is on the left side instead of the right which most Americans are accustomed to. This might drive some people crazy
Poor wind resistance - it cuts right through the material
Wrists are SLIGHTLY stretchy and if you are difficult to pull over gloves that you may be wearing
Interesting Point - The Helikon website isn’t a good source of accurate information for this jacket. I noticed when getting the details together last night for the review that the Helikon web site misstates the info. In one section it says this jacket has 3 pockets and then in ano
Summary : Over the last couple of months, I have enjoyed wearing this jacket and don’t regret my purchase. It’s a high quality, warm enough jacket that really has a cool look to it.
My biggest complaint is weight and compressibility - it’s surprisingly heavy and will take up a substantial amount of space if you have to store it inside of your backpack.
For the weight, there are without a doubt warmer fleece jackets out on the market….if the warmth to weight ratio is important, look elsewhere.
Talking about warmth, I can wear this jacket with just a t-shirt down into the mid 40’s. Going below the mid 40’s and not moving much, I find that an additional layer either under or over it is needed to be comfortable.
Availability : Unfortunately availability of this jacket has been poor for the last couple of months; on the Helikon-Tex web site, the available sizes have been very limited with mainly small and x-small being in stock. I needed a medium and was able to locate that on Amazon but it did cost me a bit more than the retail price…I think I paid about $12 more than retail….
If you don’t find your size and color preference on the Helikon-Tex web site and don’t mind paying a bit more, you can likely find it on Amazon.
Watch out for a web site, they are also an Amazon seller; military 1st - they price gouge on this jacket and with most products as well. They are selling this jacket for almost double the retail price which is disgusting.
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[@BushidoDevilDog]

The grid pattern caught my eye in your last video..so much so that I literally had a magnifying glass held to the screen to read the maker’s name! I looked up the jacket online and thought it might be a decent piece of gear to get, so I’m glad you posted a review..!!

[@jodyprivee2774]

That is a fair sounding review full of good info. I wouldn't expect anything less from you Luke! You look really good in it! Very cool, good color on you.

[@tinderan]

Hi there. I‘m from germany an I got this jacket in navy blue. It is perfect for my duty as a police officer. It fits nice under my plate carrier and is not too heavy for temperatures up from 5 celsius. Nice review and great video like always. Greatings from germany ✌️

[@bvanhulst]

I've had this jacket for some time. I enjoy it and ordered another for my wife. Helikon has an international site where much of this is available and ships from Poland. The shipping is more, but I usually order a few things at a time to save on that.

[@RyanDogs]

Military 1st are reasonably priced in the UK excellent service and great prices I dunno if this is cos you're in the states but honestly no issues in the UK

[@ghostofreality1222]

This is great, I just asked for this info in your last video. Awesome work yet again. Thanks Also for the review on it as well this is great. Hope you and Susie have many more great adventures. I really enjoy your film work some of the best QUALITY camera work and color grading. Your videos truly stand out in the quality your able to produce.

[@mariusmarius4832]

Really good honest review and video.

[@ExpeditionaryJonny]

As always, great review! I can't think of anything that you left out. The jacket looks really cool and I could see that being an everyday item that I'd wear, whether outdoors or doing errands. Thanks brother.

[@mfwicbasterd477]

Love these review's. Your take on the Swagman sold me on it.

[@ayig4764]

perfect underlayer for any rainjacket! i used since a few years, very good value ! i also wear it under a heavy fleece jacket as additional layer. love it 👍

[@jasonb2775]

Thanks for the heads up on the price gouging company. Also the the honest review. Always appreciate your reviews.

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi from Syracuse NY brother thank you for sharing your adventures testing different equipment

[@vinceget2no]

Thanks, that was timely as I've just purchased one from the firm you said not too but for the right money. Great review thanks again.

[@ElDiabloTheExplorer]

Thank you for the review. I’ve been looking for a product like this and thank you for the warning about the price on Amazon.

[@volusian95]

I was debating on getting this jacket for the past week or two, but now I think I'll decide against it only because I much prefer slim to relaxed fit. Which is a shame, because otherwise it seems very good quality and aesthetically pleasing. Great review!

[@Kastoruz]

Excellent review, thanks a bunch

[@skraagthedestroyer]

Thanks dude. I've got an old Patriot hooded fleece from Helikon-Tex that is very nice and still holding up after seven years or so; I bought it originally for when I go fishing, but wear it a fair bit for everyday use. This jacket looks really cool; I appreciate your honest review. Take it easy man; until next time!

[@kirk8204]

Good review. I just ordered it from Amazon. Hope it’s not too big. Thank you for another great review

[@kathleenbest667]

Great review as usual luke

[@edwardmoore9666]

Thanks for the info!!

[@Cloax]

Lmao i won't lie i was watching your last video and wonder where you got that jacket! Looks warm cozy and great style. Thanks brotha! Stay safe out there can't wait for the next review.

[@jennyhackworth2929]

What I like (love) about the jacket is your logo patch!! Getting one 😉

[@kevinyoung9557]

Thanks for the review.

[@ljdellar]

I have the Coyote Brown one and I love it. It IS heavy, it IS loose, but it is WARM under a shell, tough and looks great. It is my go to Spring and Autumn outer layer with a merino long sleeve shirt under. The pockets are big enough and are lined. I am definitely NOT slim. I think the word you would need is "fat", and this is comfortable without being too snug. Great piece of kit.

[@frankmertz8366]

Excellent Review 👍

[@burlslaven3205]

Love that jacket. I've noticed you wearing it. Like the way it looks.

[@offroader5]

I agree, it looks great. I've seen you wearing it in your more recent videos. I've been waiting for you to review it so I know the "important info" and whether I want to buy one for myself. I live in central AZ, so the low temps here are typically in the 40-50 degree range (unless I go North). I'd rather have something like this that isn't a dept. store fleece pullover...but also something lighter than throwing on my full on Carhartt jacket that is overkill for those kinds of temps.

[@Wally-lk2yp]

I love this jacket too and use it as a mid layer in the winter or as a light jacket in spring/summer. Don’t understand Military 1st’s high prices in the US, perhaps something to do with import taxes(?), but I use them a lot here in the UK. This jacket is currently £57.90 and they are selling it in the coyote colour; and their customer service is second to none.

[@jeffbarnes509]

Would be a good layer addition to my Lester River bushcraft anorak. Gets cold here in Alaska. Love the videos!!

[@macstone9719]

Left side zippers are the norm here in Europe. And I own a US made high quality firemen style jacket made by Schott, N.Y. , also with a zipper on the left. No problem for me.

[@lakota_stu]

I have the Alpha fleece hoodie, pretty much the same as yours but with a hood, shoulder and elbow pads. I agree with your review, it's heavy and doesn't compress. I do think it makes a great midlayer

[@ZOMBiEmovieHD]

Can't wait to see the Osprey UNLTD Backpack review :) 700 Dollar LOL!

[@wrath231]

Insane price point.

[@bluehydro88]

Thanks Luke! I've been looking for a new light jacket. You should also talk about Eyewear.

[@lylejones5141]

I have the Helikon Tex Patriot jacket and think I prefer it to this one. You previously made comment about the fit and finish on the Patriot jacket but Iordered mine a short while here in Canada before you reviewed it and the fit and finish, no loose threads is excellent so they have addressed those issues obviously.

[@Fedaykin8]

Trying to get Helikon-tex clothing in my size and in the color I like has always been a challenge, but I love their stuff. I have a couple pairs of pants, shorts, a fleece and a sweatshirt from them, and I love them all. Another thing to be aware of with third party Amazon sellers; their actual stock is not always reflected on Amazon. I've had to cancel several orders because if that. I've had my eye on this jacket several times but have had a really hard time finding it in stock for regular price, or at all.

[@simonjenkins3618]

Luke I quite agree with you with military first products thay are too expensive and too small keep up all the good work you do mate👍

[@Avantgardist]

Ha! I saw you wear that jacket over multiple reviews and knew this was coming. :-) The grey together with the red zipper pull works like a charm! I have the hoodie variant of this jacket and love it! It looks stunning, is dirt cheap for what it offers and gives you the perfect mix of warmth and breathability. Perfect for high-output activities.

[@stephanocavalcante41]

Greetings from Brazil! I've recently discovered you channel and I must say, I'm loving all the content, top-notch stuff! I got a question, what is the jacket you arr wearing at 5:34? Looks pretty cool!

[@RS4393]

I've had great luck with using graphite as a dry lube on zippers until they break in enough to work easier. Great review as always.

[@user-hz9ch5mx7o]

I had the same helicon-tex fleece few years ago in mulicam like camo. As said in the video it is good quality but heavy. It is not the warmest, but it is really breathable.

[@wisenber]

Grid patterns work with a layer over them to trap more air, otherwise, they insulate less. I imagine it weight that much due to it having the liner. Fleece has fallen out of favor of late, but decent quality fleece still reliably performs and takes a lot of abuse (other than embers).

[@carlashdown6580]

Military 1st has great prices in the UK, I have bought loads of items. Love Mil-Tec.

[@TheMjsmithy]

Me too, nothing but great service from them. Don't understand the high US prices though.

[@Smintjes]

Same here (Belgium), before Brexit that is (extra taxes). Always had great experiences with them.

[@michaelm.7382]

Thanks for the review! Have been thinking about getting one of these . If I doi know now I'll know to "silicone" spray it to give it a little more wind & water resistance. Heck, @ $58, I might just keep it as is though

[@swissguy8052]

That is my go to layer during spring and autumn since 4 years, for winter I use the really heavy Liberty fleece. No complains

[@dylanparry5712]

Just got it based on your review. Thanks. 🙌🏻It’s a well made jacket, no loose threads. Bit snug with my paunch! I think it’ll be fine for wearing on site with a thin base layer such as HH. I think the external facing grid will give more versatility. The Helikon Tex level 2 base layers are grid inner and very warm. At least with the alpha I can pair it with a Windshirt like the Paramo Fuera or the Windrunner and the extra layer will trap more air. £49.90 from Military1st with free postage.

[@prepared-woodsman7157]

Nice agenda free review mate. I do like the helikon gear! In the UK we sometimes encounter items of clothing that are meant for men but have left side fastenings which are usually reserved for female clothing! For e.g. a UK company called Karrimor do this as does North Face. Question, where can you get your Velcro patch logo from?

[@teamtls]

I bought a secondhand one from ebay...mint condition..£35. I love it and it does look so cool. Perfect with a shell in cold weather.

[@edwardmoore9666]

Love the look

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Love it thank you brother.

[@spikenikistan75]

i have this. Im quite, well big boned , i got the 3xl and it fitted me PERFECTLY... Love the shirt... however all that's missing is wholes for the thumbs , that would be very nice.. And agreed... i like this... also a good company

[@newforestexplorer]

I have the hooded versions of this in grey and green. Yes they did do a coyote brown colour - I actually ordered one but the hood didn’t seem right so I sent that one back. I just wear a T-shirt underneath in mild winter with a lightweight shell on top and it’s fine. But like you it’s the look of it that makes this a great jacket. Btw I bought mine from Military 1st here in the UK and the prices are normal here. A really great company as most people will tell you here in the UK

[@kiyo3803]

Fortunately I got a coyote color several years ago. very satisfied.

[@jan6293]

Good price nice jacket, thanks Luke 👍

[@nathanpeabody4388]

Just ordered one for my kit

[@PudisVidea]

Thx for review. There are colours aviable: Black, coyote, foliage Green, navy blue, olive Green and shadow Gray. There IS also hooded version.

[@fartman10284]

Looks like a great jacket for layering for snowboarding

[@Berniewojewski]

I do like the brand. I think it’s a nice looking sweater. I have the haversack and think it’s perfect. Makes me want to continue buying the brand.

[@eric-de4uv]

I was looking at their site when your video popped up

[@dp3420]

I have liked the looks of this jacket, mostly for the grid pattern and number of pockets. I have a Fjallraven jacket that has the left hand(?) zipper, not a showstopper.

[@LOFIGSD]

Good review, no inside pockets, which tbh is something I like, but if you are happy with it, then must be a reasonable product.

[@mpwasz1]

Honest review!

[@alexgeorge2993]

Good evening mate!

[@erikcarey215]

Luke love all your reviews on the latest gear, but on this one. I’d have to say my all wool flannel i got in a second hand store,well I’d put that up against anything made today

[@ronaldcobbley9668]

I would wear this out over a Life and love it

[@PiotrS-a]

i have it, i like it. The only drawback for me is when I put hardshell over it sleeves contract up and I have to put the down (probably this grid cause extra friction). Best greetings from Poland 🇵🇱🇺🇲✌🏻

[@Leif-Eriksson]

Is similar to my much appreciated Blackhawk WarriorWear fleece jacket. I have been a Helikon user for many years and I am very satisfied. Therefore top price.

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you.

[@eugenedarvell8470]

Hi Luke in Enjoyed your review . Just a bit confused you said military first was price gouging. I live in the UK first of all I just looked on their website out of curiosity the same jacket go for just under £50. I don’t know whether the cost that you said it was almost double included import charges to the USA and post the web site was based in the UK this keep on producing great videos

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Great review I bought one but gave it to my Daughter In Law...Left Hand Zip.

[@CS-in3pg]

Luke, you are a very handsome man when you're wearing that jacket!! It looks quite comfortable. Good find!!

[@jeffbarnes509]

Have the helikon tex swaman roll. Think it's a good woobie to have. Keeps you warm before freezing if you have a good down mat

[@stewartfooter3580]

I have that jacket but not that virsion,had it years and still going strong

[@jamesellsworth9673]

The product looks good on a trim fella. If the weather is not windy and is just a bit cold and you are going to be active, superior moisture management might make this jacket worthwhile.

[@darrellroush1733]

Most fleece isn't windproof so not a deal breaker. I like it too 💪

[@m.peters3258]

In Deutschland gibt es einige Versandhändler, die diese Jacke zu attraktiven Preisen anbieten. Zb. Recon-Company, ASMC, BW-Online-Shop, Camostore. Als eine hervorragende Alternative empfehle ich den Hersteller Anton Blochl. Beste Grüße aus Deutschland!

[@alifromiraq3981]

This jacket is for the cold north, the middle east, the south. Greetings to you, man

[@samhill3496]

looks good comfortable, wears well. My have to shop some German sites for outdoor clothes. No VAT, Euro about 1.08 to 1.10. DHL shipping. NO Sales tax. Balances out. They offer some windproof materials as well.

[@engineeredlifeform]

I quite like Helikon stuff, I'm wearing a pair of their SFU combat trousers as a write.

[@davidgibson9503]

Love to watch the reviews on jackets and have purchased 3 on your recommendation all Helikon tex from 1st military here in the uk and found the price to be cheaper with there £5 discount and the Alpa at £48 to be as cheap as anywhere on EBay so your review has had a positive effect on the price or maybe the jackets are getting mixed up because a lot of the more expensive ones have Alpha in the description as a colour not the model If this is so 1st military have had unfounded criticism.hope this makes sense David

[@eldrl001]

I believe Military 1st is a UK company which would make pricing and shipping far cheaper than any overseas customer. I experience the same when viewing US stores that are generally very competitive within their own market but not cost effective for international customers.

[@thorson7842]

Looking ok. Price is not bad. And agree that twice the price is way too much.

[@lisacoleman7330]

Didn’t know how to send you a product you may want to review. But tent may be too large. It’s the Hazel Creek tent by Ozark Trail. It’s said it can sleep the whole family plus company. Sleeps up to 20. Not sure if one could take hunting as it doesn’t look like you could put a stove in it if you got caught in snow during season. Just wanted you take on it.

[@jantenner4500]

Reminds me on the Mil-Tec ELITE FLEECE

[@hardthunder9913]

Nice !

[@Hayyothhakodesh]

Hey Luke I've been a longtime subscriber. And I've been very opinionated about ultralight gear. Yes I have my feelings but I'm extremely sorry if I was ever rude and or disrespectful. I never meant to be a jerk. I just feel the ultralight movement is insane and extremely opinionated too and is soo not what they claim they are. Ultralight does not mean good or what u have to use. It might work for some but the top companies never ever go near it. The trusted companies don't go near it. People need to chill out and stop preaching how it's the one Tru way. It's so not. But I apologize if I ever was a jerk or rude about and with comments. It was immature ticked offness. Be well sir and I'm so glad ur channel exists.!! Thankyou.

[@garethdwatkins]

Hi Luke, Nice review as always... Thank you for the head's up for Military 1st... Over the years I've ordered a ton of stuff from them.. (I live in France). They have always been well priced, fast and efficient. After your video I did a quick check on their current prices and you are correct... They are now far more expensive than the official Helikon site based in Wroclaw in Poland.. Their price for the jacket is 54, 90€, Military 1st is 74, 95€... I'm gobsmacked by the difference, and this is without shipping. My guess is that Military 1st are getting hammered by Brexit surcharges. So is probably not their fault.. Helikon is Polish so in the EU.. Military 1st is UK based so no longer in the EU.. Any product going between the two now has duty and VAT added, and probably a tariff as I guess the clothes are made in China.. Such is the total absurdity of Brexit... Anyway thanks for the heads up.. as it stands I am no longer able to order gear from the UK, which had always been a cheaper option when compared to the EU.. Not so now. I would now pay duty, VAT and possibly a tariff if the article was not made in the UK..

[@andrewdavies1193]

I had the same thought so check as UK resident. The UK price is £49.90 which includes 20% tax. A reasonable price. It must be something to do with duty and delivery charges to the states. Luke you are a legend. Thanks for the channel and the priceless advice and vicarious experiences.

[@garethdwatkins]

@@andrewdavies1193 Hi mate, yes it's duty.. but it now applies to the EU too.. also as I said due to Brexit they can't export at the same price back to the EU and other countries... Another Brexit win...

[@Harry-Giles]

You should license a deal with Helikon-Tex for a TOGR version of the jacket like you have.

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

I find it interesting, almost comical, that 20ys ago a jacket with a lot of pockets was just that. Now it's called a "Tactical Jacket."

[@lessharratt8719]

I just purchased some "tactical" underwear. Don't ask.

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

@@lessharratt8719 it must have MOLLE webbing and a velcro section for your morale patch.

[@lessharratt8719]

@@OutdoorsWithShawn AND.... the capacity for my third nut. I know. I'm different.

[@marko7969]

They were always tactical, you just never called them that

[@averagefan4629]

​@@OutdoorsWithShawnnah thats rookie stuff it needs a built in holster and a place where you can attach an IR strobe and flashlight as well as NODs

[@fkb9490]

I have the same jacket. I agree the quality great for the price. But my version has an awful lot of loose stitching. Which I accept because of the low price.

[@valdius85]

I used to think that the left vs right copper is female vs men clothing. Now I think that it’s left handed vs right handed. It’s generally easier to rip the left-side zipper for right handed people. Most of my Uniqlo clothes with YKK zippers are left-side sippers. I was thinking way to much about it :)

[@dasta7658]

Just checked a supplier here in Australia and the coyote version is available for AU $142.

[@johanvanbeek7138]

looks cool but the lack of wind resistance is a deal breaker,

[@NWEDC]

Love the jacket, I just wish Helicon Tex could keep stock... They are always out of stock of everything lol

[@Phlegm_Thrower]

I was going to buy this but I'm not a fan of elastic cuffs. Eventually they'll lose their elasticity and that shortens the life of the jacket. And as you said, it's not wind resistant at all. I ended up with Helikon Patriot heavy fleece jacket.

[@dennischeslock7782]

Nice jacket would work great under a wind breaker jacket . Price why I like the price. Problem is the size, I need an xxl jacket because I'm 6 1 200 lbs Dennis from Delaware

[@allenleach9371]

Pretty good

[@sgtcrabfat]

Just had a look on the UK Military First site, the Coyote colour is 47 UK pounds , and most things are more expensive over here, so will think about it.

[@ljdellar]

Interestingly, in the UK (where Military First are located) the price they were charging delivery free was the same as it cost to order from Helikon Tex themselves in Poland.

[@Legionnaire7777]

Don't forget import fees in the U.K. as the uk is no longer in the e.u. £49.90 on U K. ebay with free delivery at the moment.

[@cgriggsiv]

The only thing is I don't have that many pockets which I'm actually glad for

[@alexguzman470]

Hey bro, which jacket would you recommend more? This one or the one you looked at before BIYLACLESEN Men's Outdoor Tactical Softshell Fleece Hoodie Full Zip up Jackets Coats ?

[@AJHart-eg1ys]

I get that it's the nomenclature over-used for a lot of this gear, but whenever I hear someone refer to an article of fairly standard clothing as "tactical," I want to sort of move away from them a little. Usually it evolves as: 1) This is my tactical fleece 2) Let me tell you about my EDC items 3) You need at least 2 machetes to do proper bushcraft 4) Here's what you need for a proper bug-out bag - 3 sidearms edition 5) There's an ice wall surrounding Antarctica and gravity exists because the planet is constantly moving "upward."