Helikon-Tex Anorak Modifications / Alterations - Woodman - Pilgrim - Windrunner

[@JB50713]

Lol I thought this was an April Fools joke. Congratulations you bought a jacket you had to sew yourself.

[@whicks3]

Had me too! This new invention called a zipper is going places! Before you know it jackets will come with them

[@Xeno-M.]

You know, I am detecting, (just a hint of, mind you), comedic sarcasm here from you folk. Can’t say as I blame you. 😁

[@Rando-user-zm1fx]

This is the dumbest video EVER 😂

[@rone7927]

I have never had an anarak Why is this a game changer just buy a jacket.

[@RUreddynow]

So, now, you have a jacket, without the kangaroo pocket . wow

[@karenrudderham4900]

Anoraks in the uk are just heavy duty weatherproof hooded coats wiyh full length zippers that normally have drawstring waist and a zip that comes up from the bottom for easy sitting down. Nana Karen UK

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

The 2 way zips are for peeing without unbuckling your PLCE. For guys.

[@lindawilson4625]

The company would probably see a boost in sales with a full zipper. I would NEVER buy the product as is. Good tailors are worth their weight in gold! Thanks for the review!

[@Celphtitled585]

So you basically made the helikon-Tex sas smock by the bushcraft line

[@socoman84]

I guess the "traditional" anorak design is gone but, I'm all for tailoring something to better suit your needs. Question, does Helikon-Tex make jackets that resemble what you've created?

[@skylerphoenix8880]

Hi Luke - I don’t get why someone would buy an anorak to then install a zipper. Why not go for one of the many great jackets available in the first place?

[@earlgrey691]

Engelbert Strauss (what an image that cunjours lol ?) make good outdoor wear which l tend to utilise in camping.German quality and made in Germany .Their rain-jackets are especially excellent.

[@BaroudeurAventure]

​@@earlgrey691 They don't give their specs in terms of water column and breathability which means it's lower than gore-tex, by default I would rather call that bad than excellent for serious outdoor use.

[@VishnuZutaten]

Luke isn't there only one, believe me. Pilgrim is essentially a British combat smock with half zipper - full zipper smock (parka) made into anorak. Worst of both worlds. You lose zipper and DO NOT GAIN great chest anorak pocket. It's now neither a smock, nor an anorak. Many ppl including me messaged helikon about reverting pilgrim to full zip. It's just great smock design that somehow got turned into wannabe anorak in last yards of R&D

[@IchwurdeHierzugenotigt]

Next time Luke solves the problem of escaping liquids when eating a soup with a fork by closing the gaps of the fork, so the soup can't escape through them anymore. no more being defeated by soup, thanks to the ultimate gamechanger, the closed fork. ;) all the best from Germany

[@alaroony9890]

Oh my goodness, that is hilarious! Lmao!

[@perilousjack1964]

Superb, superb.😂

[@brentonasmith]

Next April you can do a video on how to convert a jacket to an Anorak

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

Or a jacket into a vest by cutting off the sleeves.

[@JeanMartin-ks1yx]

Nice mods you did. So technically your Pilgrim is no longer an anorak, in that case, it may be more interesting to buy Helikon's SAS smock, which is technically the same.

[@dimi7055]

There is an even better solution than this... Buy a jacket instead of an anorak.

[@ferruccio4531]

you're smart!

[@dimi7055]

@@ferruccio4531 I know, it's a revolutionary idea! Thanks for the recognition!

[@TheInfidel_SlavaUA]

congratulations you have reinvented the wheel....

[@Xeno-M.]

So what exactly does Luke call his new invention?? The Anoracket?? The Janorak ??? The Jackorak ?? 🤣🤣😂

[@Temporalplace]

@@Xeno-M. However he calls it i want its comparison vs jacket video.

[@shireguy876]

So, you converted an anorak into a coat.

[@EverettVinzant]

No, no… that wouldn’t get views. It’s a… Coatarak. You can now open it and it’ll hang on a hook ;)

[@baileyboo9788]

😂😂​@@EverettVinzant

[@rentcollector40]

Will this change the advantages that an anorak provides? Like wind infiltration through the zipper? No longer having a kangaroo pouch in the front for carrying bigger items or being able to put your hands together for warmth? I can definitely see the advantage of a full length zipper for sure. But it will also take away some of the original intents of the jacket.

[@teeeff5179]

sorry Luke, i think you lost the plot on this one. if you want a jacket, buy a jacket, why butcher a perfectly good anorak? personally i have both. sometimes i wear a jacket, and sometimes i'm quite happy to wear an anorak. the anorak does have its advantages: pass-through kangaroo pocket for warming your hands, large front pouch for some of your gear, absence of a zipper if that's your taste. seriously, for almost any anorak in the business you can find a jacket that has those same features if that's what you want. "seriously difficult to put on or take off", "a real challenge", "game-changer", etc. i've followed you for years buddy and loved most of it but i gotta say, i think you've jumped the shark here.

[@markthomas2436]

A game changer? Well, for those of us who have always preferred a jacket over an anorak, it is hardly that. But I am glad you got them to do something you wanted to get done.

[@petestuff3257]

Looks like a great idea to solve a problem if you already have an anorak. But essentially what you’ve done is just make a full zip parka or shell. If you don’t have anything, don’t buy an anorak to convert it just buy a conventional shell with the hood in the first place, that being said thumbs up on creativity and do it yourself solutions. Cheers and thank you.

[@michaelodonoghue7464]

April First has to figure into this story somewhere 4:13

[@Xeno-M.]

Indeed it does. He was “foolin” us when he said it was an Anorack!!!

[@davecampbell1430]

Why not just buy a full zip jacket to begin with?

[@ferruccio4531]

well, if you don't, you might make a video about it.

[@AdamAldy-p3w]

Is this a joke?😂

[@Slovan.nie.kolaborant]

Its good jacket now...but its not anymore "anorak" soo simple it is😊

[@alexwbanks70]

Wait its April 2nd.... How about just buying a jacket in the first place? This is what I don't understand.

[@fairwind8222]

Wow, comments seem a little bit edgy today.

[@Mantreaus]

It was sort of a shock to hear this since many of us are outdoors people and know why Anoraks were made and why some prefer Jackets over them. And to be honest the first thought when hearing it was... Why don't you buy a Jacket with the same strengths instead of an Anorak? (Edit for a missing U in Buy.)

[@johngalt6929]

What an amazing revelation! A jacket with a full zipper. This channel gets more lame every week. I thought this was an April Fool's Day joke. OMG

[@beeveedee9355]

So you took an anorak and made it a jacket. At extra cost. If these are are Chinese made, they're going to be sized smaller than US sizing. And if you want to wear your anorak over a fleece, you should buy accordingly size-wise. Are you going to put a zipper in all your pullover hoodies now? 🤔

[@dKause]

You could simply buy the Tramontane Jacket or the SAS Smock. ...

[@RRavencraft]

Check out the Mountain Hardware KOR Airshell Hoody (zip jacket). I have this plus the Helikon Tex Windrunner Windshirt, (it is listed as a 'shirt' not Anorak).... Big difference. Anyway I like the Mountain Hardware JACKET much better. It runs more true to size, obviously has a great zipper, machine washable (unlike the Helicon Tex) and the material 'feels' basically the same, same as for thickness, weight, being water repellent, and blocking wind. Mountain Hardware maybe or I think is bit more higher quality.

[@RRavencraft]

Take good care of your clothes now, be careful because you just trashed this option... and part of the higher pricing vs no name China made with exact same materials. "Helikon-Tex® offers a 2 year warranty on our products for any defects in materials or workmanship found in any of our products. Please go to your online profile to submit a return request. You may also contact customer service with your warranty issue."

[@PokeEyeSlapSlap]

It’s ok for Lukey Boy as he fits in kids sizes…..and speaks faster than a moving bullet. Always moaning….. There is never a problem putting an Anorak on or off. What a throbber….

[@Born2007]

Buys an anorak, complains it’s an anorak, should have just bought a full zip jacket in the first place, something Helikon even offer themselves. The Windrunner is an anorak version of the Tremontane. Also, how do people struggle to put these on? They’re literally saying they cannot dress themselves. I’ve never had this issue. It’s the same as putting on a sweatshirt.

[@hanfiball4136]

What even is the purpose of the original 2/3 Zipper? I gett that a fully closed anorac would be more wind and water resistant. But having the bottom 1/3 closed up and the top 2/3 be a zipper? That is just a design choice that is bejond me. It combines the downsides of both and doesn't add anything.

[@andreebremnes3418]

Ha ha!! Great april fool!😂 Think if this was serious..... Jesus christ! Why would anybody take an anorak on and off all the time so it becomes a problem?😂

[@fokkerd3red618]

I've never liked pull over anything, that's why all my coats have zippers. Why would anyone buy and Anorak and modify it. Just buy a coat with a zipper.

[@TropicMD]

Luke, I have to say....this sounds like a total waste of money. Buy an Anorak, which is expensive anyway, then pay to have a zipper put in? Just buy a jacket.

[@daniel.konecny]

Modifying the Windrunner makes no sense. Helikon sells a full zip jacket called Tramontane featuring the same cut and materials.

[@allanhagan5113]

Nope, 6 pockets short and a completely different material....

[@vitalijusk7745]

Why I should by anorak and then pay money to get a jacket? May be it will better to buy jacket straight witch made from same material?

[@johngalt6929]

Luke is really getting caught up in his own little bubble lately. It's getting hard to watch sometimes.

[@BenoitGoyer-pi3kr]

So it's not an anorak anymore

[@carolyngreen1673]

Have you told the manufacturer what you have done yet? I have to wonder what they think of your idea!

[@tm_delta838]

Or, here is a thought - just buy a jacket with a zipper. Useless

[@RRavencraft]

Luke, dont buy anoraks ! But a full zip jacket!

[@viper071]

Terrible idea, the best part is the full pocket at the front

[@jacobsgarage1458]

That’s cool but then it’s no longer an anorak 😂 the opening is what makes it an anorak. But I like the modification

[@pierrele]

is it april fool? 😃

[@BigTimeGuys]

4th thing, is try to find anoraks with side zippers. That makes them going on and off way easier. We love the Pilgrim and agree but our other anoraks have side zippers we enjoy, however still not a take it on and off piece every half hour, its a piece to be out in for hours at a time.

[@kokadjooutdoors620]

My down LLBean anorak has a side zipper. Love it but I wear in winter when brutally cold and keep on all day

[@Brian-yx5vo]

Sooooo it’s basically a heavier duty rain jacket?? I dont get it. Help me out here…… or I have an idea take a pair of their pants cut them then you have shorts. Get them Tailored done so they look profesh … walla lolo

[@davidgaines8607]

Lol.

[@nothinglessness]

I find the Pilgrim perfect just as it is. The SAS smock is good but feels a lot less robust than the Pilgrim and has a hood that doesn’t work for me as it is too small with a short peak.

[@ReagerNu]

... With a zopper it's not a Anorak.. I love my woodsman anorak, as an anorak. The sidezippers do the work.

[@KitCreep]

I’m a fan of 1/2 and 3/4 length midlayers for the purpose of increased weather resistance and warmth as well as decreased weight and bulk since there’s less metal zipper. HOWEVER, definitely want that full zip on my outer layer/shell. Anoraks look sick but pulling it over my helmet and ripping my face wear off again and again is annoying.

[@landotter]

should review their new SAS smok

[@davidrouth319]

I just looked up the price of the pilgrim and on Amazon it was 140 bucks. Add 50 on to that for the alteration makes it 190. Is there not something out already for less than 200 bucks?

[@dashingpanda26]

Question about tents - Do they make a tent that will last longer than 4 seasons? That doesn't seem very long yet that's the longest lasting tent I've found to date.

[@JayMS916]

"4 season" means you can use it all year (spring, summer, fall, winter).

[@jerk_store]

A "4 season" tent is usually meant for the "4th season" only. They typically don't come with a ton of mesh and have poor airflow. The tradeoff is that they keep you warmer. So every time you see the words "4 season tent" think of it as "4th season tent" and no more. Don't use a 4th season tent in the warmer months. You will regret it.

[@Mstr.Nobody]

Whew !!!.... I thought my tent was ready to expire!! 😊

[@ferruccio4531]

@@JayMS916 I think that was meant to be a joke.

[@dashingpanda26]

Thank you for all ur help I will get a tent that wont expire

[@thermobaric]

Wait. This isn't an April fools?

[@gregordavey1135]

The original windproof camouflage (SAS)smock in the British army from the 1940s was a pullover and it was frequently modified by fitting a full length zipper. What goes around comes around !

[@VishnuZutaten]

I've messaged Helikon REPEATEDLY throughout last 5 years about making good smock/parka killer the one you did with pilgrim. JUST ADD A FRIGGING ZIPPER! They make SAS Smock instead, which is HORRIBLE - bad got design, less pockets... I just don't understand this company anymore

[@scottdierikx1639]

Loving your reviews, I’m learning a lot about gear I’m interested in. Keep up the good work 🍻 Regarding this vid, I am curious. I really like anoraks, particularly for bushwalking, camping, canoeing etc. I’m thinking putting a zip in would indeed make them easier to put on/take off, but wouldn’t that make it just another regular jacket? Are there any specific anorak features that’d represent an improvement over purpose designed full-zip jackets to make this re-work worthwhile? 🤔

[@fuffydingo]

Why not just buy a jacket?

[@TACTICALNOMAD]

So you bought an overly priced anorak and spent even more $$ turning it into a jacket. Am I missing something? This has to be the dumbest video I have ever watched! Personally, I 100% prefer anoraks over jackets, and if I want a jacket, I’ll simply buy a jacket. I wish more companies would offer anoraks. I HATE full zip jackets. I prefer the look and functionality of an anorak. And I certainly would NEVER waste my time searching for and buying an anorak, only to spend even more time and $$ to turn it into a jacket. This almost seems like it has to be an April fools joke?!?!

[@wesleyhendricks4219]

Lol this must be a April's fools joke,what next we gonna put zippers on jerseys 😅

[@baileyboo9788]

No buy a jacket n turn it onto an anorak 😂😂

[@davidnorman7715]

Is this an April fool thing?

[@BaroudeurAventure]

Anorak were good before zippers, now it doesn't have any technical justification. I never understood the idea behind those helikon jackets.

[@markday6051]

Just buy a smock.

[@ogivecrush]

As has been said, now you have a jacket/parka for which you paid like $140.00 plus the cost of buying a zipper and having it installed. No longer an anorak.....color me underwhelmed. Also gotta wonder why you'd buy an anorak from Helikon-Tex for such a high price when you can get a very nice one for about half the price from Varusteleka, albeit without the groovy slanted pockets.

[@weedfiendofthewasteland3616]

Waste of time. Why not just buy a better jacket? Not hard to do. An American Made Field Jacket etc. Tacgear makes a wind shirt that works. Helikon-tex products fail. What is the Swagman Roll? A robe for camping? I'm a full time camper. I don't even wear a robe when I live indoors. Another stupid product. And all of Helikon-tex products are way overpriced. A polish company with Chinese made stuff that needs to be modified. No thanx. You modified your body type, and now you need to modify your jackets. Military Surplus is the way to go.

[@alexmcneily]

Looks like you have backed into the army m64? Jacket. Front zip, water resistant, cargo pockets, optional hood, accommodates addition layers, Durable material.

[@JasonWicklund]

Why don’t you just buy a form fit jacket out of the materials you want? I have a Columbia rain/wind jacket that would replace the Windrunner. Alrernatives are out there, just need to shop around. And why doesn’t Helicon-Tex make a zippered version of these jackets.

[@medicus5565]

Luke, you hit the nail on the head with this modification! I own the Pilgrim Anorak from Helikon-Tex and I love it. BUT, it is very difficulty to put on/take off. I'm a little broad at the shoulders (not as narrow at the waist as I'd like...) and I have to squeeze into it each time. I may have to consider modifying it as you suggest. But, is it still an anorak?

[@greggreaves1727]

I did something similar. I have a hyundai tucson but wanted an F150, so i cut off the roof at the back seat and put a box in the back. lol. Uh... why would you modify an anorak like this? Why not, you know... buy a jacket instead? Real anoraks work well for winter travel outdoors and they should be big so you can layer wool and a good baselayer underneath. If you want a more flattering fit, getting one with a waist cinch (or installing one yourself) would solve the problem. ie, if you don't want an anorak... don't buy an anorak. Is this real? is it a belated april fool's joke. Flummoxed

[@floyd2386]

The whole reason I bought the Windrunner and Pilgrim anoraks was because they were pullovers and the passthrough kangaroo pocket. I hate how zippers make jackets bunch up oddly toward the bottom and sometimes cause them to pull the jacket up when sitting. Adding a zipper significantly detracts from pocket utility as you've taken the biggest pocket and divided it in half and no longer give your hands the ability to be warmed together in the same pocket. Just my opinion, but 50 additional dollars to modify an already expensive jacket is not worth it, especially when it's really not that big of a problem in the first place.

[@TheePIB]

Seems to me that an anorak with a full zip is "just" a jacket. Nothing wrong with either, some might prefer the full zip jacket and some might prefer the pull-over anorak. 🤷‍♂

[@joelm2713]

My guess is you'll be celebrating that genius level mod every time the wind or rain pushes right through that zipper since there's no covering flap - like most jackets have. Sorry Luke, I'm not picking up what you're laying down this time. Instead, why not take a hint from other examples in the anorak world that have a zipper down one side seam (or both), sometimes incorporated into the pit zips? Makes the anorak go on like a poncho, and preserves the concept of weather protection over the entire chest/ab area, a kangaroo pocket (which is a better design usually than separate pockets on each side), and can free up access to a knife, multitool, fire steel, dump pouch, or pew pew machine on the your belt.

[@victorbeebe8372]

The reason they don't have full length zipper is so the wind don't flow through the zipper. That's why you jackets with covered or backed zippers.

[@lakota_stu]

They make a new product cslled the 'SAS Smock' which is basically the pilgrim but with a full length zipper..

[@benedicttusia700]

Thing is thought the Anorak was the perfect jacket for me except for that… lol. SMH… I have been looking to spend $ to get another field coat. I will be having this done first.

[@theronin365]

I never understood why they never made a full zip version of the Pilgrim. 😂

[@RCGRNPA]

Great modification!! Watched your previous video on the Pilgrim but decided against getting one simply because of the lack of full length zipper. Would be nice if Helikon-Tex just offered this as an option.

[@EstebanRivera-iy5pb]

The struggle is real. I own a pilgrim anorak, and to be honest, I wanted to love it, but it is so uncomfortable to use that I always end up swapping it for my trusty OR Ferrosi jacket. That pilgrim is only useful if you plan to walk through thorns.

[@Callelel]

1 day to late!

[@jamesgibbs8827]

For me it makes sense as ive always had the V-Shape Shoulders/Waist. I could never get that type of clothing on, always got stuck on my shoulders, Shame they don't start adding it.

[@philippeender8940]

Good Job on the sewing, but you could have saved the money for the taylor and just get the Helikon Tex Tramontane. Its exactly what had made by the local taylor. really is a great jacket. I actually dont wear or buy anorak style jacket for your mentioned reason.

[@requiscatinpace7392]

Should I buy an anorak or a jacket, or buy an anorak and make it a jacket?!?!

[@p4inmaker]

HTex has full zipper variants of each of these jackets, I don't understand.

[@ammocraft]

With the time difference, I'm wondering if this was April 1st in the US when it went live? Otherwise, you have "invented" a jacket and ruined an anorak. 🤣

[@michaelvosbein7524]

I'm confused. Why buy an anorak and pay to modify it when you can just buy a similar garment that already zips up the middle? That's like buying a pair of long pants and paying someone to make them into shorts!

[@teammaroon1]

Luke, I never heard you mention anything about the pass-through pocket or kangaroo pocket or whatever you wanna call it. Is it now just two hand pockets? I have two interacts and both of them have a big kangaroo pocket so I was wondering.

[@Pan2apa]

But it's no longer an anorak, for me this jacket lost its anorak charm which I love. But, yeah, do with your anorak whatever You want😅👍

[@ajtaylor560]

So now you have a jacket and not an anorak 😂! You know why the anorak is made the way the are and that is wind and rain proofing. They actually have zipper jackets in Europe and the north and don't need anoraks but choose to use them. The problem you faced was the old stylish form fit. Not the place for anoraks. It would be a frosty Friday that I would spend $300 on an anorak and the spend more to get a zipper put in.

[@BergJager1]

Man…..this guy misses the point of an anorak! An original anorak does not open all the way from top to bottom. What this genius has invented is what Canadians call a jacket! 😂😂😂😂

[@ulloag]

Waste of time and money. Buy what you want or need. If you want/need a jacket, then buy a jacket. If you want/need an anorak, then buy an anorak. I guess the next game changer will be to convert a jacket into an anorak.

[@auggie6648]

An anorek with a zipper is not an anorek anymore It's a jacket. They're made to keep you warm. If you want to look fit in trim, go get yourself a jacket or a hoodie.

[@Bandanko]

dont they already make a jacket like that? the point of the anarok is it blocks all wind from the front.... put the zippers on the sides like other anaroks have for the same problem you experienced

[@preppingforprophecy7680]

Seems you invented a jacket.... ???

[@bcr7steve]

I would’ve used a 2-way zipper to allow opening from the bottom to sit down while wearing the jacket.

[@james7307]

Why would I pay for a companies product that’s supposed to be completed and ready to be used and then have to redesign the whole thing?

[@Amara1324]

Seems pointless... you just defeated the purpose of the jacket.... 😂

[@44mickd]

Luke to seamstress- While I’m here can you do these sweatpants? Dude just buy a zippered jacket.

[@valdius85]

Most of the clothes I wear have full length zipper. Ideally a zipper that can be unzipped from the bottom as well.

[@alalda]

Best April joke so far. Game changer. But seriously, i hate those things, there is no right way to in or out, who would thought...

[@marksac5080]

Nice, how to turn an anorak into a jacket. Why not just buy a proper jacket.