Simply Excellent - Helikon-Tex Woodsman Anorak Jacket

[@KimberlyGreen]

With the full side zips, it makes me think of "The Man With No Name" in _Fist Full of Dollars_ . Kind of expected a steel plate to be seen when you flipped it up.

[@jeanburk9539]

That would be the abs. I'm pretty sure he's bullet-proof.

[@AlexT-md9df]

Was thinking the same thing lol

[@paolochang4142]

helikon has quickly became my favourite brand of clothing for outdoor,airsoft and,why not,everyday use

[@charliepress6629]

Helikon-Tex is outstanding! I have purchased a number of things from them including their Pilgrim Anorak and couldn't be happier!! The deliveries from Poland are absolutely amazing...

[@Hikerhikeshikes19]

I’m about your size. I got an xsmall (Eu) small (US) and it’s great. Im 5’6, 175 lbs athletic build. Shorter torso, wide shoulders. I can base and mid layer underneath. Honestly I’ll probably Nikwax this Anorak just to help it out a bit. I also got the outback hybrid pants, the merino wool socks, and the Windrunner shirt. All solid products. If anyone is looking into buying Helikons products I suggest you really study that sizing chart and actually get a measuring tape to measure yourself and see what kind of fit you’d like. I really wanted the least baggy fit possible, without it being restricting.

[@MeetMeOutside]

Just took delivery today! Largely based on this review, I’ve had my eyes on this for a while ! I’m already loving it ! Thanks !

[@stevedott715]

Where can you buy one!

[@MeetMeOutside]

@@stevedott715 eBay, Amazon

[@Robert-yp9zs]

Simply Excellent!! I couldn't agree more. Based on your review, I bought one and have been thrilled with it. My cost, as of October 2022 was $127.84 US$ delivered. (Depending of where you buy it, consider the exchange rate of the local currency against the US dollar.)

[@DrAdrianTodd]

I was seriously considering buying one of these, but I had a few questions. You have just answered all of them. I am definitely getting one now. Many thanks, and God bless.

[@journeyman7189]

Luke. I picked up one in coyote brown/grey and it has become my favourite jacket. The ability to ventilate is a game changer for me. I run pretty hot and the full length zip is awesome. Thanks Nate

[@destinationbushcraft1833]

Hey, for sizing purposes - what size did you get and what's your height? If you'd dont mind me asking of course

[@journeyman7189]

At 5'3" I went with a medium. I had the sleeves shortened and the length is a little long but not to bad. I have big shoulders and chest and the small size stretched pretty tight limiting my shoulder mobility. To be honest I won't change anything else about it. I can completely unzip the sides and add layers without taking the Anorak off. Pretty cool feature! I don't think you can go wrong with this as a purchase.Nate

[@wynwilliams6977]

Any other channel I would assume anybody this enthusiastic about a product with this level of detailed review is taking a kickback under the table but with this guy? I trust his opinion a lot and when I next buy an anorak I know which one im buying :)

[@shaneflickinger]

I was literally looking at this exact jacket about 10 minutes before I saw this video. Thanks very much for the review!

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

I've bought several pieces of gear from Helikon Tex in the last year. My favorites are - the Swagman Role - the Sumit Backpack - the Pilgrim Anorak I use them on every hike.

[@davidf4897]

I've just recently come across this product in the UK. Everything Luke says about the jacket is spot on. The full length side zips are be big seller and advantage. However, these jackets are not waterproof and that will need attention. The other thing is the sizing guide. I'm 5' 9" and a size 40" chest, so I wanted a jacket with a little extra room. By H-T's sizing guide that would be an EU small or EU medium - the half chest size for medium is 23.8" - ample room you would think, and probably too big. Nope. The EU small/US XS which should have fitted - couldn't do up the zips. The EU M/US S, fitted over a very thin base layer and was neat verging on tight. I'm now on my third sizing attempt going for EU L/US M which suggests a 1/2 chest size of 25" (bear in mind my 1/2 chest size at 40" should be around 21" ). So be really careful with sizing and buy where you can get free postage and free returns - you'll probably need it.

[@Callum38]

Thanks so much for this info btw mate. Helikons sizing is bloody awful and I have to do full investigations on sizing before buying anything from them. Good thing the quality makes it worthwhile. I'm 5ft7 with a 38 inch chest so from your measurements I reckon a small would look quite fitted, possibly medium

[@Xaphaniel7]

I have a few items of HELIKON and so far I haven't been disappointed I got a hooded fleece around 9 years ago plenty of space in it and the only thing that shows wear is one of the cuff straps glue came apart re glued and is still fine

[@mr.waynes7555]

i like helikon, and been tossing around whether or not to pick up one of these jackets....you just made up my mind for me!

[@steelsky78]

I'm a big fan of Helikon, they are an awesome company and awesome people. Their deigns are mostly clever and they ain't copycats, which for the price is incredible.

[@JapanScott1]

I agree with all you had to say about the anorak. I purchased it along with a pair of the hybrid pants. All of the Helikon gear I have is of very good quality. I have two of the Alpha Tactical fleece jackets and I've worn them almost every day from late October through late April for the past 3+ years. For the amount of use they get they are wearing very well. I am a big fan of their gear!!

[@ziobersan]

I got Helikon tex Possum Waist pack. I thought what can be so special about waist pack but it is so useful and comfortable. Maybe not everyone gonna like the look and style but really possum model with black color can hide and noone will see u got one. U can easy chilling without pockets full of stuff. Can be use everyday or as an add pocket with backpack, can be strap to your belt. Lots of options, excellent product. Looking forward to try other stuff from that company. It is especially close to my hard cuz company as far as I know is from Poland.

[@kogi04]

Thanks for the review. Can the Storm-Stretch fabric be waxed for rain protection?

[@RedBoarOutdoors]

I have exactly same color, same jacket and using it from about 2 years. Wearing it nearly every time when outdoors all 3 seasons, for winter it needs some extra isolation for winter and you'll be good to go as well! Best jacket! Durable AF!

[@lincspreparednessandoutdoo2648]

Mine arrives tomorrow, cant wait

[@daven953]

Hahaha jonesin for some helicon tex. Haha. Well have fun with it Luke. It only benefits us all. And ya I see that little smirk when you talk about them. You do your homework and go the extra mile for us Luke, and we appreciate it. Have fun out there.

[@Rugrat7211]

Great jacket, I’m gonna purchase 1. Thank you for the videos 👍🏻

[@piereb10]

Using helikon-tex alot. Cheap and awsome. Love pants and jackets they got. Im sold on their products. Im Lucky torsdag live in sweden so i can order it and within 48 hrs i got them to the door. Only negativ is their messurement tables. They are little bit bigger on pants.

[@ronalddekoster8198]

HT gear is simply great. Nothing more, nothing less.

[@engineeredlifeform]

I'm quite a fan of Helikon Tex SFU pants, wore out one pair of the lightweight trousers, but then I have dogs and easily walk ~2000 miles per year, so I burn through kit. Got the heavyweight twill, and a new pair of lightweights. Heavyweights have taken a beating, only needed to re-sew a button here or there. Cannot fault them for the price, all the pockets are in just the right places, they are comfortable, durable, and tbh, a no brainer, just buy, and wear, they'll do the rest.

[@jonNH123]

WOW. That is quick likely the BEST designed anorak I've seen. AWESOME find. Thanks Luke!

[@benterwellen]

Finally found one in italy 3x good price.........Fabulous Anorak as is all their products, they are just hard to find without being price gouged...

[@dannybaker4641]

Looks like an excellent jacket. That's definitely a steal at that price.

[@arranwalker]

I've got this jacket in the red and grey. I've used it a few times and I would say that the side zips run slightly loose. The chest hand pockets don't present too much of a problem when wearing a rucksack, just pull the front of the jacket up a little. So in reflection I think it's a cracking jacket and I hope to get plenty of wear out of it. I've also got the pilgrim jacket, wish they did that in the red and grey.

[@benstone1824]

Very impressed with the quality/price/design for the price. We need more products like this!

[@dps2730]

I have the Mistral. It’s excellent. Well worth the money.

[@mikeyd5486]

I concur!

[@praetor47]

nice review. if they continue this way, with Fjallraven's prices going up and quality going slightly down, they'll replace them as the number once choice for us outdoor adventurers in no time...

[@leebornaman5508]

I too have gone nuts for their gear . Will be adding this. They do provide well thought out durable gear. Thanks.

[@alexanderweaver7066]

Great review, Luke! I am a huge fan of Helikon Tex. Their products are superb. The colors of the anorak are perfect for my needs and on cold wintry days later it with a good fleece you'll remain toasty warm. It's worth the price.

[@JordanKav]

Does the anorak fit as it looks on website , sort of form fitting ?

[@p_serdiuk]

@@JordanKav Both sides have some elastan

[@bellicostevet1388]

The side zippers that go all the way up are also mainly for those that wear a rig whether its a vest or chest rig so you can access your equipment.

[@Sturmer69]

bought it a year ago, and have been using it for hiking, mountainbiking, daily life and I even wear it when arresting criminals.

[@jop714]

Perfect if waterproof. Especially for bug out situations.

[@benterwellen]

I have several helikon and would have more, if they didn’t have so many out of stocks, they make quality items at a low price, I was in Poland last year after going to numerous stores I finally scored on a jacket, helikon is from Poland and they also experience out of stocks....

[@johnsole6847]

Hi Luke, try strapping the waist belt from your backpack through the pocket, that way you can still put your hands in there. Awesome channel by the way👍

[@chrishill8608]

Great review Luke. I purchased the Swagmann Roll about 6 weeks ago and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s so comfortable. It’s warm. Has multiple functions and has a huge chest pocket. Retail is $124 I believe.

[@kenwebster5053]

How warm, what temperatures to sleep in it instead of a sleeping bag?

[@cjaneAlaska]

The anorak style was invented by the St Lawrence Island Yupik people’s of Alaska. Absolutely the best style of parka in Alaska. Especially with a nice wolf ruff to keep your face from freezing

[@Otis010707]

"JUST" placed my order on Amazon! CAN'T WAIT! Thank you for yet another piece of kit you've turned me onto!

[@R33ADJ]

Hi Luke great review....I’ve had the Fjällräven singi anorak for 2 years now and it’s been fantastic... think it was £240 when I bought it...well worth the money I think if I hadn’t had purchased that I would have gone for this and in that colour you’ve got....the best IMO

[@craigstratford5086]

Finally managed to get one of these early February from Woodland -Tactical in Poland . Outstanding anorak and well worth the wait . Can't wait to put much more mileage on it once we come out of lockdown.

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

I got a Brit Army softee very similar. Id not replace it for this as its basically my sleeping bag with matching pants. That being said I recently got a Helicon PCS smock. Basicaly a M65 field jacket with underarm venting. I like Helicon good products. Id use more but basically they are more a Norrthen Hemisphere that Southern hemispere product. When you come down to it wearing anything above a tshirt is all you need hiking on the east coast. If you take a break then you need a jacket or similar when you stop

[@mathewhenderson5757]

I have it and also love it. I sprayed with a camp dry and sheds water now.

[@MarcinBednarek22101979]

I'm using it as well.Next buy will be Pilgrim Anorak and Pilgrim pants from Helikon-tex. Very good stuff for Bushcraft,Camping and Outdoors. Pricing is also good for quality aswell. Fjallraven is a trademark but pricing is sky high level in comparison with Helikon.

[@Lonewolfwildcamping]

Pretty awsome. I have been looking for a good anorak for a long time.🤙😊

[@cliff8101]

I have ben taking notice of Helikon... i like the swagman's roll one complaint which is probably a good one for a company to have out of stock on a lot of items.... We keep up requesting reviews he'll be out in the woods so much Susie will be a bushcraft widow.

[@bbqguy777]

The only negative thing I have to say is you’re wearing it and not me, LOL! Another great review as always!

[@denverharrisiii7236]

I've been looking at Helikon lately. They seem to be more budget friendly.

[@TheAnonymousSword]

They are and I have found their quality to be on par with the more expenesive brands. I Have the Helikon Ghost Backpack and carry that to work daily and on short hikes/overnighters and it is one of the most comfortable small packs that I have ever carried. It will be 6 years old this year and has not let me down and has no seams coming apart. Only thing that is showing signs of wear is the coating inside the pack, which has become a little brittle at the zippers.

[@chrishill8608]

Absolutely

[@denverharrisiii7236]

@@TheAnonymousSword that's good to hear.

[@bunba_77_15]

Only thing is, which one to choose. The Woodsman Anorak or the Pilgrim Anorak.

[@stevencraig9090]

What kind of tent is that in background

[@keithorbell8946]

Luke, I have one of these anoraks. Like you I love this type of jacket. But I have an issue with the manufacturer: their quality control is rubbish. I tried mine on at home, tightened the hood with the back tensioning shock cord, and one end came undone. Recently I’ve had other quality with Helikon clothing. Designs are fantastic, but quality control is awful. Edit: 5th November 2020, I recently bought the Varusteleka Windproof anorak: Polycotton throughout, simpler but with handy design features, cheaper and better quality than Helikon. It’s only available in two colours, and has no drawstrings, but it’s definitely better than the Woodsman.

[@achimgeist5185]

I can highly recommending the Fjällräven Anorak No.8, top quality and extremely durable 👍

[@achimgeist5185]

@Hendrik Garnkäufer Yes the Fjällräven Anorak No.8 is expensive, but believe me, the quality is absolute outstanding. I have my Anorak No.8 several years, was never spared (everyday life or outdoors) and my Anorak No.8 looks as good as new...

[@theresabassemier9901]

Idea for future videos. See if Susie will model these clothes so us ladies can see how it looks on us. We like to look stylish even in the outdoors. I like the look of this jacket.

[@royhurley7572]

Excellent review! You're one of the best channels, if not the best!

[@castortroy365]

Never had an issue with any Helikon Tex gear, just superbly designed, well made and great value.

[@robyndoby1722]

Hey Luke cool jacket hope y'all are well much love your way be safe have a wonderful coming in week

[@mike_outdoors4918]

I've been looking at one of these for a couple of months now, recently also got a pair of their pants, which are great. Also great to see a reliable review for this, thanks Luke, take care 👍🙂

[@americanclassicmetal7913]

Just got back from a 5 day hunt in the Utah Rockies. I wore the Helikon-Tex Pilgrim top and bottom. On the 4th day at 9000 feet in the Rockies, it was 15 degrees, blowing 40 mph with gust up to 60 mph and snowing sideways. My Helikon-Tex Gear preformed flawlessly. 2 thumbs way up.

[@margaretadler6162]

Outstanding I've been looking for sometime for an anorak at a reasonable price and thanks to you and your channel I think I've found it! Thank you, ATB Sam Adler

[@InimitaPaul]

I’ve got the Fjallraven No8 Anorak and the reason it’s so expensive is down to the technical abilities built into it, I realise how biased I’m going to come across but the hood alone is more technical than that jacket. For an everyday jacket that one’s great but for long term use the No8 is the mutts nuts.

[@garystillwell9650]

Love me some Helikon Tex! Been using the Foxtrot rig and the poncho for a while and they are both great pieces of gear.

[@PowermadNavigator]

Helikon-Tex is a great company that has a lot to offer. I have been hearing that product availability in the USA has been improving, in Europe there are hardly any issues, but even in these comments I see that they are still not fully available for the US. In my view, this isn't really a budget piece of kit, but I am a bit cheap. 450$ for an anorak is unimaginable to me even more so, however. I am sure it's great, though. I have a good deal of Helikon-Tex gear and I stand by every piece. The Gunfighter softshell for example has brought me out of tough situations at least twice and it's one of their bestsellers.

[@ChesapeakeHammockandOutdoors]

I've had one of these in my Amazon cart for a week, debating whether or not I should get it due to the cost vs cold weather being about over. I think you just convinced me to pull the trigger! I've got their H-harness, E&E pouch, Matilda pack, tactical top-cool lite tee shirt, and the Helikon-Tex polyester logo belt w/metal buckle that's only sold through their EU website.......So far it's all been made extremely well, is ridiculously durable and performs exactly as designed. I think they have some really awesome gear and clothing and will be around for a long time. DEFINITELY worth checking them out of you haven't yet! Excellent review brother, thanks! ~ Chesapeake

[@KimberlyGreen]

Hold out until summer, for two reasons: [1] possible price change because of the warm weather & [2] by summer, countries in the EU are really going to be struggling economically due to the effects of the current pandemic. The cash infusion will help them.

[@barrydneedham]

I like Helikon-Tex, they produce some innovative things at good prices. I don't like the way they obscure their supply chain, much of their line is manufactured in China and shipped from the UK. They make a big deal about designed in Poland and shipped from the UK, they just kinda leave out the other part. They generally do a good job of managing their supply chain, but that explains the occasional quality issues. Helikon-Tex always seems to make those things right. If Helikon-Tex is out of stock, they might be out of stock for awhile given the current virus situation. I think this anorak was designed by Survivaltech.pl which is kinda the Polish version of RAT. Those guys seem to know what they are about.

[@KrispyKrink]

I’ve had their Cumulus Fleece for a few weeks. Comfortable and warm. Recently ordered their Urban softshell but that’s coming from their main store in Poland. Given current events I’m not expecting to see it for quite a while.

[@mrghost3209]

I have this anorak and also the Pilgrim variation Helikon do. Both are amazing. I also highly recommend their Wolfhound hoodie and Level 7 winter jacket! Great review

[@vusj01]

Which one do you prefer, is one warmer or ?

[@a45456565]

Thank you Luke😺👍

[@RoryVanucchi]

Good product. I've got swag an roll and look to get more of their products. Like the company. Good review as always.

[@Bosker13]

Just bought one after watching your review , great jacket for the end of days👍

[@chuckzander9861]

I have been wanting an Anorak so I went to order one from your link and most of the sizes are sold out! I will probably need a large. Guess I wait. Good review by the way. I always enjoy your channel !

[@themartiandefender2128]

Have lots of Helikon Tex gear and not had an issue with any of it, especially the pricing point being so competitive always !

[@88woodbikes4]

Impressive jacket. Nice review Luke

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

I love my anorak from Helikon Tex.

[@24905116]

Just looking to buy this jacket and found your review. Well done, this is the best review I've seen. Some info on how it stands up to washing to get smoke out of it would have made the review perfect , but that's just me nit picking 😉 thanks for this, i think I'll be ordering one very soon👍

[@Gutterfighting]

Great review. I really like Helikon tex gear. I'll get ordering this anorak soon. I hsve the helikon tex summit pack, foxtrot mk2, numbat, swagman roll and 2 general purpose pouches. Can't say enough about their gear.

[@Handlenotchanging]

Watched your review last week, bought one last Saturday. Love it.

[@juliahaskett-smith977]

Is it waterproof?

[@Handlenotchanging]

@@juliahaskett-smith977 No it isn't.

[@ReasontoLiveAdventures]

Now that is super sweet anorak. For me, the best features are the side zippers. I only have about 30% feeling on the left side of my body(mini-stroke during brain surgery) and sometimes even putting a normal shirt on can be tricky. I’ll definitely be watching the pants review as I’m looking to buy a new pair of outdoor trousers soon. Your review of the TruSpec 24/7 pants led me to buy a pair and I love them, but it’s time to replace an old pair of 5.11’s.

[@Will-Parr]

Excellent review. I like it. Thanks Luke

[@WallyMerc06]

I bought some of their gear to go hunting in and it's been fantastic. Durable, buttons and zips work, comfortable etc. The only thing about helikon with clothing is the sizing. Be sure you look at the sizing charts or reference the reviews on amazon.

[@andreamaccanti2241]

how tall are you, what size did you get, are you EU or US?

[@Ipkiss42]

Having the Fjällraven anorak no8, it actually wanted it to be more like this anorak or the Garphyttan for that matter.

[@oldskoolrncffup8300]

I like the jacket and the colors that's pretty nice.

[@Nina-hx5we]

Thank you for this review!

[@marcusmckenzie9528]

Your review methodolgy should be considered Masterclass, very impressive Channel! Thank you for your time and best efforts!

[@adamfruchey2723]

If you haven't tried out their swagman roll yet, you're wrong. It's a must have and I absolutely love mine.

[@asmith7876]

I concur!

[@saraskold9631]

a traditional Anorak you buy 2-3 times larger than what you wear so that you can wear multi layers of wool. And a good one the maker will make it for you and you are paying for hand sewn item and a perfect fit

[@indycharlie]

Have some of their pants and a hoodie . ALL good . Another I really like in the same kind of price range from the U.K is Jack Pyke . Crazy good shit for the $$.Equal to or better than Helikon IMO . I have their Brush pants & WP filed pants ....... excellent !!!

[@krzysztofsiniarski9811]

Proud to made in Poland ❤

[@Fedaykin8]

Haha I was just looking at this exact jacket/color on Amazon the other day and did some research on it! I held off getting it because I *just* dropped a pretty penny on a Fjallraven Vidda Pro jacket and I absolutely love the thing. Helikon-TEX is a great company though, they are super budget friendly and everything that I have gotten from them so far (various pants, a fleece and some bags) has been superb quality and design for the most part. I'm testing out one of their tarps right now actually!

[@marjiecleveland]

Definitely a quality anorak for a really good price. Love the olive/black!

[@royhurley7572]

Keep in mind that the E.U. sizes are different. The E.U. large is actually US medium. Anyway, my new anorak is amazing. The long pit zips are incredibly useful. A great buy.

[@shermanpatterson]

I just recently got the Pilgrim anorak/pants. I love them!

[@angloaust1575]

The early explorers never had this hitec gear yet they endured and the Whole world was explored Even before the invention of the auto and the airplane!

[@WoolysWorld]

have you tried the buffalo smocks, made in the uk

[@thehopperhopes6365]

Keela Belay Smock is my preference warm when wet and packs down small. The buffalo smocks are good kit as well , just a bit bulky for my liking.

[@scoutingfreegermany]

Great review! I'm a huge fan of Helikon Tex too, their stainless steel cook kit is awesome too! Cheers, Marc

[@lessharratt8719]

Great review Luke. Awesome price point for the product. Definitely on my wish list.

[@GeneralLee69]

Superb brand! I´m very pleased with the UTP pants and the hoodie. The Numbat also met all my expectations! No more Fjällräven for me, I just can´t see how they justify their pricing, compared to Helikon Tex...

[@archi-mendel]

Hey Luke, I was looking at exactly this jacket the whole previous week and was trying to give myself an answer to "should I buy it". Now it looks I don't have any choice :)

[@nalaxur]

Fjellreven (fjallraven) have 3 different anorak's. The no.8 is the most expensive of the 3.

[@vlodek-193]

Great review. 👍 Greetings from Poland!