WHY are these SO GOOD? - Highlander Force Halo Smock & Full Zip

[@DarkFire515]

Great review! Also worth noting - at the time of writing the full zip is only £80 which is pretty damned good value for money compared to competitors. Looks like Highlander have some winning designs here.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Very good point. I'll pin this comment 🤙

[@davidjacobs828]

​@MoorlanderEDC Loving the abstract dance moves....lol Joking aside, this seems like a short , poundland version of my buffalo special 6 shirt... I can imagine this being a massive condensation trap . Plain front ... Plane is what they pretended hit the wtc... Your videos are impressive mate , ..

[@nothinglessness]

@@DarkFire515 actually if you shop around it is available for £50 which is fantastic.

[@DarkFire515]

@@nothinglessness Yeah, this would be a bargain at £50!

[@davidf4897]

I've been wearing the Helikon -Tex Woodsman anorak/smock. Pretty much identical zip and pocket design. So good I have two.

[@stewartfooter3580]

Great content mate,love the look of the half zip one and being able to stow the hood away is a must for me on any outer layer

[@exAirMover]

Good drone shot at the start there 👍. They look very similar to the issue PCS Thermal Smock which is intended as a cold weather midlayer

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thanks. Randomly a drone company watched my content and asked if I'd like to try one. Not one to say no and hopefully it'll help to elevate my content too 😆 should a drone review up soon. Yes, although I've not used a PCS before they do look very similar. The green version of the Smock is MoD certified (or however they're accepted to be used) so I'm sure they're made to the same specs. I see the PCS on a lot of surplus sites. Might be an idea for future content to compare the two Hope you're well my friend and having a great 2025 so far

[@DanDanalog]

Love my halo smock, have 3 of these and also had to get over being XXL 🤣🤣🤣 Pack nicely into its own kangaroo pocket… I wear this as my base layer in place of a fleece (quick to wash @ dry), then layer up with a Helikon Woodsman & Windrunner🏅

[@MoorlanderEDC]

A friend uses the same combo with the Tramontane The XXL is like sticker stock 😂

[@PetetheSweety]

Thanks for your review! I have to say to the naked eye, the jacket is not worth the asking price. Even discounted it's just no comparison between lets say Helikon-Tex and Highlander. The stitching looks cartoonishly bad on certain areas like around the pocket zippers and along the main zipper. It has this soft fleece inner liner going for it, but since it's not very well connected to the outer shell, it can be a pain to get in and out with a additional layer below the jacket. The Full zip I've got, came out of the sealed bag with (oil like) stains all over it for some reason...

[@chrissyayles7175]

I have the Helikon Tex Pilgrim smock.. I'm looking for a lighter weight summer annorak, ideally waterproof or at least water resistant.. Would these two Highlander ones be to warm in south England in summer in your opinion..? Thanks for your help..

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hmmmmmm... possibly, however they are really breathable. Although I haven't been able to test these in the summer, I can 100% see myself reaching for the full zip in the summer evenings to keep me warm

Very interesting and cost not too much :) I have a "problem" with smock ... not so smock for my idea of a smock vest (I used a lot) and see your damn good past videos, for me it is "just" a parka

[@MoorlanderEDC]

😂 Yes, I think Smock and Anorak gets used for similar items. These are amazing value

[@senseo2848]

Almost like the PCS lightweight thermals

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I haven't used the PCS however they're pretty much identical. The Ranger Green version on the Halo Smock is MoD compliant which makes me thing they've made they to match the PCS. I see the PCS on surplus sites and everybody loves them. My buddy recommended this due to how close they are

[@scotbotvideos]

How do they compare to Helikon's Windrunner shirt and Tramontane jacket, other than WRT prices?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

The Windrunner and Tramontane are purely outer layers with little to no thermal insulation. The outer material of the Halo is a higher denier material plus there's that additional microfleece. A great combo is a Halo with a Windrunner or Tramontane over the top as extra protection from the elements. The Halos are both over 300g, whereas the Helikon jackets are less than 100g (if my memory serves me 😆) I hope that helps

[@scotbotvideos]

@@MoorlanderEDC Yeah, you'd pair the Helikon garments with a fleece, a hoodie, or doubled-up baselayer.

[@Gunnarhappystick]

I have a Goretex smock by Percussion ( French company I think). Warm and waterproof in all but the worst torrential rain. Handwarmer pockets and deep hood. I don’t think I’d swap it for this

[@MoorlanderEDC]

That's a new brand to me. I'll check them out 🤙

[@Gunnarhappystick]

@ they make hunting gear mainly so it has to be able to take a bit of abuse !!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@Gunnarhappystick Just had a Google around. They look nice and also reasonably priced. Thanks for the heads up

[@mungo75]

Nice review as always mate 👍 I like it, but to be honest I'd rather just pay the extra £20 and get the Arktis Mammoth shirt. I've not physically seen any highlander gear in a while, but I get the impression the quality has improved from back in the day. £20 extra for Arktis over Highlander is still a no brainer to me though

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Highlander Forces have definitely made some steps over the last few years to work on their range. They've always been a value for money range and they've made steps to move up tiers. I'm going to pick up a Mammoth as well so I can eventually make a piece comparing Highlander Forces, Buffalo, Arktis, Snugpak etc with a best of British Smock/Anorak piece of content. Arktis stock level are pretty low at the moment 😆 Everything sells out super fast

[@nothinglessness]

These can be had for £50 at the moment over half the price of the Arktis mammoth. Also worth pointing out that Arktis stuff is not all made in Britain for example some stuff is made in Bangladesh so hard to justify the premium price.

[@Jesper-bl2ns]

Only 6 minutes in but that backpack we see when you walk looks like the kahakka 25l. I'm guessing a review is coming?

Not sure but can be very interesting his review (I also like Endurance Room and Tim Keys reviews ;))

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Unfortunately not. That's my Jääkäri M. I am saving up to get a Kahakka 25l. That bag does look amazing

@@MoorlanderEDC Nothing unfortunate so ^^

Something maybe interesting for a future video: The pockets ! Pockets you can have/need on trousers/shirts/vests/... Example: Kangaroo pocket ... like or not ? Personally it's meh (it is a meh minus in fact :)) / so so / almost no, I prefer 2 real pockets ^^

[@CrimeVid]

over my life I have had about four anorak/parka things with kangaroo pockets, I do not ever remember using them ! I suppose you could stick a bit of some insulating material in there for a nice little hot spot ? I do not like slant pockets on wet gear, I sailed a lot and that kind of pocket seems to gather water !

[@patrickvennard838]

Thanks for the review, I find sizing a nightmare is it made in China?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I've just checked the label and it doesn't say where it's made. I don't know for sure, however, I'm going to hazard a guess it is either China or another East Asian country. It would make sense I guess as they're larger than Eurpoean sizes, or at least their people are smaller (hopefully that's not going to offend body). I've worked with other manufacturers that have their products made in the same areas, and often same factories, and the sizing is fine. I'd recommended checking the sizes and going them them... just take the hit if it's 2 sizes on the label than you're used to 😆 Whilst I was typing this I thought about US sizes. A US large is a UK/Euro XL. Imagine being a US M and having to order a XXL 😆😆😆

[@patrickvennard838]

@@MoorlanderEDC I am trying to move away from products from China ,they just do not fit. They are also Geopolitical and Military threat to the UK.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@@patrickvennard838 That makes sense. I think a lot of companies are moving production back to Europe for that very same reason. Do you know the Finnish company Varusteleka? They've moved all production back to the Europe between Poland, Finland and Estonia. I've made a few pieces of content with them and they're highly recommended. Their own Sarma range is bomber and incredibly hard wearing. All the best buddy

[@patrickvennard838]

@@MoorlanderEDC I follow them on youtube as well and have a few of their excellent products.

[@nothinglessness]

@@patrickvennard838good luck with that. Very few companies make anything in the UK or Europe these days, even Arktis and Snugpak outsource these days.

[@williamstewart9104]

You have a doppelganger. Richard Grannon. A channel her on KZbin. He too is a English man.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I'm much more handsome 😂

[@rostamr4096]

The full zip fits you better...

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. Mrs Moorlander says she prefers me in the full zip as well. It's definitely the most convenient of the two

[@linedwell]

Highlander Forces .. I don't know if I've heard of them. Do they do decent boots and gear??

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Highlander Forces are a sister company to Highlander. Highlander is a reasonably budget friendly brand that's upped it's game over the last 5 years working on a great mis of quality and value for money. Their Forces arm are designed for tougher outdoors wear and many of them are certified to be worn by the Ministry of Defence for different branches. I think they may make boots

[@linedwell]

@MoorlanderEDC good info thanks. They do do boots they do do.. Could do do with some whilst taking dog for do do..

[@tobyaustin9638]

Aah the dreaded Teflon tat from dupont. No thanks! You can keep ya poisonous tech.

[@tobyaustin9638]

Forgot to add, great review 👍

[@johnmadrid9865]

More a windproofer than waterproof.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hi John, yes that's fair to say. The Teflon DWR will keep the water off you for a period, where as that outer nylon and microfleece is the best combo for keeping the wind off and the heat inside. I just took the dog for his lunch walk and the thermometer said -4c and I was fine again with just a tshirt and flannel shirt underneath. Thanks for watching buddy

[@vtechead1]

And end up soaking wet on the inside. Great.

[@jimcy1319]

XXL European size, US size small.🥴

[@unfi6798]

Really...!? Should we believe those measurement.?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I'm usually a Large to Xlarge. I checked the measurements and took them by their word and they fit as expected. I'm not the happiest being an XXL but I'm still identifying as a Large 😂😂😂

[@mikewinston8709]

HALO……pretentious crap…..😂😂😂. A total joke.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Tis the beauty of gear and having lots of options. If this isn't your thing, there's definitely something out there that fits your needs

[@mikewinston8709]

HALO??? 😂😂. Trying to be ‘special forces’ are they? High Altitude, Low Opening for SAS free fallers? Pretentious crap…..the quality is terrible.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I'm a gaming nerd so I was thinking more Master Chief, Cortana and the Covenant

[@mikewinston8709]

@@MoorlanderEDC I’m a former 2434 - 1974/1998. I just get so tired of the special forces and military references to everything these days. As a former soldier I can honestly say we never talked about the SAS ever! It’s the province today of fat tattooed Walter Mitty types.

[@mikewinston8709]

@@MoorlanderEDC I have never played a ‘game’ in my life, so what you’ve written is a mystery.

[@nothinglessness]

The clue is in the companies name “Highlander Forces” its budget military influenced/styled kit. Pretty much all these military inspired companies have military named kit, who cares? Oh and by the way it isn’t only the SAS that use HALO, various units use this insertion technique including some more conventional forces.

[@mikewinston8709]

@ I’m a former 2434 from 1974/1998..Intake 74/14, Cambrai Bks. I know all about HALO. The point being that it’s only the pretentious and stupid that use that as a cheap silly advertising device. Btw, when did you serve? What’s your first four? We are always on the lookout for Walter Mitty types.