KIT & GEAR HELIKON-TEX LONG-TERM TEST
HELIKON-TEX WINDRUNNER WINDSHIRT AND FIRESPARK “STEEL” IMAGE FROM PUBLIC DOMAIN ALL RIGHTS RESPECTED
THERE HAVE BEEN SOME GREAT NEW ADDITIONS TO THE HELIKON-TEX LINE IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, AND IT’S GREAT TO SEE THOSE REALLY GETTING THE ATTENTION THEY DESERVE! BILL HAS BEEN LONG-TERM TESTING A COUPLE OF ITEMS FROM THEIR “OUTBACK” AND “BUSHCRAFT” COLLECTIONS AND BRINGS YOU HIS FINDINGS.
I
really like the fact that Helikon-Tex categorise their clothing and equipment as it makes life far easier when you’re looking for a particular item. As a keen outdoorsman as well as an airsofter I’m therefore every bit as interested in what they have in the “Outback” and “Bushcraft” categories in addition to the “Range” and “Patrol” lines as good outdoor equipment can act as the backbone for any situation as Jon’s ongoing series of “TOD” articles have clearly illustrated. The “Outback Line” is their technical clothing and accessories line concept; everything from baselayers through all intermediate levels of insulation for both dynamic and static activities to outer layers including windshirts, softshells, hardshells and Climashield parkas is included in this category. Accessories developed for the Outback Line focus on travel, gear packing and outdoor expeditions, which makes them perfect when you’re gearing up for a multi-day game or MilSim event. 58
JANUARY 2022
It’s that time of year where I live when the north wind is starting to pick up, and although I’m not yet ready to transition into a fully-fledged hardshell I do want something that can be worn over a microfleece to add an additional layer against wind chill, and ideally I look for garments that are lightweight and have a minimal pack size. The Windrunner Windshirt has been my “go to” for this, and is an ideal carry item because of its minimum weight and size when folded. At just 190g (size XL) its ultra-light, tightly-woven Nylon fabric protects you from the wind, and if the DWR coating is regularly maintained, also from light rain; the Windrunner is an ideal garment for any kind of outdoor training! Mesh ventilation slats in armpits allow increased air circulation for when you’re really working hard, and on a cooler day, worn on top of a fleece, it keeps your all-important core warmth from escaping and protects against wind chilling. A large front channel pocket easily accommodates a cap,
