I've worn a Woodsman Anorak year round here in western Norway. The breathability (arguably a very important attribute for winter clothing) of the synthetic back panel and the side zippers make it an excellent wind layer for hiking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Easily enough room underneath for a base and mid layer. Also, the DuraCanvas front, which makes it durable and spark resistant to camp chores and fire, is a synthetic/cotton blend. For lower activity short winter day camping, I do prefer the Pilgrim with it's higher percentage of DuraCanvas, full mesh inner and slightly roomier cut.
I agree with the importance of breathability. I had hoped this anorak would work for me year round but the XL does not leave me the room for layers. Thanks for commenting
Mark, I own two of these and I am 275 and 5'8" and usually wear a size 2x and the 3x Woodsman is barely a US 2x! That having been said, there is a good reason I own two of these and as you stated it is the quality with which it is made! Helikon doesn't skimp on anything of theirs. I have two of their E&E pouches flanking my ILBE pack and they are fantastic as well! Thank you for another great video! Bill Doyle in Upr Grnwd Lk, NJ
It’s a great piece/outer layer, I’ve had mine about four years roughly now and it’s given me great service. It is feature packed, the roo pocket and its arrangement is 👌🏻The side zips are an ideal feature, I tend to run on the warm side and this allows me to vent the trapped heat perfectly 👍🏻 I reckon I’ll have a looksee at a pair of Woodsman strides too
So, Mark, I got the pilgrim anorak, which I got in 2xl so that I could wear an insulating layer beneath it. That seems to work quite well. Also the larger size you get will make putting it on easier. I would expect the woodsman to work quite well with backpacks on account of its breathable, storm-stretch back material.
Helikon-Tex has been knockin it OUTTA the park, man. I’ve got the front/chest pack/pouch and it’s AWESOME. Puts almost all my tools right there in front of my face, super modular, and just all-around one of the best purchases I’ve ever made when it comes to gear.
A great piece of gear! Would think I'd be needing an XXL. Do like a full zipper as some should mobility problems can be an issue at times. Wonderful review!
The full length zipper is what allows me to get it on and off with my arthritic shoulders. Bit of a reach to pull the zippers down so I attached a slightly longer zipper pull to help. Working great for me. Thanks for commenting
Mark, I own the Helikon-Tex Pilgrim Anorak and I love it! My body size/shape is similar to yours and I purchased the large size which fits well when on, but is not easy to get over my head and shoulders. I discovered that if I put my arms in first, it's a little easier to get over my head and shoulders. Thanks for reviewing the Woodsman Anorak.
Thank you for the review. I am 5'-10 1/2" and 190# . I have broad shoulders, and long arms. (6'-3" fingertip to fingertip) I normally take an XL or XL Tall. I went to the website and they don't offer any tall sizes. Because I'm so hard to fit, I like to buy local.
I have got one of these jackets helikon-tex and love it used it lots on walks in the lake district in the uk . Great video again 👍 the woodman trousers are fantastic as well
G'day Mark, a lot to like and yep full side zips are a winner, as are the hood adjustments. Personally I'd go with a full zip front too, though obviously you'd lose the front pouch, which is a handy feature. The biggest problem I find with clothing, and as you mentioned, is restriction of movement. Not that I'm a chunky guy, your average 6 footer, its just that I expect to be able to stretch, (comfortably), any which way depending on the particular activity. Yeah one can simply go up a size to negate the issue, though then I often find ........ the sleeves are way too long, even with a bent elbow ; ) Cheers Duke. P.S. After all these years I didn't know Helikon-Tex is Polish. I just assumed North or South American, ....... isn't their logo a gecko or chameleon, ......... do they have those in Poland ? didn't think they were known for desert or rain forest. In any event, it's said you learn at least one thing every day, .... its only 0530 here and I'm off to a good start, thanks mate ; )
Hi Duke. One nice feature of this jacket is the stretchy back panel. It makes it much more comfortable to get on or off and reach for things. Also very breathable. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark, great video, as always. I have both the woodsman and the pilgrim models and have been wearing them on my outings here in western Montana, for about 3-4 years now. My experience is that the pilgrim model is noticeably more roomy and wears larger than the pilgrim even though both are labeled the same size (EU-L, US-M). The result is I can wear the pilgrim comfortably with layers, making it a useful outer layer for fall, winter, and spring, in all but the coldest temps in mid-winter. The woodsman I use, as you say, in late spring through early fall. The pilgrim has some additional features than I really like. It would be excellent if you did a review on that as well, we would all love to get your opinion!
Hi Mark, looks like a well-made anorak. Do you find that the neck area rises too high? For someone who likes to zip up their jackets to keep out the wind, this seems like it could be a bit uncomfortable.
The sizing is weird. I get the advantages of anoraks, especially for backpackers, but I kinda hate them. Hey, have you ever tried Nikwax Cotton proof, or any of the other products they sell? I used it on a 70/30 cotton poly German army surplus jacket and water just beads off. I have no idea how long it lasts, and if it will withstand hours of rain or just a shower, but initial results look promising.
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I've worn a Woodsman Anorak year round here in western Norway. The breathability (arguably a very important attribute for winter clothing) of the synthetic back panel and the side zippers make it an excellent wind layer for hiking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Easily enough room underneath for a base and mid layer. Also, the DuraCanvas front, which makes it durable and spark resistant to camp chores and fire, is a synthetic/cotton blend. For lower activity short winter day camping, I do prefer the Pilgrim with it's higher percentage of DuraCanvas, full mesh inner and slightly roomier cut.
I agree with the importance of breathability. I had hoped this anorak would work for me year round but the XL does not leave me the room for layers. Thanks for commenting
Fair Price For A Great Looking Produce. Thanks For Your View On This Mark ! ATB T God Bless
Thanks for commenting Terry
Mark, I own two of these and I am 275 and 5'8" and usually wear a size 2x and the 3x Woodsman is barely a US 2x! That having been said, there is a good reason I own two of these and as you stated it is the quality with which it is made! Helikon doesn't skimp on anything of theirs. I have two of their E&E pouches flanking my ILBE pack and they are fantastic as well! Thank you for another great video! Bill Doyle in Upr Grnwd Lk, NJ
I so agree about their quality. Thanks for commenting
It’s a great piece/outer layer, I’ve had mine about four years roughly now and it’s given me great service. It is feature packed, the roo pocket and its arrangement is 👌🏻The side zips are an ideal feature, I tend to run on the warm side and this allows me to vent the trapped heat perfectly 👍🏻
I reckon I’ll have a looksee at a pair of Woodsman strides too
I agree. I am wearing it most of my outings. Thanks for commenting
Excellent Video. Thanks Brother!
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
So, Mark, I got the pilgrim anorak, which I got in 2xl so that I could wear an insulating layer beneath it. That seems to work quite well. Also the larger size you get will make putting it on easier. I would expect the woodsman to work quite well with backpacks on account of its breathable, storm-stretch back material.
Good to know about the Pilgrim as I have been considering it. Thanks for commenting
Helikon-Tex has been knockin it OUTTA the park, man. I’ve got the front/chest pack/pouch and it’s AWESOME. Puts almost all my tools right there in front of my face, super modular, and just all-around one of the best purchases I’ve ever made when it comes to gear.
I have the chest rig as well. Great bit of kit for sure. Thanks for commenting
Such thoughtfully made videos. Always impressed by your craftsmanship, Mark. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words
Thanks for sharing 😊
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
I like it
Thanks for commenting
Good looking jacket. The middle pocket look perfect for filling it with snacks, small knife, flashlight and so on.
Right on. Thanks for commenting
Good review Mark, thanks for sharing YAH bless !
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
A great piece of gear! Would think I'd be needing an XXL. Do like a full zipper as some should mobility problems can be an issue at times. Wonderful review!
The full length zipper is what allows me to get it on and off with my arthritic shoulders. Bit of a reach to pull the zippers down so I attached a slightly longer zipper pull to help. Working great for me. Thanks for commenting
Mark, I own the Helikon-Tex Pilgrim Anorak and I love it! My body size/shape is similar to yours and I purchased the large size which fits well when on, but is not easy to get over my head and shoulders. I discovered that if I put my arms in first, it's a little easier to get over my head and shoulders. Thanks for reviewing the Woodsman Anorak.
I agree with the challenge of putting it on. I came to the same answer as you. Thanks for commenting
Thank you for the review. I am 5'-10 1/2" and 190# . I have broad shoulders, and long arms. (6'-3" fingertip to fingertip) I normally take an XL or XL Tall. I went to the website and they don't offer any tall sizes. Because I'm so hard to fit, I like to buy local.
I appreciate you concern. My jacket is a little long in the sleeves for me so It may be good for you. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Thank you. I may go for the XXL for extra room under the jacket.
Great review Mark! .....Very thorough. I have the same jacket and love it! I have several Helikon-Tex products and are happy with all the purchases.
I agree. I have a few Helikon-Tex products as well and all are top quality. Thanks for commenting
I have got one of these jackets helikon-tex and love it used it lots on walks in the lake district in the uk . Great video again 👍 the woodman trousers are fantastic as well
Glad you enjoyed the video. I need to take a look at the trousers as well. Thanks for commenting
G'day Mark, a lot to like and yep full side zips are a winner, as are the hood adjustments. Personally I'd go with a full zip front too, though obviously you'd lose the front pouch, which is a handy feature.
The biggest problem I find with clothing, and as you mentioned, is restriction of movement. Not that I'm a chunky guy, your average 6 footer, its just that I expect to be able to stretch, (comfortably), any which way depending on the particular activity.
Yeah one can simply go up a size to negate the issue, though then I often find ........ the sleeves are way too long, even with a bent elbow ; ) Cheers Duke.
P.S. After all these years I didn't know Helikon-Tex is Polish. I just assumed North or South American, ....... isn't their logo a gecko or chameleon, ......... do they have those in Poland ? didn't think they were known for desert or rain forest.
In any event, it's said you learn at least one thing every day, .... its only 0530 here and I'm off to a good start, thanks mate ; )
Hi Duke. One nice feature of this jacket is the stretchy back panel. It makes it much more comfortable to get on or off and reach for things. Also very breathable. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark, great video, as always. I have both the woodsman and the pilgrim models and have been wearing them on my outings here in western Montana, for about 3-4 years now. My experience is that the pilgrim model is noticeably more roomy and wears larger than the pilgrim even though both are labeled the same size (EU-L, US-M). The result is I can wear the pilgrim comfortably with layers, making it a useful outer layer for fall, winter, and spring, in all but the coldest temps in mid-winter. The woodsman I use, as you say, in late spring through early fall. The pilgrim has some additional features than I really like. It would be excellent if you did a review on that as well, we would all love to get your opinion!
Dang, I meant to say the pilgrim wears large than the woodsman. But I suppose everyone that reads it could figure that out 🤪
I have been considering the Pilgrim and that is the information I needed. Thanks for commenting
I am not in the market for this, but have time to watch your review just in case 🥰
Thanks for commenting
Hey...the wide pocket is Great for my 9 Pound shihtzu to carry in 😂
A good reason to but it😅. Thanks for commenting
Live food doesn't spoil.
Hi Mark, looks like a well-made anorak. Do you find that the neck area rises too high? For someone who likes to zip up their jackets to keep out the wind, this seems like it could be a bit uncomfortable.
The neck does zipper up above my chin but has plenty of room inside it. Thanks for commenting
The sizing is weird. I get the advantages of anoraks, especially for backpackers, but I kinda hate them. Hey, have you ever tried Nikwax Cotton proof, or any of the other products they sell? I used it on a 70/30 cotton poly German army surplus jacket and water just beads off. I have no idea how long it lasts, and if it will withstand hours of rain or just a shower, but initial results look promising.
Hi Jim. I have used NikWax on a few things. It really does its job but does eventually wear off. Thanks for commenting