It Falls Short BUT I Love It - Helikon-Tex Windrunner Windshirt Review
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- Опубликовано: 26 дек 2022
- What is the WindRunner shirt from Helikon-Tex?
It's an ultralight, Nylon long sleeve shirt that looks more like a jacket, it features a DWR coating and was designed to block wind and LIGHT rain.
This is Luke's Agenda Free Review.
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Helikon-Tex Windrunner Windshirt Review
Materials :
Windpack Nylon - I haven’t found any specifics about this material other than it is a tightly woven nylon
YKK Zippers
Sizes : X-Small to XX-Large
Colors : Lots of options : Coyote, Alpha Green, Black, Shadow Grey and some camo colors.
Price : Retail price is $70 - watch out for some sites, Military 1st is selling this for $113 which is a complete ripoff.
Review Pros :
Quality - There are no issues with loose threads, the stitching is perfect and in general, everything looks great.
Ultralight
Very small pack size
Wind Resistant - does a great job of blocking breezes but I wouldn’t call this windproof.
Water resistant - Definitely not waterproof but for a quick run through the rain it will bead and run off. You’ll have to reapply the DWR over time and it’s worth doing so in my opinion.
Ventilation is very good - you have vents under the arms and you can open up the pockets for additional airflow.
I like the Practical design of the shirt - there’s nothing fancy or gimmicky here.
Holds in some body heat which is nice in colder conditions.
Holds in some heat without being exceptionally hot - I’m someone who runs how and I really appreciate that.
High quality materials
Review Cons :
No Athletic fit available - when wearing the shirt, it simply hangs off of your shoulders and doesn’t have any sort of taper. In other words, it would look a bit more flattering if there was a waist taper.
The Sizing runs large - I normally wear a medium to large and I had to get a small for this to fit correctly. Even with a small, there is enough space underneath for a sweater. I would suggest to Helkion-Tex to reexamine their sizing as it’s off. I have the Wolfhound jacket from HT as well and the sizing was really off on it.
Pulling the shirt over your head can be difficult
As I mentioned, this is wind resistant but I wouldn't call it windproof by any means. In stronger gusts, unfortunately I don’t have a rating for you but in stronger gusts you will feel the wind coming through the materials. There are other windbreakers that are out on the market that work substantially better than this but there is a trade off and that’s weight.
Fragile material -
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Наука
The main reason for the lack of side zips will likely be compressibility. Zips do not compress well. HAving a small, light, compressable smock that can go in any pocket, or pouch, is a very good idea and in keeping with Helikon-Tex's love of small pockets and pouches :) As for size/style, I personal;ly think this is irrelevant in a piece of functional gear. I also suspect that the sizing is based on this being a piece of over=clothing, that canbe pulled out and placed over already worn gear to add wind and water resistence.
being wind resistant not windproof is often a design choice not a con. Because if you make something fully wind proof you might as well buy a rain jacket. The point of a wind shirt is to be somewhat wind resistant but still breath way better than a waterproof so you wont get wet from sweat during activity.
Agreed! this is geared towards active movements that just take the edge of windchill but allows some wind to cool your body off in high tempo movements
C'mon man....
That's not even close to accurate.
@@olyokie You're clueless if you think that is not accurate. You can buy a 5 dollar wind jacket that is fully wind proof. It has nothing to do with a wind jacket. Go read some hiking forums and get some knowledge about CFM and why a fully windproof jacket is useless for activity. All the expensive Pertex fabrics allow for some wind to come through, and for good reason! For example the normal Patagonia houdini is almost wind proof, yet the houdini air that allows for some wind to come through costs double because its much easyer to make a windproof than to make a balanced garment.
@@dimi7055
Oh dimmy, I've only got 45 years climbing, hiking and scrambling in the Olympics and Cascades.
Multiple summits of Rainier and Baker, Shuksan, Stuart and several others in NCNP...
Dozens of extended trips into and across both ranges.
Never had a problem with wind breakers of any kind.....
It's called layering son.
What goofy fn thing for you to claim.
@@olyokie 45 years of exp and no idea about the importance of CFM? wow, that's an achievement in and of itself. Or maybe you are just stuck in old habits and have no idea about current fabrics. Anyway just know you are wrong and i am right on this one. Regardless of your exp. And what does layering have to do about the CFM of a jacket lol? Your windproof is gonna breath better because of layering? You are gonna sweat less in a non breathable garment because of layering? What a goofy thing for you to claim. There are plenty of people with years of exp yet never took the time or effort to do some real research about optimization. You are one of them!
I love my Windrunner. Perfect with a t-shirt or tank top for windy summer nights at concerts in non camping life. I used this backpacking in early spring (April) 2022 and was so useful. The reinforced elbows are great. Packs down super small into its pocket and sometimes simplicity is my preference.
I got one of these years ago in XL and green. I could not agree with you more, it is definitely wind-resistant but it is great for a light wind layer. 100% comfortable and has been really great in the cooler months.
Thanks for filling me in!! Appreciate the review! They have a good color selection.
Hi. Glad I caught this short review. I noticed in previous episodes that you have the same watch as I do- A Garmin Instinct (solar I presume) Our watches have a built in thermometer in addition to the Garmin connect weather ap. It will measure ambient air temperature BUT you have to remove it from your wrist. I use mine all the time even though most of my adventuring takes place out of cell range- Stick your watch in the fridge and give it a test. Happy Trails!
Hi Luke , Thank You for review and happy new year..
Great impartial review as always Luke. Keep up the content. As a side note Military1st, being UK Based, comes up reasonably priced for most items, in British Pounds the Windrunner comes in at £59.90 RRP
I love it! I just ordered my 2nd one, larger to fit better over layers.
Yep - he missed that point.
Glad to see your review. I’ve been wanting one of these for a long time. I have one of their Woodsman Anorak Jackets and initially after I bought it I thought I was ‘clothing challenged’ because I had such a hard time putting it on. It has the side zippers and is a much looser fit than the WindRunner. Eventually I developed a process for putting it on, but even still it can be a bit of a hassle. If you haven’t tried one, you might take a look at the Trooper Soft Shell. Compared to the WindRunner it’ll seem quite heavy, but is still fairly lightweight.
If you order directly from their international store they run European sizing. I always order a size smaller and it fits perfectly. I have two of the wolfhound jackets and many different pairs of their pants and bag's, absolutely love them!
I've had a windrunner for a couple of years now, and I think it's an excellent piece of technical gear. I use it for trail running and hiking in the UK autumn, winter and spring. It's great for keeping the wind chill off you when you're working hard and sweating. It breathes well and I love the adjustment on the hood. It's proved tough enough when snagged on thorns and branches, so in my experience it's not that fragile. I agree the sizing is way off, I'm 5ft9 with a 42" chest and the small is great with just a base layer underneath (but would likely constrict with anything thicker.. like a fleece)
Interesting. I think if you're going to add a side zip you might as well make the front zip longer so even easier to get on and off.
I have a few similar half zip anorak type jackets, and I really like them. They are great to throw in a pack in case the weather turns, I've used them as a layer under a full on Winter parka, and the front pouch is great for quick access. I'm not too bothered about the less flattering cut, I'm not as slim as I used to be : -)
Hope you and the wife had a great holiday season
thank you for your review! :)
My go to windbreaker is the Arktis stoway shirt---simple style,great material,good design.If it's good enough for UK SAS it will do fine for me !
I’ve had one of these for about a year now. It isn’t difficult to put on if you open the zip all the way down before you put it on or take it off. I’ve also not had it tear or snag at all, I’ve even had quite a bit of German Shepherd bite work on the sleeves on mine and still zero rips or holes. I don’t have an issue with HT sizing either!
I'm 71yrs old. In the mid sixty's an almost exact designed "Windbreaker" was very popular. I had a couple.
Great review... Thanks... It's kind of funny, when looking at Helikon-Texs Size & Fit Charts, that the Bottom opening is smaller than the Chest circumference. No wonder that it's hard to get it over your chest...
Looks good on you. I prefer my anorak to be windproof and as you mentioned the weight is significantly more. I found a superb anorak at a military surplus store for $55 and it is heavy but it is windproof, water resistant and withstands bushcraft abuse...even scrambling through heavy woodland brush. The con is I will tend to sweat if I wear too many layers. It was well worth the $55. I love Helikon Tex products and use them often when boondocking.
Looking forward to the review on the overlanding tent
Back inn the 90's we had these in bright colors and called them wind breakers. They either had draw strings or elastic at the bottom to make them easier to take off and on.
👍👍👍
I've got similar .. full zip though. From waaay back.
Bright Red .. 100% Nylon .. Lightweight, it stuffs into a small nylon bag. Wind Proof / Resistant. We also call(ed) them 'Wind Breakers'.
Will be wearing it tomorrow on my 'Nordic Walking' Group Jaunt. Weather forecast for tomorrow at 09h00 .. 2°C partly cloudy with a high of 9°C.
Love it!
I was going to reply the same thing lol….. although I remember the one I had being from late 80’s and it was from Oakley. They were everywhere!
I have something very similar from paramo & I’ve been wearing their smocks for years, love them. Also I clocked the lone rider. Are you getting a bike Luke? Go on, you know you want to 😂
I had just the opposite issue with Helikon-Tex sizing. I had to go to London back in 2015 and picked up 2 Helikon-Tex polo shirts while I was there. I bought my normal XL size and, unfortunately, I didn’t try them on until I returned home, when I found them to be much closer to a medium than an XL. In fact, I ended up giving them to a friend who wears a size medium in everything and they were slightly tight on him. It sounds as if Helikon-Tex has swung from one end of the sizing spectrum to the other.
Luke, a clothes-horse like you makes anything look good! But so many features and little refinements can take away from the main function of a garment. If windproofness and compact carry is all you really need, a 30D ripstop nylon hooded zipperless ventless model with good elastic at the wrist and waist might be just the ticket. The Cierzo shirt at TRC Outdoors is on sale currently for less than 40 bucks excluding shipping. Reg and long, various colors -- good emergency or everyday kit, depending on your needs.
I have the British army issue PCS Lightweight Thermal Smock, that is virtually the same design, but has side zippers and a fleece liner. It is meant to go under the MTP Windproof smock and replaced the standard fleece jackets from the past... I have both and they make a great fishing set, and if it gets really cold you can add the padded thermal jacket, and if it rains add a goretex outer jacket.. All this is a similar idea to the US layered systems
You are thorough.great information
I like the color and it looks nice.
I pack my windshirt for all my hikes. I prefer one with a full front zip. That allows me to open up and ventilate if necessary. It's very effective at blocking wind and improves my overall comfort level in cool conditions. I have a Patagonia Houdini that weighs about 4 oz for a large. It's a tight fit so you might want to go up in size.
Sharing ... Found the color I liked, thanks
I like the looks of that shirt ! I would probably opt to size up as I am not keen on a tight fit beyond a base layer & I hate having to 'peel' clothes off.
I think this shirt looks great and may have a use in camp to keep the cold breeze off. Even at $70 I think its just a little too expensive.
Great video. I have the same views of anoraks and combat shirts about putting on and taking off
I've got the Helikon Pilgrim, nearly similar cut, which is made by cotton and PE. After waxing with two spray cans from Romneys, this anorak is my most favourite jacket. Even more than my Wolfskin winter jacket or the Barbour rain jacket.
Abolutely love it!
I like the Pilgrim as well. Helikon Tex has become one of my favorite brands.
I have the Helikon-Tex Woodsman Anorak, and it fits similarly. Their wind shirt looks promising for what it is meant for. I suspect they made it 'wind resistant' is to improve breathability.
That shirt looks good on you. I think for myself, I prefer jackets that zip up the front for ease of taking on and off. If you're on the move, anything that has to pull over your head will tempt me not to shed layers when needed to prevent getting soaked with sweat, plus is easier to vent quickly and more effectively than just pit vents alone (with mesh) may allow.
I got one and I think its excellent
I’ve had mine a few years. It’s a good shirt but I got it as a mid layer or for over a hoodie. By itself it’s breezeproof like you said but overall it’s decent.
You should try the Outdoor Vitals Vario jacket. I bought one its very comfortable and breaths well. Keeps me warm even when we had single digits over Christmas
Have a heli anorak. But this would never get over my shoulders. But another awesome review.
I bet you have the best garage sales!
Similar to a Patagonia wind shell except I have a full zipper. Better for day hikes. If I go back packing it would be in addition to a rain shell. Mine is good for quik on and off when it heats up. Put a hole in it straight away from a spark from the fire.
I have passed on anorak designs before in favour of a full zip. They could make one with a full zip and a wind blocker strip and I would be interested. Thanks for your no agenda reviews! :)
they have the tramontane but it doesnt have a wind strip.
Youve got a future, model, lucky you got the look, rugged outdoorsman type.!!!🎆😁💪
I love the colors.The colors would suggest hiking/outdoor gear rather than running gear. For hiking gear, a lot of potential customers will be a fuller fit, and so the sizing might be appropriate. It might be called a shirt, but to my mind it is an outer layer,. I only buy outer layers with full zip, for ease of taking on/off layers (even those under the jacket). The partial zip would be a deal breaker for me.
Hey Luke any experience with the Tramontane full zip version of this? Torn on buying the tramontane vs the half zip wind runner. The tramontane has a full zip which is nice for layering but the half zip version has both armpit and chest mesh vents that might prevent any overheating. Thoughts?
You could also spray it down with camp dry to help make it more water resistant .
I have the trooper jacket and I love it because of the material, unfortunately I got a medium and I think I need a large so I can layer under it.
like the review you should review the bearskin tactical hoody and the bearskin hoody vr2 I got the version 1 and was not impressed with inside and the fit
This product is very similar to my beyond a4 wind shirt. It has stretch panels though
I like this product, looks good, thing is I think the sizing being bigger is good cause i wear a large and if it's bigger it'll be easier to put on and off.
I am a medium and ordered a medium, it pretty much fits like a medium to me.
Try the Tramontane Jacket from HelikonTex. It is also extremly light, but has a full zipper.
Great review. good looking product, but I would prefer something possibly more robust to take afield...
Their new wind jacket is also awesome. Even lighter and a full zipper
Which?
@@youwebz Could be a number of them; BLIZZARD, Tramontane, Trooper.
Looks decent. I use both the TropicFeel NS 40 and NS 60 which both seem better products at a similar price. They're incredibly versatile, packable and feature a tonne of cool design ideas. Seriously recommend checking them out!
Will we be seeing a review of that lone rider tent? Was looking at them for motocamping.
Maybe it's for running or rucking, in which case the fit issues don't apply really.
With the hood up and the sunglasses I thought Unabomber ballerina doing a pirouette. however, on a serious note maybe the sizing is a possible design for those that wear gear around their midsection maybe even a low hanging chest rig. Since it billows out towards the bottom it could be good for those that have gear or maybe even a beer belly and narrow shoulders. Just a thought a little bit like how a poncho works.
are you going to review the new pomoly tents LEO 2 Camping Wood Stove Tent and the DOME X4 which is the one i want
It’s a neat shirt, really.
I think it’s a good looking fit.
I’m claustrophobic just watching. I don’t remember a review of the Lone Rider Motorcycle Tent. Are you teasing us for some motorcycle camping reviews?
Good afternoon from Syracuse NY Luke thank you for sharing your adventures testing equipment
my regular size is L, for my patriot hoodie i had to exchange L for M size and still it is a little bit oversized, i even considered swapping it for S size
Sir I got a question maybe you help me okay what's best temp to have for winter time with a stove in it keeps you warm in the best sleeping bag from minus and up please get back with me thank you
I wonder why they didn't extend the front zipper to the bottom to make it easier to put on and take off?
Wow you tried the lone rider tent!
Possible dual use as a pillow if stuffed right in the sack.
Please do a review on the bear skin hoodie. I would love to see if it's legit
No extreme weather in your area luke?
How would this go in the heat? I like to keep the sun off my reflective skin, and you say it isn't windproof.. But no helikon tech is not quiet running.
oh wait wait, what is the name of the pop up shelter I'm seeing @3:40 in this video? It looks very interesting
What are the pros of not having a full length zipper in the front?
Here's what I know - no matter what materials you layer on, if one of them doesn't block wind they're not going to keep you warm. I have added a wind proof jacket and was able to use one or two layers less wool or fleece and stay just as if not warmer. They should do another version in full waterproof anorak. I'd buy both. By the way, trying pulling the shirt over your head first, then put your arms in one at a time.
There's a difference between blocking wind and resisting wind. Pretty much everything resists wind to a certain extent and not everything needs to be completely windproof to keep you warm. On the contrary, something that is windproof isn't going to breath as well as something like this and you're going to get drenched with sweat with physical activity. This shirt/jacket is designed more for physical activity, as evident with the mesh under the armpits and it's still been plenty of a difference maker for me during transitional weather.
Totally agree with putting this on head first though.
What size are you wearing luke their sizing seems way off according to their site and amazon I am an xxs at 40 inch chest
Hi, what colour is that?
My experience with Helikon-Tex is believe about 80% of what the hype says. The company's choice of materials is not good. This anorak is easy to snag, and in the one I have the material gets cold and clammy. Side zippers help in getting their products on and off but need to be zipped up again when putting the anorak back on--otherwise there is a tangle. Who cares about a sporty fit really, beyond a point? It's good they run large because they do NOT block the wind and wearers need a long-sleeved fluffy shirt underneath them to keep warm. That requires more room. All in all this was a pretty good review. I wanted to put my two cents in because, I think, buyers can get better garments at cheaper prices from companies that are not as well known.
You mention how it could be a better cut/fit. That would make your point of getting into it even harder.
Few years from now the major complain on Helikont Tex was that the sizing was too small. So i guess they where tired about it and jump up a bit. I have an annorak that i buy was almost unable to put on it was too smal
Interesting. I'm a medium, my Pilgrim anorak is a small and fits me great and my Windrunner is a medium and that also fits me great.
What's your height and weight as reference for this small windrunner jacket?
The sizing problem I’ve had with their products is things are too small. I have to get a size larger than I normally get.
I looks great and I'm sure I would rip it apart in a week. I can't do fragile stuff.
A shame on the entry/exit port, especially being a very wide shouldered person. I really like the concept of the "shirt" and the YKK zippers.The price point is tolerable, assuming a decent durability while in use.Thanks the review!
I like it but not into anorak design. They have a nice urban sweater you should do a review on.
Thank god it runs large! For us cuddly warriors ya know? :D
$325 cad amazon...is this the going price for a rain coat ??
Your right Luke it looks a jacket
There is a newer version of this jacket, same material, almost 2x lighter: Tramontane. I've been using Windrunner for over a year and I love it. Tramontane is better in every way with one exception: they removed almost all adjustments on the hood, so it falls of in the wind all the time.
That's strange, they advertise an adjustable hood on their site.
@@floyd2386 Technically it is, but take a closer look: front adjustments are gone, and the one in the the back it is a lot shorter. I love the jacket, but I'll have to do something about it on my own.
@@danielkrysiak5103 Is the hood opening the same size as the Windrunner? I might not have any problems without those adjusters as I have a big head.
@@floyd2386 More or less the same
It does look good, I like the design. But when you said it's fragile and it can tear easily. Thats a NO buy for me. Thanks so much for the review!
I like the look of the shirt but I don’t like pullovers if it had a zipper I might buy it
Check out their Tramontane jacket.
🤙
Looks a bit like the British army smock, but that’s got zips at both sides
Looks like a nice jacket but I think it hangs down to long I’m not crazy about jackets that hang way down past my pockets on my jeans , but that’s just me
What is average? Size we are all different
Removing an anorak often lifts my shirt and exposes my concealed carry piece. For that reason I have moved away from them. I prefer full-zip
That's a good and important insight.
"Be careful on Amazon" - truer words have never been spoken. SCAmazon
Is the XL just long and baggier and huge in the belly? I hate when you order a TALL size and you get BIG AND TALL.
It appears there is a typo in your title.
A no go article of clothing.