Helikon Pilgram Trail Suit

I’m pleased to say that these days I work pretty closely with the guys at Helikon-Tex in Poland and our conversations tend to be about gear for range and tactical use, but amongst their other lines are some real gems!

I’ve been searching for some gear to use on the range that’s not overtly tactical as traditional ranges where I live can still be a little particular about you turning up looking like a tacticool shooter and looter for some reason! I specifically wanted a set of clothing to cover me on outdoor ranges for spring and autumn use, and when I discovered the Pilgrim Anorak and Pant in their BUSHCRAFT line I was very taken with the design.

Jacket

Helikon-Tex designed the Pilgrim Anorak Jacket for demanding outdoor activities in dynamically changing weather. Based on the zipped kangaroo construction proven for decades, it has been clearly refined to meet the expectations of modern users, while still hitting the aesthetics of the old guard; made from DuraCanvas, the hooded Pilgrim Anorak can even be impregnated with wax for extra weather protection, although I’ve found it to be highly water resistant as it comes.

Numerous pockets allow for convenient placement of equipment, while their arrangement will make them constantly available, even when working in a sitting position or kneeling. The design elongates the whole construction of the jacket, which protects the torso regardless of the equipment we carry. By lowering the kangaroo pocket, they’ve also been able to extend the front zipper of the jacket, which allows you to better ventilate your core area during strenuous approaches or work.

Pants

The matching Pilgrim Pants are highly durable and lightweight, and made of the same DuraCanvas fabric. The Pants have a rise at the back to protect your kidneys against cold, and this area is also padded with thin foam to provide even more comfort during use. The pants have eight pockets in total; the large, buttoned cargo pockets on the thighs have internal mesh panels to provide additional ventilation when the pockets are open.

Classic hip pockets have reinforcements on the edges to protect them from being damaged by knife clips, and in addition to the cargo and hip pockets there are smaller zippered pockets. On the back there are small buttoned pockets with reinforced edges. Waist and leg cuffs are adjustable, and wide belt loops will fit up to 40mm belts, while additional loops on the front allow dummy cording; a nice little aesthetic feature are Helikon-Tex branded buttons!

Conclusion

Overall the suit reminds me a great deal of the old skool ventile gear that was worn by both explorers and issued to SF units back in the day, and I have to tell you that it’s massively comfortable and easy to wear, whilst having a design and feature set that fully compatible with range use. I’ve been wearing both items for a little while now and am very pleased to have added them to my personal kit, and although they’ll be tucked away for the next couple of months I’m actually looking forward now to autumn range days when the weather turns!

Available in a selection of colours.