Helikon Soft Shell Jacket

As a student of camo clothing, one example I have had my eye on for a few years now but never got my hands on is Multicam from Cree Industries. It is said to be the ultimate pattern and one that works equally well in dark or light conditions. It must be pretty good as the British Armed Forces have - after seemingly forever - adopted it over the old and loved, disruptive pattern material (DPM). Up until then DPM in both European and desert patterns was used as to the theatre of employment, now it seems that Multicam does it all.

Washed Out
The pattern , as with most successful types seems to be quite light (almost washed out) and is made up of a non-specific, almost DPM-like mix of a sand/green base overlaid with brown, chocolate, light green shapes with ochre dots that gives it a sort of ‘light coming through’ effect. It certainly seems to work well and offers quite a high, blob-out distance. Meaning it retains its visual colour and effect and does not turn into a dark amorphous blob at even shorter distances.

The jacket Edgars supplied is the Helikon Soft Shell, based on the US Soft Shell APCU (Advance Protective Combat Uniform) Level V. Made from a 98% Nylon and 2% Spandex mix it’s durable and windproof, lightweight and comfortable. Made of a breathable fabric it’s designed to be worn in combination with various base layer garments. The high collar, adjustable hood, double storm flap with Velcro fasteners over the front zipper, and secure closures at wrists, neck and waist offer good protection against wind and rain.

Lightweight
This lightweight build packs down small, but offers minimal storage by the way of high, stand-by zip pockets on the sides with Velcro/flap closed box pockets on the upper arms. It shows a lot of Velcro patches for the attachment of rank and unit insignia, as is the current military style, which is not the best idea for a hunter. Plus the material is quite noisy as it moves, however the shell build offers an all-year garment as layers can be worn underneath in the winter.

The other item is a boonie hat, also in Multicam. This typical US design shows a wide and stiff brim with the obligatory loops around the crown and mesh ventilation discs. A simple, adjustable chin strap is fitted. Practical and something I have never seen before is a removable neck flap that press studs to the rim at the back and offers good protection from the sun.

Got to say I like the Multicam pattern and reckon it’s very effective. However, I would prefer a heavy cotton jacket with more pockets and without all the Velcro and noisy material. The boonie hat is just right however, as it offers plenty of shade and the neck flap is brilliant…

Prices:

Helikon Soft Shell jacket £??????????????

Boonie hat £??????????

Contact: Edgar Brothers Ltd, 01625 613177

For: Effective camo pattern

Against: Jacket a bit noisy

Verdict: Up and coming pattern

1, The Helikon Soft Shell jacket; a good modern design but more a military item perhaps? However the Multicam is a very effective pattern

2, The boonie hat is a great design for all needs and made more so by the snap off neck flap