pmcimagazine.com
GEAR ON TEST
HELIKON-TEX PILGRIM ANORAK
AND PANT
In my musings on training and especially “situational
awareness” in this issue sometimes I need to apply that
same advice to myself and not get tunnel-vision when I’m
looking at my own gear locker! I work pretty closely with
the guys at Helikon-Tex in Poland and our conversations
tend to be about gear for range and operational 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 in the UK can still be a little “stuffy” about you turning
up looking like a “shooter and looter”. 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.
Helikon-Tex designed the Pilgrim 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.
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!
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, more information can
be found on the Pilgrim garments at www.helikon-tex.com
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