two smaller, pleated pockets on front that can securely hold
most smartphones. Profiled knee reinforcements also act
as pockets for internal protective pads should the situation
dictate their use, and the waist band is adjustable via hook
& loop webbing on the sides. The pants are closed with neat
Helikon-Tex branded buttons.
Although the design is lower profile than before, the
new polycotton stretch ripstop fabric actually works with
the design (remember I said earlier that Helikon-Tex work
very closely indeed with technical fabric manufacturers?) to
get the very best movement possible; the lower profile of
the cargo pockets also means that the MK2 pants are less
noticeably a “tac pant” whilst still maintaining a full feature
set. Add to this that the MK2 pants have been tested and
positively evaluated by professional users already, and this
in totality makes the SFU NEXT MK2 pants a perfect choice
not only for the field, but also for any adventurous trip, and
indeed daily use.
Although this is really just highlighting the tip of the
iceberg when it comes to new designs from Helikon-Tex
for 2020 I’ll be returning to other models in the future; at
the time of writing though I’ve just received the very latest
MCDU Combat Shirt to test.
The MCDU is Helikon’s approach to a combat uniform for
more dynamic operations. This combat shirt is not only the
first part of the MCDU lineup, and can also be a great addition
to the existing MBDU pants, but sits equally at home with
all the pant models in the range. The torso of this shirt is
made of highly breathable, lightweight TopCool fabric, while
the sleeves and stand-up collar are put together in durable
NYCO fabric. Bicep zippered pockets will hold most important
small essentials like range cards, a target photo, folded map
or a GPS, whilst double loop panels on the biceps will allow
for easy personalization with various patches, including unit
or even country flags. This combat shirt will work perfectly
not only on hot days, but also in combination with plate
carriers, chest rigs or other vests.
The Helikon-Tex MCDU Combat Shirt will be available from
6th June at www.helikon-tex.com and at distributors, and
this is a piece that I’m really looking forward to testing on
summer range days to come, and you can be certain that
you’ll find it in our “Gear On Test” section when I have!
All in all Helikon-Tex have really showed us their
intentions with this years range of clothing, and I am
completely intrigued as to what 2021 will bring! I still need
to recap on their new equipment that we saw at SHOT, and
I’ll endeavour to do so in the next issue of PMCI; for now, be
sure to check everything out by visiting www.helikon-tex.com
HELIKON-TEX
pmcimagazine.com