The Best Tactical Fleece Jacket? - Helikon-Tex Alpha Tactical Jacket Review

In this Review, Luke is discussing the Helikon-Tex Alpha Tactical Fleece Jacket...Yes, the jacket that everyone has been asking about!

The value of this jacket is incredible but be careful, there are companies out there who are trying to RIP PEOPLE OFF!
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Helikon-Tex ALPHA TACTICAL JACKET - GRID FLEECE - Review

What it is : The Alpha Tactical is what Helikon refers to as a lightweight grid fleece jacket - It’s part of the Helikon-Tex Urban line and I’ve been wearing this for the last couple of months and have received more than a few emails about it. This is my Agenda Free Review.

Colors : Black, Olive Green, Grey

Materials : 100% polyester, YKK zippers

Versions : There is a hooded version of this jacket if that is your style.

Style : Slim Fit Cut - I don’t agree with this, it’s more of a relaxed fit instead of a slim fit in my opinion. The company says that this can be used as a base layer when used in conjunction with outer jackets and shells.

It can be used on its own.

Sizes : X-Small to 2X Large

Price : $58

Features :
Stand-up collar
Chin guard
Velcro panels for personalization - 3.9” x 3.3”
5 pockets
Elastic Cuffs
Adjustable waist
Chin guard
Mesh lining

Pros :
Love the looks of this jacket - it’s sharp looking
I like the grid - different!
Very comfortable to wear
Plenty Warm for fleece jacket
Excellent quality - good construction
Has held up well to my use
Excellent zipper
Plenty of pockets
Breathable
Retail price is very fair

Good fit, True to size at least for me - enough space to layer with. Speaking of sizing, this is always a bit subjective - I have a buddy who is quite big and the sizing was right for him too bit every body type is different so take this pro with a grain of salt.

Cons :
Heavy - Seriously, this is a pretty heavy fleece jacket - it surprised me when I first received it.
There are warmer fleece jackets out there for the weight
Non-compressible
Zipper is on the left side instead of the right which most Americans are accustomed to. This might drive some people crazy
Poor wind resistance - it cuts right through the material
Wrists are SLIGHTLY stretchy and if you are difficult to pull over gloves that you may be wearing

Interesting Point - The Helikon website isn’t a good source of accurate information for this jacket. I noticed when getting the details together last night for the review that the Helikon web site misstates the info. In one section it says this jacket has 3 pockets and then in ano

Summary : Over the last couple of months, I have enjoyed wearing this jacket and don’t regret my purchase. It’s a high quality, warm enough jacket that really has a cool look to it.

My biggest complaint is weight and compressibility - it’s surprisingly heavy and will take up a substantial amount of space if you have to store it inside of your backpack.

For the weight, there are without a doubt warmer fleece jackets out on the market….if the warmth to weight ratio is important, look elsewhere.

Talking about warmth, I can wear this jacket with just a t-shirt down into the mid 40’s. Going below the mid 40’s and not moving much, I find that an additional layer either under or over it is needed to be comfortable.

Availability : Unfortunately availability of this jacket has been poor for the last couple of months; on the Helikon-Tex web site, the available sizes have been very limited with mainly small and x-small being in stock. I needed a medium and was able to locate that on Amazon but it did cost me a bit more than the retail price…I think I paid about $12 more than retail….

If you don’t find your size and color preference on the Helikon-Tex web site and don’t mind paying a bit more, you can likely find it on Amazon.

Watch out for a web site, they are also an Amazon seller; military 1st - they price gouge on this jacket and with most products as well. They are selling this jacket for almost double the retail price which is disgusting.
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[RyanDogs]

Military 1st are reasonably priced in the UK excellent service and great prices I dunno if this is cos you're in the states but honestly no issues in the UK

[BushidoDevilDog]

The grid pattern caught my eye in your last video..so much so that I literally had a magnifying glass held to the screen to read the maker’s name! I looked up the jacket online and thought it might be a decent piece of gear to get, so I’m glad you posted a review..!!

[jodyprivee]

That is a fair sounding review full of good info. I wouldn't expect anything less from you Luke! You look really good in it! Very cool, good color on you.

[tinderan]

Hi there. I‘m from germany an I got this jacket in navy blue. It is perfect for my duty as a police officer. It fits nice under my plate carrier and is not too heavy for temperatures up from 5 celsius.
Nice review and great video like always.
Greatings from germany ✌️

[bvanhulst]

I've had this jacket for some time. I enjoy it and ordered another for my wife.

Helikon has an international site where much of this is available and ships from Poland. The shipping is more, but I usually order a few things at a time to save on that.

[skraagthedestroyer]

Thanks dude. I've got an old Patriot hooded fleece from Helikon-Tex that is very nice and still holding up after seven years or so; I bought it originally for when I go fishing, but wear it a fair bit for everyday use. This jacket looks really cool; I appreciate your honest review. Take it easy man; until next time!

[Wally-lkyp]

I love this jacket too and use it as a mid layer in the winter or as a light jacket in spring/summer. Don’t understand Military 1st’s high prices in the US, perhaps something to do with import taxes(?), but I use them a lot here in the UK. This jacket is currently £57.90 and they are selling it in the coyote colour; and their customer service is second to none.

[volusian]

I was debating on getting this jacket for the past week or two, but now I think I'll decide against it only because I much prefer slim to relaxed fit. Which is a shame, because otherwise it seems very good quality and aesthetically pleasing. Great review!

[ljdellar]

I have the Coyote Brown one and I love it. It IS heavy, it IS loose, but it is WARM under a shell, tough and looks great. It is my go to Spring and Autumn outer layer with a merino long sleeve shirt under. The pockets are big enough and are lined. I am definitely NOT slim. I think the word you would need is "fat", and this is comfortable without being too snug. Great piece of kit.

[ayig]

perfect underlayer for any rainjacket! i used since a few years, very good value !

i also wear it under a heavy fleece jacket as additional layer. love it 👍

[macstone]

Left side zippers are the norm here in Europe. And I own a US made high quality firemen style jacket made by Schott, N.Y., also with a zipper on the left. No problem for me.

[Fedaykin]

Trying to get Helikon-tex clothing in my size and in the color I like has always been a challenge, but I love their stuff. I have a couple pairs of pants, shorts, a fleece and a sweatshirt from them, and I love them all. Another thing to be aware of with third party Amazon sellers; their actual stock is not always reflected on Amazon. I've had to cancel several orders because if that. I've had my eye on this jacket several times but have had a really hard time finding it in stock for regular price, or at all.

[carlashdown]

Military 1st has great prices in the UK, I have bought loads of items. Love Mil-Tec.

[lylejones]

I have the Helikon Tex Patriot jacket and think I prefer it to this one. You previously made comment about the fit and finish on the Patriot jacket but Iordered mine a short while here in Canada before you reviewed it and the fit and finish, no loose threads is excellent so they have addressed those issues obviously.

[teamtls]

I bought a secondhand one from ebay...mint condition..£35. I love it and it does look so cool. Perfect with a shell in cold weather.

[Cloax]

Lmao i won't lie i was watching your last video and wonder where you got that jacket! Looks warm cozy and great style. Thanks brotha! Stay safe out there can't wait for the next review.

[vincegetno]

Thanks, that was timely as I've just purchased one from the firm you said not too but for the right money. Great review thanks again.

[swissguy]

That is my go to layer during spring and autumn since 4 years, for winter I use the really heavy Liberty fleece. No complains

[wisenber]

Grid patterns work with a layer over them to trap more air, otherwise, they insulate less.
I imagine it weight that much due to it having the liner.
Fleece has fallen out of favor of late, but decent quality fleece still reliably performs and takes a lot of abuse (other than embers).

[newforestexplorer]

I have the hooded versions of this in grey and green. Yes they did do a coyote brown colour - I actually ordered one but the hood didn’t seem right so I sent that one back. I just wear a T-shirt underneath in mild winter with a lightweight shell on top and it’s fine. But like you it’s the look of it that makes this a great jacket. Btw I bought mine from Military 1st here in the UK and the prices are normal here. A really great company as most people will tell you here in the UK