Helikon Pilgrim Anorak Jacket - Taiga Green
Helikon have 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 travelers, while still hitting the aesthetics of the "old guard".
Numerous pockets will allow for convenient placement of equipment, while their characteristic arrangement will make them constantly available, even when working in a sitting position or kneeling. They have elongated the whole construction of the jacket, thanks to which it protects your body regardless of the equipment you carry. By lowering the "kangaroo" pocket, they were also able to extend the front zipper of the jacket, which allows the user to better ventilate your body during strenuous approaches or work
- Fire sparks resistant
- Dries faster than cotton
- Can be impregnated with wax
- Tapes inside the pocket for attaching equipment
- Hood is adjustable in 3 planes
- Canadian type buttons
- YKK® zipper
- The kangaroo pocket is additionally insulated
Exceptional product
I saw a review of this product on The Outdoor Gear Review, a site whose opinion I trust. I decided to order the item in Taiga Green. However, the item that arrived was black. I was a but miffed but decided to try it on to check the sizing before returning for an exchange.
However, once I put it on, I realised that, not only was the sizing spot on, the black was really smart as an everyday coat. So I decided to keep it and order another, in the green, once I'd gotten the money. Seriously, it's so good, I'm having two.
It's comfortable and easy to get on and off, It's also warm, but not excessively so., and roomy enough for layering up.
It seems pretty water resistant so far, though I've not beet out in any downpours, only light rain. No problem coping with that.
It's robust, good stitching and sturdy zippers. I can see this one still being worn for many years to come.
The anorak I have been looking for
I have had a few anoraks over the years -- an excellent, heavy old winter Bergan in cotton, a modern poly-cotton Bergan with a side zip. They are a great idea -- but sometimes fail in practice, requiring Houdini-like shoulder mobility or size-up to get them on or off. Poly-cotton may be breathable and hardwearing, but it does not always breath that well. So ventilation is critical if you are active and it's not freezing out.
The Pilgrim is the most practical and carefully designed one I have seen yet.
The centre zip does two really important things -- allows you to get in and out without a fight, and to ventilate easily. Add the pit zips and the way that all the may pockets open to a mesh lining and you have an incredibly well ventilated jacket. I am 188 cm, have a 112cm chest and weigh 98kg and the XL is a good fit all round with a base layer and hoody. Arms and body are long enough too.
The kangaroo pocket has insulation -- something I thought was unnecessary -- but in recent weather it has proven useful. Light rain beads well -- though I have yet to wear it in a downpour. The detail, fit and finish is excellent -- excellent value all round.
Excellent quality practical smock/jacket
I like Helikon stuff and I really like this. Well made, excellent quality and very practical. Fits perfectly plenty of useful pockets and lots of zip open ventilation areas for the coming long hot summer. It'll also be great in the winter layered with base and mid layers which I prefer to one big heavy coat/jacket. I like this smock so much I'm going to order a green one when they're back in stock in my size. Great customer service from Bushcraft it arrived the day after I ordered it.
Excellent Jacket - Highly Recommended
I spend a fair bit of time considering different jackets on the market, until finally deciding on the Pilgrim jacket. Could not have made a better choice. Quality, functional and comfortable. Simply don't see a reason for spending more money to buy a Fjall Raven. So impressed with this jacket, immediately ordered the Pilgrim pants.
