This is the Helikon-Tex US Model Poncho which is part of their Military Surplus Line. Unfortunately this product has some serious problems and can only be recommended for VERY short individuals.
The quality is great but you'll be left scratching your head when you see just how short it is. ... 100% Agenda Free : This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.
Colors : Black, two shades of green, and two woodland camo versions.
Sizes : One Size Fits All
Dimensions : 82.5 x 57” - That’s 82.5” long which unbuttoned and unfolded. When in poncho mode, it’s only around 40” long
Stored - 5.5” x 8.6”
Materials : Polyester
Features : Hood with cord adjuster Taped seams Press studs and metal eyelets at the edges Can be stabilized via dedicated cord
Surplus Line : This basically means that this poncho and the company’s other items that are part of this line are modeled after well known military surplus items. In this case, this poncho is modeled after the US Military poncho.
Modeled is the key word there.
Review Pros :
Good quality for a military “style” poncho. Better quality than most cheap ponchos that you can find in stores and online at sites like walmart or amazon.
I’ve experienced no leaking with this poncho and I have been out in the middle of tropical storms that have come through the area. Longest duration has been in the rain for roughly 2 hours with no issues.
It’s simple - quick to deploy
Fair Price - if purchased from an honest dealer - more on that in a moment.
Smaller hood and neck hole allow for less water / rain to get into the poncho
Can be used with the Swagman Roll as a sort of poncho liner.
Light weight
Compact
Storage included and it is big enough to easily hold the poncho. No issues with getting it out or putting it back in.
Review Cons : I mentioned that this is part of the Surplus line and that it is modeled after the old US Military Poncho. Again, Modeled is the key word there as it is loosely modeled after the military variant.
This poncho is smaller in size - for a poncho it is rather short and the taller you are, the less protection that it will give your lower body. It’s about 4” shorter length and width than a military poncho it will not mate to original military accessories such as the military poncho liner correctly. If using this as a shelter, it is again due to the dimensions being rather small. It’s difficult to get good protection with it as it’s not as long nor as wide as a typical poncho. The hood and head hole are smaller - if you have a big head it will be a tight fit. These are made from Polyester whereas the military version was nylon. Polyester isn’t as strong as nylon and is generally a less expensive material. Civilian grade, not military - Because its not military grade, it is small and lighter in weight.
Small Size : Going back to the size, I would pay extra close attention to those measurements to see if this is going to work for you as this isn’t a large poncho by any means.
Cost : The retail price for this poncho is very fair for what it is but there are secondary sellers who are basically ripping people off. Take some sellers on Amazon, I’ve seen these ponchos being sold for as much as $70….this is not worth $70. This is a polyester poncho - it’s worth no more than around $40.
Side Snaps : I’ve had no issues with these but you have to be careful with them. They are fragile and there are plenty of reports of these being damage and destroyed rather easily.
Summary : For the retail price, this poncho has served me well and I have no problem with recommending it. I would look passed the whole Surplus Line that Helikon has going on; that’s more marketing gimmick than anything else.
Pay attention to the measurements; will the smaller poncho work for you?
Also, watch the prices; don’t pay more than what this poncho is worth unless you really want it.
These are some of the lightest and also compact rain pants on the market which make them an excellent choice when packed space and weight are important!
This is the Agenda Free Review of the Outdoor Research Helium Pants.
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Building on the legacy of our award-winning Helium Collection, the completely revamped Helium Rain Jacket and Pants take durable lightweight waterproof protection to an entirely new level. Diamond Fuse technology enables the Helium Rain to be 5x more tear-resistant than the Helium II, and an even lighter weight. Completely seam-taped, waterproof, yet still breathable and comfortable in rugged conditions, the new Helium Rain Jacket and Pants will be the first thing any hiker, peak bagger, or off-trail adventurer will pack for the most durable lightweight rain protection.
The 5.4 ounce, Pertex® Shield+ Helium Pants—inspired by our best-selling flash-storm insurance Helium II rain shell—come with all the waterproof performance and lightweight packable protection you’ll need in a serious deluge.
Review Pros :
Durable Impressively Lightweight Waterproof Fully Seam-Taped Good but not great Breathablity – if you push it hard enough you will sweat it in but it offers better performance in this regards than less expensive products.
Good overall fit with pants but could be a bit more spacious; you may want to consider going up in a size – I would classify this as a trim fit so keep that in mind when placing your order if you decide to get a pair. Windproof
Packs down very small YKK AquaGuard Zippers are smooth but do take some work which is a characteristic of a waterproof zipper. Single Separating Center Front Zipper Reflective Logo and Overlay at Forearm Carabiner Loop and Key Clip Elastic Drawcord Hem Elastic Cuffs
surprisingly tough; on some rough hikes where this jacket has been pulled across rocks it has shown no damage.
Review Cons :
Two complaints;
No side pockets – they are missed…
No Easy access to your pant pockets which means that you have to pull down the rain pants to gain access to something that is in your pocket.
Note : This material doesn’t give much in terms of stretching so they may not be a good match for activities which require a high range of motion.
Summary :
What I said about the Helium Jacket applies here as well;
Outdoor Research is a company that makes excellent products and what I really respect about them is that they back up every item they make with a lifetime warranty. I was a fan of the Helium Line when it was first introduced years ago and I’m still a fan today with the latest version.
The quality is excellent. The performance is excellent and in my opinion, it is worth the money 100%. Something to keep in mind with this jacket is that it is minimalist in terms of design so it lacks some features which may be important to you. Depends on what you want and in the end, I have no problem with recommending it fully.
Again I would like to point out that one should consider sizing up for the pants if they want additional room to maneuver as these pants off a trim fit.
A powerful cold front is approaching the high mountains and Luke the Lone Wolf is out in the middle of nowhere facing the elements while exploring old farm land;
A storm is coming that will force him to take shelter!
Strong Winds! Heavy Rain! Lightning! Adventure!
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Building on the legacy of our award-winning Helium Collection, the completely revamped Helium Rain Jacket and Pants take durable lightweight waterproof protection to an entirely new level. Diamond Fuse technology enables the Helium Rain to be 5x more tear-resistant than the Helium II, and an even lighter weight. Completely seam-taped, waterproof, yet still breathable and comfortable in rugged conditions, the new Helium Rain Jacket and Pants will be the first thing any hiker, peak bagger, or off-trail adventurer will pack for the most durable lightweight rain protection.
Review Pros :
Durable Impressively Lightweight Waterproof Fully Seam-Taped Very good Breathablity – if you push it hard enough you will sweat it in but it offers better performance in this regards than less expensive products.
Good hood adjustability Windproof
Good fit; what I would call standard; it’s not too tight nor too loose
Sizing is right – it’s a medium and it fits like a medium should
Packs down very small - Chest Pocket Doubles as Stuff Sack Adjustable Hood YKK AquaGuard Zippers are smooth but do take some work which is a characteristic of a waterproof zipper. Single Separating Center Front Zipper Reflective Logo and Overlay at Forearm Carabiner Loop and Key Clip Elastic Drawcord Hem Elastic Cuffs
surprisingly tough; on some rough hikes where this jacket has been pulled across rocks it has shown no damage.
Review Cons :
Two complaints -
This jacket would be perfect if it only had pit zips but unfortunately it doesn’t. Luckily the breatability isn’t all that bad to begin with thanks to the Pertex material.
No side pockets – they are missed...but it is a minimalist jacket
If you wear the jacket without a long sleeve shirt or other layer, the material will feel clammy and slightly sticky as soon as you put it on.
Summary :
Outdoor Research is a company that makes excellent products and what I really respect about them is that they back up every item they make with a lifetime warranty. I was a fan of the Helium Line when it was first introduced years ago and I’m still a fan today with the latest version.
The quality is excellent. The performance is excellent and in my opinion, it is worth the money 100%.
Something to keep in mind with this jacket is that it is minimalist in terms of design so it lacks some features which may be important to you. Depends on what you want and in the end, I have no problem with recommending it fully.
Helium Pants : My review of the pant counterpart will be coming up shortly so make sure to look out for that.
A hurricane is hitting the coast of NC and rain bands are slamming into the mountains;
in this episode, Luke is on a scouting mission to find something interesting that he discovered on some satellite imagery.
What will he find?
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Hey there Wolf Pack, today Luke is reviewing the Budget Friendly GYMAX Rain Jacket. Pros, Cons, and real world experiences are coming up in this Real Review!
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The company claims 8000mm hydrostatic rating; I’ve been testing this jacket since January in the snow and rain and I have no reason to doubt this rating. It has kept me dry on all of my adventures and the only time that I have gotten wet is with sweat which I will talk about here in a moment.
* Overall good quality with the exception of some threading on the hood.
* High quality materials including YYK zippers.
* Feels premium with the soft touch fabric
* Offers good protection from the weather including rain, snow and wind.
* Zippers run smoothly.
* 3 internal pockets which are a nice feature; this isn’t common on many rain jackets
* minimal tags
* Good value for the money
* Adjustable cuffs and waist.
* Reasonable pack size – rolls up to about the size of a nalgene bottle.
Review Cons :
I have two issues with this jacket; breathability and sizing;
Breathability first : Not the best in terms of breathablity but for the price it is acceptable in my opinion. If you want the breathability performance of a $500 shell you have to buy a $500 shell but for the $45 price, it’s what I would expect.
Unfortunately the jacket doesn’t have pitzips which does heat build up and breathability more an issue
Runs small – I have the medium here and I would absolutely recommend sizing up if you are considering this jacket. It is tight around my arms and the arm length is a bit short. If you size up for the additional arm sizing you might find that the overall chest size is too big. With the medium, I have plenty of space in the chest of an additional layer like a down jacket but it would be too tight in the arms.
No hanging loop
Limited hood adjustments – also I can’t figure out how to lock the size pulls even though there seems to be some sort of pull lock inside of the fabric
Confused : Before I end this video, I wanted to talk about something that I stumbled upon when getting my details ready for the review. Walmart carries this jacket but the price is off the charts expensive; $176 – on sale for $100.
Summary : Based on my experiences with this jacket, I’ve found it to be a good quality for the money shell but the issues of breathability and size need to be considered carefully before your purchase. If you are going out for a bunch of hard work or a long hard hike, you may want to consider a more expensive shell which offers offers better performance.
Then there is sizing; I find the sizing to be slightly off; tight and short in the arms but adequate in the chest which presents a problem; if I go up in a size, I will have more space for my arms but too much space in the chest area.
Also, Susan has the women's version of this jacket and feels the same as I do. Overall good quality for the money but awkward sizing.
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When the weather takes a turn for the worst that is when the Lone Wolf ventures out to explore the mountains. In this episode, it's raining heavily, the fog is thick and strange events are to occur.
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Today Luke and Susie are reviewing the award winning Outdoor Research Interstellar jacket. Is it as good as everyone says that it is? Find out now with our year-long review.
Price : Retail is $299 but will vary; at the time of filming, I saw the black version for $200
Versions : Men's and Women's
Colors : Will vary depending on refresh but at the time of filming there is Black, Blue, Red, Yellow, and I have seen Orange still in stock from a previous OR refresh on amazon. The women's version has their own colors as well such as black, purple, a teal color and a red which they call garnet
Sizes : S, M, L, XL, XXL (women sizes XS-XL)
Fit : Trim Fit – meant more for being active – low bulk – still enough room for a mid insulation layer
Weight : Large is 11.6oz; lighter is smaller size, heavier if larger.
Material : 3 layer nylon shell Hardshell with an AscentShell ; 20D nylon stretch ripstop front with 100% polyester 12D backer; material feels very soft, not plasticky or silky.
There is a lot of geeky talk that I could go into when it comes to this material but to sum it up; what makes it so impressive is how much moisture can transmit through it
Ykk aqua-guard zippers with a storm flap behind it
Who is this For : This is a high-end waterproof jacket for those want a very lightweight jacket that also performs at a high end level. There are plenty of excellent low-end waterproof jackets but with lower level materials you breathability suffers. For an example, the Marmot Precip is one that I often recommend when asked about a budget friendly waterproof jacket. The con is breathability and the amount of moisture which can collect on the inside of the jacket.
Pros :
Price – This is a pro and con; pricey but yet cheaper than a good quality goretex jacket. Much, much cheaper than some brands.
Superlight weight; lighter than any Gore-Tex jacket that I have ever owned. In fact, this is the lightest hardshell I have seen.
Excellent waterproofing performance. – If you are going to be in an environment which features nonstop flooding downpours, a much more expensive gore-tex pro jacket would be recommended. For most people though, that level of protection and weighty jacket isn’t needed.
Excellent breathability – better than any high end goretex jacket that I have ever owned and I have many; Mountain hardware, Marmot and so on.
The jacket will flex and stretch with you allowing you to move and do what you need to.
Packable – you can pack this super, super small and it will stuff into its own hand pocket!
Can be used with a helmet for climbing as an example – but the brim doesn’t cover your face
Performances excellently with snow-
Sizing is right on; it is a trim fit though so you may need to size up depending on what you want to wear underneath it.
Very comfortable – it doesn’t feel like you are wearing a waterproof jacket -
Stylish – I really like the orange color but couldn’t find it in that color at the time of ordering. I do like the yellow; it’s banana yellow, sticks out like a sore thumb….and I still like it a lot.
Font pockets sit a bit low for use with a backpack; the waist belt will cover up at least some of the pockets but luckily you can still use them even with a harness.
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Cons :
This is without a doubt one of the most breathable of waterproof jackets that I have used and still, I wish that there were pitzips. Not to release moisture but for the simple fact of airflow. In the air, hot summer day, hiking on the trail…some air here would be oh so nice!
When wearing this jacket with a backpack, the friction will wear off the DWR coating on the back and shoulders; luckily this is easy to reapply when needed.
While not a con for me, this jacket has not media port. Might be important to you.
Chest pocket has a cellphone sleeve….which I have found hard to use….so I don’t use it.
location of the drawcords on the hood: they reside deep inside the collar against the cheek, a location that is not convenient or easy to access for fine-tuning a hood fit. Not sure hard to adjust by any means but it may take some extra fiddling.
Additionally, the drawcord buckles used on the hood, as well as the single hem drawcord, are small and very difficult to release if wearing thick warm gloves.
Price : $100 retail but often on sale for $69 – At $69 this is a bargain that you shouldn’t skip
Sizes : Small – XX Large
Colors : Black Blue Fire Red
Weight : 10.oz Medium Size
A few years back I spoke of the company known as Golite and how the company was one of my favorites and that I was saddened to see it go under. Well a number of years have passed and Golite has returned with a new name, some new products and with a new direction. When I was contacted by My Trail to do this review, I was happy to take a look at the newly formed My Trail.
By the way, the company was originally known as My Trail Co (company) which I didn’t think sounded very good….good news, they are dropping the Co part! Smart Choice.
Hood: Adjustable with drawcord closure Hood Garage: In collar Armpit Vents: Large double-zippered Hand pockets: Watertight zipper closures Hem: Adjustable drawcord
Included: Storm flap
To the review : I have a history of giving very honest feedback on products not only so that the viewer can make an educated decision but so that companies can make better products. With that being said, on to the review, starting with Pros!
Pros :
Nice looking jacket! The cut is flattering.
Lightweight – even more so than the precip jacket
Easily adjustable
Waterproof – Used for multiple months now and it is indeed waterproof.
Long Pit Zips with two zippers for positioning – longer than most jackets at this price point
Overall good quality
Lots of pockets including interior pockets which a lot of rain jackets are missing
Hood can be stowed when using the jacket as a wind block which is a nice feature Cons :
Nylon rain gear will hold in a bit more heat and body moisture than goretex…but goretex can cost hundreds of dollars
Going back to quality - but there I noticed a lack of proper gluing with some of the Velcro (right and left cuffs). That is the issue issue that I have found with this jacket.
Suggestions : I would like to see a stuff sack included with the jacket. In other words, a quick way to compress the jacket in your pack would be nice.
I would like to see a lined guard behind the top of the zipper so that you don’t feel it press against your skin when wearing certain styles of clothing
Summed up Review
This is a great rain jacket which is perfect for a misty walk around the lake or in your pack when you are hiking Cathedral Lake in Colorado. The price is excellent. The quality is very good and it will keep you dry from the rain. Do keep in mind that with any piece of rain gear, if you sweat in it, it will bottle up some of that heat and moisture.
Compared to the competition, the Storm is just as good as the offerings from Marmot with their Precip Jacket and others. The difference is in the cost where the Storm is $30 less expensive for the same materials and even more features.
Months ago I reviewed the Outdoor Research Helium II Jacket and today up for review is the Helium Pants.
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Available in two colors : Grey and Black
Sizes : Xs - XL
Prices : $120 on the Outdoor Research site and around $81 on Amazon at the time of filming this video.
Material : 100% Nylon
Features
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Ankle Zippers; Fully Seam Taped
Waterproof
Breathable
Lightweight
Fully Seam-Taped
Elastic Waist with Drawcord
Ankle Zippers
Stuffs into Back Zipper Pocket
Fabric: Pertex® Shield+ 2.5L, 100% nylon 30D ripstop
Weight for the Medium size 4.5oz
When folded in it’s own pocket like this, it is 5”x6”
When it comes to most rain pants, they tend to have longer inseams. These pants have shorter inseams which means better fit….for myself at least. Some people like longer inseams; it’s a personal preference thing so keep this in mind before purchasing.
These pants are indeed waterproof as I have worn them in some knock down thunderstorms. Very light weight, great quality, won’t take up much room in your pack and are perfect for spring, summer and fall. For the winter months I tend to do with more technical laminate materials like Goretex. In other words, stronger materials that can handle the abrasive nature of ice.
Perfect for those who are looking to cut weight from their loud outs while not sacrificing protection from the rain.
When it comes to cost, $80 is just about right for the materials. Similar products are around the same range price wise.
Today we are taking a look at the Fjallraven Poncho.
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These run around $123 dollars if you can find them in the United States. These are much easier to find outside of the country.
I picked this one up at theclymb.com for $50 and it has been a fantastic purchase. I enjoy hiking and backpacking in the rain and this poncho does a great job at keeping me nice and dry.
Material: 100% polyamide based Hydratic - breathability 5000g/m²/24h and waterproofness 5000mm
Snaps on the side
Unisex
Weight: 391g or 13.7 oz
Length from the shoulder : 48.4 inches or 123 centimeters
My experiences :
I have used this poncho roughly 20 or 30 times over the years and it’s my go to poncho for most conditions. Some times I wear it as a wind block, some times in the snow but mostly in the rain.
I’m worn it in all conditions and it really performs well.
Light rain, no problem
Heavy rain, no problem.
It is like most ponchos and rain jackets, it’s breathable but if you’re in the pouring rain and you’re walking around, some condensation will gather on the inside. If you’re hiking long enough you may get damp but you won’t get wet.
For a poncho that is about as good as it gets. Never have I had this poncho fail and that says a lot. Many others have.
For $123 I have to admit that is expensive. Really, Really expensive and you have to decide if it’s worth the price. For the $50 that I paid for mine, I couldn’t be happier.
Very light weight, quick to dry.
Fjallraven seems to have a new version of this poncho available outside of the USA if you go looking for one, it may look slightly different.
This underestimated functional garment should always be included in your equipment when you are out in the wilderness. The poncho has many areas of use. It can naturally be used when it rains, it is just a matter of throwing the poncho over yourself and your backpack. However, a poncho can also be used as a tarp, wind sack or to cover your sleeping bag when sleeping under the stars. It is useful during your day-to-day activities, when commuting to and from work, when you are biking or when you are at outdoor concerts. Add a pair of chaps if you want to have more protection for your legs. Height (measured from the shoulder): 112 cm Length (from one side to another): 135 cm
$50.00 on their site but prices to range at other retailer sites.
Comes in two colors - Black and Olive Green
Use : I’ve begun testing this hat out already and I’m impressed just as I was with the Seal Skinz Socks that we showed off previously. After four night hikes, roughly 45 miles worth of trail time in all sorts of rainy conditions, I can tell you that this hat is waterproof. I’ve used this in dense fog with light mist, light rain to heavy down pours and stayed 100% dry.
Most of the nights the temps were in the 50’s and it was perfectly comfortable. When the temps got to the mid 60’s I did notice that my noggin was getting a little hot and that’s because this hat does had a thermal rating of 3. In other words, it’s meant for that range in between the hottest of days and the coldest and that does seem to be accurate. In other words it wouldn’t be breathable for the sunniest of days or warm enough for the coldest ones either.
When it comes to noggin protection, I am not a big fan of hoods, I like hats especially if i am with some friends and there is talking involved.
The definitive technical bush or trail hat is soft enough to fold with an adjustable brim also provides excellent sun protection.
Totally waterproof, breathable and windproof
Adjustable brim can be worn down or up to suit
Detachable chinstrap and a mesh lined interior for a comfortable fit
Folds up nicely.
Very light weight : 1.9oz or 53.86 grams
Material composition:
The Sealskinz Waterproof Trail Hat is built for the wet and the warm to protect you from whatever nature has to throw at you. The hat is waterproof, windproof and breathable and features a mesh lining for added comfort.
The Sealskinz Waterproof Trail Hat has many other features including an adjustable and detachable chinstrap and an adjustable brim which can be worn up or down. The hat comes in two colour options: Black or Olive.
The Sealskinz Waterproof Trail Hat can be folded down and it fits in your pocket. Plus with the help of the adjustable brim, it will always maintain its shape when worn. This hat is comfortable and practical and is great to take on your adventures.
Features
Waterproof, windproof and breathable
Mesh lined for added comfort
Available in black and olive
Adjustable and detachable chin strap
Adjustable brim can be worn up or down
Thermal rating: 3
Pro-Tip : In a pinch you can use this hat as a bucket!
• Welded seams
• Watertight, roll top seal
• Reflective accents
• Articulated padded shoulder straps with sternum handle
• Top carry handle
• Front mesh pocket
• Two side pockets
• Trekking pole holder
• Made from 420 Denier fabric with TPU coating
• Voted #1 waterproofing pack by Backpacker Magazine
Perfect pack to carry around 20lbs.
Twin vertical foam pads cushion the back but provide little load support. In terms of features, the pack is strictly minimalist. Two waterproof, zippered pockets on the outside stash an old-fashioned flip phone or car keys (but are too small for an iPhone). There's also a small mesh zip pocket on the outside front that's perfect for GU Chomps, sunblock, and lip balm. The main compartment accommodates a day's worth of water and food and a rainshell, but lacks organization.
The other day we posted this video in regards to the Swiss Camo Wet Weather Poncho and today I came across a picture of myself wearing it in the middle of a snow storm. Good times. Great Poncho!
If interested in purchasing one, they can be found at;
