REVIEW: Helikon-Tex Malamute

Helikon has a sleeveless garment in its lineup: the Malamute Vest. This is practical because it doesn't always have to be full warmth. This vest is comparable in design and function to the PCU Level 7A Vest, which has been issued to US special forces for some time. Martin took a look at it for you.

Alaskan Malamute, a Nordic dog breed, is the namesake for this product. It was most likely chosen because Huskies have thick warm fur - and that's exactly how the Helikon Vest feels: warm and cozy.

The Malamute outer shell is made of nylon and filled with Climashield ® Apex ™ insulation (67 g/m2). This results in very good breathability with wind and water-repellent properties. Even when wet, a high level of insulation is still noticeable.

The other features are also well chosen and complete the picture:

• Full zip with YKK zippers
• Stand-up collar with waffle fleece
• Velcro area on the right chest
• 2 outer pockets with fleece lining and compartments for pens and small items
• 1 inner pocket
• Elastic drawstring at the bottom with quick closures for a custom fit

The vest is very lightweight and compressible, and a packing sack for transport is included.

Presented here in the color "Coyote Brown" and size Large, the Malamute is also available in Black and Foliage Green in sizes S-XXL.

CONCLUSION: The Helikon Vest offers a very good price-performance ratio, is well-made. And it's practical too: not always needing hot sleeves, sometimes it's enough for the body to be nice and warm and have more mobility. In that sense, an excellent garment for transitional seasons, in the mountains, in action.

You can get the Helikon Malamute, for example, from Camostore for 74.90 euros.