REVIEW: Helikon-Tex Alpha Grid Fleece Jacket

The days are getting longer, it's getting warmer so summer can't be too far away. On some days and nights, however, it's still cool and you need a jacket, but only a thin one. Helikon-Tex offers exactly that with the Alpha Grid Fleece Jacket. We took a closer look at it.

Actually, the Alpha Jacket is intended as a lining for under a softshell or hardshell jacket, but it also wears very well on its own and even looks quite stylish. Due to the rather snug fit and the simple but functional pocket layout and the absence of any Velcro patches, it is also very wearable and inconspicuous in civilian areas.

The Alpha features two handwarmer pockets at hip height and a chest pocket with cable exit. All are closed with a zipper. The chest pocket is big enough to easily accommodate smartphones. The jacket closes with a full zipper, which is provided with a chin guard at the high stand-up collar.

The interior is completely unspectacular. Simply the Helikon label and the adjustment option for the hem with an elastic drawstring (Not Funny is great). By the way, the sleeve cuff is not adjustable but slightly elastic.

CONCLUSION: A lightweight, simple fleece jacket that is suitable both as a liner under a softshell and for independent wear. Due to its relatively small pack size, a good companion in the backpack for any outing, no matter where.

Available at e.g. Camostore for 49.90€ excluding shipping in the colors Black, OD, Coyote, and Foliage (by the way, our test sample was Foliage)