REVIEW: Helikon Tex M65 Covert

John Rambo had one, so we have to have one too. The M65 is the classic American field jacket. And for those who don't like America, they will like the Austrian version, which also has the potential to become a classic. Helikon-Tex has taken a different approach: they have completely redesigned the M65 and released it as the M65 Covert. The experiment was extremely successful for the Poles, it must be said in advance. And now let's get into the details.

We got the M65 Covert from CAMOSTORE in Taiga Green, which strongly resembles RAL7013. Here are the basic details of this good piece:

• hidden hood in the collar
• doubled fabric without lining
• Canadian Buttons buttons and 'break-away' zipper
• removable inner document pocket, usable as a hip pocket
• Napoleon pocket and document pocket on the forearm
• Made from durable DuraCanvas® fabric
• Jacket material: 63% polyester, 34% cotton, 3% elastane, mesh: 100% polyester, lining: 65% polyester, 35% cotton, insert: 93% nylon, 7% elastane, insert: 100% polyester

The jacket on a person: HELIKON-TEX delivers what it promises and the size is True to Size. For those with broad shoulders or a good belly, we recommend going one size up. Or if you prefer a baggy look.

This is also evident when looking at the back: M65 Covert cuts a fine figure.

As always, we delve into the details: A high stand-up collar is a must.

This protects against wind and weather, and the hoody fits comfortably underneath.

There's a zipper hidden on the lower collar edge.

And the hood is hidden inside.

It is cut superbly and does not add bulk to the collar, but functionally covers the head.

Slightly stiffened at the front for a nice fit.

And in the back, a rubber band at the top to allow the hood to be pulled tight so that it turns with the field of vision.

If the whole man has to be covered, it works. That is by the way the side view, also note the pocket layout in the lower area.

If you want to wear it open, the hood rests lightly on the shoulders.

Speaking of shoulders: this is a heavily used area for the parka, as a backpack can also be carried. Therefore, they are reinforced with a solid fabric.

The good piece from the front: the zipper is covered by a thick strip.

The large Canadian buttons ensure that everything can be quickly and comfortably closed, even with gloves.

On the chest, there are two pockets with a subtle bellows. Note the shape of the flap and the placement of the button. Practical.

At the same height, there is a concealed Napoleon pocket. For all the important things: ID, ticket, condom, etc.

At the waist, two generous pockets in the front (as big as Russia, we almost said) ...

... and two in the back. You could even fit AR15 style rifle magazines in there. Not suitable for us on the street, a Milka chocolate bar will do.

In terms of length, the jacket reaches the lower third of the buttocks. It's good, but could be a bit longer to our personal taste.

Even if you cross your arms defiantly, the M65 Covert sits superbly. The main fabric is DuraCanvas®, light rain beads off, wind does not blow through. The jacket is not padded and not intended to button in a liner (which is a shame). A fleece pullover underneath extends the range of use, but in winter it is not a friend of extreme cold, so let's say: three seasons and you're happy.

Even the elbows are highly stressed areas and are accordingly reinforced like the shoulders - it becomes noticeable only on the jacket where green meets black.

The sleeves are buttoned and can be worn wide or tight.

There is a hidden pocket on the sleeve.

A secret compartment. Chocolate or condoms - you know the answer in your heart.

M65 Covert looks great when worn casually open in nice weather.

You know, it's what's on the inside that counts: so that's how they look.

Two slanted pockets on the right and left. If you feel the need, that's where you can fit pistol magazines. Make sure to adhere to valid firearms rights. So maybe Snickers instead...

The surprise guest comes from another inner pocket.

One could see it as a wearable magazine carrier when at home in the USA.

For everyone else, it's a nice belly bag for concealed carry.

Inside, it's like a small office.

And with an easy-to-release closure.

It doesn't look so fancy, but we also reveal: that belongs in the pants.

The jacket is EDC in the country as well as in the city. We like to use the super practical GhostHood Speed Pack 15 for our tours.

CONCLUSION: Helikon-Tex has done great. The parka brings the M65 out of history and turns it into a modern piece of clothing that is as practical as it is beautiful. Just the thought that a similarly modernized parka at TAD Gear cost several hundred dollars, but it wasn't as nice as the Helikon-Tex M65 Covert, makes us rave. Otherwise: a utility jacket, good design, classic lines, great price. Must-have.

Here is the manufacturer's video about the jacket.

The HELIKON-TEX M65 Covert is available in the colors Ash Gray, Black, Taiga Green, and Taiga Green-Black at the CAMOSTORE Shop for 139.95 euros

HELIKON-TEX Online

CAMOSTORE Online

By the way, it's also very suitable for nightlife ...