REVIEW: Helikon-Tex Modern Battle Dress Uniform (MBDU)

In addition to dedicated combat uniforms – most famously by Crye – normal field uniforms also shape the tactical everyday life. A classic example of this is the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). It is intended for both barracks duty and combat missions. Helikon-Tex have subjected the BDU to a fundamental revision, resulting in the Modern Battle Dress Uniform (MBDU). We have taken a detailed look at it.

The MBDU in all its glory. What is immediately noticeable is the absence of integrated knee protectors compared to mission-specific uniforms. The material is a 52% nylon - 48% cotton blend, making the uniform very light and comfortable to wear.

The back is very unexciting. The top is slightly tapered, the pants straight.

On the sides of the top, the camouflage pattern is interrupted by a narrow 15 cm wide stretch strip. This guarantees high freedom of movement.

Mesh fabric is processed under the armpit, providing the necessary ventilation, especially important in summer.

The upper arms are naturally equipped with Velcro, even two Velcro areas. A large one with 9 x 10 cm and a small one with 6 x 4 cm for small flags or IR squares. Also very nice is the difference between Pencott GreenZone and WildWood. The GreenZone on the SPARTANAT patch has a much more aggressive green.

An upper arm pocket should never be missing, not even here. Classic with a zipper, no interior compartments.

The 7 cm high collar can be raised and closed with Velcro. This protects against chafing from the weapon belt.

The MBDU also offers a large rank loop on the chest, so that everyone knows your rank. Particularly popular with officers. Velcro areas for names must not be missing on a uniform.

Left and right next to the rank, very spacious chest pockets are available. These are zipped and very flat when nothing is placed inside. They also do not bulge when a plate carrier is worn over them.

The top of the MBDU is buttoned with small Canadian buttons. This holds well and can be easily repaired in the field.

The sleeves are adjusted in width using Velcro.

Here is the stretch fabric on the side of the MBDU in full action. The material has not shown any signs of wear and tear yet, we will keep you updated. In terms of flexibility, this feature is a winner: the jacket is tight and tailored, the stretch prevents you from feeling pinched.

The inner workings of the MBDU for completeness. Nothing exciting, just fabric and labels.

Now the details of the MBDU pants. They are very straight cut and come in sizes from X-Small to XL. We wear our jeans in size 33/32, so we fall right between M (32") and L (34"). We opted for Large, because better too big than too small. The length is measured at 32" for Regular, which fits well for us. Most sizes are also available in the "Long" version with a 34" inseam.

The back. What is not immediately noticeable in the pictures, but when worn, is the positioning of the thigh pockets. In the MBDU, these are more on the back. In combat uniforms, thigh pockets are usually on the sides and pulled forward. The big disadvantage of this is that it is more difficult to access the contents when lying down. This is very easy with the MBDU pants. A really well thought out positioning.

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
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