REVIEW: Helikon-Tex Windrunner Windshirt

When the wind blows, it gets colder quickly. That's called "wind chill." That's why it's worth having a wind jacket that provides protection. In the US Special Forces Outdoor Uniform PCU, a simple windshirt is Level 4 of seven clothing layers in the layering system. The Windrunner by Helikon-Tex is designed and executed in a very similar way. View from the back: simple cut, lightweight fabric. The Windrunner stands out for its simple design. It is not meant to be complicated. What is loose here can be tightened at the bottom with an elastic band so that it doesn't feel drafty. On top is a hood. What hangs here at the back of the neck... ... can quickly protect the head. And from the wide hood, under which a helmet also fits, a close-fitting hood with a visor at the front and adjustment options at the front, middle, and back of the neck can be quickly converted using elastic bands. Definitely not attractive, but extremely practical. The Windrunner is not a jacket but is pulled over the head: a slip jacket. Here you can see the zipper. The Windrunner can be opened up to just below the chest.

The material itself is windproof. The Windrunner is not a rain jacket. However, there is an extra zone incorporated under the arms to allow for successful perspiration. The jacket ends with a classic elastic at the ends of the arms, which is not too tight. You can also roll up the sleeves. The slip jacket is kept rather loose so you can wear something underneath. From the chest downwards, there are two zippers that open up into a wide compartment. You can easily fit both hands in there, and you can see how thin the fabric is. The Micro Ripstop Nylon with Dupont Teflon Coating is wind-resistant, water beads off fairly well at first, but it is not a rain jacket. The material loses the fight against the drops. Mesh also ensures that air reaches the body, while there are pockets that organize the interior space. Here we have a flashlight. With the zippers - naturally YKK - you can also work on temperature regulation when it gets hot. That's the magic of 155 grams. The Windrunner weighs almost nothing. Here we have folded it up, you could also stick it in a coffee cup, and half of it would still be visible. Or you can do it right: the Windrunner can be folded into itself. The color here is Alpha Green.

CONCLUSION: Small, practical, and not exactly cheap: the Windrunner by Helikon-Tex is a windshirt that you can always have in your backpack. The jacket for emergencies, which can also fit over several layers and keep the wind outside. Ideal for travel with light luggage.

You can get the Helikon-Tex Windrunner Windshirt at Helikon-Tex for Euro 61.90. It is available in Black, Coyote, Multicam, Shadow Grey, and Alpha Green. Or in Germany at TACOPSGEAR (Link) or CAMOSTORE (Link).

HELICON-TEX on the Internet: www.helikon-tex.comSmall, weightless, just attach it to the Arc'teryx LEAF Khard 30. Always have it with you when it gets windy.