KitbagQuarterMaster

Helikon Camogrom Field Parka, Soldier 2008 - Reviewed by Yosser


As any woodland skirmisher will tell you the weather forces the choices of kit! So the unpredictable nature of the British weather kind of dictated the need for the latest piece of Helikon gear, the Field Parka, Soldier 2008.

This is one seriously heavy duty jacket made from 50/50 Nylon/Cotton with a partial mesh inner and a detachable wired hood which means it keeps its shape really well.

The jacket has a two way main zipper made of plastic covered by a Velcro fastening storm flap for keeping the rain out, which works well. This flap is also fitted with a buttoned epaulette type flap for rank/trade slides etc, which is a nice touch as most things now seem to have gone down the Velcro road entirely. Talking of Velcro you’ll find plenty on the arms for all the important stuff like moral & unit patches although it would have been nice to have the same provided for name & branch tags etc above the body pockets like others in the range.


The Field Parka of course features standard items, such as drawstring waist and bottom as well as Velcro cuffs which are great when using gloves rather than buttons. All the buttons are the slotted type which results in them all being secure (well apart from one, on the outside of the LHS breast pocket, like a small pencil pocket, almost, strange why this wasn’t included as well!) and of course makes the jacket quieter when searching through the not inconsiderable room ALL the pockets give you! When you first don the jacket its one of the 1st things to strike you just how much they’ve squeezed out of this jacket. All the external pockets have mesh lower sides the assist in drainage should they become wet, they’ve really thought about this it seems and the internal mesh even forms room for a couple of maps if need be! Here are just some of the features:
Pockets:

• 2 cargo pockets on the chest,
• 2 inside pockets on the chest,
• 2 sleeve pockets,
• 2 warmed with fleece pockets.

More Info:

• Wired (retractable) Hood,
• Under arm zippers for heat ventilation
• Two way zipper on jacket with Velcro flap closure
• adjustable cuffs (Velcro),
• Drawstring waist adjustment.

As with most Helikon products you can get this jacket style in a variety of colours including:

Yosser says: Obviously based on the British forces Soldier 95 & 2005 clothing that was a huge success, this goes beyond even that I feel. My only serious criticism of this otherwise great Parka is that maybe they should have considered toggles for the waist adjustment like they did for the bottom of the Parka. Airsofters will find plenty of room in the pockets for carrying enough ammo magazines without the need for more tac gear and its versatility will find the jacket used by varied groups from anglers, campers, hunters and anyone wanting to stay warm, dry in any outdoor activity. Be warned though the Field Parka does tend to get very heavy when totally soaked so you'll probably still need a poncho for heavier down pours.

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For the full range of products & ordering please check out:
UK Supplier Military1st
or rest of Europehttp://www.hwesta.eu/

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