GEAR UP FOR THE COLD | WITH HELIKON TEX GEN III LEVEL 2 UNDERWEAR
It´s importand to stay warm during your outdoor activities in cold environments. It dosn´t matter if you´re on a hiking trip, a airsoft event or on an combat mission. To choose the right clothing system, starting with an base layer makes the difference from beeing comfortable, warm and try or not! One clothing system you should check out is the Helikon Tex Gen III Level 2 Underwear Set available from our partner Military 1st in the UK who provided us this set for a test.
ABOUT HELIKON: *Helikon Tex offers you a wide range of uniforms, tactical clothing, backpacks, boots and equipment that have gained recognition among soldiers, policemen, law enforcement officers, survival and outdoor enthusiasts all over the world. Their product line is a combination of professional employees and faithful end users who constantly motivate them to expand and modernize their products.
*Source: Helikon Tex website
LEVEL 2 UNDERWEAR
OVERVIEW
Now, let´s have a look at it in detail. The set consists of a long sleeved zip neck top and one long johns which comes nicely packed in a box. You are able to choose between the the following sizes: S,M,L,XL,XXL and XXXL as well between the colors Black, Olive Green and Coyote. To make sure which size is the right for you, I suggest you to check the “size guide” at Military 1st´s website. They provide it straight at the product for you so you don´t have to search for it which is a nice customer service.
Unfortunately, the sets are not “combinable” if you need for example: a large top and extra large johns. They just come together in one size. TIP: If you checked the size guide and it says that you´re close to the next bigger size, take the bigger one. After I washed mine two times, they become a bit tight and the sleeves also gets a bit shorter.
LEVEL 2 UNDERWEAR
TOP SLEEVE
The top sleeve offers a long front zip which opens up all the way down to the middle of the upper part of the body. That is very helpful once you try to put it on, as well when you take it off again and it also supports you to cool down faster if needed. The base of the zipper is reinforced with nylon webbing which support additional insulation as well.
The top features thumb holes to keep the sleeves in place, a turtleneck with an interated chin guard for better comfort, and the back of the shirt has a contoured long tail.
LEVEL 2 UNDERWEAR
LONG JOHNS
The long johns don´t have any zippers on it. They go with an elastic waistband (which also supports the fitting and comfort) and an standard front fly opening. I guess you know what that is for…
MATERIAL
HELIKON TEX uses modern textil materials or “technologys” if you wanna call it so which stands in accordance with the requirements from the specification of the US Army. That integrates this clothing system full to the Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System, short: GEN III ECWCS.
But which materials do they use exactly? Here are the facts for you:
- 95% Polyester
- 5% Spandex
- Helikon-Tex® Comfort Dry 210 g/m2 Breathable Grid moisture wicking, quick drying material.
that´s it.
USABILITY
As mentioned above, I used the clothing for several hiking trips, CQB and greenside training tours for the last two months to get a clear few how it performs during these different kind of movements. Temperature range was from 0°C down to -10°C. The level 2 clothing should be used togehter with level 1 for best results but it´s also possible to use it without level 1 if you´re not out at -10°C or below. Once you´re on the move and in constand flow, the clothing is always very comfortable to wear and it transports the moisture from inside to keep you warm & try. No sensible friction on your skin comes from the stitching or the material it self while on the move or in static position which is from my point of few importand and reflects the high quality/manufacturing process of the product it self. The material drys very quick once you sweated a lot and that supports you from not getting cold/wet, so you stay comfortable and you be always ready for the mission needs.
CONCLUSION
This clothing system was designd to be worn during operations in cold environments and as a base layer for operations in freezing weather conditions. Combined with other layers, it can incrase the overall heating for the enduser which becomes necessary while being static in cold environments or operating at temperaturs far below 0°C. The set fulfill what it´s build for and at an prize level below 50€, this clothing system is very affordalbe and should be on your list for future outdoor gear investments. Also think about these kind of clothing for longer hiking trips in the mountains during the summer. The weather changes very quick sometimes and the temperatur falls down so cold weather clothing becomes very useful.
WHERE TO BUY?
The Helikon Tex Gen III Level 2 Underwear Set is available form Military 1st.
You get it here >>> www.military1st.co.uk/clothing-base-layers/helikon
I have thesecand have used them for my week solo winter hammock trips 6500ft in the French alps.Awesome kit.I wear with my other ECWCS 2/3 kit.
Thanks for the feedback Chris, we love to use em as well 🙂