Winter jackets - which one would be the best?

Temperatures outside are dropping, winter is slowly but surely coming and some may think about purchasing a good jacket that will keep them warm. Therefore, probably most common question right now is "Which winter jacket would be the best?"

In this short text, we will try to help you out a bit, and share some knowledge about products we have to offer. Despite different features and potential purposes, all of the jackets we mention will keep you warm and comfortable, no matter how harsh the weather conditions would be. We' ve picked and briefly described five jackets that we find most appealing, in order to make Your decision easier. Our picks are:

• Helikon Wolfhound Hoodie
• Helikon Level 7
• Helikon Husky
• M-Tac Softshell with liner
• M-Tac Witiaź

Helikon Wolfhound Hoodie

The first product we want You to get acquainted with, is Wolfhoud Hoodie from the Helikon-Tex brand. It is a lightweight, versatile jacket which will give you optimal thermal comfort during colder days. In this product, unlike the M-Tac which products we describe further on, Helikon-Tex decided to use Apex-Climashield synthetic down. However, both insulation types - G-loft and Apex Climashield offer great thermal parameters and they keep them even when wet. The outside layer of Wolfhound Hoodie is WindPack Nylon - the same we can find in other Helikon-Tex products, like the WindRunner windshirt.

In terms of design, we can find well known and proven solutions - Two big side pockets on a chest, and one inside pocket which can fit things like a phone or wallet. Head and neck are protected with a collar and a hood, both insulated with Apex Climashield. Another important feature are elastic insets placed on both sides, below the armpits. This feature gives the user even more freedom of movement and comfort at all times.

Another interesting feature is a compression bag that Helikon-Tex adds to the jacket. That feature may seem simplistic, but adds even more versatility to the product - Wolfhound may be daily wearing jacket, or "plan b" when You find yourself in a situation when You need an extra layer to keep You warm. When packed to the compression bag, Wolfhound is very compact, and doesn't need a lot of room to be carried around - it can easily fit in a small backpack or even a glovebox

Helikon Level 7

Another Helikon-Tex product in our list is Helikon Level 7 - Based on "marshmallow" 7th layer of Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) used by the United States Army. Therefore, as you can expect, the Helikon-Tex product has been designed to keep its user warm even in the most harsh and extreme weather conditions. As in previously described Wolfhound Hoodie Jacket, the manufacturer also used Apex Climashield insulation but considerably thicker - in torso and arms area. The outside layer is made of Nylon covered in Teflon which makes it resistant to light rain, but keeping the good breathability

The design of the jacket as in its military counterpart is very comfortable and doesn't impede movement in any way. Head and neck are protected by the insluated collar and hood. What is important, the hood was designed to be compatible with helmets. It is also worth mentioning, that you can fold the hood and place it inside the collar, and its drawstrings were placed inside the chest pockets, what enables you to adjust it without pulling out Your hands. The chest pockets also feature additional fleece insulation to keep your hands warm, D-Rings and some gear compartments which can for example fit small electronic devices

Similar to Wolfhound Hoodie, along with the jacket comes the compression bag wchich makes carrying the jacket around easier. To sum up, Level 7 is defiinitely a jacket which will provide You with warmth and comfort exactly when You need it.

Helikon Husky

The last Helikon-Tex product in our list is Husky - which can be also called the tactical version of Level 7 jacket, designed to be used by law enforcement officers. Manufacturer featured Husky with a number of solutions which make the jacket more convenient to use on duty but keeping the thermal protection offered by Level 7. For example, by the use of the same insulation material - 100g Apex Climashield.

The first distinctive feature of Husky is the Quick Side Access system, which makes reaching the holstered weapon easier, with one smooth move. What is even more interesting, the system was designed in a way to hide its original purpose which helps keeping a low profile especially in urban areas. Another important feature of the jacket are velcro panels - two placed on both sides of the chest and one bigger on the back, which enable the user to use identification pathes of all sorts.

In terms of cold protection Husky shares many features with Level 7 - Fleece-lined chest pockets with small compartments for small electronic gear or foldable, insulated hood. It is also worth mentioning that Husky has a pretty big internal storage room - four big, internal zippered pockets placed by two on each side. Altogether it makes six pockets with plenty of room to carry your gear around.

To sum up, Husky will undoubtedly be a good choice, and will prove its worth wither on duty, or at the shooting range. Its inconspicuous design combined with great thermal features definitely makes it a product worth recommendation.

M-Tac Softshell with liner

The M-Tac softshell with liner will be a great choice for all who are looking for versatility. It is a combination of wind and light rain protection with a fleece liner as an additional cold protection. The fleece layer can be easily zippered in the softshell, depending on the current need and situation. Therefore, it gives its user great versatility - it can be used as a regular softshell for wind and rain protection, or as a winter jacket when the weather gets more harsh. It is also worth mentioning that the fleece liner can be worn separately.

Apart from the rain and wind protection, the jacket also features loose, anatomic designs which does not restrict movement and six spacious pockets - two on the chest, two on arms, one on forearm, and one pass-through pocket on the back. The liner itself also has two separate pockets, in case we wanted to wear it separately. To maximize the comfort, two pit zips were also placed on each side of the jacket.

M-Tac Witiaź

Another product by M-Tac is Witiaź - an insulated winter jacket. The insulation used by the manufacturer is well known G-loft. It is worth pointing out that G-loft insulation is most usually used in very expensive winter jackets offered by top brands, due to its great thermal features - Which makes Witiaź a grat value for your money.

Because of its design, the jacket can be used as an inner, additional layer with a soft shell or parka. It makes it very versatile, because depending on the current situation we can add or take off certain layers of clothing. Adjustable hood and high collar lined with G-Loft provide additional cold protection. Last but not least, Witiaź also has “civilian” low profile look which makes it a great choice for duty or everyday use.