Helikon-Tex Chinook Jacket Black

Are you looking for a high-quality rain jacket for airsoft, outdoor activities, the shooting range or other activities where you want to stay active even in bad weather? The Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket Black is a lightweight 2.5-layer membrane jacket with a water column rating of 20,000 mm and a breathability rating of 20,000 g/m²/24h. The Chinook thus combines a high level of protection against rain and wind with the ability to wick away body moisture during exercise.

Helikon-Tex has deliberately kept the Chinook compact. The 2.5-layer laminate does not require a traditional detachable lining, ensuring the jacket remains lightweight and easy to pack away. At the same time, it features taped seams, covered zips, underarm ventilation zips, an adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs and four practical pockets.

Why choose the Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket?

The Chinook’s key strength is that it is not just a simple water-repellent windbreaker, but a fully-fledged membrane jacket designed for wet conditions. The combination of 20,000 mm waterproofing, taped seams and covered zips is designed to keep the rain out, whilst the membrane allows body moisture to escape.

That makes the jacket ideal for activities where you’re not just standing still in the rain, but are actually on the move. Think of a long outdoor skirmish, hiking, fieldwork or a day at the shooting range where the weather is constantly changing.

2.5-layer membrane construction

The Chinook uses a 2.5-layer laminate. This consists of an outer fabric, a microporous membrane and a protective printed layer on the inside. Thanks to this construction, there is no need for a traditional separate lining.

This saves on weight and bulk, making the Chinook easier to carry in a rucksack than much heavier hardshells. Its design makes it particularly useful as a protective outer layer that you can pull on when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Waterproof rating of 20,000 mm

With a stated water column of 20,000 mm, the Chinook offers a high level of protection against rain. This makes it suitable for considerably heavier and longer-lasting rainfall than a simple jacket that is fitted with a water-repellent coating only.

In addition, the seams are taped and the zips are covered by fabric flaps to further limit the ingress of water. The membrane is therefore only one component of the overall protection system.

Breathability of 20,000 g/m²/24h

Keeping water out is only half the story when it comes to active outdoor clothing. When sweat and heat have nowhere to go, you’ll eventually end up getting wet from the inside anyway. That’s why the Chinook has a specified vapour permeability of 20,000 g/m²/24h.

The microporous membrane has been designed to keep out water from the outside whilst allowing water vapour to escape from inside the jacket. This is particularly important when hiking, playing airsoft and during other physically active pursuits.

However, no membrane can prevent you from sweating during strenuous exercise. That is why Helikon-Tex combines breathable fabric with active ventilation features.

Ventilation zips under the armpits

There are ventilation zips under both arms. These allow you to create extra air circulation when the membrane alone is not sufficient to dissipate all the heat during intense exercise.

This is particularly useful, for example, during a strenuous hike or when you’re on the move for a long time wearing a plate carrier, chest rig or rucksack during an airsoft skirmish. As soon as you become less active or the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can close the ventilation again.

PFC-free DWR C0 coating

The outer fabric has been treated with a DWR C0 PFC-free water-repellent finish. This coating helps prevent the outer fabric from becoming saturated with water too quickly, whilst also reducing the absorption of dirt.

DWR is not the same as the waterproof membrane. The coating ensures that water beads off the surface more easily, whilst the membrane underneath forms the actual water barrier. As the jacket is used and washed more frequently, the effectiveness of the DWR treatment may diminish and it will eventually need to be renewed using a suitable waterproofing agent.

Adjustable hood with a high collar

The hood features a 2-point adjustment system, allowing you to adjust it for a better fit around your head. The high collar also provides extra protection for your neck and lower face when you’re out in the rain and wind.

A well-fitting hood is particularly important when you’re on the move. A hood that’s too loose can restrict your vision or keep slipping out of place when you turn your head.

Adjustable cuffs and hem

The cuffs can be adjusted around the wrists using hook-and-loop. This allows you, for example, to tighten the sleeves around your wrists or, conversely, to create extra space when wearing gloves.

The fit can also be adjusted at the bottom using a drawstring. By adjusting the hood, cuffs and hem properly, you can make the jacket more wind- and rain-proof, or wear it a little more loosely, depending on the conditions.

Two-way zip with a Prym press stud

The main zip is a two-way zip. This means you can not only open the jacket from the top, but also create extra space from the bottom if necessary.

At the bottom, the fastening is further secured with a Prym press stud. The zip itself is protected by a flap to further minimise the risk of rain entering directly through the fastening.

Four handy bags

The Chinook has a total of four pockets. There are two zipped hand pockets at the front, whilst there is an additional shoulder pocket on each upper arm.

The front pockets can be used for smaller items or to temporarily keep your hands out of the elements. The shoulder pockets are handy for items you want to carry higher up on your body and feature hook-and-loop panels for identification or patches.

For airsoft and tactical use, shoulder pouches are particularly useful when a plate carrier, chest rig or other equipment restricts normal access to lower clothing pockets.

Suitable as an outer layer over your kit

The Chinook has a Regular fit and is designed to be a protective outer layer. When choosing your size, it is therefore a good idea to bear in mind what you intend to wear underneath it.

If you mainly wear the jacket in light rain over a combat shirt or T-shirt, you’ll need less extra space than if you want to wear a fleece or other insulating layer underneath in colder conditions. Helikon-Tex recommends this model for wet conditions ranging from approximately -5 to 10 °C, but the actual comfort temperature is largely determined by your activity level, wind conditions and the layers you wear underneath the Chinook.

Compact and easy to carry

Thanks to its 2.5-layer construction and the absence of a traditional lining, the Chinook can be packed away relatively compactly. The jacket can be packed into the hood and also comes with a separate carry bag.

That makes it a useful rain jacket to keep in your rucksack, gear bag or vehicle kit at all times. You don’t need to wear it all day to be able to grab it quickly should the weather suddenly take a turn for the worse.

100% polyester outer fabric

The outer fabric is made of 100% polyester with a stated fabric weight of 100 g/m². The membrane itself is made of 100% polyurethane.

The technical fabric and laminated construction are primarily designed to strike a good balance between protection, breathability and pack size. The Chinook is therefore a different type of jacket to a heavy, lined winter or field jacket.

Black version

This version is entirely Black and therefore pairs easily with black tactical gear, plate carriers and other equipment. Its neutral appearance also makes it suitable for use beyond airsoft or tactical applications, for example whilst hiking, travelling and for everyday outdoor use.

Helikon-Tex positions the Chinook primarily within the Patrol product range, whilst it also has applications within the Outback, Range and Urban ranges. The manufacturer therefore explicitly positions the model as a multifunctional technical rain jacket.

Practical tip

During intense exercise, don’t just rely on the breathable membrane – make sure you open the underarm ventilation zips in good time. This allows excess heat to escape more quickly before the inside of your clothing becomes clammy. If, after prolonged use, you notice that rain no longer beads off the outer fabric, this does not necessarily mean the membrane is worn out; it is often simply time to clean and/or reactivate or re-waterproof the DWR treatment in accordance with the care instructions.

In the box

When you purchase the Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket Black, you will receive:
　• Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket Black
　• Carry bag

Specificaties

　• Brand: Helikon-Tex
　• Model: Chinook Jacket
　• SKU: KU-KCH-PO
　• Colour: Black
　• Product line: Patrol
　• Additional product lines: Outback / Range / Urban
　• Type: Lightweight membrane/rain jacket
　• Construction: 2.5-layer laminate
　• Outer fabric: 100% polyester
　• Membrane: 100% polyurethane
　• Fabric weight: 100 g/m²
　• Waterproof rating: 20,000 mm
　• Breathability: 20,000 g/m²/24h
　• DWR treatment: DWR C0, PFC-free
　• Seams: Taped
　• Zips: Rain-sealed
　• Main zip: Two-way
　• Additional fastening: Prym press stud
　• Ventilation: Zips under the armpits
　• Hood: Yes, 2-point adjustable
　• Cuffs: Adjustable with hook-and-loop fastening
　• Hem: Adjustable with drawstring
　• Number of pockets: 4
　• Hand pockets: 2 with zips
　• Shoulder pockets: 2 with zips
　• Patch panels: Hook-and-loop on the shoulders
　• Fit: Regular
　• Fastening: Full-zip
　• Gender: Men’s
　• Packable: Yes, packs compactly into the hood
　• Carry bag: Included
　• Approximate weight: Approx. 400 grams in size L
　• Specified climate conditions: Wet, approx. -5 to 10 °C
　• Suitable for: Airsoft, outdoor activities, hiking, duty, shooting ranges and everyday use in wet weather

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chinook primarily a raincoat or also a warm winter coat?
The Chinook is first and foremost a protective rain and wind layer, not an insulated winter coat. The 2.5-layer construction does not include a warm lining. This is actually handy because it allows you to layer up as you see fit: for example, wear it over a combat shirt in mild weather or combine it with a fleece or insulating mid-layer when it gets colder.

Is a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm sufficient for a full day of airsoft in the rain?
20,000 mm is a high waterproof rating and, combined with taped seams and protected zips, the Chinook has been designed for seriously wet conditions. However, how dry you stay throughout a full day also depends on the level of exertion, whether the jacket is fastened correctly, and the condition of the DWR coating. Furthermore, during strenuous activity, moisture on the inside may simply be sweat rather than water seeping in.

Is this jacket comfortable to wear under or over a plate carrier?
For airsoft, we would normally wear it as the outermost layer of clothing and then put the plate carrier or chest rig on over it. The ventilation zips may then be less easily accessible, and heavy gear can restrict ventilation in certain areas. Depending on your setup, the shoulder pockets are often easier to access than lower pockets, but this varies depending on the plate carrier and configuration.

What is the difference between this Chinook and a standard water-repellent softshell?
A softshell is usually designed for comfort, freedom of movement and protection against wind and light rain. The Chinook, on the other hand, features a genuine 2.5-layer waterproof membrane with a water column rating of 20,000 mm and taped seams. When long-lasting protection against rain is a priority, a membrane jacket such as the Chinook is therefore the more logical choice.

Do I need to buy the jacket one size larger so I can wear a fleece underneath?
Not necessarily. The Chinook has a regular fit and offers some room for layers, but how much space you need depends on your build and the thickness of your mid-layer. If you intend to wear it regularly over a thick fleece or other insulating layer, it’s best to compare the size chart with a jacket you use in the same way.

Why does the DWR coating need to be maintained if the jacket already has a waterproof membrane?
The membrane and the DWR coating have different functions. The membrane prevents water from penetrating the jacket, whilst the DWR treatment ensures that the outer fabric becomes saturated less quickly. When the outer fabric becomes completely wet, the jacket can feel colder and clammer, and effective moisture wicking may be reduced. That is why proper maintenance of the DWR coating is important, even with a jacket featuring a waterproof membrane.

Advice from Airsoft-Legends

In our opinion, the Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket Black is particularly appealing to players and outdoor enthusiasts who actually carry on in bad weather. A simple windbreaker with a water-repellent coating may be fine for a brief shower, but in prolonged rain, a 20,000 mm membrane with taped seams clearly offers greater protection.

For airsoft, we particularly appreciate the combination of waterproofing and ventilation. When wearing a plate carrier, chest rig or rucksack, you quickly build up heat whilst on the move. The breathable 20,000 g/m²/24h construction helps wick away moisture, and the underarm zips allow you to actively increase ventilation when the intensity of your activity increases.

Its relatively low weight is also important. With a reference weight of around 400 grams in size L, you get a proper rain jacket that’s compact enough to keep in your gear bag or rucksack as standard. This means you don’t have to choose in advance between wearing a heavy rain jacket all day or heading out without any protection.

So, if you’re looking for a lightweight yet technically advanced rain jacket for airsoft, outdoor activities or the shooting range, the Chinook offers a powerful combination of 20K/20K membrane performance, ventilation, adjustability and a compact pack size.