Helikon-Tex Chinook Jacket Coyote

A rain shower needn’t be a reason to cut short an airsoft skirmish, a hike or a day at the shooting range. The Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket Coyote is a lightweight technical rain jacket with a 2.5-layer membrane, designed to combine protection against rain and wind with high breathability. With a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm and a vapour permeability of 20,000 g/m²/24h, the Chinook is designed for active use in wet conditions.

The jacket combines the membrane with fully taped seams, covered zips, a PFC-free DWR C0 treatment and active underarm ventilation. Thanks to the adjustable hood, cuffs and hem, you can also adapt the fit to suit the conditions. With a reference weight of approximately 400 grams in size L and the ability to stow the jacket compactly inside the hood, the Chinook is also practical as a rain layer to carry as standard in your gear bag or rucksack.

Why choose the Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket?

The Chinook is more than just a simple water-repellent windbreaker. Helikon-Tex uses a 2.5-layer membrane construction that is actually designed to keep out heavy rain whilst wicking body moisture away.

What’s more, the jacket remains relatively light and compact. It doesn’t have a heavy insulating lining, so you can layer the Chinook with different items of clothing. In warmer weather, for example, you can wear it over a shirt, whilst in colder conditions you can add a fleece or other insulating mid-layer yourself.

2.5-layer membrane for protection against rain and wind

The construction consists of an outer fabric, a microporous membrane and a thin protective printed layer on the inside. This final layer protects the membrane without the need for a full traditional lining.

The result is a jacket that is considerably easier to pack away compactly than many heavy, padded jackets. This makes the Chinook particularly appealing as a technical outer layer for situations where protection from the weather is important, but you don’t want to carry an unnecessarily heavy jacket.

Waterproof rating of 20,000 mm

The Chinook has a stated water column of 20,000 mm. This means the jacket has been designed for serious use in the rain, and not just for a brief, light shower. Other retailers selling the specific Coyote version also confirm this figure.

The membrane works in conjunction with the rest of the structure. The seams are taped and the zips are protected to minimise the number of potential points where water can penetrate.

Breathability of 20,000 g/m²/24h

During airsoft, hiking and other physical activities, your body generates heat and perspiration. Simply keeping water out is therefore not enough. The Chinook has a stated breathability rating of 20,000 g/m²/24h, allowing water vapour to be wicked away from the jacket.

That doesn’t mean you’ll never sweat during strenuous exercise. Even a highly breathable membrane has its limits. That’s why Helikon-Tex has also incorporated mechanical ventilation into the design.

Ventilation zips under the armpits

There are ventilation zips under both arms. These allow you to create extra air circulation during intense activity and let built-up heat escape more quickly.

In airsoft, this is particularly useful when you’re wearing a plate carrier, chest rig or rucksack. This sort of kit reduces ventilation in certain areas of your clothing, causing you to overheat more quickly. By opening the underarm ventilation early on, you can regulate your body temperature more effectively.

PFC-free DWR C0 treatment

The outer fabric has been treated with a PFC-free DWR C0 finish. This water-repellent treatment helps water to bead up and roll off the surface, reducing both water and dirt absorption.

DWR and the waterproof membrane have different functions. The membrane acts as the main barrier against water, whilst DWR prevents the outer fabric from becoming saturated too quickly. The DWR treatment wears off gradually through use and washing and will therefore eventually need to be maintained or reapplied.

Taped seams and reinforced zips

With a waterproof jacket, the construction details are also important. This is because every seam creates small openings in the fabric. The Chinook therefore features taped seams to better seal these vulnerable points against water ingress.

The zips are also protected against direct rain. Together with the membrane and the DWR treatment, this creates a comprehensive system in which various components work together to provide protection against wet weather.

YKK® two-way zip with Prym press stud

On the front, Helikon-Tex uses a YKK® two-way zip. This can be opened not only from the top but also from the bottom. This can be useful when you are sitting, kneeling or need extra room to move around the bottom of the jacket. The YKK two-way zip is also fitted specifically for the Coyote version.

At the bottom, the main fastening is further secured with a Prym press stud. This combination is designed to provide a reliable fastening without unnecessarily restricting freedom of movement.

Adjustable hood with a high collar

The integrated hood features a 2-point adjustment system, allowing you to adjust it for a more precise fit around your head. This is particularly useful when you’re facing both wind and rain at the same time.

The high collar also protects a larger part of the neck and lower face. By adjusting the hood properly, you can also prevent it from shifting unnecessarily whilst you’re moving or restricting your field of vision.

Adjustable cuffs and hem

The cuffs can be adjusted using hook-and-loop. This allows you to tighten the sleeves around your wrists when it’s raining heavily, or create more space when you’re wearing gloves, for example.

There is a drawstring at the bottom which can also be used to adjust the hem. Together with the hood and cuffs, this gives you several options for wearing the jacket more snugly or more loosely, depending on the weather.

Four bags for your kit

The Chinook has a total of four pockets. There are two large zipped pockets at the front, and there is also a zipped compartment on each upper arm.

For airsoft and tactical use, the upper arm pockets can be particularly practical. When a chest rig or plate carrier covers part of the front, higher-positioned pockets are sometimes easier to reach than traditional lower jacket pockets.

Hook-and-loop panels for identification

There are hook-and-loop panels on the upper arms for patches and identification. You can, for example, attach a team, nationality or identification patch to these without having to sew it permanently onto the jacket.

This makes it ideal for airsoft, shooting range and on-duty use. If you then want to use the jacket for hiking or everyday wear, you can easily remove the patches.

Coyote voor tactical en outdoor gear

The Coyote version is particularly easy to combine with earth tones and commonly used tactical colours. Think of Coyote, Ranger Green, Olive Drab and various camouflage patterns.

For airsoft players with woodland, Multicam or desert-style kit, Coyote is therefore a logical choice of colour. At the same time, it is a practical earth tone for bushcraft, hiking and general outdoor use.

Regular fit for layering

The Chinook has a Regular fit. As the jacket itself is not insulated, you can decide how much warmth you need by choosing what to wear underneath. Additional product information explicitly mentions that there is room for wearing insulating mid-layers.

Helikon-Tex rates this model for wet conditions ranging from approximately -5 to 10 °C. Do not regard this as an absolute comfort temperature: activity, wind, personal sensitivity to the cold and, above all, your base layer and mid-layer largely determine how warm you ultimately stay.

Fits neatly into the hood

When you don’t need the Chinook, the jacket can be stowed away in its own hood. A separate carry bag is also included. This is also specifically attached to the Coyote version.

That makes the jacket a handy item to keep in your airsoft gear bag, hiking rucksack or car at all times. In dry weather, it stays compactly stowed away, and when the weather turns, you’ll have a technical rain layer to hand in no time.

Approximately 400 grams in size L

The technical product specification states a reference weight of approximately 400 grams for size L. An external listing for the Coyote version also states approximately 400 grams for size L.

As such, the Chinook is not designed as an extremely lightweight rain jacket, but it does offer an attractive balance between weight, weather protection and functionality. Particularly for airsoft and duty use, features such as four pockets, underarm ventilation and adjustability may well be worth the extra weight compared to a minimalist rain jacket.

Maintenance of the membrane and the DWR coating

A technical membrane jacket must be looked after properly. For the Chinook, the care instructions specify washing at a maximum of 30 °C on a delicate cycle. Do not bleach, do not tumble dry, do not dry-clean and do not iron.

If, over time, water no longer beads off the surface as effectively, this does not automatically mean that the membrane is leaking. Often, it is simply the DWR treatment that has worn off. In this case, use a waterproofing or care product suitable for technical membrane clothing and follow Helikon-Tex’s care instructions.

Practical tip

During an active skirmish or hike, don’t wait until your clothes are already damp before opening the underarm ventilation. Start ventilating as soon as you notice your body temperature rising. If you’re wearing a plate carrier or rucksack, this is even more important, as this kit covers parts of the breathable surface and traps heat.

In the box

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

Specificaties

　• Brand: Helikon-Tex
　• Model: Chinook Jacket
　• Product family SKU: KU-KCH-PO
　• Coyote colour code: KU-KCH-PO-11
　• Colour: Coyote
　• 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
　• Water resistance: 20,000 mm
　• Breathability: 20,000 g/m²/24h
　• DWR treatment: DWR C0, PFC-free
　• Seams: Taped
　• Main zip: YKK® two-way zip
　• Additional fastening: Prym press stud
　• Ventilation: Zips under the armpits
　• Hood: Integrated and adjustable at two points
　• Collar: High-stand collar
　• Cuffs: Adjustable with hook-and-loop fastening
　• Hem: Adjustable with drawstring
　• Number of pockets: 4
　• Front pockets: 2 with zips
　• Upper arm pockets: 2 with zips
　• Patch panels: Hook-and-loop on the upper arms
　• Fit: Regular
　• Fastening: Full-zip
　• Gender: Men’s
　• Insulation: None
　• Packable: Yes, packs compactly into the hood
　• Carry bag: Included
　• Approximate weight: Approx. 400 grams in size L
　• Available sizes: XS to 3XL according to Coyote listings found
　• Specified climate conditions: Wet, approximately -5 to 10 °C
　• Suitable for: Airsoft, outdoor activities, hiking, bushcraft, duty, shooting ranges and everyday use in wet weather

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I choose Coyote instead of Black or Shadow Grey?
The technical specifications are the same, so the choice mainly comes down to your kit and the look you’re going for. Coyote goes particularly well with Ranger Green, Olive Drab and many woodland and Multicam-style camouflage patterns. If you mainly use black urban gear, then Black or Shadow Grey often complement it better visually.

Can I wear the Chinook over a fleece?
Yes, the Chinook is specifically designed as a protective outer layer and does not have an insulating lining of its own. A fleece or other mid-layer can therefore be a good combination in colder temperatures. Do make sure to choose your size based on the layers of clothing you actually intend to wear under the jacket.

How practical is the Chinook when worn with a plate carrier?
That depends to some extent on your carrier. The jacket can be combined perfectly well with tactical gear, but a plate carrier covers a large part of the breathable fabric and may make some pockets or adjustment features less accessible. The underarm ventilation therefore remains particularly valuable when you’re out and about in full gear.

Is 20,000 mm necessary for airsoft?
Not on a dry summer’s day, of course, but if you play regularly in autumn and winter, a high water column can make a big difference. A light water-repellent jacket is fine for a brief shower; the Chinook is a better option if you expect to actually be playing in the rain for any length of time.

Can I also use this jacket as a standard hiking rain jacket?
Absolutely. The technical features aren’t specific to airsoft. The 20K/20K membrane, underarm ventilation, adjustable hood and compact pack size are, in fact, features that also come in handy whilst hiking and trekking.

How can I tell if the membrane is leaking or if it’s just the DWR coating that needs maintaining?
If the outer fabric becomes dark and water no longer beads off it properly, but no water is actually getting through the jacket, it is likely that the DWR performance has simply deteriorated. If rainwater is actually seeping in through the fabric or the seams, there may be a more serious issue. You should therefore first maintain the jacket according to the instructions before concluding that the membrane is faulty.

Advice from Airsoft-Legends

The Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket Coyote is an interesting choice for players who don’t want to head straight home when the weather turns bad. With 20,000 mm waterproofing and 20,000 g/m²/24h breathability, you get a technical rain jacket that goes far beyond a simple water-repellent tactical jacket.

In airsoft, the added value lies primarily in the combination of weather protection and active ventilation. A plate carrier or chest rig makes it harder to dissipate body heat, which means that the zips under the armpits are actually functional and not just a nice extra on the list of specifications.

The Coyote colour makes this version particularly well-suited to earth tones and camouflage-focused loadouts. At the same time, the jacket remains suitable for hiking, bushcraft, the shooting range and other outdoor activities.

With a reference weight of around 400 grams in size L, the option to pack the jacket into its hood and the included carry bag, it is also compact enough to keep as a standard part of your kit.

So, if you’re looking for a technical rain jacket that goes well with a Coyote, Ranger Green or camouflage loadout, but which is also suitable for serious outdoor use beyond airsoft, then the Helikon-Tex Chinook Jacket Coyote is a robust all-round outer layer.