Helikon-Tex Chinook Jacket Shadow Grey

Anyone who wants to keep going during airsoft, hiking or other outdoor activities, even in heavy rain, needs more than just a lightly water-repellent jacket. The Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket Shadow Grey is a lightweight 2.5-layer membrane jacket with a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm and a breathability rating of 20,000 g/m²/24h. The Chinook has therefore been designed as a compact outer layer to protect against rain and wind without the bulk of a heavy, lined jacket.

The jacket combines the membrane with taped seams, covered zips and a PFC-free DWR C0 finish. During physical activity, you can provide extra ventilation via zips under the armpits. With four pockets, an adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs and a compact design, the Chinook is suitable for airsoft, duty, the shooting range, hiking and general outdoor use.

Why choose the Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket?

The Chinook’s main advantage is the combination of reliable rain protection and a relatively low packed volume. It is not just a simple windbreaker designed to withstand only a brief shower. The 2.5-layer construction features a genuine membrane, and Helikon-Tex states that it has a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm.

At the same time, the jacket isn’t insulated. This means you can wear it as an outer layer, combining it with clothing suited to the temperature and your activity level. This makes it much more versatile when you’re faced with different weather conditions throughout the year.

2.5-layer membrane construction

The Chinook uses a 2.5-layer laminate consisting of an outer layer, a microporous membrane and a protective printed layer on the inside. Thanks to this printed layer, a traditional separate lining is not required.

The result is a lighter and more packable jacket than many much heavier, lined hardshells. The microporous membrane is designed to keep liquid water out whilst allowing water vapour generated during exercise to escape.

Waterproof rating of 20,000 mm

Helikon-Tex specifies a water column of 20,000 mm for the Chinook. This makes the jacket suitable for considerably more severe rainy conditions than clothing that has only a simple water-repellent surface treatment.

The rest of the garment is also designed to provide protection against the rain. The seams are taped and the zips are covered by fabric flaps to minimise water ingress through vulnerable points.

Breathability of 20,000 g/m²/24h

As well as being waterproof, the Chinook has a stated vapour permeability of 20,000 g/m²/24h. This is important during active pursuits such as airsoft and hiking, where you generate a lot of heat and moisture yourself.

Incidentally, a breathable membrane does not mean that you will never break a sweat. When you are exercising intensively, the amount of heat produced may exceed what a membrane can passively dissipate. Helikon-Tex has therefore also incorporated mechanical ventilation.

Ventilation zips under the armpits

There are ventilation zips under the arms, which allow you to quickly increase air circulation. This is particularly useful when you’re picking up the pace on a hike or moving around during an airsoft skirmish whilst wearing a plate carrier, chest rig or rucksack.

Instead of opening the main zip all the way – and thereby losing most of your protection against the rain – you can let excess heat escape through the underarms. As soon as your activity level drops or the weather takes a turn for the worse, simply close the ventilation again.

PFC-free DWR C0 treatment

The outer fabric features a DWR C0 PFC-free water-repellent finish. This helps water to bead up and roll off the surface, reduces the outer fabric’s tendency to become saturated and makes the material less prone to absorbing dirt.

The DWR treatment should not be confused with the waterproof membrane. The membrane forms the main water barrier, whilst DWR prevents the outer fabric from becoming completely saturated too quickly. The effectiveness of DWR eventually diminishes with use and washing and must therefore be maintained or renewed periodically in accordance with the care instructions.

YKK® two-way zip with Prym press stud

The main fastening consists of a YKK® two-way zip. This means the jacket can be opened not only from the top, but also from the bottom if necessary. This can provide extra freedom of movement whilst moving or sitting. The presence of the YKK zip is also confirmed in the additional product information for the Shadow Grey version specifically.

At the bottom, the fastening is further secured with a Prym press stud. The zip is also covered by a fabric flap to further prevent rain from getting in through the fastening.

Adjustable hood and high collar

The integrated hood features a 2-point adjustment system. This allows you to adjust it to fit more snugly around your head, so it is less likely to slip out of place whilst you’re on the move.

The high collar also provides extra protection around the neck and lower part of the face. This can make a noticeable difference compared to a simple low collar, particularly when there is a combination of rain and wind.

Adjustable cuffs and hem

The cuffs can be adjusted around the wrists using hook-and-loop. This allows you, for example, to fasten them more tightly to keep out the rain and wind, or to adjust them when wearing gloves.

There is also an adjustable drawstring at the bottom. Together with the adjustable hood, this allows you to adjust various parts of the jacket to suit the weather and your activity.

Four handy bags

The Chinook has four pockets: two front hand pockets and two pockets on the upper arms. All four have zips.

The front pockets provide space for smaller personal items and can also be used to temporarily keep your hands out of the elements. The upper arm pockets are useful for documents, a mobile phone or other small items that you want to keep within easy reach higher up on your body.

Velcro panels for patches

There are hook-and-loop panels on the upper arms. Patches, identification tags, IR markers or other suitable identification marks can be attached to these.

This is a practical addition for airsoft and duty use. For example, you can use a team, nationality or identification patch without having to attach it permanently to your jacket.

Shadow Grey: tactical without being entirely black

This version is finished in Shadow Grey. This gives the Chinook a neutral, tactical look that goes well with black, grey, Ranger Green and other muted colours.

Shadow Grey also has a less pronounced military look than many camouflage patterns. This makes it easier to use the same jacket for airsoft and the shooting range, as well as for hiking, travelling and everyday wear.

Suitable for wearing under various layers of clothing

According to Helikon-Tex, the Chinook has a Regular fit. As the jacket itself does not have an insulating lining, the layers you wear underneath determine how warm you’ll ultimately be.

In mild weather, a thin shirt may be sufficient, whilst in colder temperatures you could, for example, add a base layer and a fleece. Helikon-Tex specifies wet weather conditions of approximately -5 to 10 °C for this model, but this is not an absolute comfort temperature. Wind, activity level, personal sensitivity to the cold and, above all, the layers of clothing worn under the jacket have a major influence on how warm you stay.

Compact to store

A key advantage of the 2.5-layer construction is its compact pack size. The Chinook can be stowed compactly in the hood and also comes with a separate carry bag.

This makes it a practical jacket to keep as standard in your airsoft gear bag, rucksack or vehicle kit. You don’t need to wear it when it’s dry, but should the weather change suddenly, you’ll have a fully-fledged membrane layer to hand.

Polyester outer fabric and PU membrane

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

The design aims to strike the right balance between water resistance, breathability, weight and pack volume. The Chinook should therefore be regarded primarily as a technical outer layer rather than a heavy field jacket or an insulated winter coat.

Maintenance of the Chinook

A membrane jacket requires proper care to ensure that its technical properties are retained for as long as possible. Additional product information for the Chinook states that it should be washed at a maximum of 30 °C on a delicate cycle. The jacket must not be bleached, ironed, dry-cleaned or tumble-dried.

Also bear in mind the DWR treatment. If, over time, water no longer beads off the outer fabric properly, this does not automatically mean that the membrane is leaking. The DWR finish may simply need maintaining or renewing.

Practical tip

If you’re wearing the Chinook during an active airsoft skirmish or a strenuous hike, don’t wait until you’re completely sweaty before you start ventilating. Open the underarm zips as soon as you notice your body temperature rising. By wicking away heat early on, the membrane has less moisture to deal with and the microclimate inside the jacket remains more comfortable.

In the box

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

Specificaties

　• Brand: Helikon-Tex
　• Model: Chinook Jacket
　• Product family SKU: KU-KCH-PO
　• Colour code Shadow Grey: KU-KCH-PO-35
　• Colour: Shadow Grey
　• 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: DWR C0, PFC-free
　• Seams: Taped
　• Zips: Rain-sealed
　• Main zip: YKK® two-way zip
　• Additional fastening: Prym press stud
　• Ventilation: Zips under the armpits
　• Hood: Integrated, 2-point adjustable
　• Collar: High-neck style
　• 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
　• Compact foldable: Yes
　• Carry bag: Included
　• Approximate weight: Approximately 400 grams in size L
　• Specified climatic conditions: Wet, approximately -5 to 10 °C
　• Suitable for: Airsoft, outdoor activities, hiking, duty use, shooting range, trekking and everyday use in wet weather

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I choose Shadow Grey instead of the Black version?
Technically, both versions are the same; so the choice mainly comes down to colour and the rest of your kit. Shadow Grey has a slightly lighter and more neutral look and pairs easily with Black, Ranger Green and other muted colours. Anyone who wants to keep their kit entirely black is more likely to opt for Black.

Is the Chinook suitable for wearing all day during airsoft in the rain?
With a stated water column rating of 20,000 mm, taped seams and covered zips, the Chinook has been specifically designed to provide serious protection against the rain. However, during an active skirmish, ventilation is just as important. You should therefore use the underarm zips when you’re moving around a lot; otherwise, you may still end up feeling clammy from perspiration, even though the jacket itself doesn’t leak.

Can I wear the Chinook with a plate carrier or chest rig?
Yes. Please bear in mind, however, that a plate carrier will cover parts of the jacket and may restrict localised ventilation. Furthermore, the Chinook is a relatively lightweight membrane jacket, not a heavily reinforced combat jacket. You should therefore regularly check areas where hard equipment, buckles or sharp edges rub against the fabric for prolonged periods.

Can I use this jacket as a winter coat?
Not as a standalone warm winter coat, as the Chinook does not have an insulating lining. The advantage of this is that you can build up your own layers. For example, when it’s cold, combine it with a good base layer and a fleece or other insulating mid-layer, with the Chinook serving as a protective outer layer against wind and rain.

Do I need to reapply the DWR treatment if the jacket no longer repels water as effectively?
This may eventually be necessary. The DWR coating wears off through use and washing. If the outer fabric starts to look darker and wetter more quickly, even though water isn’t yet seeping through the jacket, this may indicate that it is primarily the DWR finish that needs maintenance, rather than the membrane itself being faulty.

Is the Chinook a better choice than a poncho for airsoft?
That depends on your priorities. A poncho is simple, spacious and can also cover part of your kit, but it doesn’t move as closely with your body. The Chinook offers a standard jacket fit, better adjustment options and active underarm ventilation. For dynamic movement during a skirmish, we therefore often find a technical rain jacket more practical.

Advice from Airsoft-Legends

The Helikon-Tex® Chinook Jacket Shadow Grey is particularly appealing to gamers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a rain jacket that’s compact enough to carry around as standard, yet technically far superior to a simple water-repellent windbreaker. The combination of 20,000 mm waterproofing and 20,000 g/m²/24h breathability provides a solid foundation for this.

When it comes to airsoft, we consider ventilation options to be particularly important. A membrane is breathable, but during intense physical activity whilst wearing a chest rig, plate carrier or rucksack, you generate a lot of heat. The underarm zips allow you to actively manage this without having to unzip your jacket completely straight away.

Shadow Grey is also a versatile colour. The jacket goes well with tactical gear without immediately looking like overtly tactical clothing when you’re off the pitch. This means you can also use the same jacket for hiking, travelling and everyday outdoor use.

So, if you’re looking for a compact technical rain jacket for airsoft and outdoor activities, where reliable rain protection, ventilation and a compact pack size are important, then the Helikon-Tex Chinook in Shadow Grey is a particularly practical choice.