Helikon-Tex SQUALL Hardshell Jacket TorrentStretch Black

When you’re faced with heavy rain and strong winds whilst airsofting, hiking, trekking or engaging in other outdoor activities, a simple water-repellent jacket is often not enough. The Helikon-Tex® SQUALL Hardshell Jacket TorrentStretch Black is a technical 3-layer hardshell designed for intensive use in demanding weather conditions. With a waterproof rating of 30,000 mm, a breathability rating of 30,000 g/m²/24h and a RET value of 7, the Squall offers a high-quality combination of weather protection and moisture wicking.

The jacket is built around the TorrentStretch® 3L membrane developed by Helikon-Tex and features taped seams, YKK® AquaGuard® zips, underarm ventilation and an adjustable hood. Thanks to its compact design, high-set chest pockets and adjustable cuffs, the Squall is suitable for intensive outdoor activities, long-duration airsoft skirmishes and use with a rucksack or tactical gear.

Why choose the Helikon-Tex® SQUALL Hardshell Jacket?

The Squall has been designed as a technical outer layer for conditions where protection against rain and wind is essential. The 30K/30K TorrentStretch® membrane offers a higher rated waterproof rating and breathability than many much lighter rain jackets, whilst its active ventilation features help to wick away heat during exercise.

What’s more, the jacket is designed for use across different seasons. In summer, it protects against rain and wind, whilst in colder conditions you can layer it with a thermal base layer and an insulating mid-layer. This means the Squall is not a traditional padded winter jacket, but a versatile, protective outer layer.

TorrentStretch® 3-layer membraan

The most important technical feature of the Squall is the TorrentStretch® 3L laminate. This material, developed by Helikon-Tex, consists of an outer layer, a waterproof and breathable membrane, and a protective inner layer, which together form a single laminated construction.

Unlike a 2.5-layer membrane jacket, a 3-layer hardshell has a full protective inner layer. This provides better protection for the membrane against direct contact with clothing and kit.

The Squall is therefore particularly suitable for users who use their raincoat regularly and intensively. Think of multi-day hikes, mountain walks, prolonged use in the field and airsoft activities where you remain active even in bad weather.

Waterproof rating of 30,000 mm

With a specified water column of 30,000 mm, the Squall offers an exceptionally high level of protection against rain. This figure indicates how much water pressure the material can withstand during a standardised test before water penetrates the fabric.

For outdoor activities, this means that the jacket has been designed to withstand heavy and prolonged rainfall. This protection is further enhanced by taped seams and water-repellent YKK® AquaGuard® zips.

A high water column is important, but it is the overall construction that ultimately determines how well a jacket protects against the rain when in use. That is why the seams, fastenings and adjustable openings have also been carefully crafted.

Breathability of 30,000 g/m²/24h

A waterproof jacket should not only keep the rain out, but also help to wick away perspiration. The Squall has a stated breathability rating of 30,000 g/m²/24h.

The microporous membrane has been designed to wick water vapour out of the jacket, whilst preventing liquid water from entering from the outside. This is particularly important during activities that involve prolonged physical exertion.

For airsoft players who wear a plate carrier or chest rig, this is an important feature. This is because tactical gear restricts ventilation in certain areas, which can cause heat and sweat to build up more quickly.

RET value of 7

In addition to the usual breathability rating, Helikon-Tex specifies a RET value of 7. RET stands for Resistance to Evaporative Heat Transfer and describes the resistance a material offers to the escape of water vapour.

With this measurement method, a lower value indicates lower resistance to moisture vapour transmission. A RET of 7 indicates a highly breathable construction that is suitable for active use.

It is important to understand that no membrane can wick away all perspiration immediately. During very intense exercise, the body can produce more moisture than the jacket can handle at that moment. That is why the Squall also features active ventilation.

Ventilation zips under the armpits

There are ventilation zips under both arms, which allow you to create extra air circulation. This enables you to let excess heat escape more quickly without having to open the main zip fully.

This is particularly useful during a steep climb, a long hike or an active airsoft skirmish. When you notice your body temperature rising, you can open the ventilation before your clothes become clammy on the inside.

As soon as you become less active or the weather takes a turn for the worse, close the ventilation again to retain heat more effectively and keep the rain out.

YKK® AquaGuard® zips

The Squall is fitted with YKK® AquaGuard® zips. These zips have been designed to minimise water ingress through the fastenings.

The main zip is a two-way zip. This means you can open the jacket not only from the top, but also from the bottom if necessary. This can be useful when you’re sitting, kneeling or need extra room around your hips whilst moving.

At the bottom, the main fastening is further secured with a Prym press stud.

Although AquaGuard® zips offer extra protection, they should not be confused with a fully waterproof seal, such as that found on a specialist drybag. The overall level of protection depends on the jacket’s overall construction.

Taped seams

With a technical rain jacket, the seams are a key consideration. This is because small openings are created in the fabric during the stitching process, which could allow water to seep in without additional protection.

The Squall therefore features taped seams. These are sealed on the inside to reinforce the waterproof properties of the construction.

Combined with the TorrentStretch® membrane and AquaGuard® zips, this creates a complete system designed to provide protection in severe weather conditions.

Water-repellent DWR finish

The outer surface of the Squall features a DWR treatment (Durable Water Repellent). This coating helps water to bead up and roll off the surface, reducing the absorption of moisture and dirt.

The DWR coating is not the same as the waterproof membrane. The membrane provides the main barrier against rain, whilst the DWR treatment prevents the outer fabric from becoming saturated too quickly.

Over time, the effectiveness of DWR may diminish due to wear and tear, dirt and washing. If water no longer beads up and rolls off the outer fabric properly, maintenance or the reapplication of a suitable waterproofing treatment may be required.

Adjustable hood with a 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 when you’re on the move.

The high collar provides extra protection around the neck and lower part of the face. This can significantly improve comfort, particularly when it is both raining and windy.

A well-adjusted hood also helps to prevent the fabric from obstructing your view when you regularly look around whilst hiking or playing airsoft.

Adjustable cuffs and hem

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

At the bottom, there is an adjustable drawstring that allows you to tailor the hem to fit your body better.

Together with the adjustable hood, this offers a range of options for adapting the jacket to changing weather conditions and the layers you’re wearing underneath.

High-set chest pockets

The Squall features two high-set chest pockets. This positioning has been deliberately chosen so that the pockets remain accessible even when you’re wearing a rucksack with the hip belt fastened.

That’s a practical advantage when trekking and hiking. With traditional low-set jacket pockets, the hip belt can actually fall right over the pocket opening.

This layout can also be useful for airsoft, depending on the plate carrier or chest rig you use. Do check beforehand, however, that the pockets remain easily accessible with your specific kit.

Internal pocket for valuables

On the inside, there is an extra storage pocket for smaller personal items such as documents, a mobile phone or other essentials.

As this pocket is located inside the jacket, its contents are less directly exposed to rain and wind. For sensitive electronic equipment, it is still advisable to use a separate waterproof protective cover when you are active for long periods in very wet conditions.

Velcro panels on the shoulders

The Squall features hook-and-loop panels on the shoulders that allow you to personalise the jacket.

You can attach a team, nationality or identification patch to this, for example. For airsoft and duty use, this is handy if you want to wear identification markings without sewing them permanently onto the jacket.

Black version

The Black version has a neutral, all-black look that pairs easily with black tactical gear, plate carriers, rucksacks and other outdoor equipment.

This makes this colour an attractive choice for urban-style airsoft loadouts and users who want to wear their clothing outside the playing field as well.

What’s more, Black is a versatile choice for travel, everyday use and outdoor activities where you don’t want to wear a camouflage pattern.

Suitable for use in all seasons

Helikon-Tex has developed the Squall as a protective outer layer for all year round. In warmer conditions, it protects against rain and wind, whilst in colder weather you can add your own insulating layers.

For cold weather, Helikon-Tex recommends wearing technical base layers in combination with an insulating mid-layer. Examples include a thermal base layer and a fleece or lightweight insulated jacket.

The Squall itself is not an insulated winter jacket. The amount of warmth you feel therefore depends largely on the layers you wear underneath, your activity level and the weather conditions.

Folds away neatly into the hood

Despite its technical 3-layer construction, the Squall can be packed away compactly into its own hood. This makes it easier to fit the jacket into a trekking rucksack or EDC backpack.

The TorrentStretch® laminate has also been developed to minimise excessive creasing whilst in storage.

This makes the Squall an interesting choice as a technical rain layer to carry with you as standard, even when the weather forecast initially looks favourable.

100% nylon outer and inner fabric

The Squall has an outer fabric of 100% nylon, an inner layer of 100% nylon and a membrane of 100% polyurethane. The specified fabric weight is 135 g/m².

This material composition forms the basis of the 3-layer TorrentStretch® construction. The full inner layer protects the membrane and makes the jacket suitable for regular use as a technical outer layer.

Weight of approximately 420 grams

According to Helikon-Tex’s current technical specifications, the reference weight is approximately 420 grams in size L.

For a 3-layer hardshell with underarm ventilation, an adjustable hood, three pockets and water-repellent zips, that’s a relatively low weight.

This makes the Squall an attractive option for users who value technical protection but don’t want to carry a heavy, traditional raincoat.

Care instructions for the Helikon-Tex SQUALL

A technical hardshell requires proper care to preserve the properties of the membrane and the DWR treatment for as long as possible.

Helikon-Tex provides the following maintenance instructions:

　• Wash at a maximum of 30 °C
　• Do not bleach
　• Do not tumble dry
　• Do not dry-clean
　• Do not iron

Ideally, use a detergent suitable for technical membrane clothing and always follow the care instructions on the jacket’s label. If the outer fabric is no longer repelling water as effectively, the DWR treatment may need to be maintained or renewed.

Practical tip

Wear the Squall as an outer layer during intense exercise and combine it with moisture-wicking clothing. Open the underarm vents as soon as you notice your body temperature rising. If you’re carrying a rucksack with a hip belt, the high-set chest pockets are easier to reach than traditional low-set jacket pockets. You should also check regularly that the DWR treatment is still working properly.

In the box

When you purchase the Helikon-Tex® SQUALL Hardshell Jacket TorrentStretch Black, you will receive:

　• Helikon-Tex® SQUALL Hardshell Jacket TorrentStretch Black

Specificaties

　• Brand: Helikon-Tex
　• Model: SQUALL Hardshell Jacket
　• Membrane: TorrentStretch®
　• Product family SKU: KU-SHJ-TR
　• Colour code Black: KU-SHJ-TR-01
　• Colour: Black
　• Product range: Outback
　• Additional product range: Urban
　• Type: Technical hardshell rain jacket
　• Construction: 3-layer laminate
　• Outer material: 100% nylon
　• Inner material: 100% nylon
　• Membrane material: 100% polyurethane
　• Material weight: 135 g/m²
　• Waterproof rating: 30,000 mm
　• Breathability: 30,000 g/m²/24h
　• RET value: 7
　• DWR treatment: Yes
　• Seams: Taped
　• Zips: YKK® AquaGuard®
　• Main zip: Two-way
　• 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 drawcord
　• Chest pockets: 2, high-set
　• Inner pocket: 1
　• Total number of pockets: 3
　• Patch panels: Hook-and-loop on the shoulders
　• Fit: Regular
　• Fastening: Full-zip
　• Gender: Men’s
　• Insulation: No insulated lining
　• Compact packable: Yes, into the hood
　• Approximate weight: Approximately 420 grams in size L
　• Available sizes: XS to 3XL
　• Suitable for: Airsoft, hiking, trekking, outdoor activities, duty, mountain walks and everyday use in wet weather

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Helikon-Tex SQUALL and the Chinook Jacket?

The Chinook uses a 2.5-layer membrane with a waterproof rating and breathability of 20,000. The Squall features a 3-layer TorrentStretch® membrane with a waterproof rating of 30,000 mm and breathability of 30,000 g/m²/24h. In addition, the Squall has a full protective inner layer and YKK® AquaGuard® zips. For intensive and prolonged use in harsh weather conditions, the Squall is therefore the more technically advanced choice.

Is a 3-layer hardshell better than a 2.5-layer rain jacket?

Not in every situation. A 3-layer hardshell has a fully protective inner layer and is generally a good choice for more intensive use and prolonged wear. A 2.5-layer jacket, on the other hand, may be preferable when compactness and a simple construction are more important. The best choice depends on how often and in what conditions you use the jacket.

Can I wear the SQUALL with a plate carrier whilst playing airsoft?

Yes, but bear in mind the characteristics of technical membrane clothing. A plate carrier can restrict ventilation and cause extra friction in certain areas. You should therefore regularly check the shoulder areas and any places where hard buckles or sharp parts rub against the fabric. The underarm ventilation zips are particularly useful for high-intensity skirmishes.

Is the SQUALL suitable as a winter coat?

The Squall is a protective outer layer and does not have a warm, insulating lining. You can wear it in winter by layering it over a thermal base layer and a suitable insulating mid-layer. The advantage of this system is that you can adjust the level of insulation to suit the temperature and your activity level.

What does a RET value of 7 mean in practice?

RET indicates a material’s resistance to the escape of water vapour. The lower the value, the more easily moisture can escape. A RET value of 7 means that the Squall has a highly breathable construction suitable for active pursuits. However, during strenuous activity, additional ventilation via the underarm zips remains important.

Why are the chest pockets positioned so high up?

The chest pockets have been deliberately positioned higher up so that they remain easier to access when wearing a trekking rucksack with a closed hip belt. With traditional low-set pockets, the hip belt can block access. This positioning can also be useful for certain tactical set-ups, depending on the kit you’re carrying.

Advice from Airsoft-Legends

The Helikon-Tex® SQUALL Hardshell Jacket TorrentStretch Black is particularly appealing to users who regularly engage in outdoor activities in harsh weather conditions and are looking for a high-performance technical outer layer.

Featuring the TorrentStretch® 3L membrane, with a waterproof rating of 30,000 mm, a breathability rating of 30,000 g/m²/24h and a RET of 7, the Squall offers a powerful combination of rain protection and moisture wicking. The YKK® AquaGuard® zips, taped seams and active underarm ventilation make it suitable for prolonged and intensive use.

When it comes to airsoft, we find the ventilation options and the technical design particularly interesting. During an active skirmish whilst wearing a plate carrier or chest rig, heat can build up quickly. Underarm ventilation then offers a practical way of dissipating excess heat.

The Squall is also a logical choice for hiking and trekking. The high-set chest pockets remain easier to access when wearing a rucksack, whilst the jacket can be stowed away compactly in the hood when you don’t need it.

Compared to the Helikon-Tex Chinook, the Squall is particularly worth considering if you’re looking for more technical weather protection and a full 3-layer construction. If you only wear a rain jacket occasionally, a lighter or simpler model may be sufficient.

However, if you’re looking for a high-quality 3-layer hardshell in black for intensive outdoor and airsoft use, then the Helikon-Tex SQUALL TorrentStretch is an exceptionally well-rounded choice.