The Ultimate Survival Companion: The Helikon-Tex M65 Jacket
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- čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
- The Helikon-Tex M65 Jacket really is the ultimate survival companion jacket. It shows it's heritage and design is timeless... plus we get to see how HT has updated it with the Helikon-Tex Covert M65 jacket
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00:00 Introduction
02:37 My measurements and the jacket's fit
04:40 Jacket features
12:23 Insulated liner
17:36 Helikon-Tex Covert Jacket comparison
25:59 M65 vs Covert M65
28:04 IWA 2023 & Close
I am wearing my Helikon-Tex M65 in my profile photo. That was 9 years ago and it is still going strong.
Amigo Nik desde mi pais Uruguay mis saludos y respeto a su persona celebro su opinion sobre la M65 tengo una ALPHA tambien le dejo mi humilde homenaje por haber sido servidor de su patria la cual siempre la considere una verdadera democracia siempre admirador de EEUU tiene uted una nacion maravillosa siempre use ropa del ARMY pero aca se hace muy dificil encontrarla amigo dejo en uted mis sinceros saludos y admiracion si uted decea escribame para mi seria un honor
Amigo Nik mi nombre es Fernando Galizia
I was brought an alpha industries woodland pattern for my 18th birthday. I’m 40 now & still wear it now & again. With the liner inside it still beats the cold weather. Love it!
It's a testiment to the design on how well a traditional jacket like this can become a timeless classic 👌
I love the M65, I’ve four of them in my cupboard. I wear one most days.
I love Austrian Army "M65" version. Mambrane model. Absolutely insane for the money. Windproof, waterproof anf lightly padded.
ive got 2 great austrian army gortex membrane m65 style jackets if you can find them they come in fractional fittings from australia
The M65 jacket always remembers me at “Horst Schimanski”. That was a cop in an ‘80s TV series in germany. There’s an article in wikipedia about him an his famous jacket 🤓
Will have to Google that 👍
The M-65 derives not from the 1970's, but from 1965 and was conceived by Alpha Industries. I own two originals in OG-107, though it is very difficult now to acquire one in good condition in that colour. But genuine M-65s in woodland camouflage can be easily had from vintage clothes shops. My examples were made by Cherokee Industries (1975) and So Sew Styles (1989). The front brass zipper was made by Scovill. Later M-65s had YKK nylon zips. The original GI issue liner was made of very thin nylon and torn easily, but did add significantly to the warmth of the jacket. Overall, I think the Austrian Army's version of the M-65 was the best. All button fastening, has an internal pocket and is very well made. I own two of these also.
OG-107 for sure man.
So-Sew Styles. You got it wrong. I have a 1987 or so with an nylon zip.
HT does such a good job with some of these recreations. The Covert M65 is really a great evolution and definitely looks a bit more modern and thus more vesatile in terms of everyday and situational wear.
You should do a review of the Helikon SFU Next Shirt which is an evolution of the Raid Mod shirts of the Nineties and early G-WOT (GWOT?) and one I'd like to get my hands on!
Another great, in-depth review! Thank you 😊
You're more than welcome. Always a pleasure working with you guys 🤜🤛
I bought my first M65 army surplus in the 60’s size small. I’m now 70 and can still get in it but hard to zip(gut). Still very functional today. I’m 5-10 170 lbs 42 chest so medium might be best for me now. Good review Sir! ❤
Mine is a camo m65 from the 80s takes alot of rain and cold I've got the liner with it, one of my favourite jackets and tuff.
Excellent review!👍
As stated in the short earlier, it took me over 50 years to wear out my original issue Field Jacket from 1968. It was issued without the button in liner, and you almost had to have a buddy in Supply to get one. Mine cost me a fifth of Scotch!😒
I can imaging this would take a long time to wear out too. A fifth of scotch seems a fair swap
I hope you're well 👍
Helikon Tex is a best variant of genuine, army issue, M65 Field jacket. The same is with their M65 field trousers. If you can't afford the real one, US army, this is the ultimate choice . Far better then any Rothco, Brandit, MFH and similar non authentic crap. 👍👍👍💪💪
No, stfu, the Austrian Anzug-75 field jacket it's the best M-65
@@gold8857 The 75 is similar jacket to the m65 but made in different Materials - Cut & Color .
@@motorrebell
Better cut, materials and color, yeah
@@motorrebell austrian?
@@FEINDKONTAKT. Poland made. They made, also a great M65 field trousers.Og107 and woodland colors.Far better than any Rothco or China made Alpha's jackets and trousers.
I really love my genuine GI field jacket, been wearing 45 years I would like the HT version
*"SKITTLES! CRAYONS!"*
I had one for years in Ont Canada . Hunting and fishing. It stood the test of time . I even fell in the camp fire drunk one night with it on . 😂 I can't remember what happened to it . I'd definitely buy a new one but I have moved on to more light weight hiking gear .
Very thorough review 👍🏻
Glad you liked it
the review I was exactly looking for !!!!!
I'm glad it helped my friend 🤙
MA1 and M65 jackets, can't go wrong.
You make some of the best reviews on YT! Helikon-Tex is a great company, I like it more and more. ☺
I already have several pieces of clothing and equipment from them!
Warm greetings from Poland!!!🙋♂️
Wow, thanks! I hope you're well my friend 🤙
@@MoorlanderEDCThank you!🙋♂️ It so happens that a few hours ago I picked up my first ever M65 field jacket, and I chose the Helikon version. It's GREAT!!!☺ Size XL, unfortunately a bit too big for me, because I'm 193 cm tall but I'm quite slim. I think the best size for me would be "Large-Long", but Helikon doesn't seem to produce this size. I think I will order another one in size "L", and the larger one will wait for "better" times! :) The OG color, of course! Thank you again and best regards!🙋♂️
Ps. The detachable lining can be worn on its own, you only need to turn it inside out, and it even has a row of buttons to fasten.☺
@@petreneacsu1825 Hi! Size XL is very spacious in the chest (this is a feature of these jackets). XL has one advantage over L, longer sleeves. I am 193 cm tall/90 kg and I have very long arms. Therefore, the best solution for me would be size L but with sleeves from XL, unfortunately Helikon-Tex does not produce sizes such as L/Long. If you don't have long arms like mine, size L will fit you. I chose "L" and I use the triangular sleeve extension option. Regards!🙋♂️
yeeeees.. finally a new m65 :D .. iam looking for one for quite a while now.. had the HT M65 on my radar for a while.. ^^..
Sounds like perfect timing 🤣 they're definitely both great jackets
@@MoorlanderEDC i do like them both .. the covert maybe a bit more .. because of spring coming .. butthe pricetag is also higher xD
May 29th 2024: A bit "late in the game" for commenting on this VDO but will do still...
A big Thanks for this content, I was thinking of getting the M-65 Covert for a long time already. Watched this VDO a few times in the last few months.
And I ordered today in Ash Grey color like the one you are showing.
Glad it helped!
@@MoorlanderEDC Really did help! And since I have received it, I will tell you where you were 100% correct in reviewing this jacket on your 2 VDOs:
With all of the multiple linings and pockets (something they could arguably offer a .pdf instruction manual !!), this jacket is both HEAVY and perfectly suited to European mild winter, Falls, Spring, etc.
Last comment:
This jacket screams for a proper "spray" in order to make it more "rain repellent". Not rainproof, but better rain repellent because that's clearly not its intended purpose.
Now here's another good idea for a few VDOs! ;-)
Cheers from PL.
@@MoorlanderEDC Also, as an 183cm (6f) guy, thin built (75kg last I checked), a SMALL fits just perfect. Posting since a few people are complaining about the fit (It's EUROPEAN fit people! - not TX! ) 🙂
@@AirB-101 thanks for these extra comments. Definitely appreciate you leaving them here. Hopefully they'll help other decide on a size. All my best 🤙
@@MoorlanderEDC Sorry, I cannot reply to you! I'm still managing all of these pockets! Just didn't know I could hide a T. Hilux between the zipper and the Canadian buttons! Ha ha Ha! Cheers and tks again.
Just got my Helikon Tex m 65 today and its an Awesome 100% Authentic - Remake of the Original made to 100% Military specs ! , Hands down ! I also have an original Alpha from the 80s ( Made in USA - military issued ) & in comparison the European sizes are given larger than the US ( I have European XL= US size is is L ) as indicated on the Label from Helikon ! The 40 years old Alpha ( size L ) has shrunk a bit over the years but the Helikon is a PERFECT - EXCELLENT Remake and im sure it ( due to the exact " 50-50 NYCO Sateen " material ) will look & fit even better over time too ! Dont go with those totally OVERPRICED " Buzz Ricksons , Real mc coy " or cheaply made Brandit etc Fashion Hipster knock offs ! !!
These fit rather large (most manufacturers). Some are made (outside shell) of 50% Nylon 50% Cotton, and others are either 100% Polyester or are 65% Polyester 35% Cotton. The Nylon / Cotton (NYCO) is probably more resistant to abrasion damage. The liners vary in a few significant ways - some are thicker (batting) than others, and some have a set of knit cuffs which tightly wrap around your wrist keeping cold air out, others are open without any knit cuff. To add in the liner or take it off, it's all a set of many buttons. The video does a generally good job talking about most of these aspects of the garment and the liner.
I believe the extension on the shell's wrist is designed to cover the glove to improve the insulation and fit of the protection of the hands and wrists.
I have a Large Alpha Industries (OD Green) and two liners. One is thicker but has no knit wrists (Rothco) and the other is far thinner, but has nice tight knit cuffs (Alpha Industries). These are all washable if you follow the instructions. They usually come with some small amount of replacement buttons and snap parts. It is common for some snap or button to have problems since there are a large set of these fasteners on this multi-function type of military garment.
There are mysterious buttons, button holes, and fasteners near the neck opening which generally allow for the attachment of an insulated hood (purchased separately) designed for use in snowing conditions and deeper cold. The hood nestled within the zipper stand up collar is very thin and only serves to keep the head protected in a very light rain for a very short time.
I experimented with TWO LINERS and this can be done. After adding in all this (shell, two liners) the whole weighed 7.8 pounds. This is not a super lightweight jacket typically weighing a few pounds. The better products for M65 do amount to a very rugged and flexible jacket system. The military no longer employs this garment having switched to entirely different systems.
if you only want to wear the liner just turn it inside out. can do the same with my bike jacket liner. its even better because i can put it in with a zipper and if i use it alone it uses the same zipper to close it. would be nice if they did the same with this jacket. but then, its an old design.
i wore the linner on its own in the city, just switch it inside out. i think its nice
See... now that you've said that, I have seen that Alpha Industries sell the OG liners separately to wear as a light jacket. It's definitely a look for sure
At first glimpse it looks like a original M65. I`ve seen many copies that looked crappy,but this one looks quiet like the real deal. In my opinion,the M65 is the best allround jacket of all.My first one in the 80`s was a copy...and it was crappy.That's what has stopped me from buying a copy ever since.And since then i go with the real deal.
Nice Video. I would never buy one that had a more tailored fit. I would definitely get one in OD Green and in heavy 20 oz blue jean denim with a liner, if it was ever made.
John McClane in Platoon running through the woods in his M65 to get away from the cops? That's 4 films: Die Hard, Platoon, The Terminator, and Rambo. Nicely done?
Glad you appreciate my advanced film knowledge 😂
Helikon makes a nice version of the M65, I happen to have one made in Mitchell pattern. The shell is what you'd expect, however the hood and inner liner are made of a very thin fabric that doesn't help very much. Too thin and definitely not windproof. The front lower pockets are not as deep as they should be. The shell size feels right, slightly shorter than issued jackets. A nice jacket but falls short in more than one aspect. Still a nice version I'll keep for a long while. Nice video, I believe you should find a large short size. Seems like it fits you right, except for the sleeves which look long for you.
Nice video, matey!
i think Stallone wore it without a linner but that was the original
It looks like a possible large long size. I was issued in the 70s a regular length with I was very thin at 135 lbs and 5' 9 in height. Maybe the longer ones were made for the taller troops. Still have my original, but it's only a keep sake because I outgrown it and the tag inside is no longer, so I want to say it was made by Alpha Industries but it's been over 35 yrs so, I don't remember for certain
I've had a M65 jacket back in the 90s. It wasn't of any particular brand. I think I paid about 50 quid for it. I've worn it for years! It was very warm and kept that moist air away when living near the sea/waters. I also used it in heavier Winters (-10, -20 C). One of the best jackets I've ever had. Much better than a typical winter jacket you get in a non-military shop. And the internal liner does the main job keeping us warm.
Recently I bought M51 by Brandit (Marsh Lake Parka - civil variant of M51), and it's very warm too. That long back keeps my arse warm :D , warmer than any jacket that I've ever had.
Have a look at M51 US Parka by Brandit - it has a different liner inside, and it looks more militarish than the one I have.
I wish Helikon-Tex had the M51.
Hey Tom. I've seen Brand it and always wondered about them. They've got some great looking gear. I'll give them a try. All the best
@@MoorlanderEDC a German brand, apparently it is well known for it's jackets. I've also had M65 by Brandit, but sold it as it was too big for me.
-20C where are you in australia thats really really cold you dont get near that here
Evening dude. Great review. For me, the covert takes it, but totally respect the covert is borne from an absolute classic. Re IWA - you defo need to spend ages at the Hel Tex stand. Hopefully get a glance at some new products. Top brand for me.
Hi RObin. It's probably the one thing I never test. I use the hourly time signal and that's about it. I'll remember to test in future
i dunno if the covert takes it if you are a wider guy and im not talking fat
i like the clasic when my pockets are used , have something in them and i hate it when they are empty and it looks ironed on me
Nice review. I have the Teesar M65 jacket in color green and it's quite nice in quality. However, the shoulders seem kind of restricting when I point my arms straight and upwards. It seems this Helikon version has a better cut and fit overall.
The attention to detail that Helikon put in is great. I think they also make sure their QC is spot on before they pack up and ship them out. Glad to hear you enjoyed the content
If I must buy one one day I think I will go for the original one (probably nostalgy ^^)
Hey i have both of these jackets and these two jackets are amazing. By the way my M65 COVERT is also in Gray? The color and I bought this M65 COVERT when i was looking for a video review and i saw your Vid Moorlander Thank You and the Genuine M65 as a Christmas 2022 gift for my self
Yes they are! 😂 I have the grey one here. It's just a very very dark (almost black) grey. I wish it was a week bit lighter but I'm good either way
@@MoorlanderEDC the gray is darker as if it is washed down Black
Filson double mackinaw cruiser is my ultimate survival companion!
Those jacket as classic 'buy one, last a life time' garments. I really like the lined tin cloth variants
@@MoorlanderEDC Yep i have the single cruiser also and the lined wool packer coat also but if i only had one option it would be the double mac! Just such an unbreakable beast! Only for heavy hiking in above freezing i would rather use my single cruiser.
The M65 is a donkey but I absolutely swear by it.
Its very heavy and primarily cotton, so you really need to consider your waterproofing options if you are going to take it hiking.
I have two and I am seriously considering waxing one of them.
I appreciate that this jacket has been surpassed by new technology, but it just functions well.
Even soaked through, the combination of the jacket and the buttoned-in synthetic padded liner results in a strangely warm and breathable system.
When you get back to camp you can fold up the liner and use it as a pillow, whilst you dry out the outer jacket.
As long as you dont go sub-zero its also surprisingly warm when wet, although I would strongly advise combining this jacket with a light poncho to mitigate rain.
I appreciate that technology has moved beyond the M65 but personally its my default camping jacket. Just combine it with a poncho or an umbrella and you will be golden.
Its warm, it covers you, it has lots of pockets and a YKK zip. It has a synthetic thermal liner and this will all last for decades if you can master a tiny bit of sewing and darning.
The M65 is a legend.
Nice comment buddy. Sometimes there's products that are timeless and the designers manage to hit near perfect 🤜🤛
does it have all the same buttons and snaps for the M51 or M65 hood to be attached? great vid!
Love the jacket and husband has an older version and loves it and John Mclane in platoon , sorry no you mean Die Hard 🤭. But the review stands proud .👍
Pretty sure he meant Sylvester Stallone in Rambo
I was being a silly with yous guys. I know Jean Claude Van Dame was John McClaine in Die hard 🤣
@@MoorlanderEDC I’m enjoying this it’s spectacular 🤣😂🤣😂
The 1960s were the best era for action movies 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@MoorlanderEDC gonna have to say no sorry 80’s 90’s 00’s but you feel the 60’s I will let you 😂😂
Helikon 👍💪
Hi are you planning to review the Alpha Industries m65 Field Jacket, I do own an old black version but looking at new ones they seem to be very shinny. mine is nice and weighty 50% Nylon 50% cotton, looks exactly like your though has an inside pocket. (though yours does look thinner that may just be the light. new ones I believe are 50% polyester and 50% cotton. only good thing with the new ones is it has 2 inside pockets.
Hey fella. Yes, hopefully. I definitely need to pick one up for some content. I'll make a comparison vid too
Nice the old one is ceazy good, nice and heavy, I have seen they still make the 50% nylon 50% cotton, but £395.00 Amazon, thats a rip off I paid £79 for my old one with liner lol they have the poly mix but it looks to shinny to me. @@MoorlanderEDC
I wonder if the position of the zip is take into account a soldier with belt rig to stiil access ammo pouches...
Easy access to trouser zipper to facilitate urinating.
@@williammoss5910 sitting down short zipper allows comfort no bunching up around abdomen two way zippers do the same thing but are prone to jamming
I actually dislike the extendable cuffs. They were made to work with specialized gloves that people rarely use. Turned mine to jacket cuffs.
That's a cool interesting fact. Thanks for the heads up 🤙
Wamted to buy me one with the matching pants but the jacket is sold out in my size :(
I cant decide between this, or the brandit professional. Mostly for every day use, hiking, shooting, motorcycle.
For everyday used I'd order them Covert M65, Brandit Performance followed by OG M65... With you adding the shooting and motorcycle stuff I'd go Performance, Covert, followed by OG M65. The Performance jacket is a tank. It'll definitely last and keep you protected with more rigorous activities. I hope that helps John
Wasnt John McClane in Die Hard not Platoon!? 🤔😳
I was being silly. I know it was John Rambo in Rambo 🤣
Yeah. Myself, I thought "Damn, must be talking about a new movie." :D
I have 2 M-65 basically in mint condition. Especially the newer one. it's still a bit stiff and I believe one might be a marine issued and the other is obviously army due to the US Army patch on the chest made by Alpha Industries with a plastic like zipper material YKK zipper on the front and neck. The only things missing in both I a draw string on both one has the midway and the other has the bottom string. The other is a bit older has a brass wire style zipper with brass material but it says ideal but I can't make out the maker and the camo is slightly different. And also the no inner fleece in either. No tears no holes genuine military issue. Not a knockoff or maybe mock. The shoulder patch on the older one is black and green with what seems to be an arrow down and and an arrow up inverted colors if anyone has an idea what that belongs too would be something I'd like to know the history of. And I'm willing to part with both of trade for the M50? Solid green I believe was Vietnam era. Basically the same kind Rambo wore. Oh the army one does have some paint that I accidentally got on it. It's not a excessive amount of it but still I feel I need to mention that.
I really like my Helikon covert M65 in "grey". Great jacket but describing it as grey is nonsense - if white is 100% and pure black is 0% their "grey" colour is about 0.5%. Great jacket but the black and the grey versions are both black. No idea why. Anyway, rant over. Great video!
100% agree. The grey jacket the fella in wearing on the website is a lighter slate grey. I was expecting a grey rather than slightly lighter than black 🤣
I love this jacket, and I'll be buying one asap.
But...
Covert, normal, covert, normal, covert,...........?
Its genuinely a hard choice
What do you think. Which jacket is now better? The first or the second? I mean the second jacket in black. 🤔
They're both great jackets in their own right, however, I definitely wear the Covert M65 more. It's less military looking and fits in both the office and the woods
Have you tried it in M ? I think this will fit you also.
No I haven't. You're probably right though. I think it also needs to be worn in more too. I've been screwing it up and throwing it around the house and it's loosening up really nicely
So for the outdoors which one ???? pilgrim anorak m65 or covert
Although the two M65 jackets are great, the Pilgrim is by far the better outdoor jacket for walking and bushcraft. It has feature specifically added for modern adventuring. Then followed by the M65 and the Covert in last place (great for outdoors but even better for the commute and office). Hope that helps Jack
This is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!!
that is not baggy on you trust me, and bring in the inner bottom and waist straps it helps with the overall look .. it looks a bit too civilized on you. i took mine and balled it up in my hands to make it break in a bit. I love mine, only thing i hate is the china thing, but that im biased against china so
100% agree. It definitely needs more time to wear in for sure
@@MoorlanderEDC get character that comes with use age washing
Yeah but when I get stolen by eBay you can't do we don't want to give it back they don't even pay you back for the money that
Sorry but I have to go with issued US only. They are worth it.
Is the color the same as the original?
Yes I believe so. They made sure to emulate the original as osely as they could get it
What height are you? Im 5’10 should I get M or L?
I'm 5'10" too. I chose the Large as I have a 46 to 48" chest. Hope that helps buddy
Sort of designed for American soldiers in the field of winter time Germany, or Washington State.
Ha ha ha... or an old hessian sack when you misplace your jacket 😆
Is Helikon an US comoany?
No. They're in Poland
have no idea weather the Real Mccoy version which is 900euros is THAT much better than this helikon china made. at 150eu? But probably has a bit nicer material
There's definitely done bargains out there on the real deals if you can find them
first one .. ^^ XD
Why don't you get an original so you can compare the two. Personally I wouldn't buy any that aren't made by US government contractors for the military. Even the government contractors made some for the civilian market but they are like the ones sold these by companies like helikon or propper which have polyester in them. The originals are 50/50 nyco on the outside and 100 percent cotton on the inside.
Let's say I can nether confirm, nor deny this is already in the works 🤜🤛
@@MoorlanderEDC What is the latest news?
@@bd3199 this had to take a back seat for a wee while... But this has reminded me to chase that up 🤙
@@MoorlanderEDC Do you know where the jacket is made?
@@bd3199 I believe they're made in Vietnam
If it does not say YKK Zipper it’s not YKK. Genuine, no it not on the other hand alpha industries are genuine as they made these during Vietnam for troops. These are just fakes. Perhaps good fakes but not genuine.
Originals had Scoville - General - YKK & also many other zippers from different manufacturers , The first m65 jackets had zippers made in Aluminium during 60s , then made of Brass during 70s-80s , Plastic zippers 90s - 2000s .
the covert is a big no, lacks character just the way car designer, and designers in general today do
Jaket M65 HONORABLES usarlas con RESPETO 🇺🇸🇺🇾☠️
"M65" ... "Designed in the 1970s" .... dude!
👌👍✌🤟💯
Gay daddy army dressing-up box fetish?
I'm guessing that's your favourite p*rnhub search?
Child
What? :D