Helikon-Tex Patriot MK2 Hybrid Fleece Jacket

The Patriot MK2 is a 340 g/m² hybrid fleece jacket designed for those who spend long hours outdoors in cold conditions and need a garment that is warm, lightweight, and breathable enough to work as a mid-layer or a standalone outer layer in mid-season temperatures. Compared to the previous heavy-fleece version, Helikon-Tex has redesigned both the fabric and the pocket layout, resulting in a more versatile piece for hunting, static shooting positions, and operational use in cold environments.

The Hybrid Fleece fabric combines two distinct constructions: the outer face has the filament structure of classic fleece, trapping still air and providing thermal insulation; the inner face uses a cross-knit construction, the same technique found in Alpha-style sweatshirts, which reduces overall weight and improves moisture transfer compared to a single-construction fleece of equal density. The practical outcome is a garment weighing 710 grams that insulates like a 400 g/m² fleece while remaining more manageable when physical activity increases. To shed excess heat during movement, the jacket features underarm ventilation openings — a simple, silent solution that is preferable to zip vents when minimising metallic noise in the field matters. It should be noted that Hybrid Fleece is a technical fleece fabric, not a membrane: it is neither waterproof nor water-resistant, and in heavy rain an outer protective shell is required.

Raglan sleeves eliminate shoulder-line seams, increasing freedom of movement when carrying a pack or taking up a shooting position. The shoulders feature two flat pockets for small accessories and Velcro panels for patches, useful for quick identification in operational contexts. Elasticated cuffs seal the sleeve edge without Velcro or buttons, keeping a clean profile under gloves. The bidirectional YKK main zip allows the jacket to be opened from the bottom to access a belt without removing it; the collar integrates a chin and beard guard that prevents chafing during movement with the zip fully closed. The hood is adjustable via cords and plastic stoppers and has a small stiffened peak. The hem, extended at the rear to protect the lower back, is also cord-adjustable and stays tucked when worn over a tactical belt.

Key features

• Dual-construction Hybrid Fleece at 340 g/m²: the thermal insulation of classic fleece with reduced weight and improved breathability over the previous version.
• Weight of 710 grams for a warm jacket that does not add burden during extended outings.
• Bidirectional YKK zip with chin and beard guard: opens from the bottom to access a belt without removing the jacket.
• Raglan sleeves with Velcro panels and shoulder pockets: freedom of movement and quick identification in operational or hunting contexts.
• Passive underarm ventilation: sheds heat during movement without noisy zips.
• 7 pockets in total — large lower front pockets that fit hands in winter gloves, flat chest pockets, shoulder pockets, and an internal pocket — to distribute the load without concentrating weight in one area.

In the box

• Helikon-Tex Patriot MK2 Hybrid Fleece Jacket