Helikon-Tex Patriot Heavy Fleece Jacket

The Patriot Heavy Fleece is a heavy fleece jacket designed for harsh weather conditions, built for professional operators, hunters and shooters working in cold and wet environments. Weighing 1000 g, it sits in the high-insulation mid-layer category, suitable for wearing on its own or under an outer shell.

Heavy fleece provides strong thermal insulation even in moderate moisture, retaining a meaningful level of warmth when the fabric is partially wet — a property that membrane materials do not share. This makes it preferable in environments where sweat and condensation are unavoidable during sustained physical effort. Underarm ventilation zips allow thermal output to be regulated without removing the garment, preventing overheating during periods of intense movement. The elasticated hem with quick-adjust drawcords lets you tailor the fit to whatever load-bearing system you are wearing underneath or on top.

The YKK two-way front zip, with a wind flap and chin guard, keeps wind from penetrating through the centre opening and protects the face from zip-slider abrasion when operating with gloves. Reinforced elbows hold up to the wear of prone shooting positions and movement over abrasive surfaces. The chest pockets feature cable routing grommets, D-rings and device pockets — details that point to an integration designed for those carrying radios and sensors, not just for keeping hands warm. It is worth noting that heavy fleece, unlike a softshell, offers no meaningful wind resistance: in prolonged direct exposure, an outer layer becomes necessary.

Key points

• Heavy fleece retains useful insulation in moderate moisture, making it more reliable than a membrane during activities involving continuous physical effort.
• Underarm ventilation zips allow temperature management without removing the garment, with active microclimate control during changes in exertion level.
• The YKK two-way front zip with wind flap and chin guard provides cold-weather sealing and gloved-hand usability.
• Chest pockets with cable routing grommets, D-rings and device pockets are designed for those integrating electronic equipment into their kit system.
• The adjustable integrated hood and elasticated drawcord hem allow the fit to be adapted for standalone use or integration into a layering system.
• Reinforced elbows extend the operational life of the garment in the most demanding working positions.

In the box

• Helikon-Tex Patriot Heavy Fleece jacket