Helikon M65 Nyco Jacket - US Woodland

The jacket is great, but it has two drawbacks. First, the sizing – it's better to take a size smaller. Second, after a year, I used the lining for the first time and noticed that it is missing a snap on the left side.

I've noticed that in reviews of the Brandit M65 and Alpha jackets, few people mention that the material of these models is very different from that of the original, contract jackets, where the composition is 50/50 nylon and cotton – and this should matter when choosing a replica. In my opinion, only Helikon sews according to the contract, using the proper material, while even Alpha has strayed from these standards. My Helikon jacket, even though I've had it for a year and washed it several times, is still great. It's precisely the type of material that makes these jackets so valued, and functionality is a bonus. That's why if someone cares about authenticity, they should go for the 50/50 nylon and cotton blend.

Ever since the M65 became fashionable as the "Schimanski" jacket, I've had similar jackets from various manufacturers. Most of them didn't last long, but now I've had a green Helikon for more than 5 years, it looks like new and I don't take special care of it. That's why I treated myself to a second one in black. Comfortable, sturdy fabric, warm (the lining can easily be removed), and practical—just like an M65. The size fits me perfectly. The only downside is the green is a bit bright, but life needs more color anyway ;-)

The perfect jacket for every season except summer. Absolute hit. Size S fits someone who is 174 cm tall and has broad shoulders. It’s worth choosing a size smaller than usual, because the jacket is quite roomy.

Great jacket. I only have an issue with the quality control before shipping – in my piece, the material on the shoulders is sewn in crooked and puckers. I didn't notice this, but my wife did. It's a small thing, but it spoils the overall impression.

At first, I was skeptical about buying this jacket, I even planned to return it. After trying it on, it stayed with me, and I wear it everywhere. It's comfortable, soft, and practical, which isn't surprising for the M65. The workmanship is outstanding.

The jacket is very sturdy and durable. I have it in black, and the craftsmanship is excellent. I deduct one star for the material being too stiff – in my opinion, it could be softer, but that may not bother everyone. Another star deducted for the oversized fit – I have size M and it's like a large L. People with a slimmer build should consider this. Other than that, the product is really hefty, maybe a bit excessively so: after several years of use in the forest, there is no visible wear and the jacket has no damage – I only use it in winter.

I bought the jacket on sale, it looks great as an M65 model. I recommend taking a size smaller. I weigh 70 kg, I'm 180 cm tall and the jacket is a bit too big, but unfortunately there was no XS (even though the size chart suggested there was – that's a mistake). The jacket is waiting for colder days to be fully tested. The badge is very nice. Overall, I recommend it. The jacket is heavy, so I expect it to be warm. Pros: appearance, pockets, liner, faithful M65 replica, the olive color is impressive! Cons – sizing is too large. In summary: I recommend it!

Great jacket for off-road, I use it together with dedicated pants (nice that you can connect them). I've been wearing it for 5-6 years at many rallies, it hasn't been spared. Big pockets, practical hood that's easy to unfold and stash, pluses for drawstrings at the bottom and Velcro on the sleeves. The insulated liner can be quickly removed (you can wear it as a fleece, it has its own buttons). The pockets are spacious.

Great jacket for off-road – I use it together with the dedicated pants, you can also connect them together. I've had it for about 5-6 years, it's been through many rallies with me without sparing. The jacket is spacious, has a cool hood that quickly unfolds and folds, drawstrings at the bottom and Velcro on the sleeves are a big plus. The insulated liner can be detached in two minutes (it can then be worn as a fleece – it has its own buttons). The pockets are very roomy.

Very useful jacket, I use it for off-roading together with the dedicated pants (great option to combine the jacket with the pants). For 5-6 years, it withstood many rallies without being spared. It has spacious pockets, a practical hood that is easy to unfold and fold, and adjustable sleeves and drawstrings—a big advantage. The insulated liner can be quickly removed and worn as a fleece—it has its own buttons. The pockets are very roomy.

Great quality jacket – I've been wearing it for 8 years and nothing has happened to it. The slight fading of the material only adds to its charm. It's warm and spacious. The hood in the collar is very thin. Definitely worth buying.

I do not recommend the black version – it really attracts lint, particles, and pet hair, which can be annoying. It's better to choose classic green or woodland. The jacket is as well made as the much more expensive Alpha, so there's no sense in overpaying. Personally, I gave up on the sleeve Velcro system because it annoyed me, so I had a tailor sew the sleeve – now it's perfect. I know the original military version had this too, but to me it's just impractical.

I've had this jacket for several years and I think its quality surpasses the Brandit brand, and it's very similar to the much more expensive Alpha. I made some small modifications, like having material sewn over the Velcro on the cuffs because they irritated my skin – now it's fine. I also got rid of the epaulets because they got in the way when carrying a backpack. In my opinion, it's better to buy this jacket than the Alpha – they’re almost identical, and Alpha doesn't have a button-in liner.

The jacket is of very good quality – strong material, high level of craftsmanship. Very warm (with liner). Size L fits perfectly on my body: 176 cm, 101 kg, chest 116 cm. A bit loose over a t-shirt, snug over a hoodie.