Helikon-Tex Patriot Pro: A Lightweight Fleece Jacket With Softshell Performance

Three words describe the new Patriot Pro from Polish brand Helikon-Tex: lightweight, warm, and cleverly constructed. It continues the long-popular Patriot line but uses a completely new material concept. Instead of the traditional “fluffy” fleece, it’s made from Stormfleece® – a fabric that fuses inner fleece insulation with an outer softshell barrier.

The result is an insulating layer that keeps you warm without excessive bulk, resists wind, dries quickly, and packs down small. Patriot Pro makes sense for anyone who wants a functional fleece jacket for the outdoors, the range, travel, or daily wear – but no longer wants to carry around a heavy, bulky fleece of the old generation.

Why All the Buzz

Helikon-Tex didn’t reinvent the look of the Patriot – it reinvented what it’s made of.
The original Patriot and Patriot Mk2 were classic fleece jackets – first more oversized, then more patrol-style. The Patriot Pro, on the other hand, is slimmer, lighter, and far more technical in its material.

• keeps the core design of the Patriot line (hood, extended cut, ID panels),
• adds a fabric that resists wind far better than standard fleece,
• reduces overall weight to around 560 g (size L) – noticeably improving comfort and packability.

Helikon-Tex Patriot Pro – the latest version of the popular fleece jacket. Light, warm, and wind-resistant thanks to the Stormfleece® material.

Stormfleece®: Two Technologies, One Purpose

Officially: Stormfleece® – 100% recycled polyester, 256 g/m².
In practice: a densely woven face with a subtle grid texture and a soft, brushed fleece interior.
The result is a balance of warmth and durability that traditional fleece simply can’t match.

In the field, this means:

• high warmth-to-weight ratio – you don’t need 380 g/m² to stay warm,
• much better wind resistance than standard fleece,
• fast drying and excellent moisture management,
• protection from light rain or drizzle – water beads and rolls off,
• abrasion resistance closer to softshell than “plush fleece.”

Part of Helikon-Tex’s Outback Line, the Patriot Pro is aimed at cold, dry conditions. Testing shows that with a base layer and active movement, it performs well even around 5–6 °C, confirming its solid windproof and thermal performance.

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A Fit That Moves With You

Compared to previous versions, the Patriot Pro offers a more classic, streamlined fit.
It’s not a compression jacket, but it’s no longer a “fluffy blanket” either.

This design means:

• less dead air to heat with your own body,
• better compatibility with outer layers (like hardshells or plate carriers),
• and a cleaner, more civilian appearance – especially in black.

The jacket features an extended back panel, keeping your lower back covered when bending or kneeling. Those preferring a shorter look can easily tuck the bottom edge slightly inside.
Shoulders are constructed without top seams, preventing pressure points under backpack straps and improving comfort under load.

The elastic hem holds shape without the need for adjustment cords – the jacket stays close to the body, doesn’t ride up, and remains comfortable during movement. The overall construction is clean, lightweight, and ideal for layering.

A Hood That Actually Works

Helikon-Tex used a hoodie-balaclava hybrid design that follows the shape of the head and offers dependable wind protection.

• close-fitting to eliminate space for wind to enter,
• lightly insulated with a fleece lining – warm yet pleasant to the touch,
• in combination with a high collar, it protects the neck and lower face, enhancing overall comfort.

A two-way YKK® zipper includes a chin guard at the top and a bottom snap that prevents accidental unzipping – a small but practical detail. When venting or accessing a belt, you can unzip from the bottom without the whole jacket flapping open.

Advanced functional features: two-way YKK® zipper with chin guard and snap to prevent unzipping, snug-fitting hoodie-balaclava type hood.

Five pockets with logical placement

Helikon-Tex has chosen a reasonable balance between functionality and simplicity for the Patriot Pro model. The sweatshirt offers five practically placed pockets that cover all common needs:

• two front hand pockets with zipper closure – with fleece lining for greater thermal comfort,
• one chest pocket with a vertical entry on the left – ideal for small items you want to have on hand,
• two internal mesh pockets – spacious, open, suitable for gloves, a hat, or glasses.

The number and placement of the pockets are chosen to keep the hoodie organized, lightweight, and truly practical – it does not appear cluttered, but offers plenty of storage space for everyday essentials.

Five Pockets, Thoughtfully Placed

Helikon-Tex kept a practical balance between functionality and simplicity. The Patriot Pro offers five well-positioned pockets that cover everyday essentials:

• two zippered hand pockets with warm fleece lining,
• one vertical chest pocket on the left – ideal for small items you want within easy reach,
• two large open mesh pockets inside – perfect for gloves, a hat, or eyewear.

The setup keeps the jacket lightweight and uncluttered while offering enough storage for typical gear.

Tactical DNA, Civilian Look

Despite its cleaner, more minimalist design, the Patriot Pro retains the signature Patriot DNA.
Both sleeves feature laser-cut Velcro panels with slots for pens or small lights – functional details that don’t compromise the jacket’s sleek appearance.

On colored versions, tone-matched panels would make the look even more cohesive, but on the black model, they blend naturally and maintain an elegant technical feel.

Where It Fits in the Patriot Line

The Patriot Pro model expands the successful line of Helikon-Tex fleece jackets with a lighter and more technical variant. Each generation carries the same philosophy of functional layering but differs in purpose and level of insulation:

• Patriot (original) – a robust and very warm fleece with a looser fit, designed for cold conditions; a typically winter sweatshirt with higher volume and multiple pockets.
• Patriot Mk2 – a modernized version with a slimmer cut, still based on the classic fleece; suitable for the shooting range, service, or regular outdoor wear.
• Patriot Pro – the lightest and most technical of the trio; combines fleece and softshell, features a windproof surface, five pockets, and a more casual appearance.

Patriot Pro does not replace the original model but complements the range with a light alternative designed for active movement, travel, and everyday wear outside of extreme cold conditions.

The Patriot Pro looks natural even off-road. Its snug, anatomically shaped fit and minimalist design make it suitable for everyday wear.

🔸 Key Features (Tested in Rigad)

• combines the benefits of fleece and softshell,

• provides excellent warmth-to-weight performance (256 g/m²),

• quick-drying and moisture-wicking,

• wind- and abrasion-resistant,

• ergonomically shaped hood for comfort and stability,

• two-way YKK® zipper with bottom snap to prevent accidental opening,

• five functional pockets – three external, two internal,

• laser-cut sleeve panels with slots for pens or small lights,

• modern minimalist look suitable for everyday wear,

• part of the proven Helikon-Tex® Patriot line.

🔸 Technical Specifications

• Material: Stormfleece® – 100% recycled polyester
• Weight: 256 g/m²
• Product line: Helikon-Tex® Outback Line
• Fit: classic, extended cut with long sleeves
• Closure: two-way YKK® zipper with chin guard and bottom snap
• Pockets: 2× hand (zip), 1× vertical chest (zip), 2× internal mesh
• Panels: laser-cut Velcro panels with slots for pens/light
• Care: machine wash at 30 °C (gentle), do not iron, bleach, or dry clean
• Intended use: cold and dry conditions, outdoor activities, travel, shooting range

A Technical Jacket for Everyday Wear

The Helikon-Tex Patriot Pro takes the brand’s proven fleece line a step further.
It blends lightness and flexibility with the kind of protection regular fleece can’t provide. Thanks to its Stormfleece® construction, it stands up to wind, dries quickly, and maintains a comfortable microclimate even during active movement.

It’s the go-to jacket for those who want one versatile mid-layer for the city, the outdoors, and the range – technical enough for serious use, yet subtle enough for everyday wear.

The current colors, sizes, and availability of the Patriot Pro model can be found in our online store.
👉 Check out the Helikon-Tex Patriot Pro product in the offer →

🎥 Watch the review:
Check out our detailed video on the Helikon-Tex Patriot Pro – including a full comparison of all Patriot versions, hands-on testing, and field impressions.