Helikon Tex Raid Shirt

Modern uniform shirt

The Raid Shirt is a new version of a classic shirt. It creates a set with UTP, SFU Mk2, or BDU Mk2 Pants, but it will also work as a stand-alone lightweight shirt for patrol or city activities. The tradition of this type of tactical clothing dates back to the 1940s, but we followed the historical development of these uniforms to prepare a timeless and modern product. The Raid Shirt is made entirely of Polycotton Stretch Ripstop fabric (48% cotton, 50% polyester, 2% elastane), so it's slightly stretchy and allows for greater freedom of movement.

Uncommon in tactical clothing - raglan construction

According to the rule that a uniform shirt is a so-called user's second skin, this model uses a comfortable raglan construction. The sleeves are sewn directly into the collar, so there are no seams on the shoulders, whereas in traditional cuts there is a joining of the material. Often, the straps of the equipment or plate carrier are placed there, which causes discomfort. The raglan construction means that the Raid Shirt worn under the vest does not pinch anywhere. This type of cut is almost non-existent in the uniform industry, although the US Army uses it. The latest American IHWCU (Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform) uniform has a raglan construction.

Classic pockets with improvements

The Raid Shirt has a total of eight pockets with loops to which you can attach your equipment so as not to lose it during operations. Two classic pockets, sewn at an angle on the chest, fastened with two Canadian buttons. Two mesh pockets inside the shirt: one with a zipper and one open at chest height, for a map or notebook. Just undo one button on the main strip and reach into the pocket.

In addition, there are two slanted pockets on the shoulders, with two fastening options. The comfortable fastening with two small hook & loop fasteners can be blinded if necessary and Canadian buttons can be used. Placing both variants of fastening allows you to wear a shirt, e.g. for green tactics when you want to be as quiet as possible. In addition, in high humidity conditions (e.g. tropical), hook & loop will start to stick less and less over time, and Canadian buttons will work flawlessly. On the zipped shoulder pockets there are also two open, smaller pockets for small items such as a compass. Next to it is a narrow compartment for a pen or pencil.

Progress based on experience

Classic uniform shirts have existed since the Second World War. The most characteristic uniforms made of durable cotton were developed in the 1940s by the US Army and introduced to use as the M42 Parachute Uniform. This pattern evolved during the Vietnam War uniform called TCU (Tropical Combat Uniform). After many years, the next milestone was the introduction of a uniform called BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) throughout the US armed forces. From the end of the 1990s, it was popular to introduce modifications at the request of the soldiers themselves: sewing additional pockets on the shoulders, adding Velcro, etc. Our Raid Shirt is a modern version of these modifications, which were supposed to make the soldier's life easier.