Shirts serve a variety of roles, from protecting wearers to showing a person’s style. Helikon-Tex was inspired by their Modern Battle Dress Uniform (MBDU) shirt to create a classier version. The result is the MBDU Flannel, which Helikon-Tex was kind enough to send us here at The Gear Bunker to try.
“The fact that you are on the battlefield does not mean you can’t look classy.” ~ helikon-tex.us
MBDU Flannel Features
First, the shirt is made of polyester UP50 fabric, which helps protect the wearer from the sun. Like combat uniform tops, the MBDU Flannel has two chest pockets and two sleeve pockets. The sleeve pockets have loop panels that are 3.5 inches wide and 4.3 inches high. The shirt’s front is buttoned with Canadian-style buttons. On the shirt’s sides are VersaStretch panels with armpit ventilation. The cuffs also are adjustable with hook-loop tape.
MBDU Flannel Video Overview:
“It is made of lightweight, yet durable fabric it provides proper antibacterial properties even during prolonged use, while the UPF50 index provides UV protection.” ~ helikon-tex.us
Thoughts on the MBDU Flannel
The size of the MBDU Flannel that fits on my frame is XS, which compares to a U.S. uniform top in Small Regular. It is loose enough to wear some layers without looking too baggy but still gives a fitted look. The VersaStretch panels also give some stretch when moving around. I tested this out by doing pull-ups throughout the day, and I wasn’t constricted in my arm movements.
The shoulder and chest pockets are tall and wide enough to hold various items. The MBDU Flannel’s chest pockets are large enough to fit more oversized items such as folded maps or blow-ups of a city block. I also appreciate that the chest pockets are high enough to access items even when I wear a chest rig without having to fight the rig. The loop panels on the sleeves are also helpful for wearing morale patches on the range or call sign patches if conducting operations in urban settings.
MBDU Flannel Features & Specifications courtesy of helikon-tex.us
- Composition Main: 100% Polyester, Insert: 93% Nylon, 7% Elastane, Yoke: 100% Polyester, Mesh: 100% Polyester
- Weight: 1.01 lb
- Based on MBDU shirt
- UPF50 fabric
- Anatomic cut
- Large chest pockets
- Upper sleeve pockets
- Buttoned front with canadian style buttons
- Hook&loop adjustable cuffs
- Side VersaStretch® panels
- Armpit ventilation
- Loop panels for personalization
- YKK® zippers
- MSRP: $84.90
“This shirt is a “must have” for any urban operations.” ~ helikon-tex.us
Final Thoughts
One thing I wish was different with the shirt is the cuffs. While the hook-loop tape works well, as a preference, I would rather have a buttoned cuff since hook-loop tape can sometimes lose its effectiveness over time. Despite this preference, I like the flannel’s fit and the VersaStretch panels, which help give more range of motion. Individuals looking for a shirt to wear on the range or during other training events should look at the MBDU Flannel.
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