Helstons Elis Air mesh jacket in khaki

These new Helstons Elis Air jackets, which come in both gents’ and ladies’ configurations, are on one level bog standard mesh jackets. There are dozens of similar-looking mesh jacket on the market; they’re all about the same money; and they all do the same kind of job. These jackets all have large mesh panels on the front and back, and down the sleeves. We are not, for various reasons, in Klim Marrakesh territory here, but the jackets will flow a lot of air in order to keep you cool in warm weather. Under EN 17092, the Elis Air is rated single-A which, in truth, is all you might expect. But because it’s a Helstons’ jacket it comes equipped with a back protector, as well as the mandatory elbow and shoulder armour; all of which is pretty soft.

 

Where the Elis differs is that there’s a styling element to it. Helstons has attempted to produce the Elis in the vein of the American MA2 flying jacket. It’s the same olive colour. You get knitted cuffs and a knitted hem. And the internal mesh is orange; again as per the MA2. We think this works well. The Elis is nothing outstanding, really, from a functional perspective. But it’s certainly less boring and repetitive than most mesh jackets out there.