Brand profile

Tilak

Czech technical outerwear brand making Gore-Tex shells and layering for alpinists, mountain rescue and military units, still family-owned and locally produced.

Czech RepublicOrigin
MenswearFocus
Gorpcore / OutdoorStyle
$$$Price

4 brands like Tilak like Klättermusen, Arc'teryx, Norrona →

A man wearing a black Tilak winter jacket with matching pants

What to know about Tilak

Built for rescue teams first

Tilak supplies mountain rescue crews, guides and military units, and runs a separate military-gear division alongside its consumer outerwear.

Still sewn in Czechia

Founded in 1986 by climber Roman Kamler sewing sleeping bags at home; he still owns and runs it with his family, and production stays in the Czech Republic.

Gore-Tex shells, minimal cut

A Gore-Tex supply deal since 1993 anchors a range of hardshells, softshells, merino and synthetic insulation cut plainly for movement rather than styling.

Known forOutdoor & technicalJacketsOuterwear

The pieces that define Tilak

Shield Coat GTX

A Czech-made Gore-Tex hardshell coat that distills Tilak's minimal, movement-cut approach to alpine-grade protection.

Explore Shield Coat →

Poutnik Line

Tilak's more casual sub-label applies the same Gore-Tex and merino know-how to everyday wear beyond the mountain.

Explore Poutnik →

How Tilak fits

Overall fit

slightly small

Tilak's cut is widely described as a lean, movement-oriented alpine fit that runs a touch smaller than comparable US outdoor brands, with generous sleeve and body length for its size.

Tip: Most people find the Czech/alpine cut trim, so consider going one size up if you plan to layer a thick midlayer or have a broader chest.

athletic alpine cutslim through the chestlong sleevessize up for layeringnot boxy

Medium confidence · based on 8 sources

By category

CategoryRunsShapeSize advice
Jacketsslightly smalltrim, articulated hardshell/softshell cut that skims the bodySize up if you want room for an insulated midlayer, otherwise take your usual size for a technical climbing fit.
Hoodies & sweatshirtsslightly smallslim midlayer/fleece cut intended to sit under a shellTake your usual size as a midlayer, size up if you prefer to wear it as an outer piece.
Trousers & pantsslightly smallslim-to-regular technical leg with articulated kneesConsider sizing up at the waist if you are between sizes, as the cut is fairly lean through the seat and thigh.
T-shirts & graphic teesslightly smallclose-fitting merino baselayer shapeOrder your normal size for next-to-skin use, or up one if you dislike a snug baselayer feel.

Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.

If you like Tilak

Tilak fit questions

Does Tilak run big or small?

Tilak fits slightly small. Most people find the Czech/alpine cut trim, so consider going one size up if you plan to layer a thick midlayer or have a broader chest. Tilak's cut is widely described as a lean, movement-oriented alpine fit that runs a touch smaller than comparable US outdoor brands, with generous sleeve and body length for its size.

How does Tilak fit?

Tilak's cut is widely described as a lean, movement-oriented alpine fit that runs a touch smaller than comparable US outdoor brands, with generous sleeve and body length for its size. Overall shape: trim, athletic European alpine cut with articulated sleeves and shaped waist.

How do Tilak jackets fit?

Tilak jackets fits slightly small. Size up if you want room for an insulated midlayer, otherwise take your usual size for a technical climbing fit. Shape: trim, articulated hardshell/softshell cut that skims the body.

How do Tilak hoodies & sweatshirts fit?

Tilak hoodies & sweatshirts fits slightly small. Take your usual size as a midlayer, size up if you prefer to wear it as an outer piece. Shape: slim midlayer/fleece cut intended to sit under a shell.

How do Tilak trousers & pants fit?

Tilak trousers & pants fits slightly small. Consider sizing up at the waist if you are between sizes, as the cut is fairly lean through the seat and thigh. Shape: slim-to-regular technical leg with articulated knees.

Brand facts

Tilak is a Czech technical outerwear maker founded in 1986 by climber Roman Kamler, who began by sewing sleeping bags at home and remains owner-operator with his family. It signed a Gore-Tex supply agreement in 1993 and launched apparel under the Tilak name in 2000. Production stays in the Czech Republic, centred on Gore-Tex hardshells, softshells, merino and synthetic-insulated layers in a minimal, movement-cut style. Supplying mountain rescue, guides and military units, it also runs the more casual Poutnik line and a military-gear division.

Founded
1986
Origin
Czech Republic
Made in
czech republic
Price
$$$
Focus
Menswear
Facts checked
August 2026
Styles
Gorpcore / Outdoor, Techwear

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