If freezing isn’t your idea of a good way to start the new year, you might want to take a look at the new outerwear offerings for law enforcement. Whether you’re bracing your body against snow, rain, or wind, winter can give you quite a chill if you don’t properly prepare yourself for the weather.

The multiple layers of water and wind protection found in today’s coats comfortably keep out the cold in a wide range of temperatures. But a need for warmth isn’t the only reason to wear a new jacket.

Multitasking is the order of the day for many new coats that keep you both warm and visible. Reversible to reflective materials, some new jackets will make sure you’re seen when you want to be, as well as toasty.

Fechheimer

LAPD Navy on one side and fluorescent yellow on the other, Fechheimer’s Reversible Hi-Visibility jacket lets you decide how visible you want to be. Two two-inch-wide silver reflective stripes lined with black on the fluorescent side further increase visibility while dual-entry inverted-pleat patch pockets and hand warmers on the LAPD Navy side enhance convenience and comfort. A reversible front zipper and sealed seams make the jacket waterproof and easy to wear.
 
www.fechheimer.com

Liberty Uniforms
 
Liberty’s Millennium Police jacket is made of 100-percent three-ply Supplex nylon to provide protection against moisture. A hydro-fusion fabric system combines fabric, finish, and coating to create a highly breathable, water-resistant, and windproof jacket. Cape-type construction with under-arm gussets allow for maximum arm movement and comfort, as do underarm zippered air vents with nylon mesh screen. All zippers are nylon, black, non-reflective, and made not to freeze.

www.libertyuniform.com

Elbeco

Reversible, waterproof, and breathable, the Elbeco Summit Lifesaver jacket is even more versatile now that it has ANSI Class 3 visibility. This bomber-style jacket combines HIPTEX waterproof-breathable protection with a Hi-Vis fluorescent lime-yellow polyester shell. Both sides of the jacket provide easy access to pockets and hand warmers and have standard badge tab eyelets. Available in dark navy and black.

www.elbeco.com

Blauer

With its Crosstech public safety fabric from Gore-Tex, the Cruiser Jacket from Blauer provides protection from wind and wet weather and is also resistant to blood, body fluids, and common chemicals. A washable, ripstop nylon outershell keeps you warm and dry while a zip-out B.Warm quilted liner lets you choose how warm you want to be. The jacket is 25 inches long at the back and features an inside security pocket. The Cruiser is available in brown, dark navy, and black.

www.blauer.com

Gerber Outerwear  

Although it looks like a bomber jacket on one side, the Thriller X Reversible jacket from Gerber Outerwear reverses to lime yellow with 3M Scotchlite reflective trim. A removable ThermaGuard quilt liner and adjustable, elasticized cuffs increase comfort. The jacket also features two-way patch pockets with scalloped flaps on the black side and a reversing front zipper that extends to the top of the stand-up collar.
 
www.gerberouterwear.com

5.11

The 3-in-1 Jacket from 5.11 Tactical boasts three different looks. Its waterproof yet breathable outer shell has multiple pockets. A wind-resistant fleece liner can be worn alone or zipped inside the outershell. This lighter jacket’s abrasion-resistant reinforcements at key points offer increased durability and support. The third piece of the package, a reflective vest, stows inside its own pocket bag for easy carry.

www.511tactical.com

WaterShed
 
Originally a high-end sports jacket, the 1983-style jacket from WaterShed includes functional features that make it equally applicable to law enforcement. Its outershell is made of three-layer waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex material the U.S. military uses because of its light weight and durability. An adjustable hood zips into the collar and several zippered pockets leave room for plenty of gear. The 1983 is available in black, dark navy, and OD green, or in two-tone combinations. WaterShed will customize the jacket’s sleeve or body lengths, among other options, to meet your agency’s needs. Matching pants are also available.

www.watershed-rainwear.com