It used to be you had to wear the bulky jacket your agency mandated for duty wear. But now there are many different options for duty, training, and other details. And even those formerly bulky jackets are more streamlined, comfortable, and effective at keeping the weather at bay. Here's a look at some of this next-generation outerwear.
Outerwear: 2011
The insulated Woolrich Elite Series Tactical Elite Discreet Carry Twill Jacket is the latest addition to the company's line of concealed carry outerwear. It features large, reinforced inner pockets with integrated holster loops. The rear locker loop conceals the entrance to a hidden accessory tunnel, which allows for convenient yet discreet carry of plastic restraints as well as routing for electronic wires. Front hand warmer pockets contain internal accessory loops positioned for rapid deployment of spare magazines or other items. Available in S to 3XL.
The Propper Defender Echo softshell jacket is made of 95-percent polyester and five-percent spandex fabric with 100-percent polyester fleece backing. It can also be zipped into a larger jacket as a liner for extra warmth. Features include a water-resistant, windproof, and breathable barrier; articulated sleeves; integrated pen pocket; side access zippers for access to your duty belt and weapon; and zippered exterior and interior chest pockets. Available in sizes XS to 5XL in regular and long.
The lightweight fleece-lined design of the Blauer Colorblock Softshell Fleece Jacket provides warmth and wind resistance, while its 3M Scotchlite crosswalk pattern provides nighttime reflectivity and enhances daytime visibility. Features include drop shoulder design for unrestricted movement, zippered fleece-lined hand warmer pockets, and microphone tab and badge tab. It also zips in as a liner for Blauer's TacShell Jacket. Available in hi-vis yellow with black or dark navy with red, in nine sizes and three lengths.
The Horace Small New Generation 3 Jacket features a windproof, waterproof, breathable outer shell and zip-out Primaloft liner. Features include a front zipper closure with snap storm flap, concealed chest pocket, inner pockets, inner cinch cords, and side zippers for easy access to duty gear. It will keep you warm and comfortable without unnecessary bulk. Available in brown, spruce green, dark navy, forest green, and black, and in sizes XS to 6XL.
Part of the BlackHawk Warrior Wear layering system, the Grid Fleece Series consists of a jacket, pullover, 3/4 zip hoody, and vest. The series is designed with a contoured, athletic fit to minimize bulk when layering. It features Raglan sleeves for a full range of motion and sleeve thumb-holes. Made with a flat seam construction for a smooth fit with a zippered chest pocket for valuables, the Grid Fleece Series is available in black and coyote brown and in men's sizes Small to 3X.
The Magnum Sparta waterproof, insulated jacket is now available in navy. The Sparta Jacket features Tec-Proof, which allows the outer layer to protect you from wind, rain, and snow while the inner layer allows moisture to quickly evaporate. In addition, this jacket offers convenience features designed specifically for law enforcement officers, including enlarged Velcro patches on the sleeves, an ID panel on the back with zippered tuck away pocket, and sidearm zippers on both sides for quick access.
Tru-Spec WeatherShield outerwear offers a choice of three levels of weatherproof, waterproof, breathable protection against the elements including jackets, parkas, windbreakers, and rain pants. Tri-layer construction guarantees warmth and dryness in all conditions. Features include smooth operating zippers; mic loops; roomy, well designed pockets; detachable ID tags; back yoke with detachable ID panel; and ample room for carrying a holstered firearm.
The Elbeco Shield Meridian Modular Outerwear Jacket has a water-repellent nylon shell that offers wind and rain protection while retaining a high level of breathability. Telescopic sleeves allow for full range of arm movement and side zipper vents with snaps provide quick access to belt equipment. An included fully insulated zip-out Thinsulate liner features zip-off sleeves and openings that allow access to inner jacket pockets. A snap-off hood is now available free of charge.
The 5.11 Tactical Sabre 2.0 jacket features the QUIXIP side access system for fast sidearm access. Radio mic pass-through openings from the hand warmer pockets to the inside of the jacket and three pullout ID panels allow you to remain covert. The softshell outer shell is waterproof yet breathable and features waterproof zippers on the front and arms. A removable hood can be detached and stowed in an easily-accessible vertical back zipper pocket.