Manufacturers are mindful of how hot summer months can get for officers in uniform. Some have altered existing products specifically for hot weather, while others have created brand new gear. The results are ultra-lightweight, sweat-wicking products, along with items designed to hydrate, that include cooling effects without sacrificing protection or professionalism.
Hot Weather Gear 2014
Elbeco's UFX Ultra-Light Tactical Polo has the same features of the regular Tactical Polo, but is 30% lighter. It has great color retention, is easy to maintain, and lasts through repeated wear. Plus, it is extra-long to prevent riding up. Flex underarm mesh vents provide extra ventilation, and the fabric contains anti-microbial technology to reduce odor. The ribbed knit collar is designed with collar stays, and the fabric can accept direct embroidery. The three-button front placket with a microphone loop accommodates glasses or a microphone and the polo comes with dual pen pockets in the left sleeve.
The Phantom OPS pant from Vertx is designed with an added Active Airflow System mesh insert to promote the skin's natural evaporative cooling process. Added features include triple-bellowed inset cargo pockets that expand for additional capacity, a mini rip-stop fabric for added durability to effectively resist tears in multiple environments, and dual concealed zipper pockets on both sides to enable discreet carry options.
The Original Vent Covert Glove from MechanixWear prevents the loss of valuable control and discomfort with a breathable mesh top and fully perforated synthetic leather palm, fingers, and side panels. The mesh allows circulation throughout every part of the glove. A strategically placed micro fleece thumb panel also serves as a convenient place to wipe the sweat falling from the brow.
The High Agility Weight Kinetics (HAWK) 9" boots by Original S.W.A.T. are equipped with custom Flex-Lite technology as their foundation, which integrates a breathable nylon stability board. They maintain a slip-resistant traction rubber outsole that meets the ASTM F489-96 safety standard. Available in waterproof or side-zip, the HAWK boots are made with non-marking rubber, have a heel stabilizer, and are blood borne pathogen resistant. The gusseted tongue keeps dirt and debris out while the moisture-wicking lining offers Aegis antimicrobial protection. The lace hooks at the top three eyelets offer a speedy lace-up, and the brass alloy prevents rusting.
Combining lightweight, breathable, water-resistant Cordura panels, the Blackhawk Desert Ops Boots provide a hardwearing tactical boot for hot-weather environments. A moisture-wicking Dri-Lex inner lining and washable, antimicrobial, custom-molded OrthoLite foot-bed keep feet cool and comfortable during daylong training or operations. A fully gusseted tongue prevents debris from entering the boot while the Vibram outsole with large lugs gives traction on a variety of surfaces. The Desert Ops Boots feature toe reinforcements and an extra layer of suede on the heel for protection. A nylon shank has been added for additional support for operators who carry heavy loads. The boots are available in coyote tan, desert tan, and sage green.
CamelBak's newest water bottle is the Eddy, named for a current of water running contrary to a main current. The spill-proof, BPA-free bottle makes it easy to stay hydrated on the go, while helping to eliminate single-use plastic bottles. Not only does it improve flow rate, delivering more water faster with the addition of a larger, easy-to-clean stem tube and straw, but a redesigned one-piece silicone Big Bite Valve and thumb tab make Eddy durable and easy to grip. A shielded vent valve helps protect against dirt and leaks. Eddy is available in three different sizes and with a brand new color palette.
CoolCop has developed a performance T-shirt designed specifically for those who wear body armor. It's made of fabric that contains permanent activated carbon-embedded nylon. Carbon is a proven moisture filter and is also anti-microbial to combat odor. The Carbon-Tech T-shirt features a seamless mesh panel in the area that body armor touches the skin. This mesh panel promotes air circulation, especially when used with CoolCop's Body Armor Air Conditioning device.
Propper's new Foldable Patrol Cap incorporates an ultralight four-ounce 100% nylon rip-stop fabric which allows for head breathability and comfort. The design, which incorporates an elastic sweatband, is based on the classic patrol cap but with the ability to fold in half for easy storage in a back pocket or bag. The cap provides cooler coverage while maintaining its durability.
Designed by Wiley X, 5.11's Raid Eyewear utilizes three sets of interchangeable high-impact polycarbonate lenses, allowing the wearer to completely adapt the reduction preferences based on his or her surroundings. All lenses offer distortion-free 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays and meet impact resistance requirements for U.S. Military MCEPS MIL-PRF-32432 standards. Smoked lenses provide maximum glare reduction, ballistic orange lenses improve contrast at the range without dimming details, and clear lenses provide protection and clarity without altering the visible light spectrum. The Grilamid TR-90 Nylon frame is durable and a T-Shell lens coating improves scratch resistance.
Tru-Spec's 24-7 Series Camp Shirt is made from a lightweight, 100% polyester fabric and is vented for coolness and comfort. It has no shoulder seams, which allows for a comfortable, loose fit and is a good concealed carry option, with easy access inside the shirt via the front snaps. And the two chest pockets and two concealed secure hip pockets offer storage for important documents and accessories. The 24-7 Series Camp Shirt is available in navy, khaki, coyote, and charcoal.