The availability of different jacket styles for various functions and types of weather makes getting through a shift in any situation much more bearable. Photos courtesy of vendors.
Outerwear: 2012

Horace Small's 3-N-1 Jacket features an exclusive acclimate zip-in system allowing personal climate control through versatility and flexibility. With a zip-out Primaloft acclimate jacket that can be worn alone as a light thermal layer or zipped in as an insulated shell. Additional features include pit zips for ventilation, side-zip access to duty belt, a warrant pocket, and breathable waterproof fabric.

The Sabre 2.0 from 5.11 Tactical is a concealed carry jacket designed for covert operations. It's fully waterproof and breathable with a new updated mesh and nylon liner. In addition to right and left shoulder pockets, updated front vertical chest pockets and back up belt system-compatible hand warmer pockets provide storage. The Sabre 2.0 also has an updated fit, a waterproof removable hood, and a new vertical zipped back pocket near the lumbar to store the hood. Last but not least, the jacket features 5.11 Tactical's new Quixip side access system for quick access to a concealed sidearm. Available in black, coyote brown, moss, and dark navy.

The Tru-Spec 24-7 Series Tactical Softshell Jacket is a highly breathable, insulated softshell jacket with natural body shaping for maximum mobility. Constructed with a polyester faced wind stopping shell, the jacket also sheds moisture exceedingly well and balances wind protection with active use breathability. The brushed polyester lining on the body wicks moisture and adds a degree of thermal insulation. The Tru-Spec 24-7 Series Tactical Softshell Jacket gives you all-around performance for any active pursuit. Available in black, olive drab, navy, coyote, and MultiCam.

Blauer's TacShell jacket is waterproof, windproof, and breathable thanks to its B.DRY three-layer Nylon rip-stop shell fabric with stretch. For visibility when needed, 3M Scotchlite deploys from the cuffs and behind the collar. Pull-down panels deploy from front and rear yokes, a removable waterproof hood stores in the collar, and a TASER Axon integration system with security pocket is placed under the front storm flap zipper. Zippered side openings provide easy weapon or equipment access. A back length of 27 inches will keep your seat dry in inclement weather, and you can even zip in styles 4660 and 4670 as optional liners for added warmth.

The BlackHawk Warrior Wear Jacket System consists of three jackets designed to be used separately or layered together for customized insulation, ventilation, and wind or water resistance. The Training Jak (layer 1) is water-resistant and windproof, delivering moderate warmth while training or in the field.

The BlackHawk Warrior Wear Jacket System's Operations Jak (layer 2) provides wind and water resistance with substantial warmth and element protection.

The BlackHawk Warrior Wear Jacket System's Shell Jak (layer 3) is a waterproof, windproof, breathable three-layer laminate hard shell that gives maximum protection from the elements.

Innovative details of Elbeco's Bomber-styled Lifesaver jacket include front patch pockets with hand-warmer side-entry points and side-entry hand-warmers on the Hi-Vis side, functional mic clips, and side zipper vents for easy equipment access. Standard badge tab eyelets are attached to both the dark and Hi-Vis sides. Colors available include dark navy and black.

The Propper El Jefe Puff Vest is just one item in Propper's new Sweep collection launching this fall. Propper Sweep apparel is loaded with functional, low-profile features so you can blend into the urban environment without giving up the tactical advantage. The El Jefe Puff Vest features double sliders on the zipper and slip-resistant shoulder panels for a strap or sling. Pull-out ID panels on the left chest and back command authority when needed. Propper's full line of Sweep apparel is scheduled to hit stores by December.

Fechheimer's Vertx Integrity is a mid-layer base jacket with a NanoSphere-treated outer shell that’s wind and water resistant for lightweight and breathable comfort. Features include Polartec Powerstretch hardface fleece gusseted sides, Savoire Suede collar, Side hand warmer pockets, and 40-denier ripstop, downproof quilted lining. The Integrity Base Jacket is built to be attached to the waterproof Integrity Shell (coming soon) as a liner or to be worn separately as a jacket with athletic fit. Comes in black in sizes XS to 3XL regular.

Elbeco's Summit Reversible Lifesaver Fleece Jacket provides daytime visibility with a Hi-Vis, fluorescent lime-yellow polyester shell combined with more than 310 square inches of 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material on the back, front, shoulders, and sleeves for maximum nighttime visibility. The waterproof, windproof and breathable performance is created by Elbeco’s HIPTEX membrane, which keeps out rain, snow, and wind while allowing perspiration to escape.

The new GORE-TEX Lightweight Patrol Shell delivers all-day comfort and protection so you can focus on your job, not the weather. This GORE advanced products for law enforcement line jacket in the new GORE advanced products for law enforcement line is made with advanced fabrics created specifically for law enforcement use. The highly breathable jacket lets you be comfortable both in and outside the patrol vehicle. Its modern fit and style reduces weight and bulk, which improves your range of motion and ability to access equipment. You can now purchase the Lightweight Patrol Shell directly from the manufacturer.