How to Choose the Best Tactical Jacket
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Tactical jackets serve a critical purpose, and that’s to protect you from the elements while still allowing you the mobility and functionality you need to do your job. If you’re in the military or law enforcement, your specific branch or agency may choose your jacket for you.
In certain circumstances or if you’re a civilian, you may have the freedom to choose the one you want. But with so many options, you may not know which one to pick.
So, this article is going to tell you the features to look for, questions to ask and other factors to consider when choosing the best durable tactical jacket for you.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Searching for the Right Tactical Jacket
One of the first things you want to do before searching for the perfect tactical jacket for you is to ask yourself the following questions:
- Will you wear the jacket at work every day?
- Can you deal with wearing a heavy jacket?
- Will you also wear the jacket outside of work?
- Are you looking for a jacket that allows you to carry concealed?
- Do you need to wear your coat with equipment (i.e., a gun belt and other tools)?
These are important questions because if you need to wear a coat with your gun belt, then you have to be able to get to your equipment. Also, if you’re carrying concealed, you want a pocket for your firearm in your coat.
And some people don’t like heavy coats because they restrict your movement. Plus, if you’re going to wear your coat outside of work, you want one that is durable and works for on-duty and off-duty activities. You’ll also want to look for dependable brands such as 5.11 tactical jackets.
Factors to Consider When Picking Your Tactical Jacket
When you’re looking for the right tactical jacket for your needs, there are several things to consider.
Comfort and Mobility
If you’re looking for a tactical jacket, then you likely need to wear it in tactical situations. So, it needs to not only be durable and reliable, but also comfortable and allow for maximum mobility.
For instance, police officers wear coats for 12 hours or more, so they need to be comfortable. But they also need to be able to get to their equipment and run after suspects.
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Climate
Another thing is the climate where you work or wear your coat. Someone in Arizona won’t need the heavy coat that a person in Maine needs. Will you be in extreme heat, in the cold snow or is it wet or damp where you work? Weather is a critical factor in deciding what coat to pick.
Durability
Clearly, if you have a tough job, you need a durable coat that can withstand punishing conditions. Whether you’re hunting in the woods or in a foot pursuit at work, you want a coat that protects you and lasts a long time.
Work Requirements
In law enforcement, your agency likely has requirements you must follow if you’re purchasing a duty coat, so make sure you read your uniform policy before buying one. Also, a tactical jacket that a construction worker wears is quite different than one for a law enforcement officer. The job dictates the kind of coat you wear and the features you need.
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Features to Look for
The best tactical jackets by brands like 5.11 Tactical, LA Police Gear, Condor, Vertx and more have vital features every good jacket should have. Some of those features include:
- Waterproof—You want a coat that keeps you dry and warm if you work in severe weather so you can avoid hypothermia.
- Quality construction—A good tactical coat is crafted from quality materials such as lightweight polyester, fleece and others.
- Protection from harsh elements
- Pockets and storage capacity—You want plenty of pockets to store your equipment.
- Easy access to pockets and tools
- Detachable hood—You can wear the tactical jacket with or without it.
- Elastic wrist cuffs—These cuffs fit your arm securely and keep the weather out.
- All-weather jacket—The best tactical jackets are all-weather so you can remove sleeves or other pieces like a fleece liner for warmer weather.
- YKK zippers
- Removable back and chest ID panels
Find Tactical Jackets, Coats and Hoodies
Now you know the important things to ask yourself and consider when looking for the best tactical jacket for your needs. You want a coat that protects you from the environment and injury while still being comfortable to wear for long shifts.
LA Police Gear carries a large selection of quality tactical jackets by many popular brands, so check them out today.
