How to Choose the Right Outdoor Wear for On-Duty

During the winter months no matter what climate you live in, some type of coat is necessary. There are a few aspects to consider when choosing a coat specifically for on-duty use. Though most outerwear has been designed to keep you warm, not every coat is ideal for on-duty wear. Here is a quick guide for features to look for when choosing outerwear and tactical jackets for work as a first responder.

Big Winter Coats

If you live somewhere where the winter wind has an extra bite, a thicker coat that allows you to layer underneath and has a high collar is a good choice. You want to make sure you remain as warm and comfortable as possible. Since I live in a mountainous region, when I was a Crime Scene Investigator the warmer the jacket I could find the better. There were many occasions when I would be outside for long periods in the snow. When you are cold you get distracted easily which for a CSI is unacceptable. My favorite jackets were waterproof on the outside, lined on the inside, and had several pockets.

The 5.11 Men’s 3-in-1 Parka 2.0 48358 is a good option for patrolmen. It fits well over a uniform and has a high collar that can be secured to keep the heat in. In addition, it is waterproof, bloodborne pathogen-proof, and still breathable. It comes with an outer jacket that is a hardshell, and an inner fleece jacket too. This is the type of coat I would look for to wear at work in the winter. Especially when the weather can change from one minute to the next, having the three-in-one option is helpful, especially for long shifts.

One aspect I always looked for and still do in a hiking jacket offers warmth yet still offers mobility. If I am not able to move my arms well, I’m immediately uncomfortable. A jacket with the best of both worlds, mobility, and warmth, is the ideal option when it comes to a big winter coat. The more pockets the better in a large winter coat as well. Typically, you will carry more with you in the winter so having a jacket that can hold everything you need without weighing you down is also ideal. As a former CSI, the more pockets on my person the more convenient it was to process a crime scene.

The LAPG 5 -in-1 Duty Jacket is a good option for those extra cold winter days as it has an outer and inner jacket. This one includes a hood that is removable and additional, hidden pockets on the interior. Side zippers allow for easy-to-engage ventilation.

Smaller Winter Coats

For milder winter climates, a smaller coat may be necessary. Again, consider what you need most in a jacket while on duty. For a lighter jacket, I always preferred one that was waterproof and could still fit over a uniform or vest well without leaving me feeling bulky. It can be difficult to find a lighter jacket that has enough pockets but they are out there! I prefer a lightweight jacket that has interior pockets as well as exterior ones. In addition, it is always best if the coat also has a fitted hood. For on-duty additional pockets on the sleeves are helpful.

A lighter jacket that is packable is useful when you need to keep a jacket with you just in case the weather changes. Packable jackets easily fold and may be carried in to-go bags that you keep with you while on duty. For investigators, a packable jacket is always a good idea since the weather can change quickly. It's best to be as prepared as possible for all types of weather when you are processing a crime scene. For patrol officers, a packable jacket such as the 5.11 Tactical Mens Packable one or a high visibility coat are both good options.

Extra Features to Consider

When choosing a jacket to wear on-duty several factors should be considered including the number of pockets, material, and thickness. Of course, it may depend on the season or where you live, but it is never a bad idea to have more than one on-duty jacket. After all, you never know what the weather will be one minute to the next at times.

In addition, your agency may require certain items such as an ID panel, or an area for your agency's patch. Most tactical jackets have at least one if not both of these features.

LA Police Gear has a whole section of jackets that are for all weather as well as uniform jackets. Depending on what your agency requires, you are sure to find what you need.

Another aspect to consider is whether the jacket you have your eye on is CCW friendly, meaning does the jacket show the print or outline of your firearm? Even on duty, it is a good idea to have a jacket that conceals your weapon but allows your firearm to still be accessible. Most tactical jackets will hide your gun but still make it easy to access. For those who may be in an undercover position, some coat and outerwear options have an inner pocket for a small firearm. If you happen to be in an undercover detail, a less tactical-looking piece of outerwear should be chosen.

For instance, wearing an overshirt such as the LA Police Gear Long Sleeved Atlas Flannel shirt is a good option for this scenario. My husband has this shirt and it is comfortable, and casual, but keeps his CCW hidden.

Remaining visible is another aspect to consider. It's the protocol to have a traffic safety jacket or vest on when handling vehicle accidents or traffic stops. First Tactical has both men's and women's high visibility parkas that are waterproof, bloodborne pathogen resistant, and include reflective strips. This is great for working a traffic accident scene.

It is important to keep in mind when choosing your go-to outerwear for on-duty that you choose attire that is functional, durable, and comfortable enough that it is not a distraction. When I worked crime scenes and had tactical attire that was comfortable, it allowed me to do my job better. The best outerwear will keep you warm and out of the wind without interfering with work.