Originally designed for military purposes, tactical jackets are now gaining popularity among hunters, hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. This type of apparel is both functional and practical, and some of them are even stylish enough to be worn during everyday activities. They are designed to provide warmth and comfort while allowing sufficient mobility.
This increased popularity has resulted in the market being flooded with such products making it difficult for users to settle for one. Fortunately, we are here to guide you through this daunting process. Let’s start with some important factors you need to consider in order to end up with the best tactical jacket out there.
Things to Consider When Buying a Tactical Jacket
Material
The factor that makes the biggest difference is the material of your survival gear. While buying a jacket that keeps you warm is essential for colder nights out in the field, it is also important that the material isn’t extremely prone to stains. For outdoor physical activities, you need a garment that is meant to be used in extreme places. Look for durable, warm, and stain-proof materials.
Waterproof and Water-Resistant
This factor completely depends on your needs and the location you’ll be wearing your tactical jacket at. With a waterproof jacket, you won’t have to worry about your body getting soaked by water at all as it is will be sure to roll down to the ground. On the other hand, a water-resistant jacket will allow very small amounts of water to soak through. If you are planning to visit a place with torrential rainfall, you will surely need a waterproof or water-resistant jacket.
Size
Tactical jackets are available in a wide variety of sizes. Therefore, you can definitely find one that fits you perfectly. While shopping online, it is important to check the size charts in order to make sure that the metrics are standardized. Else, you might end up with a piece of garment that is of no use to you as it wouldn’t fit you.
Windproof
Along with having a durable and water-resistant material, your tactical jacket should also ideally be windproof. In simple words, when a direct and continuous stream of air hits you, your tactical jacket shouldn’t let your body heat get carried away by cold wind and escape. This type of jacket will come in handy if you’re planning to visit places with extreme wind and breeze.
Storage Capacity
As we mentioned earlier, the majority of tactical garments are designed to be practical as well as functional. Therefore many tactical jackets come with several pockets and small compartments for your feasibility. However, the number of these compartments your jacket should have solely depends on your preference. For instance, if you are using your jacket for everyday activities, one with few pockets would work fine, but if you are a hiker, hunter, or camper, a tactical jacket with lots of smaller areas to store your valuable items will definitely come in handy.
Drag Strap
A drag strap is attached by the drag handle to the jacket. These straps have a high tensile strength as they are made of highly reinforced materials and are used to accommodate very large amounts of weight. The main purpose of these straps is to provide hand-free recovery of an incapacitated or injured individual.
Color Varieties
This is mostly an aesthetic factor, and the decision again depends on your liking. Some of the most common color options are coyote green, camouflage, and jungle green. If you are going on a mission in the field or a hunting trip, one thing you might want to consider while selecting the color of your jacket is that it blends well with your surrounding areas so that you aren’t completely exposed to the threats of the wild outdoors.
Drawstring Enclosure
Located at garment openings such as the sleeves, cuffs, or waist, drawstring enclosures are a great feature usually found on waterproof jackets. They are often elastic and are designed in a manner that effectively improves the fit of the clothing and prevents water from getting into it.
Moisture Wicking
A tactical jacket constructed with moisture-wicking fabric absorbs skin perspiration and releases it on the outer layer of the jacket to keep you dry. As most natural fabrics are more breathable than synthetics, they are better at wicking away sweat.
Hood
If you need protection for your head from extreme weather conditions, it’s best to opt for a tactical jacket that comes with a hood. If you think that you might need to use your jacket for multiple activities and that hood might add discomfort to your experience, instead of tucking it in or concealing it, buy a jacket that comes with a detachable hood. This will allow you to customize your jacket according to your needs.
Breathable
While breathability is an overlooked factor, it certainly is extremely important when it comes to buying a tactical jacket. A breathable material allows air to flow freely between your skin and the cloth. Natural fibers, being extremely breathable, are the perfect choice for your tactical garments.
MOLLE System
MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment. It is recommended to purchase a tactical jacket that comes with a MOLLE system, which actually has now become the standard for tactical gear. It provides extra storage space with rows of nylon stitched into the garment that allows various compatible accessories to be attached to the clothing.