When venturing into the great outdoors, a reliable tactical jacket can be a lifesaver. Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and challenging environments, these jackets are perfect for paramilitary operations, hiking, hunting, fishing, and survival situations. With their rugged construction, they provide exceptional protection from wind, rain, and snow, ensuring you stay warm and dry even in the most unforgiving conditions.
The 9 Best Tactical Jackets
When it comes to choosing the right tactical jacket for your outdoor adventures, there are numerous options available in the market.
For those looking for a reliable and durable companion, here are some top-notch picks: Condor Alpha Micro Fleece Jacket offers a great balance of comfort and protection; FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Military Tactical Jacket is perfect for those who need a jacket that can withstand harsh weather conditions; Rothco Special Ops Tactical Jacket provides excellent mobility and versatility. Among the most popular choices are 5.
11 48017 Tactical Jacket, which is our top pick due to its exceptional quality and features, and 5.11 48073 Tactical EMS Professionals Resquer Parka for those working in emergency medical services who require a jacket that can withstand intense situations. For everyday use, MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Tactical Jacket and CAMO COLL Men’s Outdoor Hooded Tactical Jacket offer great value; ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket provides a classic military-inspired design.
Our Top Pick for the Best Tactical Jacket
Standing out from the rest, our top recommendation for a superior tactical jacket is the 5.11 48017 Tactical Jacket. This exceptional piece of gear excels in providing all-weather protection thanks to its robust construction, cutting-edge water, wind, and snow-resistance, as well as warm insulation that keeps you cozy on even the chilliest days.
With an abundance of storage compartments and a clever design that allows for effortless adjustment to suit various weather conditions, this jacket truly has it all.
Ultra-durable, Comfortable and Functional Jackets
When venturing into the great outdoors, a reliable and practical jacket is essential. Tactical jackets stand out from the crowd with their rugged weather-resistant design, snug thermal insulation, and abundance of storage compartments for stashing gear like weapons, tools, or electronic devices like smartphones, knives, and pens. A tactical jacket makes for an excellent pairing with matching pants, boots, and gloves, providing comprehensive protection for your entire ensemble.
How to Choose the Best Tactical Jacket
Construction
When it comes to designing a tactical jacket, manufacturers typically opt for outer shells crafted from durable materials such as nylon, polyester, or polyester blends. Some high-performance options may also feature 1000D Cordura, a renowned fabric known for its ruggedness and resistance to abrasions. This type of construction provides exceptional protection against the elements, shielding you from rain, wind, and harsh terrain.
Meanwhile, the inner layer is often designed with insulating materials like fleece or polyester mesh, which effectively trap body heat while also allowing for excellent breathability.
3-Season Ready Tactical Jackets
When it comes to selecting a tactical jacket, it’s essential to consider its ability to withstand various seasonal conditions. While many jackets are designed to be versatile across multiple seasons, some may have limitations. For instance, three-season jackets typically excel during spring, autumn, and early winter periods, such as the Condor Alpha Micro Fleece Jacket.
These jackets often feature a thick outer layer that provides excellent water and wind resistance, combined with additional protective features like high collars, generously sized hoods, reinforced elbows, and adjustable Velcro cuffs. However, some tactical jackets, like the 5.11 48017 Tactical Jacket, take versatility to the next level.
Not only can you wear them as a standard jacket during winter, but you can also remove the lining or even unzip the sleeves to transform it into a vest for spring and summer.
Pockets
When it comes to designing the perfect jacket, one essential feature is a thoughtful pocket layout. A well-designed jacket should have a mix of internal and external pockets in varying sizes to accommodate different items. Consider including large zippered pockets on the chest, as well as smaller zippered pockets on the arms, shoulders, or sides. These pockets can be used to discreetly store a variety of items such as a weapon, multi-tool, flashlight, digital devices, or other essential gear.
Velcro MOLLE-style Patches
When it comes to functionality and customization, some tactical jackets truly stand out from the rest. One notable example is the inclusion of MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) patches on certain designs. A prime illustration of this can be seen in the FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Military Tactical Jacket. These innovative patches allow for the attachment of small weapons, tools, or even a radio, providing users with a high degree of versatility and practicality.
Hook-and-loop Patch
The versatility of the jacket is further enhanced by its ability to accommodate personalization. You can secure a name tag or badge using a discreet hook-and-loop fastening system or, alternatively, attach it via a concealed flap for added convenience.
Drag strap
The ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket features a drag strap constructed from robust materials and secured via reinforced stitching. Designed for emergency situations, this strap allows rescue personnel to safely extract an injured individual without compromising the integrity of the jacket.
Design
When it comes to selecting a tactical jacket for military, hunting, or outdoor activities, having a diverse palette of colors and designs is crucial. A wide range of options ensures that you can blend in seamlessly with your surroundings or make a bold statement depending on the situation.
In particular, tactical jackets designed for military and hunting purposes often feature a variety of earthy tones such as black, coyote brown, khaki, green, and navy, as well as camouflage patterns like those found in the Camo Coll Men’s Outdoor Hooded Tactical Jacket.
9 Best Tactical Jackets – Reviews
Condor Alpha Micro Fleece Jacket
The Condor Alpha Micro Fleece Jacket is a highly sought-after, three-season option for outdoor enthusiasts. Its exceptional warmth and comfort stem from its 100% polyester, super fine fleece outer shell and laminated polyester mesh fabric lining. This versatile jacket can be worn on its own or layered under a hard-shell jacket, making it an excellent choice for spring, autumn, or harsh winter conditions.
The Oxford reinforcement on the collar, shoulder, and forearms provides protection against abrasions and wear and tear. For added comfort, the sleeve extends up to 2 inches, features a thumb hole, and includes an adjustable drawstring waistband that ensures a snug fit. The full front double zipper pull boasts a Storm Guard lining that extends past the chin for wind protection.
Storage options abound with a vertical chest pocket featuring media ports, two slash zippered side pockets, and a zippered shoulder pocket. Additionally, two 4×4-inch square Velcro patch panels can be used to attach a badge, name tag, or radio. The tactical jacket is available in six sizes and five colors: Black, Coyote Tan, Olive Drab, Tan, and Navy Blue.
While the pros of this jacket outweigh its cons, some drawbacks include limited size options, strict washing requirements, and the inability to dry clean. Nonetheless, the Condor Alpha Micro Fleece Jacket offers exceptional value for its quality, comfort, and functionality.
FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Military Tactical Jacket
The FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Military Tactical Jacket is designed to keep you warm and protected in various outdoor conditions. Whether you’re camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, mountaineering, cycling, or walking, this jacket provides excellent insulation and protection thanks to its DINTEX softshell fabric and fleece lining. The high-tech water-resistant fabric repels rain and wind, while the breathable and lightweight fleece keeps you warm all day long.
On warmer days, the unique zippered underarm ventilation system allows for airflow and unrestricted movement when needed. The jacket’s design features a high collar with drawstrings to keep you warm, as well as a hood with a hat-style brim that can be rolled up or used as a protective collar on windy days. Additional details include adjustable Velcro cuffs, an articulated elbow section for durability in rough terrain, and solid zippers that are easy to use.
The jacket’s multi-pockets allow for storage of small items like cards, phones, MP3 players, or earphones in the forearm pocket, while larger items like digital devices, tactical pens, wallets, tools, radios, or name tags can be stored in the large chest pockets or slimline back pockets. The Velcro patches on each arm provide additional attachment options. Available in 5 sizes and a variety of colors, this jacket is an excellent value for its quality, price, and functionality.
Its pros include high quality, great value for money, windproofing, breathability, comfort, and good insulation. Some minor cons include weak stitches on some patches and sizes running slightly small. Check the price on Amazon.
Rothco Special Ops Tactical Jacket
The Rothco Special Ops Tactical Jacket is a versatile and reliable garment that offers exceptional protection for those who venture into the great outdoors. Whether you’re a law enforcement officer or an avid hiker, this three-layered polyester shell provides a formidable barrier against light rain, while the breathable fleece liner keeps you warm in chilly conditions. The clever design also features zippers under the arms to allow for ventilation and prevent overheating.
When the weather turns wild, the large hood deploys to shield you from precipitation, and when you’re not using it, it can be stashed inside the fleece-lined collar or detached altogether. Additional features include adjustable drawstring waist and cuffs, as well as multiple pockets – two vertical chest pockets, two shoulder pockets, and one forearm pocket – for storing essentials on the go.
The jacket also boasts removable American flag patches, adding a touch of patriotism to your tactical ensemble. Available in six sizes and three colors – black with silver patches, coyote brown with khaki patches, and olive drab with olive drab patches – this jacket offers an excellent balance of quality and value.
11 48017 Tactical Jacket
The 5.11 Tactical Jacket is an exceptional choice for both tactical operations and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its high-performance, waterproof-insulated outer shell and breathable fleece liner provide superior insulation in cold weather conditions, making it perfect for wintry adventures. The detachable hood offers excellent protection from the elements, adjustable with quality elastic cording, and can be buttoned up to the chin for added wind protection.
This versatile design allows for maximum adaptability in changing climates. Remove the sleeves from the fleece liner and wear the jacket as a vest, with easy access to sidearms via hook-and-loop Velcro cuffs. The numerous pockets (two large chest, two hand) offer ample storage space, while compatibility with 5.11’s Back-up-Belt System allows for secure stowing of critical gear. Adjustable Velcro sleeves and side zippers provide effortless access to duty gear or weapons.
For added visibility, removable ID panels on the chest and back can be easily attached. Additional features include mic clips, securely closing Prym snap buttons, and an elasticized waistband for a comfortable fit. Available in two colors (dark navy and black) across 6-5 sizes, respectively, this jacket offers exceptional value for money.
11 48073 Tactical EMS Professionals Responder Parka
As an emergency services professional, you need gear that can keep up with your demanding work. The 5.11 Tactical EMS Professionals Responder Parka delivers on high visibility, excellent weather protection, and comfort. Its 100% polyester waterproof and breathable fabric ensures you stay dry and warm in any condition, with a double storm flap and adjustable hood to block out wind and rain. When the situation calls for it, the hood rolls up into a collar or can be zipped off.
The parka’s outer shell is resistant to bloodborne pathogens, and its fully seam-sealed lining provides great insulation against the cold. The articulated elbows and polyurethane abrasion panels on the shoulders ensure you have the freedom of movement you need, whether carrying gear or responding to an emergency. For added visibility at night, the parka features high-vis reflective tape and piping placement on the upper, sleeves, mid-line, and hem, meeting ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standards.
Storage is not an issue, with multiple cavernous pockets, including front flap pockets and zippered utility pockets. The parka also includes a water-resistant exposed radio pocket and mic loops, as well as an ID badge panel and back zipper access for imprinting details. Additional features include hook-and-loop storm cuffs, elastic corded hem, solid YKK zipper hardware, and Prym snap buttons. Available in three colors – dark navy, range red, and royal blue – and seven sizes, the 5.
11 Tactical EMS Professionals Responder Parka offers great quality at a very good value for money. While it may not be 100% effective against all bloodborne pathogens and viruses under all conditions, it is an excellent choice for emergency services professionals looking for reliable gear.
MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Tactical Jacket
The MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Tactical Jacket is a versatile and practical choice for hunters, soldiers, or anyone seeking comfort and protection. The Shark Skin softshell fabric delivers durability, water-resistance, and windproofing, while the thermal fleece lining provides exceptional coziness. When the weather turns cold, the adjustable drawstring waist ensures a comfortable fit, and the detachable hood can be concealed in the collar or removed altogether.
As temperatures rise, the gusseted zippers under each arm allow for effortless breathability.
Practical storage options abound with six large pockets – two high chest zippered pockets, two zippered back pockets, two sleeve pockets, and a forearm pocket for smaller items. Additionally, two hook-and-loop Velcro tapes enable attachment of a badge or name tag. With seven stylish colors and five sizes to choose from, the MAGCOMSEN tactical jacket is sure to meet your needs.
Pros include great quality, excellent value for money, and an affordable price point. The Shark Skin softshell fabric, super cozy inner thermal fleece liner, waterproof, windproof, and breathable design all contribute to the jacket’s high-performance capabilities. Drawstring waist, detachable hood, and water-shedding abilities further enhance its functionality.
One of the few drawbacks is the limited size range, with actual colors potentially varying slightly from advertised images.
CAMO COLL Men’s Outdoor Hooded Tactical Jacket
The CAMO COLL Men’s Outdoor Hooded Tactical Jacket provides top-notch protection for spring, autumn, and early winter. In harsh weather conditions, the polyester/spandex outer shell repels water and wind, while the breathable 100% polyester lining ensures excellent insulation. To customize your fit, you can adjust the drawstring waist, don the hood, and secure the elastic hook-and-loop wrist Velcro cuffs. When the spring sun returns, simply roll up the hood and tie it down for easy storage.
Weighing in at a lightweight design, this jacket is easy to stash in your backpack. The tactical jacket boasts a sleek design that also accommodates ample storage space. The 2 vertical chest pockets provide comfortable storage for hands or small items, while the 2 shoulder pockets and forearm pocket offer additional space for storing digital devices, wallets, or tactical accessories like pens or knives.
With 9 vibrant color options and 4 size choices, including camouflage designs to blend in with your surroundings. Some notable pros include: high-quality construction, excellent value, a great price point, a sleek and functional design, and suitability for various outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, or traveling. The jacket’s composition of 94% polyester and 6% spandex offers water-resistance, windproofing, and breathable comfort.
Additionally, the drawstring waist, large hood with Velcro straps, and elastic hook-and-loop wrist cuffs provide customizable fit options. However, some minor drawbacks to consider are: the zippers may feel a bit flimsy, size runs can be small, and the arm pocket is slightly compact. Notably, this jacket is better suited for spring, autumn, or early winter, rather than mid-to-high winter seasons.
ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket
When it comes to military-style jackets for outdoor enthusiasts, few options match the quality and versatility of the ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket. Crafted from heavy-duty 1000D Cordura, this rugged garment features reinforced shoulders, elbows, and cuffs for maximum durability in harsh weather conditions. The windproof collar ensures a snug fit against chilly air and precipitation, keeping you warm and dry.
Storage-wise, the jacket boasts a multitude of pockets, including an arm pocket, two chest zippered compartments, an interior flashlight pouch within the main chest pocket, and four spacious internal storage areas. Additionally, MOLLE system-style patches allow for effortless attachment of extra gear. Other notable features include an emergency drag strap, adjustable waist cinches, pen tubes, and reliable YKK zippers.
Available in three colors – coyote tan, grey, and iron black – the ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket comes in five sizes to accommodate a range of body types. While some may find it pricey, the quality and value offered make it an excellent choice for military personnel, hunters, campers, hikers, and those preparing for emergency situations. Its pros include high-quality materials, great value, water and wind resistance, warmth, durability, and practical storage options.
However, some users have noted that the sizes run large and there is no breathable inner lining. For those willing to invest in a premium product, the ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket provides exceptional performance and reliability.
TACVASEN Tactical Jacket
The TACVASEN Tactical Jacket is designed to provide optimal comfort and protection in extreme outdoor conditions. Its durable polyester outer shell fabric is engineered to prevent water penetration, deflect wind, wick away moisture, and retain body heat, keeping you warm and dry. The soft fleece lining adds an extra layer of warmth, while the vent zippers under each arm provide essential ventilation.
The jacket’s features a concealed hood that shields your face from rain and wind, along with a fleece-lined stand-up collar, drawstring waist, and elastic hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs to prevent cold air from entering. Multiple zippered pockets – including 2 shoulder pockets, a forearm pocket on the left arm, 2 chest pockets, and 2 back pockets – provide ample storage for your gear. The Velcro shoulder patches also allow you to attach your name tag or favorite badge.
Cleaning is a breeze, as the jacket is machine washable. Available in six stylish colors (black, gray, green, khaki, blue, and navy) and five sizes, the TACVASEN Tactical Jacket offers great value for its price. With its 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, you can trust that your investment will be protected.
The pros of this jacket include its high-quality construction, excellent wind and water resistance, soft thermal fleece, lightweight and breathable design, concealed hood, fleece-lined stand-up collar, multiple zippered pockets, and machine washability. However, some users may find the following drawbacks: not ideal for heavy rain, removable hood would be a plus, zippers can get stuck in the lining occasionally, and sizes run slightly small.
Our Top Pick for the Best Tactical Jacket
When it comes to the best tactical jackets, one top contender stands out from the rest: the 5.11 Tactical Jacket (model 48017). This exceptional piece of outerwear offers superior all-weather protection, boasting a comprehensive array of features that make it an indispensable companion for any situation. The heavy-duty construction and cutting-edge water, wind, and snow-resistant materials ensure you stay dry and warm in even the most challenging conditions.
Additionally, the generous insulation keeps you cozy on chilly days, while the ample pockets provide secure storage for your gear. Perhaps most impressively, the 5.11 Tactical Jacket’s versatile design allows you to easily customize it to suit various weather scenarios, making it an ideal choice for those who value flexibility and reliability.
