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Like pretty much everything with “tactical” in the name…tactical jackets are based on jackets made for military use. I say “based” quite loosely: I wouldn’t recommend taking most so-called “tactical” jackets into a war zone.

Tacticool Jackets — “Tacticool” Jackets…

However, there are definitely tactical jackets available to suit the needs of tactical professionals as well. In this guide, I’ll show you some jackets both for civilians who want a bit of extra performance from their outerwear and for tactical professionals.

Features to Look For in a Tactical Jacket

Tactical jackets intended for civilians incorporate elements from military jackets, like weatherproofing, ample pockets, and rugged, durable fabric and stitching. But are designed to be more stylish, affordable, and suited to the needs of civilians rather than soldiers. Tactical jackets come with all kinds of possible features. Exactly which of these features you need depends on the conditions you’ll be wearing the jacket in (where, when, and for what), so blanket recommendations are impossible. Instead, I’ve recommended a bunch of jackets, each best suited for a different purpose. But l want to talk about a few of these features anyway to help you get a better idea of what you need and want from a tactical jacket.

Jacket Construction

When I say “construction,” I’m talking about the way and materials from which the jacket is made. Tactical jackets should all, of course, be made from a durable material and have strong stitching, but otherwise, it’s more up to personal preference.

john_wick_with_dialogue_02 — John Wick knew how to order a suit and jacket!

These jackets are available in a wide variety of materials, both natural and synthetic. Depending on the material, a tactical jacket will offer different levels of protection from the cold and maybe waterproof or water repellent, moisture wicking, or windproof. Different materials have different weights and offer varying degrees of motion and breathability. Some tactical jackets are also convertible, allowing for greater versatility in use. Some jackets have a liner and shell that can be separated and worn individually, while others have sleeves that can be removed so that the jacket can be worn as a vest.

no sleeve — Remove excess parts for more versatility!

Some jackets have closures around the face and neck, waist, and wrists to protect from cold and wind, and some have vents to help keep the wearer cooler.

Storage

You may be able to get by with just a couple of pockets, or even none at all, or you might want ample pockets. You may or may not want a pocket specifically for concealed carry.

Fit

You obviously want your jacket to fit, but pause for a second before buying your typical size. Depending on whether you like a loose or close-fitting jacket, you may want to go up or down a size. You’ll also need to account for any layers you’ll be wearing under your jacket.

Chris Farley Fat Guy in a Little Coat — Chris Farley was a legend, but you’ll want to size your coat according to your needs!

Now let’s move on to the jackets themselves.

Best Tactical Jackets

1. Rothco Concealed Carry Soft Shell

This is a gun site, so let’s start with my favorite jacket for concealed carry…

Author’s Pick

Product Image for Rothco Concealed Carry Soft Shell Jacket

$120

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$120 at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

This jacket has a concealed carry weapon pocket and two magazine pockets on each side of the interior of the jacket, so it works for both left and right handed draw. The second pocket can also be used for a backup gun. CCW and Magazine Pockets on Each Side It also has plenty of other pockets, including two on the front, two on the back, one on each sleeve, and a forearm pocket on the left sleeve. The jacket is moisture wicking and has three layers to repel water, protect from wind, and keep your warm.

2. Condor Summit Soft Shell

With so many pockets, the Rothco Concealed Carry Soft Shell also makes a great EDC jacket, but for something specifically for EDC, I suggest the Condor Summit Soft Shell. It has two shoulder pockets with patch panels, two internal pockets, two highrise slash chest pockets, a double zipper back pocket, and a forearm pocket.

Product Image for Condor Summit Soft Shell Jacket

$85

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$85 at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

Interior and Sleeve Pockets Like the Rothco Concealed Carry Jacket, the Summit offers protection from water and wind, but it’s more lightweight and has underarm vents on each side, making useful in warmer temperatures. For even warmer weather, the Summit Zero is an even more lightweight and warm weather friendly jacket.

3. 5.11 Tactical 5-in-1 Jacket

5.11 is known for offering awesome versatility in everything they make, but their jacket takes it to a new level making it a great option for all four seasons and a variety of climates.

Best Duty Ready Jacket

Product Image for 5.11 Tactical 5-in-1 Jacket

$250

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$250 at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

The shell of the jacket can be detached from the inner fleece and both can be worn on their own. The shell has a detachable hood, while the fleece has detachable sleeves for even more wear options. 5.11 Tactical 5-In-1 Jacket Liner with Sleeves Removed The shell is waterproof and breathable. It has side vents to keep you cool and hook and loop storm cuffs to keep you dry. Meanwhile, the fleece has an elastic waistband and cuffs to keep cold air out. This jacket is a little bit pricey compared to others on this list, but it plays the part of a weatherproof winter coat, a raincoat, a fleece jacket, and a fleece vest, but is definitely cheaper than buying each of those individually would be. What’s your take on the 5.11 jacket?

Readers’ Ratings

5.00/5 (1580)

Your Rating?

4. Condor Alpha Tactical Fleece Jacket

A more simple entry, Condor gives you what you need and cuts out the rest of the fluff – a more realistic approach to what most of us are looking for and at a price that we can afford.

$50

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$50 at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

The Condor Alpha does have two slash hand pockets, a shoulder pocket, and a vertical chest pocket with a port for threading your headphones. Instead of traditional vents, the pockets are made of mesh, allowing you to just unzip the pockets for temperature control. For added durability, the jacket has abrasion resistant shoulders, forearms, and collar. It also has a two-inch extension with a thumb hole on each sleeve to ensure that you never have to experience that terrible feeling of cold air creeping in at your wrists because of a gap between your gloves and sleeves.

5. TRU-SPEC 24-7 Tactical Softshell

The TRU-SPEC 24-7 Tactical Softshell is ideal for all kinds of physical activity, from running to hiking to a pickup football game.

$100

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$100 at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

The jacket is a nylon and spandex blend to give you a more comfortable fit and a better range of motion compared to most other tactical jackets. It’s wind and water resistant, and lightweight enough that you can easily carry it with you if you get too warm. It also has two waist pockets, two back pockets, and a sleeve pocket, so you have plenty of room to store anything you’d like to carry with you. On top of that, the jacket has zippered side seems to allow you to access your torso or a duty belt. As an added bonus, the jacket has a close fit but is designed to be able to be worn over a ballistics vest.

Final Thoughts on Tactical Jackets

Each of these jackets is great for its own purpose, but my personal favorites are the Rothco Concealed Carry Soft Shell, the Condor Summit Soft Shell, and the 5.11 Tactical 5-in-1 Jacket.

Author’s Pick

$120

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$120 at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

I mostly wear a tactical jacket as just a commuter jacket, but I also like to be able to wear the same jacket for outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

Man Drawing Gun from appendix carry — Concealing a large firearm in cold weather clothing is much, much easier.

To suit both of these purposes, I like a jacket that’s wind and waterproof, is lightweight, and has plenty of storage space. And if it also has a concealed carry pocket or a stylish design, that’s even better. What about you? Do you wear a tactical jacket? Which one and for what purpose? Need some pants to go with your new awesome jacket? The Best Tactical Pants are only a click away!

Mens Shorts — These shorts are NOT suitable for hiking, mountain climbing, or a shooting range.

9 Leave a Reply

Travis Sewell

All these options and no Artkis? Thry are the OG of this genre!

October 29, 2022 10:36 am
Phil

My Jacket must be FR. You did not mention FR. What Jackets presented are FR?

January 14, 2019 9:02 am

David, PPT Editor

None that I know of, sorry!

January 15, 2019 10:11 am
Fry

None of these $80 Amazon jobs are going to be FR. These will most likely turn into a molten ball of nylon from a candle flame.

May 3, 2020 10:47 am

SJaggard

I have a older 511 tac series it fits tight n short to access belt gear but has extra room in shoulders for full range of motion which I would put as top priority of any tac jacket it does have Velcro w I don’t love looks like they went to zippers on the 5n1 sure it’s top quality like mine

January 8, 2019 9:25 pm
Hammer

Not a single high-quality, MUSA option?

January 8, 2019 9:03 pm
John Lewis

I have the 5 in 1, the alpha tactical, and the Tru Spec. The alpha tactical is my favorite, but I would like it 6" longer, with side zippers for access to holsters. Mine is Coyote tan (sand box), but anything BUT military colors are the way to go. Military colors are an instant give away.

January 8, 2019 7:08 pm
TPB

"Unzippered" mesh-lined pockets will never provide the same cooling as a body/pit zippered opening. In fact, they'll provide almost no cooling plus when open, the contents of your pocket won't be secure. If you tend to run hot, get a jacket with the body/pit zippers.

January 8, 2019 6:24 pm
John A Bird

Berne has both a jacket and vest specifically made for concealed carry, both are excellent products.

January 8, 2019 4:25 pm

5 Best Tactical Jackets: Military Style Meets Civilian Chic

Features to Look For in a Tactical Jacket

Jacket Construction

Storage

Fit

Best Tactical Jackets

1. Rothco Concealed Carry Soft Shell

2. Condor Summit Soft Shell

3. 5.11 Tactical 5-in-1 Jacket

Readers’ Ratings

Your Rating?

4. Condor Alpha Tactical Fleece Jacket

5. TRU-SPEC 24-7 Tactical Softshell

Final Thoughts on Tactical Jackets

9 Leave a Reply

Account in Pew Pew Tactical means more.