Tested: The Best Tactical Jackets For Operators & Adventurers

For adventurers, outdoorsmen, and hunters alike, utility is the currency of the realm. When you’re braving the elements, it doesn’t matter how stylish your jacket is if it doesn’t protect you from the rain, wind, and cold. This isn’t to say that tactical garments can’t be good-looking, rather, when designing tactical clothing, versatility is simply the first priority. It’s always better to be outfitted for the elements, not the runway, when gearing up for the outdoors. So, with this in mind, we’ve thoroughly scoured the market in order to deliver this handpicked buyer’s guide to and hands-on review of the very best tactical jackets. 

Selection & Testing

Between purpose-built technical military jackets and garments that just happen to lend themselves to tactical use, there’s legitimately no shortage of available options to pick from when buying a modern-day tactical jacket. In a bid to seek out the product space’s very best, we first generated a list of qualities and criteria that would be used to judge each potential pick — scrutinizing areas such as shell material, liner, construction technique, fit, cut, and articulation, number of pockets and pocket layout, adjustability, hardware and trim, and overall durability and weather resistance/proofing. Also taken into account was the appearance of each tactical jacket, each one’s available color/pattern options, and each tac-jack’s overall versatility and ability to lend themselves to other casual, non-tactical uses (such as hiking, snowboarding, or even use as a commuter jacket).

To better determine real world performance, we not only wore each jacket for several weeks at a time, but we also put each one through a battery of tests in a bid to simulate some of the conditions and scenarios these jackets often face. This included a running and climbing test to judge mobility and range of motion, abrasion-resistance and seam-stress tests to evaluate durability, and a hose-spray test to get a sense of each garment’s waterproofing (or lack thereof). Once armed with the findings from our hands-on testing process, we were then able to narrow down our original shortlist to the final selections you see below.

Measurements: I stand at 6’2” and weigh in at approximately 180lbs. While my shirt and jacket sizing usually falls somewhere between medium and large, for this guide, we opted to test out tactical jackets in size large, as this allowed for an appropriate fitment while still leaving room beneath to explore the layering potential of each jacket. 

Condor Summit Softshell Jacket

Best Value Pick: Due to the fact it needs to standup to combat, extreme environments, and other rigors that come with military use, tactical military gear tends to come at a pretty high price. And that’s a huge part of what makes garments and gear from Condor so incredibly noteworthy, as the company offers genuine mil-spec kit — much of which is actually far superior to standard issue items — at exceedingly reasonable prices. Case in point; the Condor Summit Softshell Jacket.

The Good

Heavily reinforced throughout, the Summit Softshell is cut from a stretch polyester fabric with double-layered forearms. While it doesn’t have a DWR finish, its shell is instead fortified via a Teflon coating that increases resistance to oil, grime, and stains, and causes water to simply bead and roll off the jacket. The construction also helps the wearer retain body heat while also wicking away moisture. Using YKK zippers with custom Condor-branded pulls across the entire garment, the jacket is trimmed in a 4.42oz fleece liner, plus sports a fleece-lined collar and synthetic Velcro wrist cuff adjusters. 

Containing half-a-dozen in total, the jacket’s pockets are not only well placed, but they’re also extremely well anchored, which prevents their contents from bouncing around and shifting during movement. There’s also a rear back pocket with a mesh construction and vertical zipper entires on both sides, allowing it to store gear or serve as a ventilation point. Additionally, the thing also comes outfitted with underarm zippers that I found to be super effective at venting and dumping heat. Often times hidden hoods are a bit of an afterthought but this simply isn’t the case with the Summit Softshell, as it boasts a full-sized, full-featured hood that’s cut from the same softshell construction as the rest of the jacket, plus sports bungee adjustment points at the sides and back, an internal collar, and a storm peak. 

Supplementary Strengths

Considering that this softshell tac-jack can be picked up for little more than a bill, it unequivocally offers some of the best bang-for-your-buck of any tactical jacket currently on the market. Just as important is the fact that Condor’s Summit Softshell genuinely doesn’t feel any less rugged or high-quality as its pricier counterparts, despite being a literal fraction of the price. Sure, it may not feature coated zippers, and it’s a good deal heavier than every other jacket I tested, but considering everything you get for your money, it’s an absolute steal in my opinion. 

While the Summit Softshell admittedly doesn’t really bring any novel or innovative features to the table, or utilize any super premium materials, it nonetheless ticks just about every essential box when could hope for when buying a tactical jacket. It’s durable, well-crafted, warm, unrestrictive in terms of range of motion, and perfect for layering under or over other tactical garments or items like plate carriers. At a little over 37oz (or 2.25lbs), it’s also by far the heaviest jacket I tested, though its additional heft isn’t so severe that it increases fatigue, weighs the wearer down, or otherwise mitigates mobility or movement. Quite the opposite in fact, as the jacket’s cut was very clearly designed to have an unrestricted range of motion. 

The Not So Good

Though the jacket doesn’t use coated, waterproof zippers, the heavy-duty tracks, combined with the main zipper’s underlying storm flap together do a surprisingly good job of preventing water from entering. With that said, I’d still love to see Condor upgrade at least the main zipper closure to an AquaGuard-style track — even if it resulted in a slightly higher price. And, while it would be nice to see the shell’s stretch poly construction upgraded to a more premium material, it’s hard to fault Condor for this, as this item was clearly intended to be a more affordable, budget-friendly alternative to the more high-end tactical jackets on the market — and in that regard, it’s pretty unbeatable. 

Verdict: Condor’s Summit Softshell is an incredibly capable tactical jacket that’s sold at an exceedingly fair price while barely lacking in quality compared to its pricier counterparts — save for being a good deal heavier.

Vertx Integrity Shell Jacket

Best Tactical Rain Jacket: In military and law enforcement circles, Vertx is a name that needs no introduction. Since 2011, the Cincinnati-based outfit has been delivering some of the finest adventure-ready outdoor and tactical garments on the market. And while some of its products are geared more towards casual off-grid use, others, like the Vertx Integrity Shell Jacket land much closer to the tactical end of the spectrum. 

The Good

Part of Vertx’s Vaporcore line, the Integrity Shell Jacket is cut from a tri-laminate ripstop polyester that’s pieced together using waterproof taped seams. Windproof and waterproof while still being super breathable, the shell comes fitted with a lining that benefits from proprietary 37.5 Technology, which offers effective wicking, antimicrobial, and thermoregulating properties — and does so in spades. In fact, it legitimately offers some of the best thermoregulating properties of any jacket I’ve ever worn. 

The Integrity Shell comes outfitted with an articulated detachable hood with multiple adjustment points, hook-and-loop on stretch cuffs, and coated waterproof YKK self-repairing nylon coil zippers throughout — save for the breast pockets which are protected by overlying storm flaps. In terms of pockets, the jacket boasts standard side hand pockets, a forearm pocket, and the pair of aforementioned storm flap-protected breast pockets. 

Supplementary Strengths 

The jacket also features two-way zippered side vents running from the snaps at the hem to the upper arms, providing ample ventilation and airflow while also providing unobstructed access to hip-mounted sidearms and other mission equipment. This is honestly a feature that I’m surprised isn’t commonplace on every tactical jacket, as it just seems incredibly logical and useful. The build quality on the Integrity Jacket is far from the best I tested, though considering this garment’s price point, I was beyond impressed with the overall craftsmanship and fit and finish on display. 

It’s also very much worth pointing out that, minus the camo color way, Velcro piles on the shoulders, and a slightly-different waterproof, tri-laminate ripstop nylon shell, the Integrity Shell Jacket is more-or-less identical to Vertx’s ultra-premium nearly-$600 Recon Shell Jacket from the brand’s PRO line — which is only available to active military personnel. At the end of the day, my favorite aspect of this jacket is how it boasts a slew of tactical-specific features and mil-spec constructions, while looking like an ordinary technical rain jacket. Nothing about its outward appearance really announces itself as being a tac-jack — though its performance, materials, unrestricted mobility, and feature list make it a bonafide tactical jacket, through and through. 

The Not So Good

Despite my best efforts, I honestly couldn’t come up with a single area that I felt could be improved on this jacket. Not only does it do everything a tactical jacket should — and do it incredibly well — but it’s also immensely versatile, lending itself to all manner of uses and settings. And, while it isn’t cheap, I actually think its roughly $250 price results in pretty great bang-for-your-buck — an area furthered by its aforementioned extreme versatility. 

Verdict: An excellent upgrade pick, the Vertx Integrity Shell Jacket is a casual-looking, highly-technical tactical jacket that boasts a host of tactical-specific features — plus it’s nearly identical to Vertx’s Recon PRO Shell Jacket which is only available to military personnel (and costs nearly $600).

Stone Glacier M7 Jacket

Best Tactical Shell: Though its gear is primarily designed for hunting and backcountry use, Stone Glacier’s offerings lend themself so well to tactical use, that military orders now comprise a not insignificant percentage of the brand’s overall sales. The company combines calculated, technical designs with cutting-edge materials and advanced construction techniques — an MO that’s on full display in the Stone Glacier M7 Jacket. 

The Good

Crafted around a cutting-edge HydraShield softshell fabric shell, the M7 Jacket features waterproof taped seams and #5 YKK AquaGuard Vislon zippers — a recipe that provides unparalleled levels of weather resistance. Benefitting from the use of mechanical stretch in order to bolster breathability and allow for a more unrestricted range of motion, the M7 Jacket also boasts ventilating dual pit zips, adjustable wrist cuffs, a fully articulated hood with twin cinch shock cord lockers, and a super soft-to-the-touch poly fleece interior. 

The M7’s pocket layout is simple but effective, consisting of slightly raised side hand pockets and vertical entry breast pockets on either side of the main front zipper. On top of being simultaneously breathable and windproof, the jacket also does a phenomenal job of shielding its wearer from the elements. Though it’s made in Vietnam and not in America, the M7 Jacket nonetheless maintains Stone Glacier’s usual brand of top-notch craftsmanship, fit and finish, and overall quality control. 

Supplementary Strengths 

Despite repeatedly brushing its arm and shoulders up against boulders and brick walls during my testing period, the M7’s shell proved to be incredibly abrasion-resistant. In fact, the company is so confident in its durability that it stands behind the jacket with a full lifetime warranty. I also love how much real world experience clearly went into the M7’s design, as it’s loaded with small but practical — and genuinely useful — features such as how its hand pockets have been strategically placed to remain fully accessible and useable when wearing a hunting or tactical backpack. 

It not only looks the part, but it also performs incredibly well. Also of note is the M7’s versatility. While it does sport a decidedly technical look, its appearance isn’t so blatantly tactical or military-inspired to the point where it looks out of place when used as a rain jacket for commuting — plus it lends itself ridiculously well to use as a hiking jacket, or even a ski or snowboard jacket. And, while it doesn’t really impact the performance of the jacket, I’d argue its overall user experience is elevated by the fact that Stone Glacier sells a matching bottom-counterpart in the form of the M7 Pants. 

The Not So Good

Though it lends itself super well to layering and its poly fleece interior is undeniably cozy, the jacket still feels a little weird worn directly over a t-shirt with no mid or base-layer sweater, hoodie, or jacket — largely on account of the shell’s stiffer construction. It’s by no means uncomfortable, just not on the same level as some of the other tactical jackets I tested like the PDW Aegis LT, Vertx Integrity Shell Jacket, or ThruDark Engage Jacket. 

Verdict: If you simply want the best tactical shell out there, just get Stone Glacier’s M7 Jacket, plain and simple — assuming you can swing the price.

Prometheus Design Werx Aegis LT

Best Overall Pick: Whether you’re in the market for a pair of tactical pants, a tactical backpack, or a tactical jacket, Prometheus Design Werx’s catalog is always worth a look when shopping in this space, as the brand has developed a well-deserved reputation for delivering some of the very best tactical kit on the planet. And the Prometheus Design Werx Aegis LT wonderfully epitomizes everything that PDW is about; it’s well designed; loaded with useful features and premium details, and generally born out of a spare-no-expense approach to design. 

The Good

The jacket is constructed around a fully-seam-taped triple-layer 40-denier nylon mini-ripstop hard-shell that massively benefits from the use of a C6 DWR finish and state-of-the-art, StormTek — the latter of which affords the garment unparalleled breathability and weather resistance. Custom-milled to PDW’s exact spec, this technical outer shell material has been mated to a custom milled, 30-denier wicking, poly inner. 

Fitted with YKK AquaGuard zippers with custom pulls for all of its exterior tracks, the jacket also utilizes cohaesive integrated components that sees its shock cords and hardware neatly built into the jacket in as low-profile of a way as possible, while still being easy to access and use. Offering what can only be described as a completely and totally unrestricted range of motion, PDW’s Werx Aegis LT also sports adjustable Hypalon cuff tabs and an articulated three-panel hood with a welded hood mini bill and a cut designed to fit modern bump helmets. 

Supplementary Strengths

There are legitimately so many highlights and strongpoints on the Aegis LT that it’s hard to even know where to begin. Unsurprisingly, the jacket performed phenomenally on our hose-spray test, keeping my completely dry under the shell. And, though not made in America, the jacket still boasts the same undeniably premium craftsmanship and build quality that PDW has become famous for. Between the lightweight shell, general breathability, and super-effective wicking liner, it’s also immensely comfortable.

The cut of the jacket also allows it to serve as a standalone item, or pair with other pieces of gear and mission equipment — such as a tactical backpack, weapon sling, vest, or bump helmet. And, despite its conduciveness to tactical and military use, it’s also shockingly versatile and looks right at home when used as a commuter jacket or daily-wear garment in the rainier seasons — plus makes for a fantastic hiking jacket as well. What’s more, it’s also comfortable when worn alone over a t-shirt, but more importantly is wildly conducive to layering with other sweaters and jackets. And, while this is just my opinion, I also think it’s almost certainly the best-looking tactical jacket on this list. 

The Not So Good

Between its advanced materials, premium craftsmanship, incredible versatility, and the fact it can be used year-round, it’s honestly not all that difficult to justify the Aegis LT’s nearly-$500 price tag (all told with tax and shipping). Having said that, close-to-five-bills is still a lot to spend on a technical jacket — even if you are getting what you paid for. This is honestly my only real gripe with this jacket, as it otherwise performs phenomenally across the board in practically every area save for bang-for-your-buck. 

Verdict: Though it doesn’t come cheap, PDW’s Aegis LT jacket proved to be the all-around best tactical jacket I got to test out. If versatility, weatherproofing, and a tactical design are your top priorities, this is your obvious choice.

ThruDark Engage Jacket

Best Insulated Tactical Jacket: If you were to engineer a puffer coat for modern-day operators with little to no concern for cost and the sole aim of delivering the very best possible product, the end result would likely look a whole lot like the ThruDark Engage Jacket. Everything from its design and kit to advanced material selection to bevy of adjustment points make the Engage one of the very best tactical jackets on the market — and easily one of, if not the single best insulated tac-jack currently available. 

The Good

Made in Italy, the Engage Jacket features a state-of-the-art Pertex Quantum ripstop shell construction with interlocking Diamond Fuse filaments. On the inside, the Diamond-fused shell boasts a bespoke printed heritage liner, while the already-rugged exterior has been further fortified via a DWR finish. In between the liner and shell is 133 grams of Primaloft synthetic down fill insulation that allows the garment to achieve a rating for uses in temperatures as low as 14° F. Fitted with YKK AquaGuard zippers, the jacket is also thermoregulating, completely windproof, and quick-drying. 

The Engage’s storm hood is another definite highlight, as it’s a three-panel item with a welded hood mini bill, dual side cinch shock cord lockers, and a cinch shock cord at the back of the head to adjust the fitment around the wearer’s crown. The top 6” of the inside of the main zipper is trimmed in a super-soft fleece material that hugely bolsters comfort. There’s also Velcro piles on the shoulders for ID tags, morale patches, and the like. 

Supplementary Strengths

I wasn’t really sure how the Pertex Quantum construction would hold up in terms of durability, but the shell quickly proved itself to be exceedingly abrasion resistant — another area made all the more impressive by how lightweight the jacket is. And, like every other ThruDark garment that I’ve had the pleasure of using or testing, the Engage Jacket’s build quality is excellent. Not a single stitch or panel is even slightly out of place anywhere on the entire garment, and I didn’t stop a single loose thread at any point during testing. Unlike a lot of other puffer jackets I’ve worn over the years, the Engage doesn’t restrict range of motion of mobility, making it super conducive to tactical and adventure use. Unsurprisingly, this insulated jacket is also perfect for layering. 

This insulated tactical jacket is also ridiculously warm while still being ridiculously lightweight at just 26oz. In fact, its warmth-to-weight ratio is straight-up off-the-charts (again, 26oz and a 14° F temp rating!). Another bonafide selling point on the ThruDark Engage Jacket is the garment’s immense versatility. Sure, it excels in tactical situations, but it also lends itself just as well to use as a regular puffer jack. The fairly minimalistic exterior design also affords it a fashion-forward appearance that lets it blend in with all manner of outfits and settings — something that can’t be said for some of the more blatantly-military-focused jackets on this list. 

The Not So Good

The only gripes I had with ThruDark’s Engage Jacket were all pretty minor — and are all massively outweighed by the jacket’s many, many strengths. For starters, while its cost is fairly justifiable based on its features, materials, and Italian-made construction, its roughly $500 MSRP is just objectively pretty steep. Second, while it does feature AquaGuard zippers, I still found that water penetrated the main front track when sprayed with water. So, while it’s not exactly perfect, it’s still an extraordinary tactical jacket. 

Verdict: While it is highly durable, well-crafted, and cut from premium, advanced materials, what really makes ThruDark’s Engage Jacket so special is its ability to deliver incredible levels of warmth while weighing practically nothing.

Vollebak Indestructible Hoodie

Best Premium Pick: Unlike every other jacket I tested and reviewed for this guide, the Vollebak Indestructible Hoodie wasn’t actually designed as a tactical-specific garment. Rather, it just so happens to possess the exact qualities needed in order to lend itself to tactical use. It offers stellar range of motion, its design is highly-calculated and ultra-over-built, and its material selection blows pretty much everything else out of the water (and by a decent margin) — and that’s just scratching the surface.

The Good

The vast majority of Vollebak’s wildly-advanced and hugely-innovative garments benefit from the use of some ridiculously cutting-edge proprietary materials. And the Indestructible Hoodie is by no means an exception in this regard, as the entire thing is crafted around a shell cut from a custom-milled combination of Elastane, CORDURA, and Dyneema. This trio of materials combine to make an extraordinarily hardwearing construction that also offers multi-way stretch properties. It’s also fairly lightweight for how crazy rugged the shell is, as the entire jacket tips the scales at around 30oz.

Made in Italy, this ultra-rugged shell material has been heavily reinforced with heavy duty stitching and tape at all critical seams and stress points. Making its off-the-charts durability all the more noteworthy is the fact the shell measures just 1mm (or 0.39”) thick. It doesn’t even end there, however, as the shell can withstand slides at over 45mph — which actually makes it a surprisingly solid option for use as a motorcycle jacket (though it is devoid of armor or padding), further increasing its already-impressive levels of versatility.

Supplementary Strengths

Devoid of a liner, the jacket also features a pocket layout that’s as minimalistic as the shell’s outward appearance, with the entire array being limited to a pair of zipper-secured hand pockets. These pockets are well-anchored which was a pleasant surprise during testing, though unlike some of the other tac-jacks on this guide, the Indestructible Hoodie has a difficult time accommodating anything larger than a fist-sized piece of gear or mission equipment. Bolstering its mobility and range of motion are articulated three-piece sleeves. The more plain-looking appearance of Vollebak’s Indestructible Hoodie also makes it arguably the most versatile garment on this entire list — plus it’s great for layering beneath other jackets. 

The Not So Good

While I took an instant liking to the Indestructible Hoodie right out of the box — and only grew fonder of it the longer I spent wearing it — I will admit the thing has a few issues here and there, at least when viewed through the lens of being a tactical jacket. First off, it’s devoid of any of the tactical-specific features found on other models on this guide. Second, the waist isn’t adjustable, which is a definite downside. Third, while the main front closure uses a coated track, the hand pockets feature regular, non-weatherproof zips. Fourth, while there’s absolutely no denying the almost-otherworldly durability of the shell, the Elastane-infused CORDURA-Dyneema blend is a little stiff, slightly mitigating comfort — albeit not to a concerning or deal-breaking extent. Fifth and finally, at nearly $800, the Indestructible Hoodie is simply a very expensive jacket. 

Verdict: Vollebak’s aptly-named Indestructible Hoodie may not have been engineered to be a tactical jacket, but its proprietary stretch CORDURA-Dyneema blend allows this ordinary-looking technical hoodie to be tough as nails while measuring just 1mm thick.

Tactical Jackets Comparison Chart

What Exactly Is A Tactical Jacket?

While there’s no precise definition, tactical jackets favor utility more than anything else. If there are few pockets and the materials aren’t at least water-resistant, then those jackets aren’t it. Favored by military personnel and the most hardcore outdoor enthusiasts, these pieces of outerwear must utilize space well, be durable, aid you in your endeavors, and be able to stand up to the unpredictable.

What To Consider When Shopping

Though there are dozens of minor areas one can consider when buying a tactical jacket, the reality is that there are eight main areas that trump all others in terms of importance — all of which we’ll briefly be breaking down directly below. 

Materials: As purpose-built garments, it’s imperative that your tactical jacket is made of the right material. Cotton, wool, or even waxed canvas may be great for everyday wear, but when you’re exposed to the elements, you’re going to want weatherproof and waterproof material to keep you dry and warm.

Mobility: Given the versatility that’s associated with tactical jackets, wearers need to be able to retain a full range of motion so they can effectively hike, run, climb, or work. Form-fitting, restrictive jackets can make your figure look more flattering, but if it keeps you from starting a fire in the rain, climbing up a ledge to get to your destination, or running away from a bear, you may want to leave it at home.

Storage: This particular criterion is paramount for any tactical garment. Having sufficient storage to hold supplies, EDC essentials, or a firearm is a hallmark of tactical jackets. Quick and easy access to critical supplies while on a mission or just a hike can make all the difference when you’re in an emergency. When in doubt, go with the jacket with more pockets. You’ll thank us later.

Insulation: Usually materials can cover this criterion, but there is a bevy of water-resistant and weather-resistant shells that do nothing in terms of insulation. Ensuring that your jacket keeps your body heat in and, more importantly, keeps the elements like rain, snow, or wind out, is essential when picking out your tactical jacket. After all, it’s hard to be tactical when you’re on hypothermia’s doorstep.

Build Quality: It’s not just the materials used to make a jacket that matters, but also how those materials were pieced together — and how meticulously. Because overall craftsmanship and build quality can play such a pivotal role in a garment’s overall quality, performance, and user experience, we recommend always reviewing a tactical jacket’s construction technique(s) and manufacturing origin. 

Adjustability: Not unlike with motorcycle jackets, the better and more precisely a tactical jacket fits its wearer, the better it will perform, the better protection it will offer, and the better its overall range of motion and mobility will be. Adjustment points help to dial-in fitment in order to bolster these areas, making adjustment points and overall adjustability another crucial area to consider when shopping. 

Price & Value: When it comes to tactical gear, you tend to get what you pay for, with more premium prices unlocking more premium features and material selections. There is, however, a point, where one starts seeing diminishing returns on their investment. Consequently, we highly recommend closely considering the overall value and bang-for-your-buck being afforded by any tactical jacket that you’re considering pulling the trigger on purchasing. 

Style: Though we believe tactical jackets should primarily be considered for tactical use, there’s nothing wrong with opting for one that’s also conducive to other uses and applications — such as a hiking jacket or commuter jacket — as this can hugely bolster both the versatility and value of one of these items. So, while it shouldn’t be your top priority when shopping, style is still an area we feel is worth factoring in to your decision. 

Honorable Mentions

Tru-Spec is a standout in the military and tactical supplier space, having its roots as a military surplus store before becoming its own brand in 1996. Since then, Tru-Spec has become one of the leading suppliers of uniforms and equipment to the military, law enforcement, and public safety companies. Its 24-7 series of clothing features a softshell tactical jacket that’s about as purpose-built as they come. The Tru-Spec 24-7 Tactical Softshell Jacket is completely weather-resistant, due to its polyester construction and DWR finish. Better yet, the jacket boasts two angled waist pockets, an angled sleeve pocket, and two rear zipper pockets to provide wearers with more storage than they could shake a stick at. It even comes sized up to allow the user to wear a ballistic vest under it.

For the better part of a century, Rothco has been producing some of the best military, tactical, survival, and outdoor products out there. In particular, the Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket stands as one of the best tactical jackets you can get your hands on. The jacket is comprised of a tactical jacket outer shell and fleece liner, which when combined, create a three-layer, water-resistant, moisture-wicking, heat-retaining masterpiece. Its polyester construction protects the user from wind and other harsh elements, while its double-reinforced forearms prevent tearing and abrasions. It also comes with eight accessible pockets throughout its design, with the chest pockets sporting rubber portholes so you can pass your headphones through for easy listening. Hunters, hikers, and adventurers alike would benefit from this jacket.

If there is one brand that is synonymous with tactical garments, it would have to be 5.11 Tactical. These guys just do tactical wear right (it’s in their name, after all), and while they have a bevy of fantastic garments to choose from, the 5.11 Tactical 5-In-1 Jacket 2.0 is particularly excellent. Made for those who need to do their best when the conditions are the worst, this is the jacket they use. Its seam-sealed design is completely waterproof with a DWR finish that is so effective it provides blood-borne pathogen resistance. 8% lighter than its predecessor, the 2nd-gen version of the jacket is made of tough polyester for its outer shell, durable nylon on its inner jacket overlays, and a polyester tech fleece inside its inner jacket, which boosts its insulation and longevity. If all of that isn’t enough, each shell sports five pockets, giving you ten total pockets for maximized storage capacity.

If one were to make a Mount Rushmore of tactical clothing companies, Triple Aught Design would have to be included. Though only around a decade-and-a-half old, the San Francisco-based standout makes premium tactical wear that is made to answer the call of the armed forces. Case in point; the Triple Aught Design Ranger Jacket LT. This highly-technical garment epitomizes a functional, streamlined design, featuring a polyester construction that has a DWR treatment, as well as wind-resistant Polartec Wind Pro fabric. For storage, it has two large chest pockets, two upper arm pockets, two forearm pockets, and a hunter’s pocket in the back that can be accessed from both sides. What’s more, all pockets feature zipper garages and Grosgrain ribbon pull tags for optimal usage. It’s clear that every aspect of this jacket has been meticulously designed to ensure that it’s as comfortable and functional as possible.

 It’s no secret that Arc’teryx makes some of the best gear on the planet, so it only makes sense that they created a line of tactical garments for law enforcement and special forces. Standing for “Law Enforcement and Armed Forces,” LEAF specializes in tactical gear like the ultra-versatile Arc’teryx LEAF Alpha Jacket Gen 2.2. This waterproof and durable outer shell is constructed with a blend of GORE-TEX BD450 3L 40d nylon ripstop and GORE-TEX L&F 3L 30d nylon plain weave that weatherproofs this jacket enough to handle the harsh climate of Canada. It has four external pockets in its chest and upper arms, as well as internal pockets for added secure storage. While this shell is meant to be worn with other layers, its quality, versatility, and durability make it more than enough to be worn on its own in many situations.

Tested: The Best Tactical Pants For Modern-Day Operators

If you read all the way to the end of this tactical jacket guide, there’s a pretty decent chance you’ll also be interested in the garments comprising our list of the best tactical pants.