Triple Aught Design (TAD Gear), has been making quality gear from the start. They are an American based company that actually makes their products in the USA. They make high quality products that are used by operators of all sorts in the field. Pretty much all of TAD’s jackets and hoodies are designed with a similar set of features but vary slightly depending on the application.
The Stealth Hoodie was one of the first Tacti-cool garments to hit the mainstream market and arguably may have been the spark that started the Tactical Hipster revolution by providing non-military folks a platform to show off their individual flair with various morale and swag patches.
Construction
Generally, most brands, even the big name brands, do not manufacturer their own fabrics and many of the materials are sourced from the same factories. As a result, most manufacturers actually use the exact same materials. Most people are likely familiar with GORE-TEX, probably the most well- known material when it comes to a waterproof garments and is commonly used by brands like Arc’teryx and Patagonia in many of their outer shells. GORE-TEX technology uses Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is spread out into a thin coating and combined with a polyester or nylon fabric. The result: a waterproof, yet breathable fabric that is porous enough to allow vapor to escape, but not so much so that a water droplet can permeate it.
This is where the Stealth Hoodie LT is different because it uses Schoeller’s highly innovative C-Change ‘smart’ fabric. This is based on the same basic technology as GORE-TEX, also being a polymer membrane, but this is where similarity ends. One cannot fully appreciate how truly remarkable the Stealth LT is without understanding a little bit of how the Shoeller C-Change technology works. C-Change is touted by the manufacturer as “the bionic climate membrane” and functions about as Sci-Fi-sounding as the moniker would lead you to think.
C-Change Technology was designed to mimic nature, specifically the response of a fir cone as it opens and closes in response to varying weather conditions. In a similar way, the C-Change membrane adapts to changes in both temperature and moisture levels. As the temperature rises, its pores expand just enough to allow water vapor to escape without letting any actual droplets of water in. Alternatively, during cooler temperatures or moments of inactivity, the pores ‘close’ retaining the heat directly next to the body.
Cut and fit
The first noticeable difference between the LT and previous versions of the Stealth Hoodie is that it is not as thick as its predecessors, this is due to the fact that the LT is not lined. This jacket’s “LT” designation signifies that it is lightweight garment with an intentional minimalist design.
The cut is fitted, more so than previous versions but as before, it is just roomy enough to be able wear a sweater under it without restricting movement or diminishing the comfortability of the fit. The 4 Way Stretch of the fabric used in the LT provides optimal flexibility and natural range of motion. This is particularly noticeable in the elbows and shoulders which provides the wearer with an unfettered range of motion without the extra fabric needed to provide the same range of motion in other garments.
The cuffs on the LT are flat and does not have the elastic cuff of some of earlier versions of the Stealth. The arm length is enough to prevent the wearers’ wrists from being exposed even when reaching or extending the arms. Those accustomed to the rubberized cuff tab of the previous designs will notice that has been replaced by a color matched fabric tab with Velcro closures on the underside.
Key features
The Stealth features two side entry, hand warmer chest pockets located high enough so that access is unhindered while wearing a battle belt, or pack waist belt. I particularly like the Stealth’s side entry pocket design over the crossover design of the Arc’teryx jackets as it not only provides the wearer a place to get their hands out the cold but also allows access to its contents while wearing a plate carrier. The non-LT version of the Stealth had a mesh lining which was great for venting in warmer temperatures but also let unwanted cold air in and a way for valuable body heat to escape. The LT, on the other hand does not have the mesh lining, instead the pockets are fully sealed off compartments (with the small exception of the media pass-though opening) that are seam-taped just like the rest of the garment, so you don’t have to worry about any cold drafts entering while you are warming your hands.
In keeping with the LTs’ more minimalist design, those familiar with the previous versions of the stealth will also notice that there is no internal vertical ‘pen’ pocket. The D-ring gear keeper is still there for attaching some of those loose items to prevent them for falling out.
At the back of the LT, there is the 14″ x 8″ dual entry rear duck pocket typically found on many of TAD’s garments. This roomy storage pocket is great for storing gloves, scarves beanies or any other similar items. The duck pocket is seam taped which as well prevents any water from soaking into the inside of the jacket should you choose to put any wet items in it. There is a zipper protector flap at each of the entries to divert any water from potentially entering the Zips.
The media pass throughs remains present in the LT you may also notice (depending on which versions of the Stealth you may be used to) that instead of a rubber grommet a circular cut of fabric material has been adhered to the inside of the jacket with a small slit opening that provides a spot for any wires or chords to be routed through. A strip of similar fabric acts a wire keeper with a similar slit located symmetrically at the upper lapel helps to keep any excess wires in control.
On the left arm is small 6” x 5.5” quick access pocket for some small items, like chapstick, keys, credit cards, cash or other similar items.
There was an expressed desire by former Stealth owners for more Velcro real estate and thus TAD has increased the former 3” x 2” Velcro loop square on the outer bicep area on each arm to a 5” x 3.5” color matched Velcro loop square for IFF patches and morale patches. Often when doing contract work overseas, it is advisable to try to blend in or at the very least not dress in a manner that screams “military” and for this a non-patched option is also available.
Though not outwardly noticeable, the elbow areas of the Stealth LT are double layered which, coupled with the C-Change fabric’s abrasion resistant characteristics provides added protection against excessive wear.
The YKK zippers on previous versions have been replaced with RiRi zippers on the LT specifically for their water resistant properties. There are Grosgrain chord pulls throughout all the jackets’ zippers to aid with operation while wearing gloves. Each zipper also has a semi-rigid ‘zipper garage’ at the top to protect the zipper, keep them from rattling and to divert any rain coming off the jacket away from zipper closures.
As before, the bottom of the LT has elastic shock cord cinching, featuring a chord lock system which is designed in such a way that adjustments can be done with one hand. At the neck/collar area is a felt-lined flap acts as a chin protector for comfort when the main zipper is done up the whole way.
At the back of the jacket is TADs’ signature ‘Aero Hood which when not in use, flattens down neatly against the upper back, with the brim of the hood acting as a high collar protecting the wearers nape against the elements. It is a distinctive design feature unique to nearly all of TADs’ outer garments.
Peripheral vision with the hood deployed is much better than with any of the other jackets I have worn. This is mainly due to the less baggy design of the Aero hood. The billed design provides about a 3.5” overhang which should be more than enough to keep the rain and snow off your face. When the main zipper is done up completely it comes up to just below your nose. Cinching the shock chords of the hood, brings the hood closer to your face at the sides and brings the brim down slightly but you may also want to consider a balaclava for times when you are concerned with keeping the elements off your face.
I found that the Aero hood absolutely did not fit over my FAST Ballistic helmet, and I was unable to zip up the jacket past my collar bone. It may be possible that this could be augmented with a different helmet type or perhaps by wearing a size up in the LT. But if the nature of your needs requires you to wear a helmet on a regular basis, just keep in mind that the hood on the LT was not designed to be worn over a ballistic helmet.
At the back of the Aero hood, are two 1” square Velcro loop squares for attaching glint tape or ‘ranger eyes’ for use when trekking at night.
The hood also has a stow-able design that allows it to be rolled up and cinched down with a flap built into the inside of the jacket.
The Stealth LT features 9” single direction pit zips which is great way to cool down quickly without having to take the jacket completely off which is especially handy when wearing body armor or a backpack.
Durability
The LT’s DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating does eventually wear off over time and after multiple wash cycles. When this happens you may notice that after extended exposure to heavy rain the fabric will show varying levels of water absorption into the fabric such as discoloration and dampness between the layers. This is completely normal with any ‘breathable’ material, including GORE-TEX. TAD Gear recommends using Penguin Sportwash and Nikwax spray to restore the DWR.
I read some comments online about how after about an hour in a heavy rain he would experience some minor leakage at the main zipper area of the LT. So during a particularly torrential downpour I decided to see if I could replicate his experience. After being in the rain for exactly 1 hour I noted that the face of the garment showed some signs of water penetration; like dark discolored areas particularly in the cuff and forearm. I also noted that although the face fabric itself did show signs of water absorption most of the water was effectively ‘beading‘ off the garment. Upon inspecting the inside of the jacket, I found that it was completely bone dry, this included all the pockets and the inside of the main zipper area.
The only real downside I found with this jacket is its weight and pack-ability. A size medium, patched version of the Stealth LT weighs 32oz which is just about twice the weight of the Arc’teryx Alpha LT and also takes up more space in your pack.
Conclusion
While in motion, I found it quite easy to stay warm with only minimal layers (Under Armour Coldgear compression base layers and merino wool mid layer) without being overly stuffy. For the most part, the UA Coldgear base layer was more than adequate, so long as I was in motion and I found myself utilizing the pit-zip vents for much of the trek. Once stopped however, I found that sweat and condensation has a tendency of getting trapped between in the inner shell and the base layer so it is critical to keep this in mind when stopping for extended periods. I would suggest considering pairing the Stealth LT with an insulated garment like the Arc’teryx LEAF Atom LT.
The Aero hood came in quite handy keeping the rain and snow off my face as well as helping to keep as much body heat contained as much as possible. The shock chords were easy to operate one-handed even while wearing gloves, though there were a few times such as when moving against strong winds, hail and snow where I wished the front of the collar came up high enough to cover the nose and mouth when fully zipped.
It is evident that TAD had the military professional’s needs in mind when they created the Stealth LT, with its subdued colors and velcro loop patches. Packed with many utilitarian features, it possibly the most well-equipped jacket of its kind on the market today. As an everyday use Jacket it has you covered, with more than enough pockets to hold all of your EDC items and almost everything but the kitchen sink. However, as a rain shell for backpacking and for other times when packable size and weight are a primary consideration, I would recommend looking at some lighter products. 8.5/10.
Ben 
Smooth