It’s no secret, the tactical gear market is seriously oversaturated. While there is a good junk of product out on this market that can simply be defined as marketing junk, there is a good majority of product out there that definitely can serve a “tactical” purpose. With that said, choosing one of these jackets and considering them to be good purchases will largely depend on you, your preferences and what you need the tactical jacket for in the first place.
Like I mentioned earlier, there is a lot of “marketing junk” out there that is some companies think they can consider as a tactical jacket. These jackets may even look the part, but they simply won’t hold up to what you need them to do. They are often made with inferior components and through inferior manufacturing processes. However, if you do select one of the legitimate tactical jackets out on the market and are still not happy with it, well then you didn’t select the one best for you.
Here are some important factors to consider when looking to buy a tactical jacket. The first is to determine what style of tactical jacket you need. Even with the large amount of tactical jackets on the market, they can all be broken down into three categories:
- Soft and Light shell jackets
- Winter jackets
- Rain jackets
All tactical jackets will fit into one of these categories, so it is the most important starting point. If you are someone who is looking to buy a tactical jacket to use during those spring and fall months where it’s not too cold but not warm enough for a winter jacket then you should be looking for tactical jackets that are of the soft shell and light shell style. If you are looking for something that can hold up in extreme cold situations, for example winter, then you should look for tactical jackets that are winter jackets. Finally, if you need a tactical jacket that can keep you dry in heavy rain fail, then you should consider a rain jacket. This last category often throws folks for a loop, aren’t tactical jackets meant to repel or be waterproof? Well, yes, they should be and most are but this isn’t a normal amount of water you are considering. I’m talking about people who know they are going to be soaked, all day, day in and day out. If that is you, definitely consider a tactical rain jacket.
Once you have it down to one of these three types of tactical jackets then it’s really use. You are basically going to be looking for a jacket that will fit based on your temperature needs. For example, say you need a soft-shell jacket, but will be getting into some windy days, then look for a soft-shell jacket that has light thermal insulation. That way, you don’t need to jump up to a winter jacket but you also don’t need to hate your jacket choice on the windy days. On the flip side, if you are considering a winter tactical jacket then consider just how cold winter is for you. Do you need one that operates in just cold conditions or are we talking Alaskan cold winters?
Once you have that narrowed down consider the functionality of the jacket in terms of zippers and pockets or compartments. How much gear are you going to need on your body at any point in time? Do you need a bunch of chest pockets or do you only want a couple and the rest to be more discreet inner pockets? What about elbow supports for a tactical jacket that you are looking to primarily wear at a range?
Finally, consider the price point you want to be at. The tactical market for any type of gear is endless. You can easily find great tactical jackets from $100 but you could also speed $1,500. That is why it is important to come in with a budget in mind.
Happy shopping!
