While in an urban environment, hunting, or patrolling the woods, you need to protect yourself from the elements.
The weather can have a significant impact on your performance and your health.
Without proper protection, you will get cold, wet, sick, or possibly dead.
To ensure that you keep yourself dry and warm, you must have the right equipment for the job.
With a tactical jacket, you will get protection and utility.
With features like waterproof, windproof, and removable liners, they will keep you comfortable in the harshest of storms.
Tactical Jackets are an essential piece of gear for people who care about utility and durability.
Many tactical jackets have an abundance of pockets that allow you to store all of your essential gear and tools.
Some tactical jackets are designed for law enforcement personnel to help you go from covert to overt in seconds with hidden identification pockets and nameplates.
If you are a hunter, law enforcement personal, or like to be ready for any situation, a tactical jacket would be an excellent choice for you.
Finding a tactical jacket that fits your requirements might be a hard task, but we will go over the 10 best tactical jackets available.
Table of Contents
#1. Bristol Parka (5.11 Tactical)
- Colors available: Black, coyote, tundra, dark navy
- # of Pockets: 12
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
- Mic Loops: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
The Bristol Parka by 5.11 is packed full of features that will ensure that you have a comfortable wear.
The parka has a 100% nylon plain weave hardshell, which protects you against nature.
It has a waterproof rating of 10k and will keep you dry.
A unique feature of the outer shell is that it is resistant to bloodborne pathogens.
Not only does the outer shell provide an extreme level of protection, but it is also breathable to prevent you from overheating.
The softshell inner jacket is made with 100% polyester with a microfleece backer.
It can provide additional warmth when used with the outer shell or could be worn by itself.
An awesome feature of the inner jacket is that it has secret utility pockets and includes handwarmer pockets for colder days.
You may already be sold on the Bristol Parka by 5.11, but it has more utility than meets the eye.
The Jacket comes with a total of 12 pockets to store all your gear.
For law enforcement personnel, you also have a hidden badge panel and a hidden ID panel.
The Bristol Parka features the Quixip system that provides fast access to your concealed weapon or your inner jacket.
It also comes with mic loops that can be concealed under panel flaps.
It is available in several colors and sizes to fit anyone’s size and style.
If you are looking for the ability to customize your protection, comfort, and access to a concealed weapon, the Bristol Parka by 5.11 will be an excellent choice.
Pick it up on the official 5.11 Tactical site here: www.511Tactical.com
#2. Valiant Duty Jacket (5.11 Tactical)
- Colors available: Black, navy blue, sheriff green
- # of Pockets: 12
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
- Mic Loops: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
5.11’s Valiant Duty Jacket is made out of a 5 oz 100% nylon plain weave hardshell.
It offers an incredible 10K/6K waterproof/breathable rating, which means that it will keep you dry while preventing you from overheating.
The outer shell has the same features as the Bristol Parka by offering additional pathogen protection.
The Valiant Duty Jacket has a unique design that allows it to be worn in a few different ways.
The outer shell is removable to allow you to wear the 100% polyester with microfleece backer by itself, which also converts into a vest.
The fleece will keep you warm while allowing your skin to breathe.
The articulated sleeves are designed to allow your arms to have natural movement.
With the Quixip system, you can quickly access your concealed weapon or your internal pockets.
With a total of 12 pockets, you can store anything you need.
It also has a hidden badge pocket, an ID panel, a detachable hood, and hidden mic loops.
The Valiant Duty Jacket by 5.11 is very similar to the Bristol Parka, but it has a slightly different design and is only available in three colors compared to four.
However, it is roughly $20 cheaper.
If you prefer the slightly different features of the inner jacket and the different colors, the Valiant Duty Jacket would be a better pick for you.
It is available at 5.11, here’s a link to it: www.511Tactical.com
#3. Tactical Fleece 2.0 (5.11 Tactical)
- Colors available: Black, range red, dark navy
- # of Pockets: 5
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
- Mic Loops: Yes
- Waterproof: No
The Tactical Fleece 2.0 by 5.11 is a lighter option compared to the other jackets.
The fleece is made of a 10.3 oz 100% polyester tech fleece that is soft to the touch while keeping you warm on colder days.
The fleece includes water-resistant overlays to help keep you warm.
However, it is not waterproof in the non-nylon areas of the fleece.
It has a total of 5 pockets to help you store all your stuff, such as documents or your wallet.
It offers a badge tab kit, elastic bind cuffs, mic loops, an adjustable front hem with shock cord, and quick access to a firearm through the side seam zippers.
This fleece was designed to keep you warm, providing you excellent function.
If you are looking for a light jacket, the Tactical Fleece 2.0 by 5.11 will keep you warm while providing you easy access to your gear.
It comes in various sizes and comes in black, range red, and dark navy.
It can be purchased at 5.11, here’s a link to it: www.511Tactical.com
#4. Sabre Jacket 2.0 (5.11 Tactical)
- Colors available: Black, moss, dark navy
- # of Pockets: 9
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
- Mic Loops: No
- Waterproof: Yes
The Sabre Jacket 2.0 by 5.11 Tactical is designed to provide a low-profile look while giving you the fit, form, and function of a tactical jacket.
It is not only waterproof, but it offers a breathable membrane to keep you from overheating.
The sleeves come with storm cuffs to prevent you from getting wet and to keep you warm.
It has three ID panels to help you identify yourself as law enforcement quickly and has integrated utility pockets at each shoulder for easy access to tools such as a pocket knife.
The interior pockets are roomy and offer plenty of room for documents or your cell phone.
The detachable hood can be quickly stored in the collar when not needed.
The low-profile design comes with the Quixip system that offers you fast access to your sidearm.
The Sabre Jacket 2.0 is 5.11’s most popular concealed carry jacket for its utility, comfort, and low profile design.
It is available in various sizes and is available in black, moss, and dark navy.
If you are looking for a good looking concealed carry jacket, the Sabre Jacket 2.0 by 5.11 is an excellent choice.
Pick it up on their official site here: www.511Tactical.com
#5. Men’s Tactical All Season Jacket (Under Armour)
- Colors available: Marine OD green
- # of Pockets: 2
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL
- Mic Loops: No
- Waterproof: Yes
It should not surprise you that Under Armour has made it on this list.
The Men’s Tactical All Season Jacket is made with the high-quality standards of any Under Armour product.
It is made out of 90% polyester / 10% elastane and has the style Under Armour is known for.
This warming layer will keep you warm in mild temperatures while keeping you dry.
The moisture repelling material is made of breathable ultra-soft woven fabric.
The jacket is constructed to provide you maximum range of motion.
With 4-way stretch material and articulated elbows, the jacket feels natural and has unmatchable comfort.
The jacket comes only in Marine OD green, but it is available in sizes S – 3XL.
If you are looking for a comfortable jacket that offers ease of movement, water resistance, and style, The Men’s Tactical All Season Jacket by Under Armour may be right for you.
It is available at Dick’s Sporting Goods, here’s a link to it: www.DicksSportingGoods.com
#6. Rothco Special Ops Tactical Soft Shell Jacket
- Colors available: Black, camo digital urban, coyote, gunmetal grey, navy blue, woodland tri-color, olive drab
- # of Pockets: 8
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL, 6XL, 7XL, 8XL
- Mic Loops: No
- Waterproof: Yes
The Rothco Special Ops Tactical Soft Shell Jacket is designed with the field in mind.
It is constructed with a 3-layer system to help keep you warm while protecting you against wind and preventing you from getting wet.
The waterproof outer shell keeps you safe from the elements and is good for all sorts of outdoor activities.
The outer jacket is made out of 100% moisture-wicking Polyester and has a 100% fleece liner for extra comfort.
The sleeves are constructed with adjustable wrist cuffs to keep moisture out and to keep you warm.
The jacket has a total of 8 pockets to store all of your gear and extra warming layers.
With a versatile hood, you can easily store it in the zipper pouch. It also has a drawstring waistline to keep the jacket secure to your body.
One of the most appealing features of this tactical jacket over other options is the available colors and designs.
You have the choice between 7 different colors to fit any style and occasion.
It also has the most amount of sizes ranging from XS to 8XL.
If you are looking for a warm jacket for the winter that offers excellent storage space, various colors, and excellent features, the Rothco Special Ops Tactical Soft Shell Jacket will be an excellent choice.
This is also the only option on this list that offers over a 4XL.
Here’s a review left by one of our site visitors:
“Rothco jacket is exactly what I hoped for in a tactical jacket. It is warm, lightweight for its design and has excellent fit. For the price and alteration cost it is still a great value and performs as expected. I wore it all winter with either a long sleeve underneath or a sweatshirt and it kept me plenty warm. I have not tested the water-resistance, but based on my experience with shell fabrics, I believe it will do fine.” –Stephen R.
It is available at Optics Planet, pick it up here: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#7. Obsidian Hooded Jacket
- Colors available: Mas grey, multicam
- # of Pockets: 2
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
- Mic Loops: No
- Waterproof: Yes
The Obsidian Hooded Jacket by Outdoor Research is crafted with a nylon blend that offers several performance benefits.
The Nylon blend offers you a touch jacket that is also lightweight and breathable.
The durable blend offers water, wind, and abrasion resistance.
With reinforced super fabric panels, your forearms have extra support for additional durability.
If the material gets wet, it is quick-drying to keep you dry and warm.
The Obsidian Hooded Jacket provides you with excellent mobility.
The movement-mirroring stretch material offers a wide range of motion.
The Dynamic Reach underarm panels also provide you with excellent ease of movement while keeping you comfortable.
The hand pockets can be zipped closed to secure your gear easily.
If you are looking for an excellent hunting jacket that offers superior mobility and durability, the Obsidian Hooded Jacket by Outdoor Research may be right for you.
Pick it up here: www.OutdoorResearch.com
#8. Aggressor Parka (5.11 Tactical)
- Colors available: Tundra
- # of Pockets: 11
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
- Mic Loops: No
- Waterproof: Yes
The Aggressor Parka by 5.11 offers excellent fit, form, and function.
The parka allows you to adjust to any climate by offering a 3-in-1 patrol jacket.
The outer jacket is waterproof, and the material is constructed to be breathable to prevent overheating.
The inner jacket is a color-matched quilted fleece that offers extra warmth and comfort.
You can wear the fleece by itself during warmer days.
The Jacket offers 11 pockets for storing documents, a phone, or any other tactical gear.
The Aggressor Parka is ideal for wearing a concealed weapon with an easy-access side zipper for fast deployment.
With a low profile design, a large number of pockets, and easy access to your CCW, the Aggressor Parka by 5.11 is an excellent choice for those who want to be ready at a moment’s notice.
It only comes in 1 color but is offered in several sizes up to 4XL.
The Aggressor Parka is available at 5.11, check it out here: www.511Tactical.com
#9. 4-In-1 Patrol Jacket 2.0 (5.11 Tactical)
- Colors available: Black, navy blue, sheriff green
- # of Pockets: 11
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, 2XL
- Mic Loops: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
The 4-In-1 Patrol Jacket 2.0 by 5.11 Tactical is packed with features similar to the Bristol and Valiant jackets.
The outer hardshell jacket is made out of a 5.2 oz 100% waterproof polyester material.
Not only is the jacket waterproof, but it has a 10k breathability rating.
Like the Bristol and Valiant tactical jackets, the 4-in-1 is equipped with bloodborne pathogen resistance.
This jacket is also ideal for CCW holders by being equipped with the Quixip system for quick access to your sidearm.
Other features include a camera loop kit, mic loops, epaulets, and a badge tab.
It also includes 3 inner and 8 outer pockets for carrying all of your gear.
The mechanically stretched material and articulated sleeves also offer excellent mobility and stretch.
Overall, The 4-In-1 Patrol Jacket 2.0 by 5.11 is an excellent tactical jacket that is great for covert and overt operations.
It is available for purchase at 5.11, check it out here: www.511Tactical.com
#10. Signature Duty Jacket (5.11 Tactical)
- Colors available: Black, dark navy
- # of Pockets: 6
- Zipper Type: Full length
- Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL
- Mic Loops: No
- Waterproof: Yes
5.11’s Signature Duty Jacket offers great protection against the elements and is constructed with ideal features for any patrol.
The nylon shell offers excellent water protection. With breathable material, it helps prevent you from overheating.
For additional ventilation, you can open the zippers underneath the underarms.
The jacket is designed to provide an excellent fit while on the go.
The elasticized hem, zip-through collar, storm cuffs, and side zippers offer a customized level of fit and comfort.
You have easy access to your concealed weapon with the zipping side seams allowing you to go from covert to overt in seconds.
Additionally, it comes with a badge tab kit and rear ID panel for overt operations and patrols.
If you are looking for a high-quality basic patrol jacket with quick sidearm access and identification tabs, 5.11’s Signature Duty Jacket may be right for you.
It is available at 5.11, check it out here: www.511Tactical.com
References / Resources
How to Choose Insulated Outerwear
See Also
7 Best Waterproof Tactical Pants
7 Best Tactical Fanny Packs For Concealed Carry
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 and has served over 18 years as a communications maintenance technician with three deployments to the Middle East.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor’s degree in Information System Security with a concentration in Digital Forensics from American Military University.
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