If you buy an item via links on this page, we may earn a commission. Our editorial content is not influenced by commissions. Read the full disclosure.
A tactical jacket is specifically designed for rough weather conditions and harsh outdoor activities. Whether it is a jacket for paramilitary operations, hiking, hunting, fishing, or survival, a quality tactical jacket provides excellent protection from wind, rain, or snow.
The 9 Best Tactical Jackets
- Condor Alpha Micro Fleece Jacket
- FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Military Tactical Jacket
- Rothco Special Ops Tactical Jacket
- 5.11 48017 Tactical Jacket (Our Top Pick)
- 5.11 48073 Tactical EMS Professionals Responder Parka
- MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Tactical Jacket
- CAMO COLL Men’s Outdoor Hooded Tactical Jacket
- ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket
- TACVASEN Tactical Jacket
Our Top Pick for the Best Tactical Jacket
Our top pick for the best tactical jacket is the 5.11 48017 Tactical Jacket.
For superb all-weather protection, the 5.11 Tactical Jacket has all the essential features you need in a quality jacket. Heavy-duty construction, highly effective water, wind, and snow-resistant material, cozy warm insulation, plenty of pockets, and best of all, its smart versatile design means you tailor the jacket to suit just about any type of weather conditions.
Ultra-durable, Comfortable and Functional Jackets
If you work or play in the rough outdoors, you need an ultra-durable, comfortable, and functional jacket. Tactical jackets feature heavy-duty weather-resistant construction, cozy thermal insulation, and multiple storage pockets for carrying weapons, tools, or digital devices such as an iPhone,Swiss Army Knife, or a tactical pen.
To have complete full-bodied protection, the tactical jacket is a perfect match for a pair of tactical pants, boots, and gloves.
How to Choose the Best Tactical Jacket
Construction
A tactical jacket features a soft or hard outer shell that is made of nylon, polyester, polyester-blend, 1000D Cordura, or other manufacturer-specific materials. These durable fabrics give you the best level of protection against rain, wind, and abrasions from harsh terrain.
The inside layer should have insulating fleece or polyester mesh fabric that traps your body heat but has a good level of breathability.
3-Season Ready Tactical Jackets
Your tactical jacket needs to be able to deal with various seasonal conditions.
Most tactical jackets are designed for 3-seasons, spring, autumn, and early winter such as theCondor Alpha Micro Fleece Jacket.
Three-seasons jackets have a thick outside layer that provides high water and wind resistance. These tough jackets have additional protective features such as a high collar, a generously sized hood, reinforced elbows, and adjustable Velcro cuffs.
Some tactical jackets, such as the 5.11 48017 Tactical Jacket, offer you the ultimate in apparel versatility. You can wear the jacket as per normal for winter, remove the lining, or even unzip the sleeves and wear the jacket as a vest in spring and summer.
Pockets
The jacket should have a good range of different-sized pockets. Large internal and external zippered pockets on the chest, zippered pockets on the arms, shoulders, or slash pockets on the side. You can use these pockets to conceal a weapon, carry a multi-tool, a flashlight, or digital devices.
Velcro MOLLE-style Patches
Some tactical jackets have MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) patches, such as the FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Military Tactical Jacket. These patches can be used to attach small weapons, tools, or a radio.
Hook-and-loop Patch
The jacket may also have a hook-and-loop patch or a concealed flap where you can attach a name tag or badge.
Drag strap
A drag strap is made of strong material and attached with reinforced stitching to a jacket such as the ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket. If you are injured and need to be rescued, these straps allow rescuers to drag you to safety with minimal damage to the jacket.
Design
Having a wide choice of colors or designs is important especially if you are wearing the tactical jacket for military and hunting purposes. Colors can range from black, coyote brown, khaki, green or navy, or camouflage colors such as the Camo Coll Men’s Outdoor Hooded Tactical Jacket.
9 Best Tactical Jackets – Reviews
1. Condor Alpha Micro Fleece Jacket
The Condor Alpha Micro Fleece Jacket is a highly popular 3-season jacket with outdoor enthusiasts.
Featuring a 100% polyester, super fine fleece outer shell, and a laminated polyester mesh fabric lining, the jacket is super warm and comfortable to wear.
You can wear the jacket on its own or under a hard-shelled jacket, which makes the Condor a great choice for spring, autumn, or even harsh winter conditions.
The Oxford reinforcement on the collar, shoulder, and forearms protects against abrasions and wear and tear. For extra comfort, the sleeve expands up to 2-inches and it has a thumb hole, and the adjustable drawstring waistband allows you to get a snug fit. The full front double zipper pull has a Storm Guard lining and it extends past the chin for protection against chilly winds.
The jacket offers you very good onboard storage options as there is a vertical chest pocket with media ports, 2 slash zippered side pockets, and a zippered shoulder pocket. The two 4 x 4-inches square Velcro patch panels can be used to attach a badge, name tag, or radio.
Condor offers the tactical jacket in 6 sizes and 5 colors: Black, Coyote Tan, Olive Drab, Tan, and Navy Blue.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Extremely comfortable
- Durable100% polyester
- Superfine fleece outer shell
- Laminated polyester interior lining netted fabric
- Can be worn alone or underneath a jacket
- Oxford abrasion-reinforced collar, shoulder, and forearm
- 2-inches extendible sleeve with thumb-hole
- Adjustable drawstring waistband
- Two shoulder patch panels
- Full front double zipper with Storm Guard lining
- Vertical chest pockets
- Two slash zippered hand pockets
- Zippered shoulder pocket
- Two Velcro loop shoulder patch panel
- Fit as expected
- Available in 5 colors
Cons
- Limited sizes available
- Needs to bewashed according to strict requirements
- Cannot be dry cleaned
2. FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Military Tactical Jacket
The FREE SOLDIER Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Military Tactical Jacket will keep you warm whether you are camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, mountaineering, cycling, or walking the beat.
The outer DINTEX softshell fabric and fleece lining provide great protection and insulation which makes this jacket ideal for spring, autumn, and early winter conditions.
If you are working or playing in wet or cold conditions, the durable high-tech water-resistant fabric repels the rain and wind and the breathable, lightweight fleece keeps you warm as toast all day long.
On warmer days, the unique zippered underarm ventilation system allows the jacket to breathe and you can unzip the pockets when you need unrestricted movement.
The high collar and drawstrings keep you warm and the hood has a hat-style brim, which can be rolled up or used as a protective collar on a windy day. Additional features include adjustable Velcro cuffs and an articulated elbow section for extra durability in rough outdoor terrain. The solid zippers are reliable and are very easy to use.
FREE SOLDIER has designed an ultra-functional tactical jacket with multi-pockets. You can use the forearm pocket to carry your cards. Stash your phone, MP3, or earphones in the zippered arm pockets.
Store a digital device or a tactical pen in the large chest pockets or keep your wallet or tools in the slimline back pockets. You can even attach a radio or a name tag to the Velcro patch on each arm.
The tactical jacket is available in 5 sizes and a variety of colors.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent price
- Great value for money
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Very comfortable
- DINTEX softshell fabric
- High techwater-resistantfabric
- Warm fleece interior lining provides good insulation
- Ideal for spring, autumn, and early winter
- Solid zippers have cloth protection
- Ventilationsystem under the arms
- Collar has a hat-style brim and a drawstring
- Adjustable cuffVelcro
- Large back pockets don’t look baggy
- Reinforced elbows
- Large breast pockets
- Zippered pockets on the arms
- Velcro patch
- Available in 5 sizes
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
- Stitches on the patches are not very strong
- Sizes run small
3. Rothco Special Ops Tactical Jacket
Whether you are a law enforcement officer or a hiking enthusiast, the Rothco Special Ops Tactical Jacket offers you an excellent level of protection.
The 3-layered 100% polyester waterproof shell protects you from light rain and the breathable moisture-wicking 100% fleece liner keeps you warm in cold climates. For extra breathability, the zippers under the arms allow for ventilation so that you do not sweat.
When the wild winds blow, the large hood will shield you from rain, sleet, and precipitation and when you do not need the hood, it can be stashed inside the fleece-lined collar, or detached. The drawstring waist and hook-and-loop cuffs allow you to adjust the jacket for the perfect fit.
The jacket has 2 vertical chest pockets, 2 shoulder pockets, and 1 forearm pocket. There are 2 removable American flag hook-and-loop patches, 1 forward for the left arm, and 1 reverse orientation for the right arm.
Rothco offers its tactical jacket in 6 sizes, and 3 colors: black with silver patches, coyote brown with khaki patches, and olive drab with olive drab patches.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for tactical operations or camping or hiking
- Versatile softshell tactical jacket
- Waterproof 100% polyester
- Inner 100% fleece liner
- Three-layer construction deflects wind, wicksaway moisture, and retains heat
- Fleece-lined collar with concealed detachable hood
- Zippers under each arm for ventilation
- 4 x 4-inches loopfield in each shoulder
- Drawstring waist
- Elastic hook and loop wrist cuffs
- Wind-resistant
- Two vertical chest pockets, 2 shoulder pockets, 1 forearm pocket
- Two removable hook and loop patches
- Three colors
- Six sizes
- Good fit
Cons
- Expensive
- Not 100% waterproof
4. 5.11 48017 Tactical Jacket
The 5.11 48017 Tactical Jacket is the perfect choice for tactical operations or any type of outdoor adventure.
5.11 has engineered its tactical jacket with a high-performance waterproof insulated outer shell and a breathable fleece liner that provides excellent insulation for wintry weather.
In rainy weather, the large detachable hood provides good protection and it is fully adjustable with quality elastic cording, and the jacket can also be buttoned up to your chin to keep out the cold wind.
Featuring an extremely versatile design, the 5.11 tactical jacket offers you maximum adaptability in changing climates. You can remove the sleeves from the fleece liner and wear the jacket as a vest, and have quick access to a sidearm. The sleeves have hook-and-loop Velcro cuffs which you can use to either help keep the water out or let air in when you need ventilation.
This tactical jacket has plenty of pockets: 2 large chest pockets, 2 hand pockets, and it is compatible with 5.11 tactical’s trademark Back-up-Belt System that allows you to securely stow critical gear. The adjustable Velcro sleeves and side zippers offer easy access to your duty gear or weapons.
If you need to be clearly identified when you arrive at a crime scene or a roadside accident, there are removable ID panels on the chest and back.
Additional features include mic clips, securely closing Prym snap buttons, and the elasticized waist allows for a comfortable fit.
5.11 offers the tactical jacket in 2 colors: dark navy or black. The dark navy comes in 6 sizes and black comes in 5 sizes.
Pros
- High quality
- Extremely versatile weather adaptable design
- Excellent value for money
- Can be worn by men and women
- Very warm and comfortable
- Durable construction
- High performance waterproof/breathable shell
- Side zippers provide ventilation and access to a sidearm
- Hook and loop cuffs
- Adjustable Velcro sleeves
- Mic clips at shoulders
- Large removable hood
- Multiple pockets
- Removable ID panels on the back and front
- Back-Up Belt System compatible
- Securely closing Prym snaps
- Elasticized waist provides a comfortable fit
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Two-color choices
Cons
- Expensive
5. 5.11 48073 Tactical EMS Professionals Responder Parka
If you are an emergency services personnel, this 5.11 48073 Tactical EMS Professionals Responder Parka gives you high visibility, excellent weather protection, and comfort.
The 100% polyester waterproof and breathable 10,000mm fabric protects you in all weather conditions. In wild weather, the double storm flap and 3-way adjustable hood keep wind and rain out and the hood rolls up into a collar or you can zip it off.
The outer shell is resistant to bloodborne pathogens and the fully seam-sealed Dupont dot laminated taffeta lining provides great insulation against the cold. If you need to carry a tactical backpack, the jacket has polyurethane abrasion panels on the shoulders to provide extra grip for the backpack straps. The articulated elbows allow for extra freedom of movement.
For high visibility at night, there is a high-vis upper and construction reflective tape/piping placement on the sleeves, mid-line, and hem. All of these reflective features meet the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standards.
5.11 has got your storage needs covered, with multiple cavernous pockets, such as the front flap pockets and upper sleeve zippered utility pockets. The jacket is also compatible with the 5.11 Tactical Back-Up Belt System.
There is a water-resistant exposed zippered radio pocket on the left chest and water-resistant mic loops. You can attach an ID badge on the hook-and-loop patch and the back zipper access allows for imprinting details.
Additional features include hook-and-loop storm cuffs, an elastic corded hem, solid YKK zipper hardware, and Prym snap buttons.
5.11 offers the jacket in 3 colors: dark navy, range red, and royal blue, and 5 sizes.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Waterproof, warm, and breathable 10,000mm fabric
- Fully seam-sealed Dupont dot laminated taffeta lining
- Ideal for men and women
- High Vis upper and reflective tape/piping placement
- Meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 standards
- Resistant to bloodborne pathogens
- Front flap pockets
- Zippered storage pockets at left chest
- Water-resistant radio pocket and mic loops
- ID panel
- Three-way adjustable, roll-up zip-off hood
- Back zipper access for imprinting details
- Double storm flap
- Exterior utility pocket under storm flap
- Articulated elbows
- Upper sleeve zippered utility pockets
- Abrasion panels at shoulders
- Hook and loop storm cuffs
- Elastic corded hem
- YKK zipper hardware and Prym snaps
- Available in 3 colors
- Seven sizes
Cons
- Expensive
- Might not protect the wearer from all blood-borne pathogens and viruses under all conditions
6. MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Tactical Jacket
If you are a hunter or a soldier in the army, you will appreciate the high level of comfort and protection of the MAGCOMSEN Men’s Hooded Tactical Jacket.
The Shark Skin softshell fabric is durable, waterproof, and windproof, and the breathable thermal fleece lining is super cozy. When the cold wind blows, the drawstring waist can be adjusted for extra comfort and the water-shedding hood fits snugly over your head.
If the weather warms up, the hood can be concealed in the collar or detached. The vent gusseted zippers under each arm allow the jacket to breathe.
You have plenty of storage options with large-sized pockets. There are 2 high chest zippered pockets, 2 zippered back pockets, 2 sleeve pockets, and a forearm pocket for small items. The 2 hook-and-loop Velcro tapes can be used to attach a badge or a name tag.
MAGCOMSEN offers its tactical jacket in 7 stylish colors and 5 sizes.
Pros
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- High-performance
- Shark Skin softshell fabric
- Super cozy inner thermal fleece liner
- Waterproof, windproof, and breathable
- Drawstring waist
- Detachable hood can be concealed in the collar
- Hood has very good water-shedding abilities
- Vent zipper gusseted underarms
- Two high chest pockets
- Two sleeve pockets
- Two large zipper back pockets
- Forearm pocket
- Two hook and loop tapes
- Available in 7 colors
Cons
- Limited sizes
- Actual colors may vary slightly from advertised pictures
7. CAMO COLL Men’s Outdoor Hooded Tactical Jacket
The CAMO COLL Men’s Outdoor Hooded Tactical Jacket offers you a high level of protection for spring, autumn, and early winter.
If the weather is wild and chilly, the polyester/spandex outer shell is water and windproof, and the breathable 100% polyester lining provides superb insulation.
For extra protection from the elements, you can tighten the drawstring waist, don the hood and adjust the elastic hook-and-loop wrist Velcro cuffs. When the Spring sun banishes the rain clouds, you can roll the hood up and tie it down out of the way. As the jacket is lightweight it is easy to stash in your backpack.
The CAMO COLL tactical jacket features a sleek design but it still has good storage space. Your hands will fit perfectly into the 2 vertical chest pockets when it gets cold or you canstore your wallet or digital devices in the pockets. There are 2 shoulder pockets and a forearm pocket where you can carry a tactical pen or foldable knife.
You can choose from 9 colorful designs and 4 sizes, and the jacket comes in camouflage colors to help you blend in with your surroundings.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Great price
- Sleek and functional design
- Great choice for hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, or traveling
- 94% polyester and 6% spandex outer shell
- 100% breathable polyester lining
- Superb insulation and comfort
- Water-resistant and windproof
- Lightweight
- Drawstring waist
- Large hood has Velcro straps
- Elastic hook and loop adjustable wrist cuffs
- Two vertical chest pockets, 2 shoulder pockets, 1 forearm pocket
- Nine colors
- Available in camouflage designs
Cons
- Zippers are a bit cheap
- Sizes run small
- Arm pocket is a bit small
- Not ideal for mid to high winter season
8. ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket
For military maneuvers, camping or hiking, there is no better jacket than the ZAPT US Army Tactical Jacket.
The jacket is made from high-density, heavy-duty 1000D Cordura, and the shoulders, elbows, and cuffs are reinforced by 2 layers of durable fabric which is perfect for harsh outdoor conditions. In windy and wet weather, the windproof collar keeps you warm and dry.
You have plenty of storage versatility for a map, digital devices, small weapons, a flashlight, or tools. There is a small pocket on the arm, 2 chest zippered pockets, an interior flashlight pocket inside the chest pocket, and 4 good-sized interior pockets. To attach extra gear, there are lots of MOLLE system-style patches.
Additional features include an emergency drag strap, adjustable waist cinches, pen tubes, and reliable YKK zippers.
ZAPT offers the tactical jacket in 3 colors: coyote tan, grey, iron black, and you can choose from 5 sizes.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Ideal for military, hunters, camping, hiking, bugging out gear
- High-density 1000D Cordura
- Good water and wind-resistance
- Very warm
- Durable 2-layered reinforced material on the elbows, shoulders, and cuffs
- Windproof collar
- Emergency drag strap
- Arm pocket, chest pocket, flashlight pocket, and 4 interior pockets
- Waist cinch
- Reliable zipper and straps enclosure
- Available in iron black, coyote tan, or grey
Cons
- Expensive
- Sizes run large
- No breathable inner lining
9. TACVASEN Tactical Jacket
Whether you are working or playing in the great outdoors, the TACVASEN Tactical Jacket will keep you warm and comfortable in harsh weather conditions.
This tactical jacket has a durable polyester outer shell fabric that prevents water penetration, deflects wind, wicks away moisture, and retains body heat. The soft fleece lining provides extra warmth and the vent zippers under each arm provide additional ventilation.
In rainy conditions, the concealed hood helps to shield your face, and the fleece-lined stand-up collar, drawstring waist, and elastic hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs keep the wind out.
There are multiple zippered pockets: 2 shoulder pockets, a forearm pocket on the left arm, 2 zippered chest pockets, and 2 zippered back pockets. You can attach your name tag or your favorite badge to the Velcro shoulder patches. This jacket is very easy to keep clean and is machine washable.
TACVASEN offers its tactical jacket in 6 stylish colors: black, gray, green, khaki, blue, navy, and sand and there are 5 sizes. The jacket is covered by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Durable polyester outer shell fabric construction
- Very good wind and water-resistance
- Soft thermal fleece
- Lightweight and breathable
- Concealed hood
- Fleece-lined stand up collar
- Multiple zippered pockets
- Vent zipper under each arm
- Velcro patch on each shoulder
- Drawstring waist
- Elastic hook and loop adjustable wrist cuffs
- Machine washable
- Six stylish colors
- Five sizes
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy rain
- Hood is not removable
- Zippers can get stuck in the lining easily
- Sizes run small
Our Top Pick for the Best Tactical Jacket
Our top pick for the best tactical jacket is the 5.11 48017 Tactical Jacket.
For superb all-weather protection, the 5.11 Tactical Jacket has all the essential features you need in a quality jacket. Heavy-duty construction, highly effective water, wind, and snow-resistant material, cozy warm insulation, plenty of pockets, and best of all, its smart versatile design means you tailor the jacket to suit just about any type of weather conditions.
Was this article helpful?
Yes No
×
What went wrong?
This article contains incorrect information
This article does not have the information I am looking for
×
How can we improve it?
×
We appreciate your helpful feedback!
Your answer will be used to improve our content. The more feedback you give us, the better our pages can be.
