Urban vs. Field: How to Select a Tactical Jacket for Your Environment

If you are looking for durability, functionality, and protection in a jacket, then you need a tactical one. These garments offer protection against the elements, serve various purposes, and can meet the demands of different environments. Originally designed for military and law enforcement personnel, tactical jackets now serve a broader audience, from professionals and outdoor enthusiasts to urban dwellers. But with a market overflown with alternatives, how do you choose a jacket that works best for you?

What Are the Different Types of Tactical Jackets?

Soft Shell

The softshell jacket tactical design is one of the most common, perfectly balancing weather protection and breathability. It usually has a three-layer configuration: outermost durable water-repellent (DWR), middle breathable membrane, and soft inner lining. Offering solid wind and light rain protection while allowing body heat to dissipate, softshells are a popular choice among law enforcement and outdoor enthusiasts.

Hardshell

Hardshell tactical jackets prioritize weather protection over breathability. They use waterproof materials like Gore-Tex or similar proprietary fabrics to create an impenetrable barrier against rain and snow. Although less breathable than softshells, they incorporate ventilation features like pit zips and mesh-lined pockets. Hardshells are indispensable for operations in harsh weather, so they are frequently worn by military personnel, and search and rescue teams.

Fleece Jackets

Fleece tactical jackets can be worn as mid-layer under other jackets or alone for moderate and dry conditions. These jackets offer warmth and comfort while maintaining tactical features like reinforced shoulder and elbow areas, multiple pockets and load-bearing equipment compatibility. The modern, high-performance jacket tactical design incorporates grid patterns for improved warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility.

Urban Setting: Balancing Functionality and Form

Urban environments present a unique set of challenges, calling for specific features in a tactical jacket. Key features include:

• Low-Profile Design: Urban jackets should not have obvious tactical features like conspicuous MOLLE webbing or military-style patches. Go for clean lines and subtle access points that won’t draw attention. Many manufacturers offer “grey man” designs that blend seamlessly with civilian clothing while remaining adaptable.
• Concealment: The urban environment requires quick access to concealed carry weapons or equipment. Look for reinforced side zippers, hidden chest pockets, and specifically designed CCW compartments allowing for immediate deployment while maintaining concealment.
• Weather Adaptability: Urban operations often involve moving from indoor to outdoor environments. A good urban tactical jacket should have adaptable layering options that include adequate ventilation to avoid overheating during ambient temperature shifts.
• Material Selection: Urban jackets generally use lighter-weight, quieter materials that don’t rustle or make noise during movement. Advanced synthetic blends offering water resistance while avoiding the crinkly sound of classic rain gear would be ideal.

Field Environment: Maximising Protection and Utility

The field environment dictates different priorities in tactical jacket design with an emphasis on aspects like:

• Durability: Field jackets should be capable of withstanding the toughest conditions from brush to thorns and rough terrain. Look for the reinforced materials, especially in the elbow and shoulder areas where wear and tear would be expected. Fabrics with rip-stop and good stitching are also vital for longevity.
• Load-bearing capabilities: For a field jacket tactical features should include external MOLLE webbing and a multitude of utility pockets. The jacket should fit additional gear and provide freedom of motion. Consider models that include removable pouches for specific mission customisation.
• Environmental Protection: Field jackets should have complete weather protection. Look for features like waterproof and breathable membranes, sealed seams, adjustable hoods, high collars for neck protection, and storm flaps over zippers.
• Visibility Control: A tactical field jacket should provide options for both concealment and visibility as required. Look for jackets with reversible designs – one side camouflaged and the other made of high-visibility material, for emergencies.

Compromise: The Hybrid Solutions

While specialized types of jackets are ideal, budget or practicality may compel you to settle for some hybrid solution. Many well-established manufacturers nowadays offer designs that would more or less be able to serve both purposes well. Look for:

• Removable tactical features
• Convertible designs
• Neutral colours that work in multiple environments
• Modular systems that can be adapted to different needs

Keep in mind that hybrid solutions will invariably entail some compromise. Simply list the most important features of your prime operating environment and attempt to retain enough functionality for secondary use.

Making the Choice: Key Parameters

When comparing urban and field tactical jackets, consider the following points:

• Intended Use: Think about how you will be using the jacket on most occasions. While hybrid designs might tempt you, they could compromise effectiveness in both environments. It is often better to have separate jackets for different operational contexts.
• Climate Factors: Weather patterns in your local area should largely guide your choice. Urban jackets are often lighter and less weather-resistant, whereas field jackets need to provide robust protection against the elements.
• Movement Requirements: Think about what kind of movements you will have to perform. Urban environments often require subtle, constricting movements, while field use tends to involve dynamic physical activities, for example, climbing or crawling.
• Integration with Other Gear: Your jacket must integrate and work well with your existing tactical gear. Consider how well it will interface with belts, plate carriers, or backpacks you often use.

Takeaway

The choice of the right tactical jacket depends a lot on the operational environment and the intended purpose. Be it urban, field-oriented or a hybrid solution, functionality must always override aesthetics, and the solution must match actual use rather than perceived needs.