It’s cooling off outside in most of the northern US as fall is upon us and winter is fast approaching. In these “fringe” months, it can be 38F and drizzling in the morning yet clear up and reach temps in the upper 60’s by afternoon. The challenge is leaving the house with the right jacket on. In these dynamic conditions, you are literally covered with the new Tru-Spec H2O Proof jacket.
Since 1996, Tru-Spec has filled the need for high quality yet affordable military and law enforcement uniforms. As a result, thousands of military, law enforcement and emergency service workers depend on Tru-Spec products daily. Manufactured in their state of the art facility by over 1000 employees, Tru-Spec continues to lead the way in innovation. All the while listening to their customers feedback to further enhance the finished product. The Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket is one such item.
2 main components comprise the H2O Proof 3 in 1 Jacket. A waterproof outer shell along with an insulating inner liner. In snotty weather, saying dry is the key to maintaining warmth. And with a 2-layer waterproof breathable outer shell, this is easily achieved. I’ve been an avid skier for more than 40 years which makes me old and wise. Because of this, I’ve owned jackets consisting of the all the waterproof fabrics on the market from various manufacturers. I have found that most jackets fail to maintain their waterproofness due to seam failure. To combat this common problem, Tru-Spec utilizes an environmentally safe Bemis seam tape on all panel joints.
The outer shell has several features that will be appreciated by LEO and military users. First are the side zippers that can be opened up to expose a holstered sidearm or radio. These zippers have a snap flap at the hem line to secure under the holster keeping the jacket in place. Heavy duty waterproof zippers are used for the main and side pit zips. Traditional zippers are found on the 2 front hand pockets, 2 chest pockets and the rear pockets. A unique feature of the Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket is the detachable ID panels located within the chest pockets and rear cape pocket. Additionally, the hood can also be detached and stored in a large rear lumbar pocket when not needed.
While the outer shell is keeping you dry, the inner insulating liner is trapping body heat to keep you warm. The meat and potatoes of this jacket is the machine washable quilted synthetic insulation. The insulating layer can not only be used alone on dry days, it can be zipped into the outer shell as a 3 in 1 system. The main zipper can be used to attach the two jackets together along with collar and cuff snaps. Once connected, the user has a heavy-duty waterproof work coat. The insulating layer incorporates the same side zipper openings to retain the use of a duty belt or holster. Another nice feature is the soft touch fabric that lines the collar and chin when fully zipped up.
I’ve been able to use the Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket for over a month in Northern Michigan and have concluded that this is a solid service jacket. Although the waterproof outer shell is all business when it comes to keeping you dry, it lacks a little breathability while conducting strenuous activities. While working on one of my job sites this fall, I was up and down ladders all day and had to quickly open the pit zips to ventilate the jacket. In all fairness, I’m comparing this to my Mammut Alpine shell that features a superior breathing Gore-Tex Pro material and a much higher price point. The waterproof zippers are amazing and seem to stand up well to repeated use. Overall, the jacket is a little heavy as compared to others I own which I assume will translate into durability on the job.
If you are a LEO, contractor or military professional and are looking for a versatile jacket for all conditions, take a look at the Tru-Spec H2O Proof 3 in 1 Jacket. Tru-Spec offers the 3 in 1 jacket in both black and navy colors. Other jackets in the H2O Proof line are available in Coyote as well.
Features of the Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket courtesy of truspec.com
- 100% tactical nylon shell construction
- 100% nylon Cumulus jacket construction
- Quilted synthetic insulation in jacket
- Zippered front closure with standup zip-through collar
- Detachable hood rolls and stows away with wraparound chin guard, flexible wire brim and hook volume adjustment
- Breathable, waterproof and windproof
- Bemis tapes seams for a completely dry interior
- Dual lower hand pockets feature zippered closures and waist drawstring access
- Two chest pockets with pull-out ID panels and zippered closures
- Back features a cape opening with zippered closure and a detachable ID panel
- Back pocket on the waist
- Jacket and liner each have size zippers for fast duty belt access and improved ventilation
- MSRP $244.95
