The Loadout Room
Menu
  • Shooting
        • Pistol
        • Pistol Accessories
        • Rifle
        • Rifle Accessories
        • Shotgun
        • Machine Guns
        • Air Guns
        • Ammunition
        • Optics and Sights
        • Weapon Lights
        • Tips & How-To
        • Concealed Carry
        • Holsters
        • Suppressors
        • Precision Rifle Shooting
        • Firearms Training
        • 1A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686
        • The Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventuresThe Tristar folding shotgun is ready for your wilderness adventures
        • maxim defense cqb stock (8)The Maxim Defense CQB Stock: Short and Sweet
        • Perfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG wayPerfecting your zero | A little help goes a LONG way
    • Close
  • Gear Reviews
      • Mission Gear
      • Camping Gear
      • Survival Gear
      • Medical Gear
      • Adventure & Travel
      • Knives & Tools
      • Overland
      • Disaster Preparedness
      • Footwear
      • Womens Gear & Clothing
        • RIP-MVehicle Preparedness: Fast access to essential items | Grey Man Tactical RIP-M
        • Midland radioOverland Essential | Midland Radio MXT275 | GXT1000
        • ppGrab your gear and go | Here’s everything you’d need to build an adventure go bag
        • Scrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the fieldScrubba Washbag: Keep your clothes clean in the field
    • Close
  • Men’s Lifestyle
      • Fitness
      • EDC
      • Eyewear
      • Watches
      • Electronics & Technology
      • Downtime
      • Mens Clothing & Accessories
      • Manly Skills
      • Style & Grooming
      • Gentleman Drinks
      • Crate Club
        • The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stingerThe Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger
        • How to determine how long you have before the sun setsHow to determine how long you have before the sun sets
        • fireWilderness survival expert breaks down how to build a fire
        • 5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt5.11 Tactical Expedition Long Sleeve Shirt, SWAT Tested and Approved
    • Close
  • News
  • Video Demo
  • Shop

The Tradecraft Jacket | Insulation System by Outdoor Research

Tradecraft Jacket

April 12, 2018 by Erik Meisner Leave a Comment

Tradecraft is an old word that used to refer to the work, or craft, of any profession, or trade. It likely acquired its specific association with spy work during World War II, though it is a word most heavily associated with the Cold War. ~vocabulary.com

The word Tradecraft can trace its lineage to the Cold War spy jargon of the 1960’s. Although the Cold War is over…I think…the word has continued to be used in the Special Operations community. SOF soldiers continually hone their tradecraft to reap maximum effectiveness in their dangerous profession. Outdoor Research has been supplying the military and more specifically, SOF Units with high-quality outerwear for some time now. In a previous article, I covered the Infiltrator Jacket and Pants. Which is the company’s premier Gore-Tex outer layer. One part of their IAS (Integrated Apparel System) is the new Tradecraft Jacket.

Tradecraft Jacket

Tradecraft Jacket

Designed to be used as an insulation layer or a stand-alone piece, the Tradecraft Jacket is a versatile garment. Lightweight ripstop nylon makes up the majority of the shell. While critical wear areas like the elbows are reinforced with a thicker, more durable rip-stop nylon. Primaloft Gold is the gold standard for synthetic insulation. And it’s what will keep you warm in the Tradecraft Jacket. Whether wet or dry. The adjustable cuffs, drawstring hem and insulated soft-touch collar all help keep your body heat where it belongs. Near your body. Finally, on the exterior, you’ll find a pair of zippered hand warmer pockets along with a chest pocket for your phone.

These types of insulated jackets maintain their usefulness for 8+ months of the year. Because of this, they remain a critical piece of my kit. Living in Northern Michigan, my closet is full of various insulating layers. Some for skiing and snowshoeing. Others for a day at the range or fall camping. Either way, I find them to be the most useful type of jacket available. Although not entirely waterproof, the Primaloft insulation does a great job of maintaining loft and warmth even when soaked. Something most down jackets can’t claim.

Tradecraft Jacket

While the Tradecraft Series consists of three different pieces available in different colors, don’t feel like you need to purchase all of them. Pick and choose wisely because they are not inexpensive. However, I’ve always lived by the mantra “you get what you pay for” and it hasn’t let me down yet. The Tradecraft Jacket is no let down either. Made from the highest quality materials available, coupled with a very well thought out design, it’s a true performer. In the video below, Nathan will dive into the finer details of the Tradecraft Jacket.

Tradecraft Jacket specs courtesy of outdoorresearch.com

  • Fabric: PrimaLoft® Gold
  • Center Back Length: 29˝ / 76 cm
  • Weight: 16.2oz / 459g (L)
  • Fabric Performance: Water-Resistant#Wind-Resistant
  • Design Features: Zip Chest Pocket#Zip Hand Pockets#Internal Front Stormflap#Brushed Tricot-Lined Collar
  • Functional Details: Single-Separating Front Zipper#Hook/Loop Cuff Closures#Elastic Drawcord Hem
  • MSRP $300

Images courtesy of the author

Items in images: Sig P365, Peltor Tactical Sport 500, OR Tradecraft Pant, MTM Vulture, 5.11 XPRT 3.0 Boot


Share This

Filed Under: Mens Clothing & Accessories Tagged With: Erik Meisner, Insulating layer, loadout room, Military, Navy Seal, OR Tradecraft, Outdoor Research, SOF, Tradecraft, Tradecraft Jacket, winter jacket

About the Author

Avatar

Erik Meisner served in Attack Company, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment as a rifle team leader with deployments to the Middle East, Central America and Asia. He's a licensed pilot, SCUBA diver and enjoys Alpine skiing, shooting, Overland camping, boating, sea kayaking, traveling and golf. Growing up in a military family, Erik had the pleasure to live and ski all over North America and Europe. Now residing in beautiful Northern Michigan with his wife and 2 sons they continue to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

See All Erik Meisner Articles

More From The Loadout Room

Comments

What’s Hot

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review
Featured

Top 8 upgrades every Kel-Tec Sub 2000 owner needs: MCARBO parts review

Why .45ACP is an outdated caliber
Ammunition

Why 45 ACP is an outdated caliber

Gear Reviews

A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686

Ammunition

The Reasons Why FBI Went to Back to 9mm

Dogs

Tactipup Extreme Collar and Leash: Tactical dog gear, Perfected

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates daily and to hear what's going on with us!

In Case You Missed It

Gear Reviews

A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686

October 9, 2019 Leave a Comment

Camping Gear

The MSR Pocket Rocket | Your little camp dragon

October 8, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger
EDC

The Outdoor Edge ParaClaw: A concealed stinger

October 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

Gear Reviews

A plate carrier for the big boys: AR500’s Testudo Gen 2 is a good pick for large frames

October 7, 2019 Leave a Comment

Get it on Google Play

© Copyright 2021 Crate Club Group · All Rights Reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertisers