As jackets go this is one of my favorite jackets and I rarely hang it in my closet. It can be found draped over my office chair most of the time when I am not wearing it outside. It’s a smart looking piece of outerwear for many reasons. 5.11 chose a sharp looking, rust color that is a nice stand-out in a sea of more commonly seen black outerwear in the tactical apparel lines on the street. It is lightweight, keeps you warm in cool conditions and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to purchase one. We are at a time in my state where the weather is getting colder and I needed something that would keep me warm from some of the cooler elements coming in from the east.

Comfort 

Sometimes the weather shifts in Virginia from hot to cold and it’s good to have something that I can tie around my waist or throw into a pack. Temperatures vary inside business too and if you get cold easily like me then having a light jacket is a blessing. The jacket is soft enough that it can be crushed into a ball and used as a small pillow, and it has enough padding to do so. 5.11 included a removable stuff sack so the Insulator could fit into it. The sack is about the size of an average hand and this allows for nice portability. 5.11 Uses what they call their The Primaloft® Black Series Insulation and it does feel very soft. I like the fact that I can ball this entire jacket up and shove it right into my backpack.

Functionality 4/5 

There a few features that should be noted. There is a small, concealed left chest pocket that can be used for a map, passport or mobile phone. The right chest pocket comes with full zip closure. The hemline has an internal shock cord adjustment system. The jacket is made with 100% Polyester Mini Rip-stop Body with Plain Weave Overlays, DWR and 100gm body 80gm sleeves Primaloft Black series Insulation. You can use this jacket beneath a shell jacket for extra warmth. The jacket functions as something that can be worn on a night out walking to your local, drinking hole or for a brisk hike on an Autumn morning. It is slick looking and if you pair it properly with a cool, pair of jeans you’ll look like a smart tourist cruising through town on the way to grab some good coffee. I wore the jacket to a Christmas party and two people asked if it was expensive, and I replied it was very affordable.

There is a zipper inside the hand pockets which, when unzipped, provides direct access to your waistband and a small, square patch of hook and loop stitched on the right sleeve for a morale patch.

I conceal carry everyday and I like that the hemline covers my waistline enough that my firearm is not observable while I am walking or sitting, even when the jacket is not zipped up. It would be nice if the jacket was water-proof or had strong water-repellent properties, so I rated this 4/5.

Weight 5/5

The weight of this jacket is comparable to other jackets in its class. The jacket will keep you warm enough without the bulk. Sure there are jackets like the Helly Hansen but as introductory jackets go, this is a good one. The price and the hydrophobic properties do a pretty good job, however it is not a waterproof jacket. It is mildly water resistant.

Durability – 5/5 It is constructed of top of the line materials and sound construction. All the seams are sealed and the exterior has a durable finish that will hold up during work.

Value – 5/5 The price ranks in the lower middle of jackets of this waterproof/breathable capability and weight and less than many jackets with less features.

Overall rating: 19/20 

This jacket comes in a woman’s version too and is equally stylish and functional.

Material Disclosure

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.