Okay. I’m going to come out and just let you know that I love this jacket. It is one of my favorite cold weather jackets. Should I have told you that so soon in the first line of my blog? Let’s find out why.  The jacket was provided to me by Tru-Spec after meeting with the brand representatives at the Tac-Ops East show in Arlington, Virginia. After speaking with them a package showed up at my doorstep no less than a week after our meeting.

Per their web-page I gleaned this info, “Since 1950, ATLANCO^® has been one of the leading suppliers of personal equipment, material and uniforms to the military, law enforcement and public safety markets. Under the continued leadership of the Zaglin family, the founders of the company, ATLANCO^® has grown from a regional, Atlanta-based distributor of military surplus items, originally known as Atlanta Army Navy Supply Company. ATLANCO^® continues to grow as a dynamic, pioneering market leader in the design and production of a wide variety of quality manufactured goods. To the many thousands of police, firefighters, EMTs and military personnel who use and depend on our products daily, the names ATLANCO^® and TRU-SPEC^®; have become synonymous with quality, innovation and service.”

The jacket is made of a nylon shell exterior which is detachable from the interior liner that is made of a quilted synthetic. The hood can separate from the jacket. The strongest feature of this jacket is its inclement weather properties. The jacket achieves this by using Bemis seam tapes. Bemis is the recognized worldwide technology leader in providing thermoplastic films for a myriad of industrial applications. The bemis seam tape ensures the jacket is windproof, and waterproof. Jackets should be lightweight, slim looking and allow mobility rather than retard it. This jacket does those things and that’s a plus. There’s nothing worse than spending good money on gear that has little functionality when you break it down.

Upon receiving the jacket and taking it out of the shipping carton I gave it a good “once over”. I always look all over a garment for missed stitching, ill cut fabric or something that off that catches my eyes. I look for flaws and I also look for quality construction. The jacket looked very well-constructed. There are many aspects of this jacket to like.

HOOD

From the top down: The jacket has a detachable hood that easily rolls up and stows away. The hood can be stored in a large rear lumbar pocket when not needed. There is a firm wire inserted into the hood brim. The hood therefore can be shaped so your vision isn’t obscured. I truly like that feature. Some of the jackets I own with hoods simply flop down over your eyes and I can’t see a thing when I’m traveling in the dark or rain. Most jacket hoods only include a hook volume adjustment and that’s pretty much useless when you need a clear line of sight.  You will never feel a drop of water on your face and you’ll be able to see too!

Collars

The best time to see if a jacket works well is when it’s storming. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to use the jacket as it was intended. Zip the collar all the way up and use the button to snap it closed. The collar sits right below your lower lip and not below your nose. It doesn’t restrict movement. I would have liked a collar that sat below the nose. If your’re in cold, windy environment this is a nice jacket feature. But it’s not a deal-breaker.

ZIPPERS

The jacket has two heavy duty waterproof zippers located on the chest that can be opened to reveal two detachable ID panels. There is also a large panel located in the rear cape pocket. The outer shell has side zippers. You can open these up and have access to your radio, belt, or holstered sidearm. Military and law enforcement members will like that feature. There are zippers that run from the hem line to the arm pit and are fastened with a snap flap. The flap can be secured beneath the holster to keep it from shifting around your side arm. The zippers are waterproof, sturdy and shouldn’t fail or leak.

JACKET

The side pockets are quite large and include a flap that covers the mouth of the pocket in order to keep the elements out. The outer shell keeps you really dry. I’ve used it in a heavy downpour to great effect. It handles well against side winds too. The jacket truly works in the rain. This jacket is perfect layer for dry climates where protection from wind or snow is needed but it can be used it wetter places too.

There is an inner insulating liner that easily detaches from the outer jacket. The inner jacket keeps you warm in most cold conditions. I recommend layering if your’re going into very cold environments in places such as Wisconsin or Michigan. It runs on the large side so you can layer without problems. The inner layer is machine washable and I like the fact that I can wear it without the outer shell. The inner line is soft and looks smart.

Jackets should protect you from the sun too without getting you hot. The jacket lacks a bit in breath-ability, or so it seems, but you can remedy this by simply zipping down the armpit zip or opening the zips on the side pockets. The front of the jacket has three, rectangular hook and loop fasteners that sit beneath the flap of the jacket front. The are excellent for securing your jacket if you don’t always want to zip it up. Great feature to have.

OVERALL This jacket comes in both black and navy colors. Jackets should never be very expensive, heavy, hot, or bulky. For a jacket that offers these kinds of features I believe it is affordable. It has a winning combination of ventilation, weather protection, super lightweight that doesn’t come at the expense of durability and weather protection. Many lightweight jackets are thin but fragile. I wear this jacket everywhere.  Enjoy this jacket in the outdoors or around the city. You won’t be disappointed.

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

Cost – 4/5 Affordable.

Comfort – 5/5 Very comfortable and will not restrict movement.

Durability – 5/5 Strong, light and not fragile.

Functionality – 5/5 Very functional, does what you need it to do.

Weight – 4/5 Light!

Overall rating: 23/25

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.

images by https://www.instagram.com/a.nicolephoto/