While it's inevitable every year, sometimes we don't realize that winter is actually coming. Usually it takes that first day of stepping outside, heading to your car to go to work, when the sub-freezing temperature hits you and you realize that fleece jacket you're wearing just isn't enough. Here's a thought: BEFORE that happens why don't you get a good winter coat? I was sent a 511 Tactical Aggressor Parka to test and evaluate and (since my wife stole my 511 Tactical 5-in-1) it's going to be my winter coat until I wear it out or find something better.
Like every other jacket or coat from 511 Tactical, the Aggressor Parka isn't just ONE thing. It's at least two and I'd say three. The waterproof parka shell is removable and you could, although I'm not sure why you'd want to, wear it seperately. The fleece liner is also removable and can be worn as a stand-alone jacket. Together they make up the Aggresssor Parka as shown. Now, please understand this as you read on, I didn't use to be a parka fan. I liked my jackets and coats to stop at my waist so that I could still access my pants' pockets without any inconvenience. As I've grown older what is in those pockets seems to matter less and greather warmth matters more. For folks like me who don't want to admit that they are, ah, maturing, the outer garments from 511 Tactical allows us to maintain our perception of action and vigor while increasing how warm we keep ourselves.
The Parka was designed specifically with those working in uniform in mind. The design includes microphone clips positioned neatly just to either side of the collar on the front shoulder seam. Positioned to either side on the bottom edge of the parka are zippered openings that, if zipped open, allow easier access to duty gear on your belt or to allow ventilation. As we all know, if you're working you carry quite a few things that you need access to and the parka helps that as well. With four zip-closed outer pockets and two velcro-closed "hidden" pockets there is plenty of space to store the items you might need.
The collar holds a waterproof hood while the cuffs have velcro-adjustments so that you can tighten them up around gloves or your wrists to minimize a chilly draft from going up your sleeve. My test parka came in Tundra (dark green) but, according to the 511 Tactical website you can also get one in:
- graphite (gray)
- coyote brown (tan)
- dark gray (just not quite black)
Inside both of the chest pockets and a hidden large pocket on the back are hidden ID panels. These sheets of durable nylon are placed so that you can attack patches or badges for ready identification at emergency scenes. I'd like to see 511 Tactical go ahead and put a layer of velcro on them to make it easier to attach patches but attaching the strips so you can place your patches is easy enough.
With all of the objective information out of the way, let's get into how well it works (a bit more subjective info).
I've worn the two components each individually and was pleased. I didn't use to like fleece very much but have come to appreciate the warmth it provides. However, it doesn't do well in cutting wind which is where the outer shell of the Parka system excels. That outer shell, thanks to being waterproof, works well as a lighter rain jacket or windbreaker. The pockets are roomy and easy to access. I ordered my parka a size bigger than I thought I would need and found that it fits me perfectly.
MSRP on the Aggressor Parka, right off the 511 Tactical website, is $259.99. Since 511 Tactical offers free shipping on all orders over $35, it's obviously included in the purchase price of the Parka. I did a Google search for "511 Tactical Aggressor Parka" and found one online distributor who was holding a close out sale on the Graphite colored Aggressor Parkas. The price was listed at $129.99. THAT is a heck of a price for such a garment.
So, if you're in need of a good winter coat and you value versatility in your gear (as I do) I recommend you check out the Aggressor Parka. I wasn't prepared to like mine... and am quite happily surprised that I do.
Stay Safe!
