eTactical Gear: Review: WT Tactical Soft Shell Jacket

Tactical Gear Blog

WT Tactical Soft Shell Jacket

Soft shells continue to be a favorite breathable option when it comes to outdoor gear. That’s because the jacket isn’t entirely waterproof but “water repellent,” which ups its breathability factor by a lot. This means that when rain drops or other wet debris hit the jacket, it beads up and can be brushed off.

Items deemed “soft shell” come in various forms. The Wild Things (WT) Tactical Soft Shell Jacket ($169.15) is no different. Compared to other soft shell jackets I’ve experienced, it definitely had more of a stretch factor to it. The jacket is made up of a mixture of nylon and spandex. The material is definitely lightweight and comfortable.

For those unfamiliar with WT Tactical, it’s a spinoff of a US-based company that builds technical gear for alpine climbers. According to its website, it has accumulated through the years a “cult-like following by the world’s climbing elite.” Its tactical division specializes in designing apparel for military and law enforcement specialists, all of which is made in the USA.

While I found the two sleeve zipper pockets interesting, I didn’t feel like I would ever really have a use for it. Sure, you could stow IDs or papers in there, but anything fairly substantial would cause additional weight on your arm and just feel awkward. One appears on the lower right-hand forearm and the other on the upper left part of the arm. I found the upper left arm pocket much more accessible and user friendly. Stylistically the pockets are cool; functionally, though, not so much. The other two zippered hand pockets contain a lightweight mesh lining that is attached to an additional inner pocket, which can be accessed by opening the jacket.

My favorite feature on the jacket was the nylon ripstop stow-away hood. It was my first encounter with this type of hood and found it to be quite helpful in minimizing bulk. Accessed by unzipping the collar, the hood provides ample protection in light rain. However, if met with a downpour, I can’t guarantee that it will keep you completely dry.

Speaking of water repellency, I tested the jackets ability to block moisture using the most extreme method possible—the kitchen sink. I held parts of the jacket under running water and found that it only began to absorb after 15 seconds of direct contact with water. Even though the jacket doesn’t claim to be waterproof, it certainly is water repellent.

All-in-all, this is a well-constructed soft shell jacket that I will continue to wear for a long time. Plus, it comes in MultiCam, so perhaps I will make an addition to my soft shell collection soon enough.

Jacket Features