Tactical outerwear from Recon Company – Bundeswehr and service jackets by system

The right tactical outerwear determines whether or not you can physically cope with a mission, a manoeuvre or an outdoor excursion. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the Bundeswehr and public authorities, we know which jackets perform in the field and which ones end up gathering dust in the kit cupboard after six months. Our range of military outerwear is compiled according to the same criteria we apply to development projects for government agencies: function over appearance, durability over trends.

Softshell or hardshell jacket – the crucial question when it comes to tactical outerwear

Softshell jackets are the workhorses of everyday duty. Breathable, stretchy and allowing freedom of movement when loading, abseiling or on long marches. Water-repellent enough for a brief shower, but not for hours of continuous rain in the field.

Hardshell jackets bridge this gap: a membrane, taped seams, and a water column rating of 10,000 mm or more. Under the pressure of a fully loaded rucksack or when kneeling on wet ground, this is often insufficient for professional use. Gore-Tex 3-layer laminates used by the authorities typically have a water column of 20,000 to 28,000 mm. Those looking to combine mobility with weather protection will find models from UF PRO and Claw Gear featuring a windproof membrane and stretch fabrics; these are designed more like a hardshell but offer the freedom of movement of a softshell jacket. They can also be worn under a plate carrier.

The deciding factor is simple: a softshell jacket is sufficient for short transfers in changeable weather. For multi-day outdoor exercises involving heavy rain, a hardshell jacket with an appropriate water column rating is required.

Thermal jackets, fleece jackets and parkas – protection against the cold that won’t let you down in the field

Thermal jackets act as an insulating layer. They retain heat, wick away moisture and minimise pack size. Carinthia and Snugpak rely on synthetic fillings that continue to insulate even when damp – crucial when the body sweats and the temperature drops. PrimaLoft is regarded as the benchmark here.

Fleece jackets are the classic insulating layer in a layering system: no membrane, no weather protection, but efficient warmth with low weight. They are worn over a base layer and under a hardshell jacket or waterproof jacket, not in place of them. Woolpower and Ivanhoe use merino wool fleece with natural odour control – an advantage that quickly pays off in everyday field use.

Military parkas solve a different problem: protection during long periods spent in the cold. At an observation post, warmth is what counts, not breathability. Parka models from Leo Köhler and Snugpak feature lined hoods, wrist cuffs and large outer pockets that can be operated even whilst wearing gloves. Available in colours ranging from olive to Multicam, depending on the area of operation and permitted camouflage pattern.

Waterproof jackets, ponchos and ghillies – when weather and camouflage come together

Waterproof jackets are a well-established concept in the German Armed Forces. Lightweight, quick to pull over the uniform, with a waterproof membrane. With its waterproof jacket , 75Tactical has delivered a model that is consistently geared towards operational requirements – not an outdoor lifestyle product, but work kit. The fit allows for layers underneath without pulling at the shoulders.

Ponchos and ghillie suits are distinct product categories with their own operational logic, ranging from the Bundeswehr poncho with IRR coating to the ghillie suit for reconnaissance personnel and snipers. Find out all about them in the Ponchos & Ghillies category.

Shirts, jumpers and base layers – the layer that supports everything

We stockUnder Armour for good reason: the base layer system works well on duty. Moisture management and a close-fitting cut are key; synthetic fibres wick sweat away quickly but tend to build up odours faster than merino wool. Anyone planning multi-day operations without access to washing facilities is better off opting for wool. Tactical shirts from First Tactical and 5.11 feature shoulder patches for rank insignia and sleeve pockets for operational equipment, providing everyday uniform wear for the police and similar forces.

Merino wool jumpers and knitted tops remain a firm favourite in the tactical scene, and rightly so. Wool passively regulates moisture and temperature without any synthetic odour of its own. As a base layer under a softshell jacket or a parka , this is a combination that has little competition in winter.

Our team in Salzgitter or via our online consultation service can advise you on which model is best suited to your operational profile, the time of year and your layering strategy. We stock most models in-house, so we can assess the fit and how the fabric behaves, rather than just relying on the product specifications. You can find a complete overview in the clothing guide.

• Discounts for government departments and public sector employees – available on request.
• Field post delivery worldwide to Bundeswehr field post addresses.
• Personalised expert advice in our Salzgitter store or via online consultation with the Recon team.
• ISO 9001 certified: quality processes from procurement to dispatch are independently audited.