Tactical fleece jackets from Recon Company – mid-layers for duty, the field and the outdoors

A tactical fleece jacket is not a standalone weatherproof layer, but rather the insulating layer in a layering system. It sits over the base layer and under the hardshell or waterproof jacket, retains heat, wicks away moisture and proves its worth during rest periods and in sub-zero temperatures, even when worn under a body armour vest. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the German Armed Forces and public authorities, we stock models that meet these requirements – from the simple German Armed Forces fleece jacket to the windproof Grid fleece for winter use.

Bundeswehr fleece jackets: Flecktarn, olive and service-approved cuts

The classic Bundeswehr fleece jacket in Flecktarn or olive is the entry-level option in the range. Pol fleece, 300g weight, simple cut. No frills, no Velcro patches, no tactical branding. For reservists, basic training and anyone who needs an affordable insulating layer to go with their field uniform, this is the right choice. Prices start at under 30 euros.

If you need more, switch to Helikon or Pentagon. The Bundeswehr fleece jacket from Helikon Infantry comes with an upper arm pocket, Velcro patches for insignia, a YKK zip and a chin guard. The shoulder panels, made from ripstop-reinforced BDU fabric, can withstand the strain of carrying systems. That’s the difference between a fleece jacket that works in the field and one that wears out in the field.

Police fleece jacket: black, functional, fit for duty

For the police and law enforcement agencies, black is the standard colour, and the requirements for the cut differ from those in the military sector. Epaulettes for rank insignia, chest pockets for operational equipment, and Velcro patches for service designations. Helikon and Mil-Tec supply models designed specifically to meet these requirements. Not designed for outdoor excursions, but for everyday duty.

Important for operational use: a police fleece jacket without a windproof membrane quickly loses its insulating effect in windy conditions. Anyone spending long periods on the front line or at events is better off choosing a model with a Windstopper® insert or consistently combining the fleece jacket with an outer layer.

Merino wool instead of polyester: when Woolpower is the better choice

Synthetic fleece wicks away moisture quickly, but develops an odour during prolonged use without access to washing facilities. Woolpower uses merino wool fleece: natural odour control, passive temperature regulation, and no synthetic odour even after several days of wear. The price is higher, but the benefits become apparent during training exercises and operations where there is no facility for washing.

As a rule of thumb: synthetic fleece is sufficient for day-to-day duty with regular washing. For multi-day outdoor exercises, bivouacs and situations without facilities, merino wool is the more comfortable solution in the long term. Ivanhoe offers comparable options for anyone looking for an alternative to Woolpower.

Grid fleece and Windstopper: when standard fleece isn’t enough

Grid-fleece constructions such as the Helikon Alpha Tactical combine a textured inner surface for moisture-wicking with high thermal performance and minimal weight. The pack size is smaller than that of classic polar fleece, whilst the thermal performance per gram is higher. For mountain and winter use, this is the key difference.

Windstopper models incorporate a windproof membrane without completely sacrificing breathability. Belgian army jackets made from Seyntex Windstopper material are a well-known example on the market. The downside: in continuous rain, even a Windstopper fleece is no substitute for a hardshell jacket. The combination of a fleece with a Windstopper membrane plus a lightweight hardshell jacket as an outer layer outperforms a single heavy jacket in most situations. Those who prefer synthetic hollow-fibre insulation to fleece will find suitable models amongst the thermal jackets.

• 10% government discount for government departments and members of the BOS. Proof of eligibility is required when ordering.
• Worldwide field post delivery directly to any Bundeswehr deployment location.
• Personalised product advice from the Recon team, by telephone, email or in person in Salzgitter.
• All processes are ISO 9001 certified: independently audited from incoming goods inspection through to dispatch authorisation.