Thermal jackets from Recon Company – protection against the cold for operations, duty and outdoor activities

Above all else, a thermal jacket must do one thing: keep you warm when your body can no longer do so itself. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to the public sector, we know which insulation solutions work in the field and which would be better left in the storeroom. Our range of thermal jackets and tactical winter jackets covers the entire spectrum, from packable insulated jackets for your rucksack to heavy-duty cold-weather jackets for officers on duty in sub-zero temperatures.

Synthetic, down or wool – which filling for which application

Choosing the right filling is the most important decision when buying a thermal jacket. Synthetic fillings such as G-Loft, Climashield Apex or PrimaLoft dominate the tactical sector. The reason is simple: they continue to provide reliable insulation even when damp. Anyone in the German Armed Forces who works up a sweat in the field and then faces a drop in temperature can rely on synthetic fillings. What’s more, these fillings dry significantly faster than natural materials.

Down jackets offer the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market. For the same level of insulation, they are lighter and more packable than any synthetic jacket. The downside is that wet down loses its loft and, with it, almost all of its insulating effect. For dry, cold conditions and controlled environments (logistics, vehicle movement, urban operations), a tactical down jacket is an excellent choice. Not so for wet field conditions.

Merino wool falls somewhere between the two. Woolpower relies on thick-gauge woollen knits (400 and 600 gsm), which continue to insulate even when damp and naturally regulate odours. Ivanhoe uses dense woollen knits manufactured in Scandinavia, designed for robustness and durability. As a standalone thermal jacket, woollen garments work well in moderate cold. In genuine frost, they are better suited as an insulating layer beneath an outer jacket.

Tactical winter jackets and what sets them apart from their outdoor counterparts

A tactical winter jacket must function effectively under other gear. This means a slim fit without bulky seams, so that the jacket does not slip under a plate carrier or chest rig. Elasticated cuffs that secure the sleeves at the wrists, rather than falling loosely over gloves. And a pocket layout that remains accessible even when wearing a protective vest.

The UF PRO Delta ML Gen.3 is a typical example: G-Loft insulation, a wind- and water-repellent outer layer, and a slim fit for use under tactical carrying systems. Helikon uses Climashield Apex as the insulation material in the Wolfhound and Husky Tactical, thereby achieving a similar goal by a different means. Thermal jackets for outdoor use from Fjällräven or Deerhunter prioritise comfort and suitability for everyday use. Both approaches have their merits. The key factor is whether the jacket is worn at a desk or at an observation post.

What matters when buying a thermal jacket

Packed size plays a crucial role in many usage scenarios. Anyone who carries their cold-weather jacket in a rucksack and only puts it on when needed requires a compressible model. Synthetics and down can usually be compressed to the size of a water bottle. Heavy woollen models cannot.

Equally important is the fit within a layering system. An insulated jacket sits between the base layer and the outer jacket. If the cut is too bulky, material will bunch up under the hardshell jacket. If the fit is too tight, it squeezes the air out of the insulating layer and reduces thermal performance. The correct fit allows for a flat hand between your body and the jacket – no more than that.

Ultimately, the question of whether the jacket is worn on its own or as a layer determines which model to choose. Many winter jackets in the range combine insulation with a wind- and water-repellent outer shell. These models work well on their own in moderate cold and as a mid-layer under a hardshell in extreme conditions. The 5.11 Tactical 5-in-1 jacket takes this principle to the extreme: the outer jacket and inner jacket can be separated and worn individually. Hard to beat for varied operational scenarios.

• 10% discount for all public sector employees and emergency services personnel.
• Worldwide field post delivery, including directly to the operational area.
• Personalised expert advice on the right insulation and fit, available in Salzgitter or online.
• Certified quality processes from procurement to delivery, as evidenced by ISO 9001 certification.