BLACKHAWK Men's Operations Jacket

Great softshell. I was leaning toward the Columbia Ascender softshell jacket, but saw this Blackhawk jacket on the LAPG site and was intrigued. I researched the manufacturer's info and reviews and decided to have a go and buy the jacket at the sale price, which was cheaper than the Columbia. I couldn't be happier. The jacket is a nice intermediate weight softshell that is comparable, if not better built than the popular name brands. I especially like the rubberized material on the seams and wearpoints, since it adds an extra level of durability. I've had the jacket about two weeks and have tried it out on chilly late-September mornings in upstate New York walking my dog and the jacket is warm and breathable, and is nicely water resistant (but probably not waterproof for sustained rainfalls - haven't tried it yet, but don't expect waterproof from any soft shell). I'm not particularly fond of the waist adjustment pulls having the stops in the outer handwarmer pockets, since they seem to interfere with keys or other items in my pockets. I don't really see the reason for them being there and will probably make an adjustment and remove them. I haven't warmed up to the rear pockets, since they are awkward for me to try to access, but they are an interesting feature and other reviewers seem to like them. Maybe I'll get better at getting into them with some practice.Sizing is always a big question when ordering online. My jacket and shirt sizes are 42S and 16-1/2 x 33 respectively, and the large size in this jacket fits perfectly. Perfect sleeve and jacket length. Not too snug, not too loose, and enough room to wear layers underneath for cooler weather. Hope this helps.I did not intend to buy the Level 1 or 3 layers, so I can't comment on how the jacket will work with the other pieces of the system. As a standalone softshell, this jacket is top-notch. The sale price makes it a great bargain.

A good softshell jacket, but not too different from any other similar products on the market from Colombia, North Face, Arc'teryx, 5.11, etc. aside from all the pockets.Pros:- Multiple interior and exterior zippered pockets on both sides; great for carrying misc. gear discreetly.- Large "pouch" in the lower back accessible by exterior zippers on either side for carrying larger items (concealed carry?)- Comfortable and warm (when pockets are zipped) and suitable for temps as low as freezing when worn with extra layers such as t-shirt + sweatshirt underneath.- Repels wind, snow and rain but is not completely waterproof.- Elastic for tightening around waist is adjustment from inside the side pockets which prevents the elastic band and its clips from hanging outside the jacket and getting caught on things.- Durable but soft exterior shell material that doesn't make "zipping noises" when you walk.- Rubber patches on the elbows to reduce wear.Cons:- Pockets are lined with mesh and if left open, let in [cold] air. However, pockets can be left open as vents (though that was not the intent.)- Mesh lined pockets are not very durable and may tear if you leave keys or sharp metal objects in them.- Stand-up collar folds awkwardly in towards the face. (Zipping up the jacket when on a hanger forces the collar to bend like this and is difficult to reshape afterwards.)- Jacket length is a little shorter than other similar softshells on the market.

I really like the fit and feel of this jacket and get lots of complements. I ordered the medium and am 5' 8". I have two problems with this jacket, 1) it is not very warm. I limit it to about 50 degrees, but to be fair, I get cold easily. I did notice however, that it works better to have the pockets zipped closed, since the material inside is mesh, so it acted as a vent. 2) the jacket works ok as the layer 2 shell for the Blackhawk Warrior Wear Layer 3 Rain Jacket. It does zip into the jacket, but it does not have the loop to attach them to the sleeves and back of the neck. One thing I really like though is the number of pockets, especially inside the jacket. There is one inside chest pocket that will fit my Kahr P45 handgun for concealed carry. There is another pocket below that that will hold spare magazines and my wallet. There are lower zippered compartment on the other side as well.

I have had the warrior wear 2 for a week and the warrior wear 1 for three weeks. It has seen moderate rain and done very well. I think that you get what they advertise. This is a shoftshell that has taped seams. The jacket is not meant to keep you dry in torrential downpours or is it meant for the arctic. This jacket is intended to provide the ability for layering. I think it does what it says and I am satisfied. I like that it has plenty of interior and exterior pockets. The exterior pockets are well placed even the back ones. I like that the exterior pocket zippers have extra rain protection. I would have liked to see the same rain style on the front main zipper. I also would have liked to see pit zips. I do not think that this jacket is worth the retail price but it is worth $150-200 price range.

I got this as a liner for the  Blackhawk Men's Warrior Wear Layer 3 Shell Jacket (Foliage Green, X-Large) . It zips in perfectly. The Layer 3 Shell Jacket has additional attachment points in the wrists and back of the neck, but this liner jacket does not. So Blackhawk! has designed a clothing system that does not really fit together -- I keep pulling the liner sleeves out when I take off the Shell Jacket, for example As a stand-alone jacket this is really nice. But I took off one star for lacking the attachment points to match the Layer 3 Shell Jacket which this is supposed to go with as an inner liner.