As winter really seems to be flexing its icy claws now, and snow is beginning to fall as the temperatures plummet, if you haven’t already it may be time to think about updating your cold weather gear!
Bill has a long-standing relationship with the wonderful team at SNUGPAK and has tested and reported on a lot of their kit over the years, and he reported in that they’ve got a new garment in their line that’s should be on everybody’s radar if they’re looking to make an investment in premium cold-weather protection.
The new Tactical Softie Smock from Snugpak, the UK’s leading insulated clothing and sleeping bag supplier, is a UK-made insulated smock, with side vents to allow rapid access to essential kit. High performance insulation and breathable fabrics, together with chest and hand pockets, mean that you will stay warm and dry as well as ready for action. The Tactical Softie (SRP £190 for black or olive, £223 for Multicam) allows seamless access to lower layers and belt equipment, via its two-way YKK® side vent zips. Both zips can opened fully from the top or bottom, for enhanced ventilation.
The Tactical Softie is fully lined with Snugpak’s TS1 fabric, a high performance, textured and moisture-wicking material that enhances the smock’s thermal capabilities, and together with Snugpak’s Softie Premier insulation, provides a comfort rating of -5°C. You will stay comfortable as well as warm, thanks to the Paratex Micro outer fabric, which has a high moisture-vapour transmission rate to keep you dry when active.
Versality is a highlight of the Tactical Softie. The smock’s large chest pocket has a hook and loop strip across its width and a YKK® zip, and two pocket zips provide access to a spacious front pocket where both hands can comfortably fit. For military use, unit/name badge soft hook & loop patches are available on both arms, and the elasticated cuffs with thumb loops and drawcord-adjustable neck and hem both help to trap warm air and further aid insulation.
The Snugpak Tactical Softie Smock is available in black, olive or Multicam colours, and in XS to XXl sizes. Whilst this is by no means a cheap bit of kit, you do get what you pay for, and Bill says;
“The new Tactical Softie Smock should be viewed as a long term investment, especially if you act as a marshal or have a duty-role on site; whilst players can easily head back to the Safe Zone to warm up, a marshal needs to be out on site at all times the game is in progress, and the new smock easily lets you do this, so in my mind is an invaluable addition to your kit locker.
I’ve also worn my existing smock in a MilSim setting over the winter months, and it has proved invaluable, and the updates to the new version make it even more attractive. As I like to say “any fool can be uncomfortable”, and frankly you can’t put a price on solid protection from the elements that will let you take you game to a new level!”
