Best Tactical & Concealed Carry Jackets 2026: Top 8 Ranked (5.11, Vertx, Arc'teryx LEAF)

Looking for the best concealed carry jacket or tactical outerwear in 2026? We've ranked the top 8 tactical jackets across softshells, hardshells, and insulated layers. From the modular 5.11 5-In-1 and ultralight Arc'teryx LEAF Alpha LT to budget tactical clothing like the Condor Phantom, this guide covers waterproofing, CCW access, modularity, and value. Whether you need a GORE-TEX military jacket for sustained field operations or a concealed carry softshell for everyday use, we'll help you pick the right tactical jacket for your mission and budget.

5.11 Tactical 5.11 5-In-1 Jacket 2.0

Best Overall - modular 5-in-1 system with removable fleece, hood, and sleeves

$300

Pros

+Five configurations cover three-season use
+Quixip side zippers for rapid CC access
+Removable fleece liner doubles as standalone mid-layer
+10K waterproof-breathable membrane with sealed seams

Cons

−Heavier than single-purpose jackets
−10K waterproofing adequate but not GORE-TEX level

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Arc'teryx LEAF Arc'teryx LEAF Alpha LT Gen 2

Best Premium - ultralight mil-spec GORE-TEX shell for professional operators

$810

Pros

+GORE-TEX 3L with military DSP2 certification
+Ultralight at 14.8 oz with full waterproof protection
+Plate carrier compatible waist drawcord design
+Helmet-compatible hood with single-pull adjuster

Cons

−Premium price at $810
−No insulation (shell only requires layering)

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Vertx Vertx Integrity Shell

Best for Concealed Carry - two-way side vents for rapid sidearm access

$306

Pros

+Two-way side vents designed for rapid CC draw
+37.5 Technology lining for active temperature regulation
+Credential pocket for law enforcement professionals
+Professional appearance for plainclothes work

Cons

−Not insulated (requires layering for cold)
−50D fabric lighter weight than heavy-duty shells

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

UF PRO UF PRO Monsoon XT Gen.2

Best Extreme Weather - GORE-TEX 3L with air/pac shoulder system

$749

Pros

+GORE-TEX 3L for top-tier waterproof-breathable performance
+Air/pac shoulder inserts reduce fatigue under plate carriers
+Hood/Harness system tracks head movement for peripheral vision
+Six pockets accessible even with backpack or plate carrier

Cons

−Premium price at $749
−Features may be overkill for casual use

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

5.11 Tactical 5.11 Valiant Softshell

Best Mid-Range - zip-off sleeves convert to vest, side-seam CC access

$175

Pros

+Zip-off sleeves add jacket-to-vest versatility
+Side-seam CC access zippers for rapid draw
+Breathable softshell handles active use well
+Competitive price at $175

Cons

−5K waterproof rating limits heavy rain use
−Softshell less durable than hardshell in abrasive environments

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Helikon-Tex Helikon-Tex Wolfhound

Best Insulated Layer - CLIMASHIELD APEX packable mid-layer

$130

Pros

+CLIMASHIELD APEX insulation retains warmth even when wet
+Ultralight at 15.3 oz with compression bag included
+VersaStretch panels for full range of motion
+Strong value at $130 for military-spec insulation

Cons

−Not windproof or waterproof as standalone
−Sizing runs large (order down one size)

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Outdoor Research Outdoor Research Foray 3L

Best Rain Shell - AscentShell 3L with TorsoFlo side venting

$260

Pros

+AscentShell Dry membrane breathes better during activity than most shells
+TorsoFlo pit-to-hip venting for rapid heat dumping
+Mechanical stretch for unrestricted movement
+Sustainable recycled materials with eco-friendly DWR

Cons

−Not tactical-specific (lacks CC features)
−40D fabric lighter weight than heavy-duty shells

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Condor Condor Phantom Softshell

Best Budget - fleece-lined softshell at an entry-level price

$129

Pros

+Entry-level price at $129
+Fleece-lined interior adds warmth
+Reinforced elbows extend service life
+Professional appearance for duty and civilian use

Cons

−Water-resistant only (not fully waterproof)
−Basic construction compared to premium softshells

Verified Retailer

Check Price at OpticsPlanet

Purchasing through these links may generate a commission at no extra cost to you.

Types of Tactical Jackets and Outerwear

Softshell

Wind-resistant, breathable, and flexible. Softshells use bonded fabrics with DWR coatings that handle light rain and sustained wind while allowing moisture vapor to escape. They stretch for unrestricted movement during active use. Best for moderate weather, everyday carry, and high-exertion activities where breathability matters more than full waterproofing. Examples: 5.11 Valiant, Condor Phantom.

Hardshell

Fully waterproof with sealed seams and waterproof membranes (GORE-TEX, AscentShell). Hardshells block rain completely but are less breathable and flexible than softshells. Best for sustained rain, harsh conditions, and environments where staying dry is the priority. Examples: Arc'teryx LEAF Alpha LT, Vertx Integrity Shell, UF PRO Monsoon XT, Outdoor Research Foray.

Insulated

Built-in insulation layer for cold weather. Synthetic fills like CLIMASHIELD APEX retain warmth even when wet, unlike down. Insulated jackets work as standalone mid-layers in cool conditions or under a shell in cold and wet weather. Best for cold weather operations and layering systems. Example: Helikon-Tex Wolfhound.

Modular / Multi-Layer

Removable components allow seasonal versatility from a single platform. Zip-off sleeves, removable liners, and detachable hoods let you configure the jacket for different conditions. Best for users who need one jacket to cover multiple seasons and weather scenarios. Example: 5.11 5-In-1 Jacket 2.0.

Key Features to Look For in a Tactical Jacket

Waterproof Rating (5K vs 10K vs GORE-TEX)

Waterproof ratings measure how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before leaking. 5K (5,000 mm) handles light rain and wind. 10K handles moderate to heavy rain for several hours. GORE-TEX and similar membranes (20K-28K+) provide the best protection for sustained downpours and professional field use. Higher ratings cost more but deliver measurably better wet weather performance.

Concealed Carry Jacket Features

A good concealed carry jacket needs side-access zippers (Quixip, two-way vents) that allow rapid draw from a belt-mounted holster without lifting the jacket or unzipping the front. The best CCW jackets feature two-way zippers that open from the bottom for waist-level access. Internal pockets sized for subcompact pistols add a backup carry option but are slower to draw from.

Modularity

Removable hoods, zip-off sleeves, and detachable liners extend a jacket's useful temperature range across seasons. A modular system like the 5.11 5-In-1 replaces multiple single-purpose garments. Evaluate whether you need the versatility or if a dedicated shell and separate mid-layer serve you better.

Weight and Packability

Lighter jackets are easier to stow in a go-bag, ruck, or daypack. The Arc'teryx LEAF Alpha LT at 14.8 oz and the Helikon-Tex Wolfhound at 15.3 oz both pack down small. Heavier jackets (32-52 oz) offer more features and durability but take up more space and add load weight.

Material Durability and DWR Coating

DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings cause water to bead and roll off the fabric surface. They degrade over time with washing and abrasion, requiring reapplication with products like Nikwax TX.Direct. Higher denier fabrics (50D+) resist abrasion better than ultralight fabrics (20-40D) but weigh more. Consider your use environment: field operations with brush contact need higher denier; urban use can prioritize weight savings.

How We Ranked

We evaluated each tactical jacket across five criteria: weather protection (waterproof rating, sealed seams, wind resistance), concealed carry jacket features (side zips, two-way vents, CCW pockets), modularity (removable components, seasonal adaptability), build quality (materials, construction, durability), and value (performance relative to price). The final ranking weights overall versatility and real-world utility for tactical outerwear. Premium military jackets score high on absolute performance but may rank below mid-range options that deliver better value for most users. Budget tactical clothing picks are evaluated against their price tier, not against premium alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the difference between a softshell and hardshell tactical jacket?

Softshells prioritize breathability and flexibility with water-resistant fabrics. Hardshells use waterproof membranes (GORE-TEX, AscentShell) with sealed seams for full rain protection. Choose softshell for active use in mild weather, hardshell for rain and harsh conditions.

▶What waterproof rating do I need?

5K handles light rain and wind. 10K handles moderate to heavy rain for extended periods. GORE-TEX and similar membranes (20K+) provide the best protection for sustained downpours. For occasional outdoor use, 5K-10K is sufficient. For professional field use, go GORE-TEX.

▶What is the best concealed carry jacket?

The Vertx Integrity Shell is the best concealed carry jacket with its two-way side vents designed specifically for rapid sidearm access. The 5.11 Valiant softshell also features side-seam CCW zippers. The 5.11 5-In-1 offers Quixip side zippers for concealed carry access. Look for two-way zippers that open from the bottom for waist-level draw.

▶Are expensive tactical jackets worth it?

Premium jackets ($700+) like the Arc'teryx LEAF and UF PRO Monsoon use military-certified GORE-TEX and purpose-built designs. They last longer, perform better in extreme conditions, and are designed for professional operators. Mid-range options ($150-$300) from 5.11 and Vertx offer excellent value for most users.

▶Can I use a tactical jacket as an everyday jacket?

Many tactical jackets are designed with low-profile aesthetics that work as everyday outerwear. The Condor Phantom, 5.11 Valiant, and Helikon-Tex Wolfhound all look like civilian tactical clothing while maintaining concealed carry access and tactical functionality.

▶What is the difference between a tactical jacket and a military jacket?

Military jackets are issued to armed forces and built to mil-spec standards (like the Arc'teryx LEAF with GORE-TEX DSP2 MIL certification). Tactical jackets borrow military design features like concealed carry access, modularity, and durability but are available to civilians. Many tactical outerwear brands like 5.11, Vertx, and UF PRO serve both law enforcement and civilian markets.