I received the Tru Spec 24/7 Weathershield Windbreaker in black shortly before Thanksgiving 2010. I began wearing it in the as soon as I could. Even in the winter months, Texas can be hot, but I tried to wear it whenever I could.
After taking it out of the platic packaging, it sounded very ‘noisy’. However, after a few washes this became less of an issue. Now it sounds about the same (if not quieter) as other waterproof windbreakers.
The Tru Spec 24/7 Weathershield Windbreaker is made with a special three layer fabric system called Weathershield designed to blend comfort and protection. The fabric on the outside is waterproof and windproof while the next layer is a breathable waterproof membrane. Finally, it also allows moisture to escape for circulation.
The Tru Spec 24/7 Weathershield Windbreaker is part of Tru Spec’s Professional Grade line of clothing and has been tested and recommended by the National Tactical Officers Assocation. I think the idea of this jacket was for use by undercover and/or raid team personel as the ID flaps can identify the officer/person when worn out of their pocket. The ID panel does not have to be detached at any point unless you don’t need them. If you do need them, they can be attached to the inner pocket panel and then pulled or stowed as necessary. This would be much quicker than changing jackets or something. Another officer/person/team member pulls down the back panel. With minimal training this could be a very quick system for going from blending into society to announcing and identifying your presence.
Starting on the outside main body of the windbreaker I have to mention the zipper opening that you use to don the windbreaker. Tru Spec did an excellent job here. The YKK zipper works almost effortlessly and the seam looks very sharp when zipped up. Big thumbs up to Tru Spec here.
On the front of the windbreaker there are two main chest pockets. The lids of these pockets are secured with hook and loop velcro. There are also two removable ID flaps secured by a 1/2" of velcro that are attached to the undersides of the chest pockets. Here are some pictures of the layouts of the pockets as well as the ID attachments.
Chest pocket open
Chest pocket closed
ID pocket open
ID pocket closed
ID pocket pre attachment
ID pocket attached
Moving down there are two handwarmer pockets with zipper closures. They are big enough for my large hands. These also have the same excellent seam as the main opening of the windbreaker and also use YKK zippers.
Inside each handwarmer pocket is an internal cordlock that can be cinched with one hand (on each side) which will tighten the circumference around the waist to further limit airflow and retain the body heat that is between you and the windbreaker.
The elastic cuffs on the jacket also have an adjustable hook and loop closure to tighten or loosen the cuff to your invidividual preference.
On the shoulders of the windbreaker there are tabs for securing a microphone, sunglasses, etc. These seemed to work fine. The tab might need to be a bit larger. I don’t know how it would hold up to being used everyday or while going ‘hands on’ with a suspect, etc. However, this jacket is NTOA approved as i mentioned before.
On the back of the jacket there is a ‘cape’. Meaning that there is an opening to the inner material of the jacket. It stays waterproof but what this does is allow for air circulation as well as attaching an ID back panel where a dept, security, or a civilian (ex. CALL POLICE) agency/logo/message can be put here. The flap is connected to the windbreaker on several points of hook and loop velcro.
Back ID panel detached
Back ‘cape’ open
Back IDpanel attached
The inside of the windbreaker has a soft inner lining that is very comfortable. It does not go all the way up the back of the neck. This didn’t seem to be a problem as far as having any comfort or chaffing issues. However, I think the soft inner lining should extend up behind the neck if at all possible. Minor point/opinion of mine. There is also a single pen pocket on the inside of the windbreaker.
I wanted to check how well the outer shell repelled the water. I thew handfuls of water on the windbreaker and it just ran down and off the outside. I did this a couple of times. After leaving it hanging it was dry within a few minutes.
Upon donning the windbreaker I was immediately impressed with the fit of it. It is roomy to allow for breathability and also to wear layers of clothing underneath it. The windbreaker is not too tight and not too baggy. I did not put patches or dept. insigina on the jacket as it is not approved for on duty use. However I did wear it at my department’s in service training for a time before I got hot.
I also wore it to the range while visiting family.
There were no issues when presenting a handgun, firing, or reloading. I believe this was in part due to the underarm gussets that Tru Spec has incorporated into the windbreaker. I have become a strong believer in gussets both in jackets and in pants. I think they should be in just about everything.
