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This section features Military clothing that are not uniforms/BDUs.

As a sizing reference: I'm 5'7", 155 lbs (yeah, I'm a little guy), medium build (BDU top medium/regular, BDU pant medium/short), waist 32", chest 43". Keep this in mind when you read my comments with respect to sizing, so you have an idea of how the garments featured below will fit on you. ALL garments in these pages are size Medium, unless stated otherwise.

TO VIEW FULL SIZE IMAGES: USERNAME and PASSWORD are both "mm"

TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie Reloaded (2009)

11/1/09 - Triple Aught Design's (TAD Gear) longest running softshell, the Stealth Hoodie, has been updated for Fall 2009. The new version is called the Stealth Hoodie Reloaded. Significant changes in design and construction have been implemented on the 'Reloaded', making it the most advanced Stealth Hoodie yet. The Reloaded uses the new 3-layer waterproof Shark Skin Soft Shell fabric in the heavier 'classic' weight, with a quieter smooth face and technical fleece inner lining.

The new Stealth Hoodie Reloaded is a 3+ season (depending on where you live, of course) garment, with design updates such as colour-matched components, less seams for better water resistance, reinforced elbows and welded areas.

Urban Brown

For those familiar with the previous generations/versions of the Stealth Hoodie, the Reloaded retains the familiar Stealth Hoodie silhouette with its distinctive AERO hood, sleeve pockets and upper arm velcro patches. The differences, however, are in the details.

Pit zip

Hi-rise chest pockets

Rear 'duck' pocket

Upper sleeve pocket

Here's a summary of the features on the Stealth Hoodie Reloaded, 2009 model:

Material - Of the different verisons of the Stealth Hoodie, the Reloaded Shark Skin Classic 3-layer fabric is most similar in feel to the Gen 1 Stealth Hoodie, which was Schoeller WB-400; a lightly insulated and stretchy fabric. The Gen 2 Stealth Hoodie and SharkSkin v3.0/Gen 3 Stealth Hoodie were made of lighter weight materials; the Gen 3 being closer to an uninsulated shell than the typical soft shell jacket. While most similar to the Gen 1, the Reloaded does have a slightly stiffer hand, which provides the jacket with more body and shape.
The Reloaded shell material is DWR-treated, pique textured, woven, highly abrasion-resistant 85% nylon/15% spandex with a smoother, quieter face. The technical fleece backing is 100% polyester. The inner fleece is dyed to match the same tones as the outer shell for uniformity. The fleece lining is very low loft and adds little to the bulk of the fabric. The Reloaded is available in Sith Black, OD Green, and Urban Brown (pictured here). The Urban Brown is a very nice, deep chocolate colour which doesn't scream 'military/tactical', but doesn't look completely 'civvie' either, and will look right at home on the trail or in the woods.

Sandwiched between the outer nylon fabric and the inner fleece facing is the PU membrane. It's a waterproof/breathable layer that prevents water from penetrating through to the fleece inside. The day I got the reloaded, I did the simple 'sink test', where I lined a sink with the back of the jacket (being the largest area of material), and proceeded to fill it up as deep as it'd go without hitting a seam. I intended to leave it in the sink for about an hour, then check to see if any water had soaked through or saturated the top layer. I promptly forgot about it, and remembered it the next evening more than 24 hours later, which I was walking past the bathroom. I poured off the water, and found the fleece on the inside completely dry. The little water that did saturate the outer nylon shell layer didn't penetrate far, and dried very quickly. This is in contrast to the Gen I Stealth hoodie (and other soft shells) which would eventually wet through and stay wet for a while (it still retained warmth even when wet, though).

Welded areas - Seam and fabric welding technology/construction was pioneered by Arc'teryx and utilizes high-tech adhesives between fabric layers that are heated and bonded using ultrasonic energy. It is sometimes used to eliminate seams and stitching, reducing the weight of garments and for improving water resistance by reducing the number of holes created by stitches. It is more expensive, however, and welded construction is virtually unavailable in the USA, which led TAD Gear to seek other sources. Their last source for welded construction in the Bay Area closed down 18 months ago. The Reloaded uses welded reinforcements on all zippered pockets to cover up any stitching, as well as on the elbow reinforcements. Other welded areas are the hood brim, which is welded to keep its shape, and the bottom hem, which is welded and backed up with stitching on the inside.
Reduced number of seams - Where possible, the Reloaded was designed to reduce the number of exposed seams - either by covering them with welded reinforcements, or by pattern/panel design - to maximize fabric integrity against wet weather.
Cut - Articulated 4-panel body "Alpine Cut" construction for mobility and superior fit. Longer, "Extreme-reach" sleeve cut prevents creep when raising arms or in the prone position. Sleeves are also pre-shaped/articulated for the natural hang of the arms.
Corded, low profile AERO Hood - This is TAD's signature hood design, updated since the Gen 3 model with elastic shock cord adjustment and improved brim (vs. the Gen 1 and 2 Stealths). The shock cords allow the hood face opening to be adjusted (loosened or tightened) with one hand. The ends of the shock cord are routed into the chest pockets for a neater appearance. When tightened around the face, the hood opening moves with the head, since the soft shell material is stretchy.
The brim is now stiffer and also welded to keep its shape. It protrudes outwards, providing good protection without coming too low to restrict vision. Worn down with the collar zipped closed, the brim sits against the back of the head to seal in warmth.
This hood also features the H.R.U.F. (Hood Roll Up Flap) sewn to the inside of the collar which velcros inside the hood when not in use. When the hood is rolled up, the flap goes over the rolled-up hood and attaches to the two velcro patches on the outside of the collar in the back. To unroll the hood, the flap is simply pulled off the velcro and the hood deployed. No zippers on the collar to contend with. There are 1" x 1" velcro squares sewn to the back of the hood for glint tape or Ranger eyes.
When rolled up, the collar stands up. I prefer to wear it down as I have never had it get in the way. The chin is protected by a soft chin guard.
Pit zips for venting - The pit zips on the Reloaded are 11" long and open from top to bottom.

Inside collar/hood

HRUF system

Hood rolled up

Hood deployed

Pit zip

Colour matched covert YKK zippers - All zippers match the material and zipper pulls are protected by 'zipper garages' in the closed position.
Hi-rise large main chest pockets - Designed for LBE and pack waist belt clearance. Each has a slim stash pocket inside for slim flashlights or pens.
Rear dual-entry 'Duck pocket' - This is a large 12" x 10" trapezoidal pocket, like a 'poachers pouch' on the lower back of the jacket for storing soft items like beanies, gloves etc. It's easily accessible from both sides. A secondary use for the pocket zippers is that they can be opened for small-of-the-back ventilation when the pocket is empty.

Chest pocket

Duck pocket zips

Duck pocket

Upper sleeve velcro swatches - These measure 5" x 4".
Upper sleeve pockets - The upper sleeve pockets have been redesigned and the internal space extends up to the shoulder seam instead of stopping a couple of inches below it. They measure about 10" tall x 5" wide. Another thing to note is that there is no visible stitching anymore, showing the outline of the pocket - all that can be seen is the zipper entrance, which makes for a very streamlined and clean look.
Small ID pocket on lower sleeve - There's a small ID pocket on the lower left sleeve/fore arm for small items like ID, a key, coins etc.
D-ring keepers in pockets - The upper sleeve pockets and chest pockets all have plastic D-ring keepers sewn to webbing inside the pocket, for dummy cording critical items from loss.
Media Pass-through slits in pockets - The Reloaded has die-cut rubber media pass through slits for headphone/cell phone cords. There's also a small rigid loop on the inside of the left collar for wire retention.
Die cut Tuff Grip Velcro adjustable cuff tabs - The same black die cut rubberized tab as on the Gen 2 and 3 hoodie is used, with colour-matched velcro.
Reinforced elbows - New low profile, low mass, welded double reinforced elbows with articulation. A tough patch of die-cut material is welded almost invisibly over the elbows to protect them from abrasion.
Bias cut bottom hem with cord locked draw cord - The back of the jacket is cut longer in the back and there are elastic draw cord locks on both sides to seal out the wind.

Upper sleeve patch and pocket

Media loop and pass-through slot

Velcro tab and elastic on cuff, ID pocket

Reinforced elbows

Bottom hem

Observations/Notes - One of the first things I noticed about the Reloaded is the colour-matching of almost all components throughout the garment. The inner fleece, welded reinforcements, zippers, shock cord, cord locks, velcro, zipper web pulls, are all very closely matched in colour for monochromatic uniformity.

Like the thinner Shark Skin material used on the v3.0, the new Shark Skin in heavier classic weight is waterproof (not water resistant); further crossing over into hard shell realm. As I mentioned above, I found that the Reloaded is most similar to the Gen I Stealth Hoodie when it comes to fabric feel. It's a bit stiffer, with more body, but also more durable feeling, especially with the welded elbow reinforcements. The elbow reinforcements, combined with the thickness of the classic material, provides both abrasion resistance and some protection from hard surfaces in the prone position. The fit of the Reloaded is the same as the previous Stealth Hoodie versions - not snug, but there isn't much excess space either. I'm able to wear a form-fitting mid-weight mid layer underneath the Reloaded, but wouldn't wear anything thicker and baggy, as it'll be tight under the arms.

I'm ambivalent about the hood opening elastic cord adjustment. On the Gen 3, the ends were exposed, so the hood could be tightened with one hand. On the Reloaded, since the ends are inside the chest pockets, it requires unzipping the pocket to pull them, if you want to adjust the hood with one hand. The hood can still be adjusted externally, but with two hands - one to pull the elastic and another to hold the cord lock. But you'll end up with a loop of shock cord at the collar unless you pull the end into the pocket. So, it's a toss up between ease of adjustment and a cleaner look with no exposed ends blowing around in the wind.

We were fortunate to have some rain recently, and I took advantage of the wet weather to try out the Reloaded. I went out in light drizzle to medium rain, and as expected (because of the waterproof membrane), I stayed completely dry. The water beaded up on the nylon outer fabric mostly, with only a few very small spots showing signs of saturation. What surprised me is how breathable it felt, even when wearing it where I expected it to get stuffy - in my car after coming in from the rain. Typically, when I get into my car from the rain, and it's not that cold outside, I'll tend to feel stuffy in rain wear if I don't take it off. It's warmer than the outside, and humid due to the moisture in the air and from my wet jacket. I wore the Reloaded while driving after getting into the car from the rain, and I didn't feel stuffy in it at all. The pit zips had a lot to do with it, I'm sure, but my arms were comfortable, even with the welded elbow reinforcements. The Reloaded feels noticeably more 'breathable' than the Gen 1 and 2 Stealth hoodies.

The 'Classic' weight fabric is more suited to cooler (under 70°F) to cold temperatures than the light weight v3.0, and (in my opinion) works well as a stand-alone jacket instead of a thinner 'shell' over a mid layer. Quality of construction and stitching is excellent, and this really seems like a more robust jacket than the previous versions. The reduction in exposed stitching contributes to that impression, much of it due to the welded reinforcements around all pocket zippers. The colour matched components, reduction in exposed seams, and welded reinforcements make the Reloaded the most technically advanced, refined, weather resistant and feature-laden Stealth Hoodie to date, continuing TAD Gear's trend towards improving their products.

TAD Gear Ranger Hoodie v5

2/28/09 - TAD Gear's popular Ranger Hoodie is now in its fifth iteration. With the Ranger Hoodie v5, TAD Gear continues to refine one of their most popular and recognized garments. The Ranger Hoodie is still the tactical fleece jacket with the most standard features I've seen.

Before the Ranger Hoodie was available, the SPEAR and USMC fleece jackets were the popular cold-weather fleeces of the day. When TAD Gear introduced the v2 Ranger Hoodie, they set it apart by incorporating the utility of their successful Stealth Softshell's features into the Ranger Hoodie design. No other tactical fleece offered this many standard features. Features were carried over from both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Stealth hoodies, with more added or refined with each generation. Some of the changes to the v5 are subtle: 1" longer than the v3 in overall length, and 1" shorter than the v4 in sleeve length. Also, 1" added to the bottom sweep width at the request of many customers. For all Ranger Hoodies, the general cut and size is that of the Stealth hoodie, with 1" additional length in the sleeves and 1" wider in the arm pit.

Here's a summary of the main features on the v5 Ranger Hoodie (some of which are unchanged from v3 and v4, but repeated here so you don't have to go back and re-read the previous writeup):

Material - The v5 Ranger Hoodie is made out of the same premium Malden Mills/Polartec WindPro fabric as the previous versions - it works very well, so no change was necessary. WindPro is very dense, and 4 times more wind resistant than traditional fleece fabric. It has a very tight, smooth construction to reduce the effects of wind chill, a problem with traditional fleece. The inside surface is pebbled which traps the air for a high warmth-to-weight ratio. It's also highly breathable - maintaining 85% of the breathability of traditional fleece. The smoother outer surface is also pill-resistant and more durable. The fleece is more dense than some other fleeces, resulting in a more 'compact' and less bulky garment than my SPEAR or USMC fleece jackets. Note that because it's dense, it's not a very compressible garment, so you won't be rolling up into a little ball and putting it in a Nalgene bottle pouch.
It's also surprisingly water resistant, as I found out when wearing the v2 and v3 Ranger Hoodies in the rain. In the quick water test I performed on the v2, I found that the fabric does not want to hold water like natural fibers. I soaked it all the way through, squeezed out the excess and it felt almost dry against the skin. This was confirmed in medium rain. Raindrops beaded on the surface of the fleece and would not penetrate all the way through. Those of you who already own Ranger Hoodies, try this out at home. Sprinkle some water on it, and you'll see it runs off or beads. Now, take a palmful of water and dump it on the fleece. Massage it into the fabric. You'll be surprised how long it takes to soak in, unlike a cotton garment. It's also very wind resistant, and over the past years I've worn my v2 and v3 Rangers in some chilly, windy weather and been very impressed and happy with their performance and utility.
The v5 Ranger Hoodie is available in Sith Black, M.E. Green (shown here), U.E. Gray and M.E Brown.
Top-stitch and Alpine-cut 4-panel construction - Seams are top-stitched for added strength and to make the seams sit flatter. The four-panel construction (additional side panels) make for a better fit, especially under the arms.
High, stand-up collar - When the main zipper is zipped up, the hood opening forms the rear part of the collar and seals against the back of the head, keeping the neck warm. It's non restrictive, and the zipper has a neck guard for comfort.
Drop-tail waist - the tail is cut a bit longer than the front, and ends up just below the butt.
Colour-matched YKK covert zippers - All zippers and pulls are colour matched to the Hoodie.

Front view, collar zipped up

Hand warmer pockets

Front view, thumb holes used

Side view

Rear

Hood up

Aero hood - The distinctive TAD Gear AERO Hood folds flatter against the back when down. The v5 Ranger Hoodie hood has the extended bill which offers more protection.
Velcro swatches on shoulders - The colour-matched velcro swatches on the shoulder pockets measure 5" tall x 4" wide.

Hood face opening

Collar details

Hand warmer pocket entrance

Inside hand warmer pocket

Upper sleeve/shoulder pocket

Inside upper sleeve pocket

One-handed bottom hem drawcords - In the bottom hem are elastic waist drawcords on each side, with cord-locks. They're cinched up just by pulling them tight with one hand, as the cord locks are sewn down. The bottom sweep width has been increased by an inch for v5, and the cord locks are now located at the 11 and 1 o'clock positions at the front instead of at the sides. There were moved for less interference with a pistol draw or side-worn holsters.
2 High-rise side entry handwarmer chest pockets - The v5 pockets follow a similar format to the v2 and 3. The high-rise location allows access to the pockets when wearing a pack waist belt. Inside each pocket is a plastic D-ring attached by non-elastic webbing for dummy-cording contents. The D-ring is attached to the rear of the pocket like the Gen 2 instead of near the opening like the Gen 1, where it could interfere with the closing of the zipper. There's a 5.5" deep slim flashlight, folding knife or multitool pocket near the zipper entrance (TAD's website also mentions mesh dviders but I didn't find any). I was able to put a Leatherman Wave in it. Also standard are TAD's molded rubber media pass-through slot, for iPOD, cell phone, or radio cables/wires. There's a little molded plastic loop on the inside of the jacket below the left collar for routing the cable that comes through the media pass-through slot in the pocket.
2 large sleeve pockets - These are now larger in size than the v3 (implemented on the v4), and are stitched into the shoulder seam for more room. This allows some folks to carry a neck knife in the pocket. They're appoximately 9.5" x 7" in size. The zipper opening is 5.5".
Quick-access ID forearm pocket - This is located on the left forearm and is sized for ID, keys and smaller items.
Lower back dual zippered 'Duck pocket' - This feature was introduced on the v3 Ranger Hoodie. It measures about 12" wide x 10" tall, and is located on the lower back of the jacket for storing soft items like beanies, gloves etc. It's easily accessible from both sides. A secondary use for the pocket zippers is that they can be opened for small-of-the-back ventilation when the pocket is empty, as the lining is mesh and allows airflow.
Thumb hole cuffs - the cuffs are of the same design as the previous versions; with the thumb holes for keeping the back of your hands warm and to prevent the sleeves from riding up. Gloves can be worn over or under the cuff. I'd still like to have a velcro wrist tab so I can tighten the cuff around my wrist to seal out the wind if I'm not using the thumbholes.
Armpit vents - There are four buttonhole slit vents under the arms.
Removable logo - Now familiar is the glow-in-the-dark embossed TAD logo patch which can be removed from the small velcro patch on the lower right of the jacket.

Duck pocket zippers

Duck pocket inside

Cuffs and ID pocket

Pit vents

Bottom hem and drawcords

Sizing, additional observations - The v5 Ranger Hoodie is sized the same as the previous versions - like TAD's Stealth Softshells - form fitting, but with enough room for an additional light insulating layer underneath like the Scout Hoodie or a sweatshirt. I've worn the Predator and other hardshells over it for additional cold weather protection, which fits over it with room to spare (because of the lack of excess material and bulk). Mobility is great; and movements are unrestricted. As mentioned previously, the v5 is 1" longer than the v3, and 1" shorter in the sleeve than the v4. The elbow patches of the v4 are gone.

The only thing I'd change (and I've mentioned this on the previous Ranger Hoodies) is to have adjustments at the cuffs. Since they're longer, and wider to accomodate being worn over the hand, they're a little loose around my skinny wrists, so a draft can blow up my sleeves if it's windy. If I'm not using the thumbhole feature, I simply roll up the cuff once, which shortens it and makes it tighter around my wrist. I'd like a little elastic, or the same kind of velcro tab that's on the Stealth Hoodie cuffs.

The M.E. Green shown here is a very pleasant sage-like colour; more on the greyish green side than 'green'. Like the previous versions, the v5 Ranger Hoodie has a pretty wide usable temperature range - it's breathable so it doesn't get too stuffy, even when it's a bit warm for a fleece jacket. When it's cold and windy, it outperforms other fleeces like the SPEAR and USMC jackets as it stops the majority of the wind and retains body heat better. Even in wet weather, they're surprisingly effective. For the past few years, if the weather doesn't call for a dedicated wet-weather jacket or soft shell, the Ranger Hoodies have become some of my favourite go-to choices as a stand-alone general use jacket in cold or chilly weather because of their comfort, performance and all-round utility.

TAD Gear Spectre Hoodie LRP MultiCam (2009)

1/8/09 - The Spectre Hoodie LRP MultiCam (now sold out) is Triple Aught Design's (TAD Gear) 'flagship' U.S.-made softshell, with more pockets and volume than their Stealth Hoodie Reloaded. Designed as a robust softshell for protracted field use encountered in Long Range Patrol (hence the "LRP" designation); the Crye MultiCam version of the Spectre is a limited edition of one run only, and will not be available again. It's TAD Gear's first and last MultiCam softshell (as of this writing), due to the high cost of developing and manufacturing the soft shell fabric in MultiCam . The MultiCam Spectre differs from the solid colour Spectres by its material - it's thicker and warmer, and suited for colder weather, or as a stand-alone jacket instead of a light shell + mid insulating layer. It is designed for aerobic activity with breathability taking precedence over water resistance.

Hood rolled up

Hood unrolled

The Spectre Hoodie LRP (MultiCam) has similar general features and lines as the other TAD soft shell/jackets, but with a different pocket configuration, and more space in the upper arms pockets. This is to account for the chest pockets being rendered uselss when a plate carrier or armour is worn over the jacket.

Hood down, front zipped up

Hood up

Pit zip

Here's a summary of the features on the Spectre Hoodie LRP MultiCam:

Material - The solid-colour Spectre Hoodies are made from a slightly softer hand sharkskin than the sharkskin version on the Stealth Reloaded featured in the previous writeup, and are available in M.E. Green, M.E. Brown, and U.E. Gray (the Stealth Hoodie Reloaded comes in Black, OD Green and Urban Brown). This makes them most similar in feel to the Gen 1 Stealth Hoodie, which was Schoeller WB-400; a lightly insulated and stretchy fabric. The Gen 2 Stealth Hoodie and SharkSkin v3.0/Gen 3 Stealth Hoodie were made of lighter weight materials; the Gen 3 being closer to an uninsulated shell than the typical soft shell jacket.
The custom-made MultiCam softshell fabric used for the LRP Spectre Hoodie shown here is unique to this model. It is TAD's thickest, warmest 'sharkskin' 3-layer softshell fabric. It is DWR-treated, highly abrasion-resistant 100% nylon with a smoother, quieter face. The technical fleece backing is 100% polyester. The fleece lining has higher loft and provides more insulation than any of the other Stealth Hoodie fabrics.

The MultiCam Spectre fabric was spec'd to be more breathable than water resistant for high aerobic alpine warfare (cold and dry snow conditions rather than rain), while wearing plate carriers for sustained or protracted periods where the jacket would not be easily removed. Also, due to the textile parameters needed to print MultiCam, the water resistance rating for the MultiCam textile is about half that of the solid colour Stealth/Spectre LRPs. The MC Spectre has excellent vapour transmission rate at the sacrifice of high water resistance.

When I first wore the MC Spectre out in the rain, I expected it to be almost completely waterproof like the new Stealth Reloaded, which was very impressive in my rudimentary 'sink test'. The rain was quite heavy and pelting, but I felt dry inside. I was outside for about half an hour. When I took the jacket off, I noticed a couple of small raindrop-sized damp spots. I thought that maybe some of the water on the outside of the jacket must have flicked into the fleece when I took it off. I then decided to do a sink test on it. My sink test consists of lining a sink with the jacket, ensuring that a solid area of material with no seams or openings covers the bottom of the sink. I then fill it up with as much water as it'll hold; usually a couple of inches deep, and then check it periodically for penetration. The depth of the water provides pressure, which is a better indicator than just running water over the fabric, as raindrops fall with force. I also rub the face fabric, and try to massage the water into it, as would happen if you wear pack straps over the shoulders. Anyways, after about half an hour, I noticed the MC Spectre fabric was beginning to wet through. Within the hour, the water had penetrated to the fleece. This is about on par with the Gen 2 Stealth which was made of Schoeller WB-400. Water resistant, but not water proof. The fabric in the later versions of the TAD Stealths are practically water proof. So, take note that the MC Spectre is water resistant, but not as much as the other Stealth softshells.

Cut - Articulated 4-panel body "Alpine Cut" construction for mobility and superior fit. Longer, "Extreme-reach" sleeve cut prevents creep when raising arms or in the prone position. Sleeves are also pre-shaped/articulated for the natural hang of the arms.
Corded, low profile AERO Hood - This is TAD's signature hood design, updated since the Gen 3 model with elastic shock cord adjustment and improved brim (vs. the Gen 1 and 2 Stealths). The shock cords allow the hood face opening to be adjusted (loosened or tightened) with one hand. The ends of the shock cord exit the hood at the bottom of the collar and are exposed for easy access without having to reach inside the jacket. When tightened around the face, the hood opening moves relatively well with the head, since the soft shell material is stretchy.
The brim protrudes outwards, providing good protection without coming too low to restrict vision. It's a little shorter than the one on the Reloaded, and not stiffened. Worn down with the collar zipped closed, the brim sits against the back of the head to seal in warmth.
This hood also features the H.R.U.F. (Hood Roll Up Flap) sewn to the inside of the collar which velcros inside the hood when not in use. When the hood is rolled up, the flap goes over the rolled-up hood and attaches to the two velcro patches on the outside of the collar in the back. To unroll the hood, the flap is simply pulled off the velcro and the hood deployed. No zippers on the collar to contend with. The HRUF flap is made of the same material as the rest of the jacket. There are 1" x 1" velcro squares sewn to the back of the hood for glint tape or Ranger eyes.
When rolled up, the collar stands up. I prefer to wear it down as I have never had it get in the way.
Pit zips for venting - The pit zips on the Spectre are 11" long and open from top to bottom.
Heavy duty large tooth YKK Delrin main zipper.

Collar/hood details

Inside hood

HRUF system

Rear of hood

Pit zip

'Napoleon' pocket

Colour matched covert YKK zippers - All zippers match the material and zipper pulls are protected by 'zipper garages' in the closed position. Note that the covert zippers are not waterproof.
'Napoleon' pocket - One 'Napoleon' pocket on the upper left chest. This measures about 7" x 7".
Lower hand warmer pockets - Intead of the usual hi-rise chest pockets on the Stealth Hoodies, the Spectre has two low hand warmer pockets. There is a 'stash pocket' in each of them for slim flashlight, small pocket knife, pens etc. Inside the rear of the pocket is a plastic D-ring on webbing for dummy cording contents.
Rear dual-entry 'Duck pocket' - This is a large 12" x 10" trapezoidal pocket, like a 'poachers pouch' on the lower back of the jacket for storing soft items like beanies, gloves etc. It's easily accessible from both sides. A secondary use for the pocket zippers is that they can be opened for small-of-the-back ventilation when the pocket is empty.

Hand warmer pocket

Duck pocket zips

Duck pocket

Upper sleeve velcro swatches - These measure 5" x 4".
Upper sleeve pockets - The upper sleeve bellow-style pockets extend up to the shoulder seam instead of stopping a couple of inches below it. They measure about 10" tall x 8" wide and are pretty roomy.
Small ID pocket on lower sleeve - There's a small ID pocket on the lower left sleeve/fore arm for small items like ID, a key, coins etc.
D-ring keepers in pockets - The upper sleeve pockets and handwarmer pockets all have plastic D-ring keepers sewn to webbing inside the pocket, for dummy cording critical items from loss.
Media Pass-through slits in shoulder pockets - The Spectre has die-cut rubber media pass through slits for headphone/cell phone cords in the shoulder pockets.
Die cut Tuff Grip Velcro adjustable cuff tabs - The same black die cut rubberized tab as on the Gen 2 and 3 hoodie is used, with colour-matched velcro. The fabric has enough stretch in it to allow me to slip it on and off without undoing the velcro tab.
Reinforced elbows - Same fabric double layer reinforcement patches on the elbows. There's a slot access to the pocket created by the patches from inside the sleeve for inserting a foam/T-pro pad that's been cut to size for added protection .
Bias cut bottom hem with cord locked draw cord - The back of the jacket is cut longer in the back and there are elastic draw cord locks on both sides to seal out the wind.

Upper sleeve patch and pocket

Bottom hem and drawcords

Reinforced elbow/pad pocket

Internal foam insert opening

Velcro cuffs

Observations/Notes - The first thing I noticed about the MC Spectre was that the fabric was thicker and warmer than any other previous version of TAD's soft shells. I asked if this was unique to the MultiCam version, and the answer was 'yes'. The solid colour versions of the Spectre as made of material more similar to the Stealth Reloaded, which has less lofty fleece insulation. The MultiCam Spectre was intended as a high-aerobic alpine (cold and dry snow conditions rather than rain) soft shell jacket for units needing a good camouflage pattern, warmth, and protection from the wind and occasional moisture. As mentioned above, breathability/vapour transmission was emphasized over water resistance, so the MultiCam version has approximately half the water resistance of the solid colour versions.

The MultiCam fabric has a soft hand and is also quieter than some other fabrics, with a lower pitch nylon 'swish'. It's also slightly stretchy, both for comfort and range of motion. The loftier fleece lining gives it a bit of a padded feel, like a sweatshirt, and helps cushion the elbows where it's doubled up. Due to the thicker fabric, the hood does not roll up as compactly as the thinner fabrics, and makes for a bulkier roll around the neck. I usually prefer to leave the hood down; unrolled.

Sizing feels a bit more generous than the Stealth Reloaded, especially in the arms, and the Spectre will accommodate a medium weight mid layer underneath.

The Spectre hood opening elastic cord adjustment is like the Stealth Gen 3, with the ends were exposed, so the hood can be tightened with one hand. On the Reloaded, since the ends are inside the chest pockets, it requires unzipping the pocket to pull them, if you want to adjust the hood with one hand. The tradeoff for ease of adjustment are the loose ends, which I sometimes grab by accident when I reach for the main zipper pull or Napoleon pocket pull.

If you're on the fence about which to get; the Spectre LRP or Stealth Reloaded, the difference is in the details, really. At the time of this writing, the MultiCam Spectres are sold out, so this review applies to the main features of the LRP Spectre in solid colours. The Spectre is made domestically, has more load capacity and a is bit more generous in fit than the Reloaded. The Reloaded is made overseas but is more technically advanced, with its welded features and is also slightly lower in price.

I'd estimate the usable temperature range for the MC Spectre to be about 65°F and below, depending on level of activity and layering. Anything above that, and it'll be a bit warm. As advertised, breathability is excellent - this is a trend I'm noticing with TAD's soft shells. The material is getting more water resistant (with the exception of the MC Spectre) without being stuffy. I wore it in the desert in the mid-40's and it was comfortable over just a t-shirt when I was moving around. I used Crye field shirt elbow pads in the Spectre and they fit perfectly.

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