Summer days are an invitation to enjoy the great outdoors, but when the sun’s rays crank up the heat, it can make for a miserable time on patrol. The last thing you need is to be weighed down or for your uniform to trap the heat. These selected duty apparel products feature breathable fabrics, allow for ease of movement and are ready to endure a lot of wear and tear.
RIDGELINE CARBON FIELD WATCH
Time on Your Side
A duty watch doesn’t have to add bulk to what you already wear on the job. The Ridgeline Carbon Field Watch by First Tactical is made with a lightweight carbon resin PA housing; the medium-sized face and 12.5mm thickness further streamline its appearance. Although crafted for tactical purposes with its durable webbing band and Super-LumiNova hands, stylistically, the watch blends in with casual wear as well as with any uniform. MSRP $169.99.
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SUBLITE CUSHION TACTICAL
Fancy Footwork
Police work is tough on the body, so the creators of the new Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical Boot, licensed by Warson Brands, have calculated for the type of stress law enforcement professionals put on their feet. A MemoryTech footbed conforms around the foot for an individualized fit, while the Sublite foam midsole technology minimizes the boots’ weight. The heel and toe have rubber pads for stopping/starting power and a slip-resistant outsole maintains a grip on wet surfaces. The boot also protects the wearer against electrical hazards. MSRP $113 to $148.
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ABOOTTABAD TRAIL MID WP
Ready to Run
These rugged, quick-adjusting Altama Aboottabad Trail Runners are packed with tactical features to protect you in action, including a SOF-ROC™-wrapped arch, Panama Sole technology and highly cushioned midsole. The Rock ’n’ Roll Plate™ prevents bruising from underneath, while the molded rubber toe helps protect the foot when kicking. Waterproof membrane construction of microfiber polyurethane and nylon mesh laminate maximizes breathability and airflow. Available in coyote (tan), hunter green, gray, black and brown, as well as a low-cut (non-waterproof) style. MSRP $149.99.
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WOMEN’S TACTICAL STRETCH RIPSTOP PANTS
Form and Function
Constructed out of flexible, comfortable fabric, Dickies’ Women’s Tactical Stretch Ripstop Pants accommodate a police officer’s needs, such as a covert handcuff pocket at the center waist, an L-shaped front pocket for knife clips, plus a cellphone pocket and inset back pocket. The cargo pocket even has a built-in mag pouch. Available in black, desert sand and midnight, the pants come in a men’s cut, too. Dickies also makes the Short Sleeve Ventilated Ripstop Tactical Shirt to complete your professional look. MSRP $58.99.
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PURSUIT SHORT
Practically Perfect
The Pursuit Short by Blackhawk! boasts large cargo pockets in addition to standard trouser pockets, so you can skip the long pants without giving up storage for accessories. Badges can be placed on the wide front belt loops. Other design elements include an action waistband that moves with the wearer to prevent binding, plus ripstop fabric treated with Teflon Shield to repel oil, water and most stains. MSRP $64.99 (28”–42” waist) or $69.99 (44”–54” waist).
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24-7 XPEDITION PANTS
Gotta Vent
These Xpedition Pants are the newest design in Tru-Spec’s 24-7 Series and have many elements to prevent the fatiguing effects of summer heat. Dual mesh zippered vents on each thigh and calf encourage a cooling airflow. Other functional favorites include one back pocket with an accessible flap and the other with a secured zipper closure, as well as boot hooks and strap adjustments with snaps on the ankle cuffs. Available in various colors. MSRP $117.95 or $154.95 (multicam/coyote color).
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WOMEN’S SUMMERWEIGHT TACTICAL SHIRT
Cool It Now
Female officers will value the practical characteristics of the Women’s Summerweight Tactical Shirt by Propper. It’s cut from a lightweight fabric that’s been coated with a UPF 50 layer to protect against damaging sun exposure. Additionally, the shoulders are vented in back for extra airflow. Tactical highlights include a side-access chest pocket with hook-and-loop closure. MSRP $44.99 (short sleeve) or $49.99 (long sleeve).
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PRO VALOR 6″ DUTY SOFT-TOE WATERPROOF SIDE-ZIP
Decked Out
There’s more to taking care of your feet than just finding comfortable shoes, especially for law enforcement professionals. The Timberland PRO Valor 6” Duty Soft-Toe Waterproof Side-Zip boot features many of the same characteristics of other work boots, but with a few key additions. The footwear is treated with a blood-borne pathogen protection as well as electrical hazard protection. The mesh lining contains an antimicrobial to prevent odor buildup. It also has a wall-climb toe grip for sure footing when you find yourself going vertical. MSRP $150.
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XPRT UNIFORMS
Fully Dressed
5.11 Tactical partnered with Cordura to create NYCO Tactical, a new fabric used in Xprt uniforms. The cotton/Cordura nylon ripstop blend features no-melt, no-drip properties and has been finished with a Teflon treatment to prevent easy staining. The durable material is complimented with comfort factors such as pants with a low-profile, adjustable waistband with spacer mesh for breathability. Or a shirt with a DuPont Kevlar-lined collar. Articulated pants and elbow pockets accommodate internal knee- and elbow pads. MSRP: pants, $199.99; shirt, $229.99
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BODYSHIELD EXTERNAL VEST CARRIER
Smart Uniform
Facilitating greater freedom of movement and easier donning and doffing, Elbeco’s BodyShield Vest Carrier allows the ballistic vest to be worn outside the uniform. This machine-washable, stain-repellent vest meets modern policing needs by accommodating on-body camera and communication technology, plus it includes UPF 50 protection as well as the VSS1 Suspension System to reduce back strain. Available in midnight navy, tan and black. MSRP unavailable.
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ELITE OPS TACTICAL PANTS
Designed to Last
The physical aspects of police work can be tough on duty apparel, which is why Galls has emphasized durability in its Elite Ops Tactical Pants. A hybrid fabric offers a water-repellant ripstop shell that keeps the wearer dry along with a stretch waist for freedom of movement. What’s more, the knees are reinforced with abrasion-resistant fabric. Other key functional features include D-rings on each side of the waist and reinforcements on front pockets for knife and tool clips. MSRP: $54.99
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Read this story in the Summer 2017 issue of FOP Journal.
