- Base Layer: wicks sweat away from the skin (Merino/synthetics, no cotton).
- Mid Layer: provides warmth (fleece or synthetic insulation jacket).
- Outer/Shell: protects against wind/rain (Softshell = breathable, Hardshell = waterproof with taped seams).
When the seasons change and even with the most fringe temperature tolerance an overnighter in a Hawaiian shirt is no longer an option, the perennial question of the right gear arises once again: Cold, but not cold enough for a full-blown winter jacket – yet definitely chilly and uncomfortable enough to call for a proper midlayer. The seasonal shift puts Operation Transitional Jacket on the agenda and as always, we’re right at your side at the start of the layering season, presenting all undecided layering athletes with a reliable selection of anoraks, wind- and weatherproof jackets, softshells and hybrid jackets at a glance.
(l.t.r.) Helikon-Tex - Squall Hardshell Jacket, Carinthia - Loftshell Hydro
When the early-autumn drizzle sets in, the Tilak Military Gear Raptor MIG with its triple-layer GORE-TEX construction adds a boost of good spirits to the increasingly grey season. With the Arc'teryx LEAF Alpha Jacket LT Men's in Generation 2.2, a highly professional and effective barrier against rain, wind and snow is provided, while the Squall Hardshells from the layering camp of Helikon-Tex bring a true high-tech highlight to the rain jacket league of the uncomfortable season – available both in a men’s version and an anatomically adapted cut for women. A not-to-be-underestimated all-timer in terms of wind and weather protection is the Carinthia G-Loft Windbreaker Jacket, which also doubles as a lightweight insulation jacket for midlayer use. And of course, in the wind-and-weather category, the latest trump card from Carinthia’s Kärnten sleeve takes center stage: the Carinthia Loftshell Hydro. Equipped with the brand-new G-LOFT Climate Lining, it keeps control of the game against gusty weather swings and foggy, wet spells.
(l.t.r.) Helikon-Tex - Wolfhound Hoodie Jacket Climashield, Carinthia - Loftshell Climate, Arc’teryx - Atom Jacket LT Men's
Whether worn as a stand-alone layer, as a base layer or as a midlayer, high-quality pieces such as the Helikon-Tex Wolfhound Hoodie Jacket – available in two versions for men and women – or the newly improved second generation Arc'teryx LEAF Atom Jacket LT Men's (Gen 2.1) shed light into Central Europe’s early twilight and perfectly demonstrate what a so-called in-between jacket is all about. The DNS Alpha Mid Insulation Hoody Gen. II LE and especially the DNS Alpha Light Insulation Hoody Dark Grey in the TACWRK Edition also impress as high-performance midlayers or stand-alone jackets, combining innovative design with deliberately understated functionality and powerful material choices. The Tilak Military Gear Jotun MiG Jacket, featuring lightweight Polartec Wind Pro, is up to four times more wind-resistant than conventional fleece, making it just as suitable as a midlayer or outer shell. The civilian all-star made from DuraCanvas, the Helikon-Tex Greyman Jacket, is functional, reliable and styled more outsidy than outdoorsy – making it an ideal choice for urban environments. And in the softshell category, Carinthia once again rounds off our list of favorites with the Carinthia Loftshell Climate from the new Loftshell layering series – ideal on its own or in combination with the in-house Hydro version.
(l.t.r.) Leo Köhler - Combat Jacket KSK Smock, Tilak Military Gear - Noshaq Jacket
The most tactically seasoned contender for the transitional crown is, of course, the Leo Köhler KSK Smock. But other classics in the tactical field such as the Carinthia Softshell Jacket SpezKr with its hybrid construction featuring G-Loft at the back, the tactical high performer from UF Pro, the particularly lightweight UF Pro Delta Eagle Softshell Jacket Gen 3 with new non-laminated material processing, and the Tilak Military Gear Noshaq Jacket – part of the specialized Tilak Military Gear range designed specifically for professional users – not only withstand light showers and protect against cold wind, but can also be packed quickly into any mission gear when needed.
Ultimately, it remains up to your own relevant battle plans whether you go for softshell, fleece, cotton, or an ultra-light insulation jacket with or without hood: all of these jackets are, of course, tactically reliable. In the end, for the transition season – with the impressive variety of our transitional jacket selection – only one question remains: If just one, then which one?
*DWR = Durable Water Repellent. A special surface treatment that makes water bead off the fabric instead of soaking in. Needs to be refreshed regularly.
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