Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket - Unbeatable Weather Defense and Tactical Versatility

I bought the Rothco Men's Special Ops Tactical Soft Shell Jacket because I wanted a durable, weather-resistant coat for everyday wear. Little did I know, I was also signing up for an unsolicited military background check by every self-proclaimed veteran in my neighborhood. First off, the jacket itself is awesome. It's warm, lightweight, and has more pockets than I have belongings to put in them. I could smuggle an entire Thanksgiving dinner in this thing, and no one would know. The material is tough, the zippers are solid, and it even repels rain like it’s got a personal vendetta against water. However... the moment I stepped outside, I apparently activated “Tacticool Mode.” Within minutes, some guy at the gas station side-eyed me and asked, “What unit were you with?” Before I could even process what was happening, he started interrogating me like I was on trial at a military tribunal. “Where’d you deploy? What’s your MOS? What’s the capital of Uzbekistan?” (Okay, maybe not that last one, but it felt like it.) I tried to explain that I was just a regular civilian who likes extra pockets, but the guy scoffed, muttered something about “stolen valor,” and walked away. Later that day, another stranger called me “operator wannabe” under his breath at Walmart. I was just trying to buy cereal. On the plus side, I feel way more intimidating than I actually am. Dogs respect me now. Strangers don’t cut me in line. And I think my neighbor believes I work for the CIA. Final Verdict: Great jacket, super functional, but be prepared to have your non-existent military credentials questioned by random people. If you want to look like you just came back from a classified mission—but were actually just on a snack run—this is the jacket for you.

I would give this jacket 10 stars if I could! Excellent coverage and able to withstand rain and the cold. I did a hike with this and actually was very comfortable. The zippers for ventilation is also a great addition. I especially like the high pockets. Great so your waist isn’t weighed down. Worth every penny.

This is a great jacket. Do not cheap out and grab the other brands. This is the Yeti and the others are Ozark Trail. This is operator all the way! Material is nice and heavy for what you think it will be looking at pics online. It's not Goretex heavy but you can tell it's not a cheap Walmart windbreaker. I got black only because I already have green jackets issued from the Military. My only real complaint is the hood when zipped into the collar. I have a USAF issued Goretex jacket and the hood isn't as uncomfortable stored in the neck as this. I removed it and put it in the hind quarters pocket then just gave up and put it in my car. I used my Glock 17 mags and my Glock 17 for size reference. pics aren't loading so I may add them later on. The 2 front pockets are a bit high so you have to unlearn waist high hand warmers. if you wish to do this you will have to "Chicken Wing" it. Just be aware this pocket and the Hind Quarters pockets both allow fresh air to come in when they are unzipped. the Hind quarters shoot s the air to the small of your back and these front pockets sends the air down the back of the inside pockets to your crotch. they have 2 pockets each that can hold a pen and a knife mine hold the G17 mag snug. If you wish to conceal in these pockets the G17 may be a bit much if left open. If it were me I would have the gun on clip draw and have the Mig style trigger guard attached to the d ring found in both of these pockets "In theory". If you sized this jacket just right for normal use, you will print like crazy when you zip the main zipper close. I guess you just have to remember most folks don't go around looking for a gun silhouette besides other concealed carry folks. Both sides have headphone jack opening. Both upper Velcro arm pockets are Glock 17 size but the gun will not go in there. you will have to cut the zipper defeating the purpose of even having a zipper. Bot these pockets have headphone jack openings as well. Single wrist pocket is G17 mag size but same as shoulder, the zipper wont let it in. sleeves are long so after you close the Velcro tight you have some slack this slack makes 1 handed closure interesting. My workaround was middle finger at the base of the zipper and use index & thumb to pull up. May take a few tries to get it right. There is no headphone jack opening here. Inside pockets are 2 and a half G17 mags but 2 are about as far as you push it. These pockets do not have headphone jack openings. Hind quarter pocket is spacious, and vented. I put my hood in there at one point but abandoned it as it was uncomfortable there too. I put my patrol cap, neck gaiter,and gloves there instead. Remember up top I said this pocket is vented so if you leave this unzipped as well as the top chest pockets air will get in. 2/22/2018 update Washed it 2 times and it's still the same size. i wish I ordered 2X but whatever. Still works well but layer up. if it's 38*F outside and you have a T-Shirt on this will not only fail to black the cold but the zippers in the arms will be cold on you. Just a simple sweater or layering up goes wonders.

Pro: I've had this jacket for about a week now, so this isn't an impulsive review. I live in Long Island, NY. Even though winter hasn't begun really, we've had some winter like weather. For the past week the temperature has ranged from the high teens to the low 60's and I've had this jacket on the entire time (I spend a lot of time outdoors). It's been through wind and rain but not snow yet. Yesterday it was around 34 and raining, and I was walking all day in it. The jacket is impervious. There was no sign that any rain got through to my under layers. As for warmth, the jacket does the job well so long as you layer properly, which is easy to do considering how think and light the jacket is. I layer up quite well (sometimes up to 4 layers). The jacket design is very good. It has pull chords to tighten up the hood as well as the waist band to keep wind and water from getting in. The hood extends outward several inches and the turtle neck like jacket collar covers the length of my neck. I'm 6 foot abut 170 lbs. and the large fits great. Cons: 1) the zipper feels a little weak I feel that tugging on it too hard will damage the zipper teeth, but that's no big deal. When zipping up the collar, simply pinch the sides together with your hand. 2) No hand pockets. This is why 4 stars. This was a disappointment and may be a deal breaker for some. I get by with gloves but Rothco, if you're reading this, c'mon. Seriously? Update 9/2019 - still going strong. Lost some waterproofing but going to wash and dry it. Still, holding up great 5 years in.

Use it while riding. Comfortable and protects from the elements am buying a second.

Doesn't get any better, looks legit, very good quality, ordered a size bigger so I can use a hoodie for extra warmth Hood is removable and when on, hood has a winch cord, that as you pull it tight, while wearing the hood, tightens a elastic paracord around your head so hood doesn't move around....not easy to describe but, it's like wearing a hat, turns with your head , keeps in body heat, no other hoods do this, it's awesome, forget your toque(nit cap, yanks ) no problem , sinch the hood , your head stays warm, worth every cent Pit zips , awesome Pockets everywhere , awesome

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My favorite jacket hands down. The zippers are quality, the pockets plenty and spacious, the hood, while a little unusual, works very well once you figure it out. Could do a better job wicking moisture away, but for the price I am not complaining. Cleans up well and I love being able to dress it up a little with the velcro on the sleeves. Looks clean and professional, good for casual wear, camping, hiking or on the job.

Nice jacket unfortunately one pocket was not sewn all the way. Had to take it to seamstress