An airsoft tactical jacket goes under the vest, not instead of it: choose a flexible, water-repellent softshell for cold and wind, a combat shirt when it is hot, and adjust the vest once the jacket is on. The right choice depends on the season, your vest and the camouflage of your terrain.
This article is part of our airsoft outfit guide.
Jacket or tactical vest: do not mix them up
In airsoft, "tactical jacket" and "tactical vest" often get used for two different things:
- The jacket is clothing: softshell, fatigue jacket, combat shirt. It covers you and protects from the weather.
- The tactical vest carries gear: magazines, radio, dummy plates. It goes over the jacket.
This article is about the jacket. For vests, plate carriers or chest rigs, see our tactical vest guide.
Softshell, hardshell, fleece or combat shirt?
| Type | Strengths | Limits | When to wear it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softshell | Flexible, windproof, water-repellent, breathable | Not fully waterproof in heavy rain | Autumn, winter, spring |
| Hardshell (waterproof) | Rainproof | Less breathable, noisier and stiffer | Continuous rain, over everything else |
| Fleece | Warm and light | Lets wind through, snags on vegetation | Mid layer under a softshell |
| Combat shirt | Breathable torso under the vest, reinforced sleeves | No protection from cold | Summer, intense effort |
What is a softshell?
A softshell is a jacket made of stretchy technical fabric, usually treated so that water beads on the surface. It blocks wind, lets sweat out and moves with you, which makes it more comfortable than a waterproof shell for running, crouching or shouldering a replica. It is the most common spring, autumn and winter jacket in airsoft.
Our softshell jackets
Our Multicam and Ranger Green softshells sell for €142.99. Stated features:
- 3M Thinsulate insulation;
- SBS or YCC zips;
- reinforced stretch zones on the shoulders and back, where the vest and pack press;
- sizes S to XXXL (check availability of yours on the product page).
Multicam adapts to varied terrain; solid Ranger Green suits forests and matches a vest of any colour. See airsoft camouflage types.
What a tactical jacket brings in the field
- Protection: thick fabric softens BB hits and protects from brambles.
- Warmth: you stay mobile in cool weather without piling on jumpers.
- Camouflage: arms and shoulders, very visible behind cover, stay in the pattern.
- Durability: seams and zips are made for falls and carrying gear.
How to wear a tactical jacket with a vest
- Start with the base layer: a technical T-shirt that wicks sweat, such as our Emerson combat T-shirt (€82.99).
- Put on the jacket and zip it three-quarters of the way to keep some ventilation.
- Put the vest on top, then adjust the shoulders and cummerbund with the jacket on: a vest set up over a T-shirt is too tight in winter.
- Check your movement: shoulder the replica, crouch, draw a magazine, raise your arms.
- Keep the armband visible on the sleeve, above the vest.
- Vent between rounds: open the jacket or take it off during breaks so you do not sweat and then get cold.
Choosing the right size
Allow for what you will wear underneath in winter. A jacket that is too tight pulls at the shoulders when you aim; too big, it bunches under the vest and snags. When trying it on, raise your arms and cross them in front of you: the cuffs should not ride up to mid-forearm.
Caring for a softshell
- Wash at low temperature on a gentle cycle, zips closed.
- No fabric softener, which clogs the fabric and reduces breathability.
- Air dry, away from direct heat.
- Always follow the garment's care label.
Frequently asked questions
What is a softshell jacket in airsoft?
A jacket made of stretchy, windproof, water-repellent technical fabric that lets sweat out. It is worn under the vest in cool weather.
Tactical jacket or tactical vest: what is the difference?
The jacket is clothing that protects from the weather; the vest carries magazines and gear. The vest goes over the jacket.
Is a softshell waterproof?
It is water-repellent: water beads off in light rain, but heavy, continuous rain eventually gets through. In the rain, add a waterproof layer.
Do you need a tactical jacket in summer?
No. In summer, a combat shirt or technical T-shirt under the vest is enough. Keep light long sleeves to protect your arms.
Read also
- Airsoft outfit: how to choose and build yours
- Airsoft tactical vest: the guide
- Airsoft gear for hot weather
Multicam softshell jacket
Stated 3M Thinsulate insulation, stretch zones under the vest. Also available in Ranger Green. €142.99.
See the Multicam softshell →
