The most advanced tech pieces in the outdoor industry tend to start as products developed for the military and then trickle down to civilians from there. While consumers can’t always buy military-grade items, many brands with military contracts also create consumer-facing products durable enough to last through raids, desert marches and the wear and tear that comes from active duty. Here are 11 top-notch items you can buy right now from brands making gear for the troops.
Outdoor Research Infiltrator Jacket
Offered in grey or khaki, the Infiltrator jacket is part of the larger Infiltrator Collection and is meant to perform in tactical situations. This piece has a durable, stretchy Gore-Tex fabric (designed specifically for military use) and is paired with fully taped waterproof seams. Despite all that technical fabric, the jacket is still lightweight and breathable. It also comes with a combat helmet compatible halo-hood.
Campbellsville Apparel makes only a handful of garments, but it supplies cotton briefs and undershirts to all branches of the US military as well as sweatshirts and sweatpants to the Marine Corps and Air Force. The shirts and other pieces are simple yet practical — and you don’t need to enlist in order to add them to your own daily kit. Best of all, the basic white cotton t-shirts are only $12 per 3-pack.
The Assault Pant LT is the same pant that the military wears during direct action or special reconnaissance tasks in more tropical weather. The GORE Katana no melt/no drip material and TWEAVE Durastretch fabrics keep the pants lightweight and long-lasting. Kneepad inserts, liners and reinforced knees provide durability where the pants are likely to wear out first. A drawcord around the ankles keeps the pant legs tight around boots.
Think how fast you wear through your shoes, then imagine marching all over the world in that one pair. Danner’s 56-ounce non-insulated boots are built to last a lifetime. The athletic fit leaves a little breathing room for your toes. Plus, the sole offers serious traction on the pivot points, meaning you can easily change direction without slipping up. The Rivot TFX also features a Gore-Tex liner, which will keep your feet dry and comfortable through a full spectrum of weather conditions.
The Cold WX Parka SVX is the ultimate down jacket. It has a removable goggle-compatible insulated hood, plus a variety of pockets inside the coat, under the arms and on the chest to hold everything you could possibly need. It was designed specifically for special reconnaissance tasks, but could easily handle frigid days in the city.
Rocky’s S2V Tactical boots are lined with durable and abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon, coated with PTFE for flame-resistance and crafted with water-resistant leather. The Vibram sole provides much-needed comfort and traction when you’re on your feet all day, and the S2V Sieve technology allows air to make its way through your boots. The technology also allows water to drain easily out of the boot whether you’re wading through streams or dumping water on yourself to stay cool. Plus, the boots are Berry Compliant, meaning they’re made in the USA with American-made components.
Smith’s Dragstrip sunglasses provide ample coverage paired with photochromatic Chromapop lenses, which pull out colors and highlights in a variety of lighting conditions. The Megol nose pads and temple tips secure them to your face even when you’re sweating, or when it’s way too cold for anything to stay put. Plus, they come with a lifetime warranty.
Modeled after the standard-issue Spear Patrol packs made for the United States Special Operations Command, the Blackjack 80 is Mystery Ranch’s consumer-available version. The carbon frame and abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric mean it’s both long-lasting and lightweight. The four external pockets have easy-to-access top-open zippers, and the removable lid can act as an additional waist pack. This bag is also Berry Compliant.
Not everything from Valley Apparel L.L.C is available to consumers, but this Gore-Tex lined camo jacket made for the Air Force is. A high neck hides the roll-n-stow hood, and the sealed seams provide weather protection from all elements. You’ll need to email the brand to get the correct sizing and to purchase, but when you do, you’ll have an Air Force-standard Gore-Tex jacket.
This mid-layer is designed to be worn underneath a waterproof shell or body armor. It’s a quarter-zip pullover with thumb holes, which provide some hand protection without gloves. The easy-to-access chest pocket keeps essential items close, and it comes in two colors: jet black and a dusty olive.
Darn Tough’s hiking socks feature 1,441 stitches per square inch, and the military-grade seamless versions do as well. There’s no slipping or bunching, they’re breathable and most importantly, they’re incredibly durable. They’re made from merino wool, which means that they are naturally moisture-wicking and anti-microbial.
If you’re ready to spring for your Grail Rolex, this holiday season is the perfect time. eBay has thousands of beautiful, classic Rolexes on sale. Right now, you can save up to 30 percent on the Rolex of your dreams.
Offered in a number of colors and sizes, Zojirushi mugs are renowned for their quality. This one keeps beverages hot for up to six hours, and there’s a five-year warranty on the heat retention, so you’re essentially getting five years of steaming java in one purchase.
Ready to go in 15 minutes, Ooni Fyra reaches temperatures up to 932°F (500°C), cooking authentic stone-baked 12” pizza in just 60 seconds. Just one of Ooni's options when it comes to making homemade pizzas.
This class-leading multi-device wireless charger is an easy and now much more affordable way to eliminate annoying wires from your nightstand, desk, or kitchen counter.
Hydro Flask’s new insulated bottle construction features narrower vacuum-sealed walls that make this water bottle lighter than others but no less capable of keeping contents cold, or hot. It’s not just the best insulated water bottle available; it’s one of the best new products of the year.
If you're feeling cooped up, you can bet your kids (or any kids you know) are too. Do them and yourself a favor and be a holiday hero with this tricked-out scooter.
This roomy mat is moisture-wicking, antimicrobial and formaldehyde-free with excellent cushioning for joint support. Get started on your New Year's resolutions now.
Lightweight, luxuriously soft, and handsome as all get-out, with its classic sheepskin elbow patches and beautifully understated donegal finish, Take 30% off for a limited time.
Mirror is offering $500 off the entire package with code CYBERMONDAY20 (note that this does not include tax, delivery and the $39/mo subscription). This deal runs through Cyber Monday, so if you've been looking to get off the sofa and back into shape, now is the time to act.
A versatile piece of cookware that's rarely on sale, not to mention a Gear Patrol favorite, this 10-inch, 2.6-quart, non-stick cast aluminum sauté pan comes with a detachable wooden spatula, domed lid and nesting steamer tray.
Our Just Get This pick for a better office chair, the Steelcase Series 1 chair is the best value on the market. On sale for under $400, this is the office chair purchase to make.
These relaxed slim fits with a medium rise were already a ridiculously good price before the $59 off. For the quality, this might be the best Black Friday deal on jeans you'll find.
It's braising season, and this classic Dutch oven can weather any dish you throw at it. If you haven't added the classic Le Creuset Dutch Oven to your kitchen, now's your chance.
Theragun's percussive massagers are tough to beat - and they're currently on sale. The Elite works deep to melt away tension and release soreness, making this a perfect gift for anyone (or yourself).
The Adidas Ultraboost has been a Gear Patrol favorite since it launched in 2015. They're a perfect crossover for training and run commuting. While they go on sale often, 30% off for all colorways is a good find.
This travel pillow is 80% smaller than a normal travel pillow, meaning it can be stashed easily. Plus, the contoured design still offers plenty of support. While travel is not an option at the moment, it will eventually be again in the future so it's a good time to grab this neck-saver.
Patagonia's Nano Puff Jacket is a modern classic — it's light, packable and perhaps the most versatile layer one can own. With all colors on sale, the Nano Puff at 30 percent off is a deal to scoop up.
This linen sheet set is as airy as you’d want it to be, but the weave isn’t too loose either, as was common in testing cheaper linens. The low cost and variety of colors make it a rock-solid starter set.
Everlane’s jeans come from a highly-respected Japanese denim mill but at a price point way less than you'd expect. And at half off they're an easy buy in any of the washes.
Our first collab with our friends Taylor Stitch, the Reversible Able Vest (and the Lombarid Jacket as well) offers an Arid Camo on one side with Taylor Stitch's proprietary Boss Duck on the other. Score 30% off on this collab now and snatch one a perfect layering garment.
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