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stow-away hood fits the head snugly, allowing a helmet to be
worn over it. The fit of the shirt is generous enough to pull over
a mid-layer but fitted enough to keep the wind out. I really rate
this as a highly functional garment and it’s usually tucked away
somewhere in my EDC kit.
Given their intimate knowledge of kitting up properly in
even the harshet condition, WTT are firm believers, as am I,
in the “layering principle”; namely using successive layers of
fabrics to give a really versatile clothing system. We’re not
going to get into base layers here as I’ll be looking at them
more closely in a future issue but I’ll start pretty close to the
skin.
The Hybrid Combat Soft Shell SO 1-0 builds upon the
under-armour, athletic fit of the WTT Combat Soft Shell, adding
fleece insulation to the yoke and collar, making it the ultimate
quarter-zip soft shell for combat conditions in colder climates;
both garments are outstanding but for me the Hybrid has the
edge in terms of functionality. This shell has been engineered
to be massively usable, incorporating two 7” pockets on
each bicep. The four-way stretch woven nylon fabric provides
ultimate strength and abrasion resistance. Highly water and
wind resistant, the fabric allows for comfort through a broad
temperature range. The Hybrid Combat Soft Shell is equipped
with dual sliders on each pit-zip, allowing the user to vent
for any condition. There are velcro patches on both biceps for
unit ID and Flag. The cuffs are adjustable with hook and loop
closures. My first impression of this shirt was “Wow!” This is a
superbly comforatble and versatile shirt which could easily be
worn over a base layer, or used as part of layering system for
more inhospitable conditions.
Next up is a sightly more traditional design but one which
again makes use of up to the minute fabric technologies. The
Soft Shell Jacket SO 1-0 combines second-skin protection with
the high degree of functionality you would expect of a tactical
piece. The body is made of a four-way stretch nylon/spandex
blended fabric bonded to hydrophobic polyester fleece,
maintaining the high stretch and memory characteristics of
a soft shell, while adding the warmth and comfort of fleece.
A high collar protects the neck from the elements and a full
zip front entry allows this jacket to come on and off easily.
Inset sleeve pockets, two on each sleeve, stretch as the wearer
moves. Zippered hand pockets are made with mesh pocket
bags to give stored objects the chance to breathe and air out.
These pockets are finished on the interior so the wearer can
stuff whatever extra gear they’ve got into a safe place. The
stow-away hood, made of nylon rip stop, is made as minimally
and as articulated as possible, fitting the head snugly, allowing
a helmet to be placed over it. Pit zips provide for ventilation,
ensuring the user’s comfort and at 20”, they can vent however
much they want, where they want! A dropped tail offers
additional protection when crouching low and overall this is a
super comfortable, super durable bit of kit.