Tactical Suits: Jacket, UBACS and Pants
Tactical Suits: How to Choose a Set for Your Needs
Tactical suits are bought for service, training, security work, hunting and outdoor work, so you should start choosing not with the color, but with the conditions you will be wearing it in. First determine the season and the workload, then the composition of the set, the fabric and the camouflage. That way you won't overpay for insulation you won't need, and you won't freeze in lightweight ripstop in autumn.
Which Set to Choose
The most common option is a jacket and pants: a versatile set in which the jacket can be taken off or put on depending on the weather. A UBACS suit with pants is designed for work with body armor: the torso of the UBACS is made of thin knit fabric that wicks moisture away better under a plate carrier, while the sleeves are made of durable fabric. Without body armor in cool weather, such a set will need an outer layer added.
Sets with a zip-up sweatshirt or hoodie are suitable for training, the shooting range and everyday wear. For those building their gear from scratch, there are ready-made sets such as Level 7 3-in-1, 4-in-1 or 5-in-1: boots and a fleece jacket are added to the suit, and the higher versions also include a hat and a T-shirt.
| Set type | Who it suits |
|---|---|
| Jacket + pants | Field trips, hunting, daily service |
| UBACS + pants | Work in body armor, active operations |
| Hoodie or sweatshirt + pants | Training, shooting range, everyday wear |
| Set with footwear | Full gear in a single order |
Fabric and Season
Ripstop is a fabric with a reinforcing thread that stops a small tear from spreading further; it is the basis of most demi-season and summer models. Twill is denser to the touch and holds its shape well, but dries more slowly. For hot weather, look at summer tactical suits and uniforms made of lightweight fabrics with a mesh lining.
A softshell tactical suit with a fleece lining, like the Vanguard, protects against wind and light drizzle, while the fleece inside keeps you warm — the best option for cool autumn and spring. You will find more such models among softshell suits. Membrane suits, including those with Gore-Tex, are chosen for long periods in the rain: the membrane keeps water out but lets vapor escape.
Keep in mind that a membrane only works together with the right base layers: under cotton clothing, moisture builds up and the benefit disappears. For freezing weather you will need winter tactical suits with insulation.
Color and Camouflage
A Multicam tactical suit is versatile for different terrains and seasons. Pixel and Predator patterns are worn in certain units — before buying, check which camouflage is adopted in your unit. Solid coyote and olive are suitable when you need a restrained uniform without a pronounced pattern.
Blue camouflage and black suits are usually chosen for security work and urban use. If you need a field uniform, take a look at military uniforms, and for complete blending into the terrain — camouflage suits.
Size and Fit
Sizes are marked in different ways: by letters from S to 5XL, by numbers from 44 to 66, or by a "height/chest" pair, for example 180/95. Compare your measurements with the size chart of the specific model, since the cut differs between manufacturers. Choose your size taking into account the thermal underwear or fleece underneath: a suit that fits too tightly restricts movement as soon as you add a layer.
Pay attention to knee protection: the G10 pants have pockets for knee pad inserts, while the grey Lava suit comes with built-in knee pads. For larger builds, some suits are made in a separate big-size cut.
Look for other clothing sets in the sets category, and for forests and mountains, take a look at Gorka suits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a UBACS different from a jacket in a tactical suit?
A UBACS is a shirt with a knit torso and fabric sleeves, worn under body armor. It wicks sweat away better where the body is covered by the plate carrier. A jacket, on the other hand, is designed to be worn as an outer layer and protects against wind.
Which tactical suit should I choose for the demi-season?
For autumn and spring, the best fit is a softshell suit with a fleece lining or a ripstop one with a jacket and the option of wearing fleece underneath. If it rains often, consider a membrane model.
Can a membrane suit be washed in a washing machine?
Yes, but on a delicate cycle, in cool water and with liquid detergent without fabric softener. Powder and softeners clog the pores of the membrane, and it wicks vapor less well. It is better to turn off high-speed spinning.
How much does a tactical suit cost?
Prices start from 1 380 UAH for basic ripstop or twill sets. Membrane and insulated models and sets with footwear cost more — up to 7 270 UAH.