Pentagon Clothing Update

I really like the fact these days that many tactical clothing manufacturers are making kit that you can use for many different purposes; whilst the fabrics and technologies are still way up there in terms of performance, the design element means that you can have clothing that is not just going to give protection from wind and rain, but that actually looks kind of cool too. I’ve heard people over the last year or so referring to a thing called ‘The Tactical Lifestyle’, and although I’m loathe to say it, quite a lot of this follows on from ‘The Tactical Athlete’ school and requires a certain ‘look’ that is just as much about training, fitness, mindset, and the right kit as it is about anything.

That’s another story though, but what I will say now is that Pentagon seem to be right at the very forefront of this; at a show, recently, I saw some absolutely stunning kit on their stand, and I’m pleased that this now seems to be rolling out to the retailers around the globe. The gear looks in some ways like that I use for rock climbing and mountaineering, but with a ‘tactical’ slant and extra features built in for shooters. Pentagon have also looked very closely at the colours they’ve used in the palette this year, mixing ‘brights’ (should you fancy them!) with different tones of grey and some visually appealing earth tones; don’t worry, Coyote Tan is still there, but there’s a lot more choice other than this!

After many years of research and development and working closely with Military, Police, Fire fighters, Rescue and Security teams, they developed a totally new product series, which came to be known as ‘Tactical Sportswear™’. This was their answer to an advanced performance clothing and gear concept, which incorporates quality, technology, design and aesthetic all in one package and their motto to complement all this is ‘Gear Up!™’

Gear for all!

With an established presence in both the tactical and outdoor markets, Pentagon are not ones to sit on their hands, and the latest models to hit take things a step further in all ways! Pretty much gone are the ‘square cut cargo pants’ and ‘field jackets’ of old, replaced by some really cutting-edge design elements, designed for fast-paced, dynamic users.

As I write, we’re experiencing quite a mild start to winter (again!) and I’m not yet ready to move up to a full fleece as yet, so the PENTAGON THESPIS SWEATER VEST (£41.50) is an absolutely perfect ‘halfway house’. Made from lightweight and breathable PolyCotton material, the Thespis Sweater Vest features a full front YKK zipper, high collar, a large hood for added protection, two seamless hand pockets and soft inner lining for added comfort. The Thespis Sweater Vest offers excellent freedom of movement, with good protection against the wind and cold weather and is perfect as ‘off duty’ casual wear, as well as on the range.

If you do need to start layering up against the cold though, Pentagon offers some really great options and I have two models to recommend here. The AMINTOR TACTICAL SWEATER (£66.00) is a comfortable tactical sweater, featuring a fine fleece inner backing and an outer layer with the appearance of knitted wool. It comes with a high collar, a full-length front zipper with chin guard and internal storm flap, low profile zipped chest pocket on the left side, large zipped hand pockets lined with mesh, elbows reinforced with hard shell fabric, and elastic sleeve cuffs. The FALCON TACTICAL SWEATER 2.0 (£62.00) takes things up a notch, whilst it has the same fabrics and features of the Amintor the Falcon comes with snorkel hood integrated with a high collar to keep things extra toasty!

Firm favourite

The GERAKI JACKET (£124.00) is a model that’s been in Pentagons’ line for a while now, but I have to say that it is one of my favourites! The Geraki is a warm and ultralightweight down liner jacket with duck down insulation, super soft Nylon Taslon Rip-Stop patches and genuine YKK zipper hardware. The jacket keeps warmth inside and offers superb protection against really cold and windy weather. With multiple YKK zipped pockets, elasticated cuffs and adjustable bottom hem, the Geraki Jacket is ideal to carry in your pack for those chilly range moments or for extra, immediate warmth if you’re in a bivvy situation.

In terms of trousers, Pentagon have been really looking at fit and function; the latest iteration of their popular HERMES ACTIVITY PANTS (£71.00) resembles my favourite pair of mountain trousers, but if anything, the fabrics and design are even better! Crafted from durable four-way stretch mid-weight Nylon and Elastane fabric, the Hermes Activity Pants feature Ripstop reinforced two-way stretch patches on commonly worn areas, a durable YKK main zipper with Jeans rivet button, an elasticated waist for perfect fit, and adjustable elastic cord on the legs bottom for extra protection. Additionally, the pants come with two regular hand pockets, two zipped pockets and compact tool sleeve pocket for added convenience. The Hermes Activity Pants from Pentagon are perfect for everyday wear, as well as for highly demanding outdoor activities.

Traditional trousers

If you fancy something a bit more ‘traditionally tactical’, then the ARIS TAC PANTS (£65.50) have all the features you could want in a sleek design package. Crafted from durable 225gsm two-way mechanical stretch PolyCotton Ripstop fabric, the Aris Tac Pants feature multiple storage pockets, including two expandable side cargo pockets with inner sleeve pockets, internal knee pad pockets, a diamond crotch for added freedom of movement, and elasticated tunnel tube waistband for perfect fit.

Add to what I’ve highlighted here that Pentagon also offer a solid range of footwear, headgear, accessories, packs and luggage, and all in all you’ve got a very varied yet extremely logical offering. Each year, Pentagon seems to add new fabrics, designs and technologies to their range, whilst at the same time updating and improving what they already have. From personal experience, and the feedback I’ve got from other users, Pentagon really should be a brand to put on your radar, and you can check out all the very latest models by simply visiting www.military1st.co.uk.