Propper BA Soft Shell Jacket

Softshell jackets are great for casual wear with rapid warmth adding properties. Propper have constructed their lightweight jacket with a warm micro-fleece liner material for added comfort within a front two-way YKK zipper for instant wind resistance and a variety of pockets for those all-important valuables and accessories shooters always need. The mesh liner increases breathability and that dual direction zipper is ideal for quickly releasing the generated heat from fast engagements, without having to take off and abandon the jacket.

Two pockets either side of the stomach for slotting your hands into have zipped closures for security, with dedicated internal pockets for documents with a quick access magnetic closure. For the more tactically minded wearer, there is a reflective, pull-out ID panel and dual-access zip pocket on lower back for extra concealed carry storage. If you are running about indoors for airsoft engagement, you will appreciate the underarm ventilation openings and elasticated/Velcro cuffs to stop the sleeve riding up. The cut is quite athletic with plenty of space for movement underarm, with the 94% Polyester/6% Spandex material of the outer shell demonstrating silent flexibility. Freedom of movement is guaranteed in all scenarios.

Thermal protection

Both upper sleeves show zip pockets for slender items with the right shoulder carrying a large hook/loop fastening area for I.D. badges or morale patches. The jackets ‘beads up’ and sheds light rain with ease but longer term, does get wet and isn’t that quick to dry, so I would label it as thermal protection with wind proofing, more than a full outdoor all-day layer. Small pockets at the cuffs are great for tiny item, fast access valuables with a larger inner pocket in the mesh liner good for a hat.

I especially liked the chest pockets, which offer opposing side or top fastenings, being able to choose which you want to use aids the ambidextrous shooter mounting a gun to the shoulder with ease and fewer positions to snag. The fabric holds position for the gun without being too slippery but suits grippy rubber recoil pads more than any polymer ones. The zippers have lasted well, with none of the neat seams showing any pulls or loose stitches but I’d like to have seem a few more colour choices than just black or old fashioned DPM but the sizing charts were spot on with Large fitting my 42/44-inch chest perfectly.

The cut is a quite short on the lower back, so don’t expect it to keep the cold air away from your spine but the sleeves are a generous length and allow you to fully extend your arms to shoot, without exposing flesh to unwanted seeing eyes that the dull colour otherwise conceals in low light situations.