Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s Review

First Impressions of Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s

The Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s immediately struck me as a garment designed with serious purpose. The Flying Cross brand has a solid reputation for outfitting public safety professionals, so my expectations were high. This bomber jacket, with its reversible design, ANSI-certified reflective tape, and weather-resistant features, promised versatility and protection for those working in demanding environments.

I was searching for a jacket that could handle unpredictable weather conditions while maintaining a professional appearance and allowing freedom of movement. My old jacket, while durable, was bulky and lacked the reflective elements necessary for low-light safety. I was also drawn to the Dutyguard RT‘s reversible design, which offered two distinct looks in one garment.

Upon unboxing, the jacket felt substantial, yet surprisingly lightweight. The materials felt high-quality, and the construction appeared robust, promising long-term durability. The reflective tape was bright and well-integrated, and the reversible design seemed well-executed, with clean stitching and no obvious compromises.

Compared to a similar bomber jacket from 5.11 Tactical and another from Tru-Spec, the Flying Cross Dutyguard RT stood out because of its four-way stretch material and reversible functionality. I felt it offered a better balance of comfort, visibility, and versatility than the others, which seemed either too focused on tactical features or lacking in weather protection. I was definitely excited to put this jacket through its paces.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s during a week-long search and rescue training exercise in the local mountains. The exercise involved navigating various terrains in fluctuating weather, from sunny skies to sudden rain showers. The jacket performed admirably in all conditions, providing excellent wind and water protection without feeling overly bulky or restrictive.

The jacket’s four-way stretch allowed me to move freely while climbing over obstacles and assisting team members. The side seam weapon access proved useful for quickly accessing tools stored on my belt, and the zippered pockets kept my essentials secure. I was impressed by how quickly the jacket dried after being caught in a downpour, and the reflective tape was noticeably effective during low-light hours.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s has held up exceptionally well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, even in high-stress areas like the cuffs and seams. Cleaning the jacket is a breeze; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove dirt and grime.

The jacket’s waterproof membrane continues to perform flawlessly, even after repeated exposure to rain and snow. Compared to my previous tactical jacket, which quickly lost its waterproofness, the Dutyguard RT has maintained its performance admirably. I can confidently rely on this jacket to keep me dry and comfortable in any weather.

Breaking Down the Features of Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Flying Cross
• Fabric/Material: Polyester. The polyester fabric provides a good balance of durability, water resistance, and breathability, which are essential for outdoor and tactical applications.
• Apparel Fit: Regular. A regular fit allows for comfortable layering and freedom of movement without being too baggy or restrictive.
• Gender: Male. This jacket is specifically designed for the male physique, ensuring a comfortable and functional fit.
• Age Group: Adults. The design and features are geared towards adult users in professional or recreational settings.
• Application: Tactical. Its features, such as weapon access and reflective tape, cater to tactical and public safety professionals.
• The jacket features 2-inch ANSI-certified reflective tape. This ensures 360-degree visibility in low-light conditions, crucial for safety in roadside or emergency situations.
• It’s made with a waterproof, windproof, and breathable shell with 4-way stretch. This combination provides excellent weather protection and allows for unrestricted movement, vital for demanding tasks.
• The jacket includes a snap-on removable hood with a toggle adjuster. This allows for customization based on weather conditions and personal preference.
• Mic loops on each shoulder support communication devices. These loops ensure secure and convenient placement of microphones for clear communication.
• A badge tab with eyelets is present for reinforcement. This feature provides a secure and professional way to display identification badges.
• A zippered vertical chest pocket securely stores documents. This pocket ensures important papers are safe and easily accessible.
• Elasticized cuffs provide a perfect fit. This keeps the elements out and ensures a comfortable and secure fit around the wrists.
• Side seam weapon access opens to the hem with a zipper and snap closure. This allows for quick and easy access to a sidearm or other equipment worn on the belt.
• Two drop-in lined hand warmer pockets with flap and zipper closure are included. These pockets offer warmth and secure storage for small items.

Performance & Functionality

The Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s excels in its primary function: providing weather protection and visibility in a comfortable and versatile package. Its waterproof and windproof shell effectively shields against the elements, while the breathable fabric prevents overheating during strenuous activity. The reflective tape is exceptionally bright and provides excellent visibility in low-light conditions.

One minor weakness is the lack of internal pockets on both sides of the reversible design; it would be helpful to have more storage options regardless of which side is facing outwards. Overall, the jacket meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-oriented garment.

Design & Ergonomics

The Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s boasts a well-thought-out design. The materials are high-quality, and the construction feels solid and durable. The regular fit allows for comfortable layering without feeling bulky, and the four-way stretch material ensures freedom of movement.

The jacket is relatively lightweight, which is a significant advantage for extended wear. There is virtually no learning curve to using the jacket; it is intuitive and comfortable from the first wear.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s is built to last. The materials are resistant to abrasion and tearing, and the seams are reinforced for added durability. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is sufficient to keep the jacket looking its best, and the waterproof membrane has held up well to repeated exposure to the elements.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s comes with a removable hood. While it doesn’t offer extensive customization options, the jacket is compatible with standard badge tabs and microphone loops, allowing for personalization to meet specific professional requirements. The generous cut also allows for layering with other garments for added warmth or protection.

Pros and Cons of Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s?

The Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, EMTs, and other public safety professionals who require a versatile and reliable outer layer. It’s also well-suited for individuals who work outdoors in unpredictable weather conditions and need high visibility for safety. Anyone who values comfort, durability, and functionality in their outerwear will appreciate this jacket.

Individuals looking for a casual, everyday jacket might find the Dutyguard RT overkill, as its features are specifically tailored for professional use. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality base layer for added warmth in extremely cold conditions.

Conclusion on Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s

The Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s is an outstanding piece of outerwear that delivers on its promises of weather protection, visibility, and versatility. While the price point may be higher than some alternatives, the quality of materials and construction, combined with the jacket’s thoughtful features, justify the investment. It is a reliable and durable garment built to withstand the rigors of professional use.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Flying Cross Dutyguard RT Reversible Bomber Jacket – Men’s to anyone seeking a high-performance jacket for demanding environments. Invest in your comfort and safety – you won’t be disappointed.