First Impressions of Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s
The Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s arrives promising a blend of tactical functionality and everyday comfort. Marketed towards those seeking discreet carry options without sacrificing style, this hoodie aims to provide quick access to a concealed firearm while maintaining a casual appearance. I was interested to see how well Rothco balanced these elements, especially given their reputation for affordable, but sometimes less refined, tactical gear.
I needed a comfortable and discreet option for carrying my sidearm during cooler weather. I was looking for something that didn’t scream “tactical” but still offered easy access and a secure carry method. I was particularly intrigued by the pass-through kangaroo pocket, a design I hadn’t used before, and the patriotic skull graphic, which aligned with my personal style.
Upon unboxing, the hoodie felt surprisingly lightweight. The 100% polyester fabric lacked the substantial feel of cotton, but initial impressions suggested it might be comfortable for layering. The printed graphic was bold and well-applied, and the zippered sleeve pockets hinted at practical storage capabilities.
I considered other concealed carry hoodies from 5.11 Tactical and Under Armour, but ultimately chose the Rothco due to its lower price point. I wanted to test the concept without investing heavily upfront; the Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s seemed like a reasonable entry point. I hoped it would offer a decent balance of features and affordability, even if it meant compromising slightly on material quality.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s seemed like a decent value proposition given the features and price, and I was excited to test its real-world performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s at an outdoor shooting range on a brisk autumn day. The temperature hovered around 50 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, and I wanted to assess its comfort and functionality under mild weather conditions. I wore the hoodie over a t-shirt and carried a Glock 19 in an inside-the-waistband (IWB) holster.
The pass-through kangaroo pocket was surprisingly effective for accessing my firearm. Reaching through the pocket felt natural, and I was able to draw my weapon relatively quickly after a few practice runs. The moisture-wicking fabric kept me comfortable during periods of moderate activity, and the thumbholes provided a secure fit for the sleeves.
The one issue I encountered was with the zippered sleeve pockets. They felt somewhat bulky when loaded with small items like a multi-tool and a spare magazine, and I became concerned about printing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s has proven to be a reliable, though not exceptional, garment. It has become a regular part of my casual wardrobe during the fall and early winter months, and I have worn it while running errands, hiking, and even during some light work around the house.
The hoodie has shown minimal signs of wear and tear. The graphic remains vibrant, and the zippers still function smoothly. The polyester fabric, while not the most luxurious, has held up well to repeated washing and drying, with minimal shrinking or fading.
Maintaining the Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s is simple. I wash it in cold water with similar colors and tumble dry on low. The moisture-wicking properties of the fabric also help to minimize odor retention, which is a plus for active use.
Compared to other concealed carry garments I have used, the Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s performs adequately. It doesn’t offer the same level of comfort or features as higher-end options, but it provides a functional and affordable solution for discreet carry.
Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s
Specifications
- The Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s is manufactured by Rothco. It is designed to provide concealed carry capabilities while maintaining a casual style.
- It features long sleeves, making it suitable for cooler weather. The hoodie is intended for adults and has a regular fit, designed to be neither too tight nor too loose.
- The garment is specifically designed for men, offered in black, and suitable for tactical, work, and outdoor applications. It is a hoodie style shirt made from 100% polyester.
- It has a “no” fastener/closure type, meaning it’s a simple pull-over design. The material offers moisture-wicking properties, making it comfortable during physical activities.
- The hoodie has pockets, including a passthrough kangaroo pocket for concealed carry. The lining is made of polyester, complementing the outer material for comfort and durability.
These specifications are important because they dictate the hoodie’s functionality and suitability for different environments and uses. The polyester construction offers durability and moisture-wicking, while the kangaroo pocket is the key feature for concealed carry.
Performance & Functionality
The Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s performs its primary function—concealed carry—reasonably well. The pass-through kangaroo pocket allows for quick and easy access to a firearm, and the regular fit helps to minimize printing.
The hoodie’s strengths lie in its affordability and simplicity. Its weaknesses are the somewhat bulky sleeve pockets and the lack of dedicated holster support within the kangaroo pocket.
Overall, the Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s meets expectations for its price point. It provides a functional concealed carry option without breaking the bank.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s is built from 100% polyester, which makes it lightweight and relatively durable. The weight is comfortable for all-day wear, and the regular fit allows for easy movement.
The hoodie is generally user-friendly, though some users may need time to become accustomed to the pass-through kangaroo pocket. The zippered sleeve pockets and thumbholes add to its practicality and comfort.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s should last for several seasons of regular use. The polyester fabric is resistant to shrinking and fading, and the zippers are of reasonable quality.
The hoodie is easy to maintain, requiring only standard machine washing and drying. The moisture-wicking properties of the fabric also contribute to its ease of care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s does not come with any additional accessories. However, the 4-inch x 4-inch loop field on the right sleeve allows for the attachment of morale patches or flags, providing some customization options.
The hoodie is compatible with most IWB (inside-the-waistband) holsters. However, it does not have dedicated holster attachment points within the kangaroo pocket, so users will need to rely on their holster’s retention. It’s important to note that using a proper holster is crucial for safe and secure concealed carry.
Pros and Cons of Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s
Pros
- Provides easy access to a concealed firearm through the pass-through kangaroo pocket.
- Made with a high-performance moisture-wicking composition.
- Features zippered pockets on both sleeves for additional storage and organization.
- Includes a 4-inch x 4-inch loop field on the right sleeve for adding patches.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
Cons
- 100% Polyester material feels less substantial than cotton blends.
- Sleeve pockets can feel bulky when loaded.
- Lacks dedicated holster support within the kangaroo pocket.
Who Should Buy Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s?
The Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s is perfect for individuals seeking an affordable and discreet concealed carry option for casual wear. It is well-suited for those who prioritize ease of access and comfort in mild weather conditions.
Individuals who require a more secure or structured concealed carry system should skip this product. Those who prefer higher-quality materials or need dedicated holster support should also consider alternative options.
A must-have accessory is a quality IWB holster designed for secure and comfortable carry. Also, consider adding morale patches to the loop field for personalization.
Conclusion on Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s
The Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s offers a functional and affordable solution for concealed carry. It is not without its drawbacks, but its combination of ease of access, moisture-wicking fabric, and reasonable price makes it a worthwhile option for budget-conscious buyers.
The price is justified given the features and functionality it provides. However, it’s important to understand the limitations of the 100% polyester material and the lack of dedicated holster support.
I would recommend the Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s to individuals seeking an entry-level concealed carry garment for casual use. It’s a good starting point before investing in more premium options.
If you’re looking for an affordable and discreet way to carry your firearm during cooler weather, the Rothco Bearded Skull Concealed Carry Hoodie – Men’s is worth considering. Just be sure to pair it with a reliable holster and practice your draw regularly for safe and effective concealed carry.