First Impressions of Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s
The Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s promises a discreet and versatile solution for everyday carry. It’s designed to blend in while offering ample storage for essential gear, including concealed firearms. As someone with over a decade of experience in the tactical gear world, I was eager to examine whether this vest lived up to its claims of functionality and concealment, especially given its budget-friendly price point.
I was seeking a low-profile carry option that didn’t scream “tactical,” something I could wear in various environments without drawing unwanted attention. Many concealed carry vests on the market are either too bulky or overtly tactical in appearance. I chose this one because it appeared to offer a balance of utility and discretion based on the product description and images.
Upon unboxing the Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s, my initial impression was that it was surprisingly lightweight. The 60% cotton/40% polyester blend felt relatively soft, but I was immediately curious about its long-term durability. Compared to the 5.11 Tactical vest I sometimes use, the Rothco felt less robust. At first glance, I was cautiously optimistic but knew the true test would be in its performance under real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. I wore the vest over a t-shirt and loaded it with my everyday carry items: a compact 9mm pistol, two spare magazines, a flashlight, a multi-tool, and my phone.
The vest performed adequately, but I quickly noticed that the padded tactical pockets, while functional, could print slightly depending on the firearm’s size and how I moved. Drawing my pistol felt smooth and relatively unimpeded, thanks to the two-way zipper and button closure. After a few hours, the vest remained comfortable and did not cause any noticeable chafing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s has shown some signs of wear, particularly around the edges of the pockets. The stitching seems to be holding up okay, but I have noticed a few loose threads. Despite these minor issues, the vest remains functional and suitable for its intended purpose.
Cleaning the vest is simple enough; I’ve spot-cleaned it with a damp cloth. I haven’t put it through a washing machine yet due to concerns about shrinkage and damage to the interior pouches. Compared to more expensive tactical vests I’ve owned, the Rothco isn’t as durable. However, given its price, I consider its performance acceptable.
Breaking Down the Features of Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s
Specifications
The Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Rothco.
- Apparel Fit: Regular. This ensures it can be worn comfortably over various clothing layers.
- Age Group: Adults.
- Application: Outdoor. It is geared towards outdoor activities that may require concealed carry.
- Gender: Male.
- Color: Midnight Navy Blue.
- Fabric/Material: 60% Cotton/40% Polyester. This blend attempts to balance comfort and durability.
These specifications provide a basic overview of the vest’s intended use and construction. The cotton/polyester blend aims to offer breathability and comfort, while the regular fit ensures it can be worn over clothing without being too restrictive.
Performance & Functionality
The Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s performs adequately for its intended purpose. Its primary function is to provide a discreet and accessible means of carrying a concealed firearm and related accessories. The vest’s multiple pockets and pouches offer ample storage for various items.
The two padded, ambidextrous tactical pockets are functional, but they don’t completely eliminate printing, especially with larger firearms. The interior magazine pouches are a welcome addition, allowing for quick access to spare ammunition. While the vest meets basic expectations for concealed carry, it falls short of offering premium comfort or exceptional concealment.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s is designed with a plainclothes aesthetic. It is intended to blend in with everyday attire. The build quality is acceptable for its price point, but the materials and stitching don’t inspire confidence in long-term durability.
The vest is reasonably user-friendly, with a simple two-way zipper and button closure for easy access to internal gear. There’s a minimal learning curve. However, the fit may not be ideal for all body types, and the lack of adjustability in some areas could be a drawback for some users.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s is not designed for heavy use. It will likely show wear and tear over time, particularly in high-stress areas. The 60% cotton/40% polyester blend is susceptible to abrasion and fading.
Maintaining the vest is relatively easy; spot cleaning is recommended. Machine washing may compromise the vest’s structure and integrity. While it is simple to maintain, its long-term durability remains a concern.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s does not come with any additional accessories. It is primarily designed to be a standalone garment. There are no specific customization options offered by Rothco.
Users can potentially add MOLLE-compatible pouches to the exterior of the vest, although it doesn’t have dedicated MOLLE webbing. Its compatibility with aftermarket accessories is limited, as its design is fairly basic and non-modular.
Pros and Cons of Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s
Pros
- Affordable Price Point: The vest offers a budget-friendly concealed carry solution, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Ample Storage: With over 20 pockets, there’s plenty of room for carrying essential gear, including spare magazines, a flashlight, and a multi-tool.
- Discreet Design: The plainclothes aesthetic allows the vest to blend in with everyday attire, minimizing unwanted attention.
- Comfortable Fabric Blend: The cotton/polyester blend provides decent comfort for extended wear, particularly in mild weather conditions.
- Easy Access: The two-way zipper and button closure provide quick and easy access to internal gear, including a concealed firearm.
Cons
- Printing Issues: The padded tactical pockets don’t completely eliminate printing, especially with larger firearms or when moving dynamically.
- Questionable Durability: The materials and stitching raise concerns about the vest’s long-term durability, particularly with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s?
The Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s is perfect for individuals seeking a budget-friendly and discreet concealed carry option for casual everyday use. It is suitable for those who prioritize affordability and ample storage space over premium materials and exceptional concealment. People who need a backup carry option, or for those just starting with concealed carry.
Those who require a highly durable and low-profile concealed carry solution for tactical or high-risk environments should skip this product. Those who require minimal printing, or those looking for premium materials should look at other options. Must-have accessories or modifications might include higher-quality holster inserts for the tactical pockets to minimize printing and improve firearm retention.
Conclusion on Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s
The Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s offers a decent value proposition for its price. While it’s not the most durable or discreet concealed carry option on the market, it provides a functional and affordable solution for everyday carry. For the price, it is worth it.
I would recommend it to budget-conscious individuals seeking a basic concealed carry vest for casual use. If you need something super durable, look elsewhere. However, if you’re on a tight budget and need a decent amount of storage, the Rothco Concealed Carry Plainclothes Vest – Men’s is worth considering. Give the Rothco a try and experience its practical blend of affordability and functionality.