WhichCar
4x4australia

Amabilis Responder jacket and hoodie: product test

Military-grade apparel from the industry’s experts.

Amabilis Responder jacket and hoodie product test review
Gallery1

FOLLOWING the successful Kickstarter campaign for the Dave Jr 2.0 Duffle, Brian Abrams, veteran military, tactical and government agency apparel designer for more than 25 years – and founder of Amabilis – returned with a campaign for the Responder tactical jacket and Responder hoodie, receiving more than 1000 per cent of the funding goal.

The Responder jacket is made from a nylon/cotton blend, the go-to for military garments for its strength and breathability. It’s available in military green or tactical black colours, with heavy-duty YKK zippers and stretch-woven soft shells around the cuffs and underarms for a closer fit and to allow freer movement.

 On the shoulders and down the front there is a welcome addition of coated neoprene armour plating to prevent abrasion while wearing a backpack. Laser cut into this is a military “MOLLE” pattern that can be used to clip accessories like pouches, torches and pocket knives.

A great feature of the Responder jacket is the side-vent zippers that allow access to pant pockets without needing to lift the jacket above the waist.

Speaking of pockets, there are 10 in total, positioned all over the jacket, inside and out – most are zippered, with some big enough to hold a tablet. Particularly useful are the two quick-access pockets on the chest, concealed behind the neoprene armour plating and big enough to hold a wallet or phone. Quick access is possible thanks to a magnetic clip.

 There are a few other military touches on the ‘Responder’ jacket, with both a lanyard ring on the front and Velcro loop patches on the arms for attaching ranks, flags or name patches. Amabilis offers both flags and custom name patches from its online store.

The Responder hoodie is more casual, but it still has the rugged, high-quality feel of the jacket. Made from Polartec, the hoodie is warm and comfortable and comes in a moss green or asphalt grey colour.

 Just like the jacket there is stretch built into the sides, back and cuffs via a stretch fleece. There are also nylon shoulder patches to resist abrasions while carrying bags.

The hoodie is quick to slip on with its deep front opening, and it clips closed with cool gunmetal oversized buttons. The stand-up collar is quite tall, so it’ll help keep your neck warm, and the substantial hood can be pulled up over the collar to keep your head warm.

Pockets on the hoodie are restricted to just two, but the front chest pocket is big enough to take a large phone, with a hidden button to hold it closed. A massive front kangaroo pocket is big enough to store large items for quick access, and it’s lined to keep your hands toasty.

 Both garments ooze military heritage, functionality and ruggedness. Both are a great addition for camping, four-wheeling, fishing, or just when the weather turns bad, and both the hoodie and jacket are available now in half sizes from small to XXXL.

Mick Hurren

COMMENTS

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.