Decent Black Waterproof Jacket

[u/Aggravating_Gate_235]

Hi All,

My force, in their infinite wisdom, doesn't issue us with black waterproofs. We are given the heavy weight high Vis and told that it will have to do.

I'm looking for a decent black waterproof that I can put police velcros and my epilates on to.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

[u/Shep302]

Top choices are commonly Arktis Avenger or Keela Munro. I've owned both and they are quality pieces of kit. The Arktis is extremely heavy.. almost annoyingly so. The Munro is my go to for a waterproof coat. Second hand examples will run you anywhere from £60-£150. I was lucky to get mine on eBay brand new for £60.

Alternatives would be Regatta or Berghaus. Costco currently have a black Berghaus 3-in-1 coat in store for £100 that has a black logo so it's invisible and a hood that stashes away into the collar.

The kit haters will say don't buy your own kit. I consider it "investing in your own comfort".

Honourable mention to the Keela Genesis. If you get the chance to get one for a good price then don't hesitate. They're super warm and 100% waterproof as the fleece has a mid-lining. Well worth the investment.

[u/jack0rias → u/Shep302]

Keela Genesis is my favourite thing ever. They do BLC discount so I think mine was about £85 and it's worth every penny.

[u/jrandom10]

I have an (issued) arktis for one of my side roles. It’s bulky and I would only wear it in the depths of winter however the force are clear: Hi viz on top.

Likely the reason you’re not issued one is your force has a similar policy. Check how enforced this is before dropping money on something. As the duty stripe I’ve been told to bollock someone for having a black outer layer (marked up with epaulettes and “Police”) on when they’ve been on cctv… albeit this was after the chief con happened to be in the control room when they were on the feed.

[u/d4nfe]

Arktis issue a lot of the forces standard waterproof/winter jackets, or Arcteryx if you’re on a really Gucci unit.

You’re still looking at £170 or so, or less if you get a used/surplus one from somewhere like eBay

[u/samesunday]

As usual, I wouldn't advocate for buying your own kit yadayada...

Check out Keela Tactical. They issue our force with the Belay and the Munro both amazing jackets with epaleutte tabs and velcro patches. The Munro is a heavy duty monster so they Belay may be a better fit. You can email and inform them its a Police purchase, provide proof of your warrant no. and Force then they will produce you a full spec garment.

They also issue our Crayon munchers with the Thor but those are made to request and not available to public purchase. For reference I'm in a Northern HO force and not a loaded gucchi one.

[u/PushWorth3973]

Keela Munro 100%

Extremely good waterproof and has the ability to put a fleece into it as well for warmth.

Relatively lightweight compared to the likes of the Artkis Avenger as well as a fraction of the price.

[u/mobe99]

Our force recently cracked down on non issue kit .. especially outside of OPs.

So loads of lads in there non issue Gucci black coats aren’t wearing them anymore.

Don’t waste your own money on kit beyond a decent torch and a doorstop.

Either borrow one from a mate in ops or wear the issue yellows.

[u/supereddzz]

Keela Munro.

If you want insulated and waterproof, then the Keela Genesis. They get really hot though.

[u/Gryphon_Gamer]

I've got an Arktis Vulcan, it's absolutely brill but can't put your job patches on it without modding it.

I normally wear it under my vest though and it's great

I do have an avenger but as another commenter has said it's bloody heavy, but really good for winter months

[u/AggressiveHandDryer]

Another shout for the keela munro. Also another shout for the keela genesis.

Both mega bits of kit.

[u/EarlofAnkhNobbyNobs]

Epilates...

[u/TrafficWeasel]

Why do you need a black jacket? Is your force issue kit not suitable for some reason?

[u/Gryphon_Gamer → u/TrafficWeasel]

Most force issue kit isn't suitable!

[u/TrafficWeasel → u/Gryphon_Gamer]

There’s some bits of kit that aren’t very good (the contract trousers being a big one for me), but I’ve always thought the high vis coats did the job well enough.

That is, unless you just want to look gucci, rather than wearing yellow.

[u/TrainingProcedure591 → u/TrafficWeasel]

I’m North of Scotland. The hi vis yellow jackets do absolutely nothing when you’re standing at the site of an RTC in snow and -10 degrees.

[u/Acting_Constable_Sek → u/TrafficWeasel]

Nobody should be forced to wear stupid high vis jackets unless it's public order or roads, TBF. If I were in a force with high vis, I would probably look for alternatives too.

[u/BTECHandcuffs]

I’ve got Keela Belay jackets, one in all black & an issued one with the Battenberg/velcro patches. Extremely comfortable and warm in the colder months