When it comes to an emergency or survival situation, frostbite and hypothermia are no joke. The purpose of having an EDC kit is to increase the likelihood that you’ll be prepared for whatever life may throw at you at any given moment. One of the things most people include as part of their EDC is a jacket. But what is an EDC jacket and what kinds of features should you be considering in the best EDC jacket?
First, we’ll discuss the features and other criteria that are ideal in the best EDC jackets and then we’ll give you our list of the best ones to consider. No matter which climate you live in, the capacity of your EDC jacket to keep you dry and protected can be crucial in a survival situation.
What to Consider When Considering an EDC Jacket
- How Waterproof is it?
- Is it made from Quality Materials?
- Does it have a Hood?
- How Warm or Windproof is it?
- Are there sufficient pockets to store your EDC gear?
- Is it comfortable enough to wear for a wide range of activities?
Other Features to Look Out For:
- Adjustable Wrist Cuffs
- Front Storm Flaps Over Zippers
- Adjustable Hem
- Pit Zips
- YKK or Other High-Quality Zippers
My Picks
Rothco Special Ops Soft Shell Jacket
This comes with a ton of pockets and is made of a water-resistant fabric with fleece layer and a mesh wicking layer. Does well down to mid-30 degrees F without any additional layers.
Adjustable rubberized wrist cuffs, 2 pockets on each arm, pit zips, 2 high chest pockets with interior pocket and interior D-ring. Comes with a retractable, removable hood and rear game pocket. Great value for not a lot of money.
Condor Men’s Softshell Jacket
This is a basically a high quality knock-off of the Tad Stealth Hoodie. The quality of the stitching and fabric is high which makes it a great value for the money. It comes with a breathable mesh liner and pit zips. Good protection against the wind, with amazing retractable hood, but no storm flap for the zipper.
Although it does have DWR, it’s not the best protection against prolonged rainy weather. When it comes to pockets, the Condor softshell jacket has a total of 8 pockets including a back “game” pocket, for organizing your EDC gear.
For warmth, be sure to add layers underneath the softshell. The jackets do tend to run small so when ordering consider a size up from your normal size.
Men’s Seven J Jacket by Helly Hansen
This one is windproof, waterproof, and breathable. Fully seam sealed with a durable water repellent treated exterior. Fixed hood and storm flap with quick dry lining make it a great wet weather jacket. Sheds water well and is roomy enough to add layers underneath for colder weather without being bulky.
Adjustable wrist cuffs, waist, and multi adjustable hood allow you to cinch up to protect against wind and rain. The zippers are YKK but they are a bit small and not as easy to operate when wearing gloves.
Outdoor Research Men’s Helium II Jacket
This one is ultra-light and waterproof. The hem and hood are adjustable. Seams are taped and wrists have elasticized cuffs to keep rain and wind out. It has one small zippered chest pocket and an interior pocket which can be used to fold the jacket into itself.
Truspec Gen 2 Parka
This parka is water and windproof and has 3 pockets. For extra protection against cold weather add microfleece layer underneath. The hood is adjustable and retractable. The wrist cuffs and hem are adjustable, and the jacket includes the main zipper has a snap closure storm flap.
Two large exterior side pockets and a pen pouch on the arm. The interior is designed to zip in a liner for added warmth if needed and includes a snow skirt and a hidden pocket on each side.
The Best EDC Jackets for Extreme Winter Weather
For extreme weather conditions or climates that are colder all year round, consider one of the following:
- Men’s Expedition Parka Coat by Canada Goose
- Rab Infinity Endurance Jacket
- S2V Provision Survival Jacket by Rocky
- Absolute Zero Parka by Mountain Hardwear
So, what’s your favorite jacket for EDC? Is it one of the ones we’ve listed above? Did we forget your favorite or include one that you think shouldn’t be there? Let us know and give us your likes/dislikes below.
Born and raised in NE Ohio, with early memories that include grandpa teaching her to bait a hook and watching her mom, aunts, and grandmothers garden, sew, and can food, Megan is a true farm girl at heart.
For Megan, the 2003 blackout, the events of 911, and the increasing frequency of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, spurred a desire to be more prepared. Soon to be living off-grid, this mother of four and grandmother of ten is learning everything she can about preparedness, survival, and homesteading.