Hardworking but also smart outerwear is important. Having a quality jacket for the cold weather months is paramount; whether for fun or field activities. Last year at SHOT Show® 2024, Snugpak® introduced the Tactical Softie® Jacket. The Tactical Softie is a great jacket that delivers for casual use or if you’re in the bush. We got our hands on one a few months after its unveiling and it’s finally been cold enough to give it a whirl.
About Snugpak
Snugpak is a British company that was started over 40 years ago. “Founded in 1977, Snugpak products have been used on every permanently inhabited continent and the company enjoys long standing contracts with many government defense agencies for both sleeping bags and clothing,” Snugpak states on their webpage. “This is due not only to the performance of our products but also our quality workmanship materials that go into every item Snugpak proudly puts their name on.”
Softie Jacket particulars
The Snugpak Tactical Softie is a pretty unique jacket. It’s lightweight but also warm as heck. The jacket is packable, and comes with its own stuffing compression sack. This feature of the Softie makes it perfect to have tossed in the back of the truck or to pack out on an outdoor adventure when the possibility of an acute cold snap might come on.
“Experience the pinnacle of warmth with the Snugpak Tactical Softie® Jacket, which redefines comfort and performance in extreme conditions,” Snugpak stated in a release. “The Unit/Name Badge Soft Hook and Loop Patches allow for personalization on the jacket with ease.”
Material
Manufactured out of Paratex Micro outer and Paratex Light lining and is insulated with SOFTIE® PREMIER insulation. That insulation provides a “comfort rating” between 23∘F and 14∘F and -5∘C and -10∘C. If you’re not quite at those sub-freezing temperatures, that’s okay, just rock the Softie unzipped, you’ll be fine.
The zipper
Equipped with a two-way YKK zipper, the Softie allows you to access your bottom half without letting out all the warmth. This is useful if you’re going to be bouncing in and out of a vehicle, sitting, and want to give yourself some extra room towards the lower horizon. Some of us more hefty folks find that useful.
The hood
The Tactical Softie has a hidden hood. It’s rolled away up into the collar of the jacket and can be deployed to protect your noggin. Flip the hood up and over, then cinch down on the draw cords to keep the cold out.
Our experiences with the Softie
This is a great jacket. We were happy that the weather finally got cold enough to really test out the Snugpak Tactical Softie® Jacket. While temperatures did get to freezing and sub-freezing when we wore the jacket, we did not come close to the 23∘F and 14∘F advertised comfort rating range.
The most convenient thing about the jacket is that it’s packable. In 2025, many of us make the vital mistake of wearing our vehicles as our coats. That’s fine and dandy until you actually need a coat or jacket. Having the Softie tossed in the back of the SUV in the cargo area was not cumbersome. It was there when I needed and wanted it – and it was welcomed!
We didn’t have a chance to do heavy calisthenics in the Softie or take it on a weekend long camping trip, but we did have no problem navigating the world, staying comfortably warm, while our feet crunched down on some snow.
The two-way zipper did come in handy, as noted when getting in and out of the vehicle. The XXL size did fit well, but having the ability to open it up from the bottom made it comfortable during those quick rides to the store or wherever that was local enough where the heat in the car wouldn’t take the nip out of the air quick enough.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Made of quality material. Lightweight and yet super warm. Comfortable. Packable and includes a compression sack.
Minuses: A little on the expensive side. Limited color options of black, olive, and MultiCam.
The Snugpak Tactical Softie® Jacket is a good choice of outerwear. The jacket will keep you ultra warm and will keep you comfortable in those sub-freezing temperatures. The Softie has the flavor of militaria without being gaudy and is perfect for casual settings. I’d recommend this jacket if you’re looking for a packable one that’ll keep you warm.
In addition to jackets, Snugpak has a whole line of other products like sleeping bags, hammocks, tents, and more!
