MSM on the Vertx OPS Shell Jacket

Vertx, the “tactical division” of uniform manufacturer Fechheimer, has a lightweight multi-function jacket as part of its ‘OPS' series. The redoubtable MilSpec Monkey recently took a look at one.

All the usual fancy jacket options are there as expected, the Monkey says, such as having a hood included, many zippered pockets, and adjustable corded hem. The hood is removable with a simple and effective zipper and has multiple forms of adjustment using a shock cord and cord lock setup to cinch down to one's head shape. By default I found the hood worked with a ball cap fairly well. The neck wrap of the hood uses a simple velcro closure, which is fine, but I wish an extra piece of loop velcro or flap was included to cover up the hook side as it can make noise and generally be abrasive to the jacket.

Vertx certainly didn't skimp on the weatherproofing for the zippers which can be a double edge sword. This makes them weather resistant, but also makes them difficult to zip back up. The bicep zippers in particular force one hand operation due to position, and then there is so much resistance to the zipper that one needs to slowly walk the zipper up using fingers to push or give it the ol' stiff arm trick by grabbing the jacket cuff in one's fist to add fabric tension. Thus the chest and hand pocket zippers tend to be easier to manipulate as there is the option to use both hands. I was pleased to see the pocket layout is symmetrical so no particular side is jipped. They also didn't skimp on the zipper pulls as nice rubbery / grippy ones are used for all core pockets and a unique plastic logo pull is used for the main zipper.

Read the entire review here.