REVIEW: Claw Gear CIL Jacket

It's time for "... is coming!" - "Winter is here!" That's for sure and it definitely means it's warm jacket time again. To protect against wind and cold, we have taken a look at a new jacket on the market: the Claw Gear CIL. The abbreviation stands for "Combat Insulation Light" and you can learn more about this warmth provider here:

The CIL is from the new jacket line of Claw Gear and its purpose, as the name suggests, is to serve as a warming insulation under another jacket. However, it can also be worn "stand alone". The CIL is filled with Apex Climashield material, which provides great warmth even when wet (according to the manufacturer, up to 70%).

The CIL can be stuffed into its front pockets and easily compressed very small. With a small compression sack (e.g. the cover of a US poncho), it can be stored in a thigh pocket of a BDU. Furthermore, it is a featherweight at only 290g (size M). The fit is rather body-contoured and the size corresponds to what you would expect. By the way, our test jacket is in size M and the tester also normally wears M.

Since the CIL is meant to be worn as an underlayer, the features are very minimalistic, which we like. A front zipper, two zippered side pockets, and a drawstring hem to prevent warm air from escaping. In the neck, you'll find the label and a loop for hanging the CIL.

CONCLUSION: This jacket should not be missing in any backpack from late autumn onwards to combat the annoying cooling off - especially at night. In winter, it also fits perfectly under an unfixed hardshell, expanding its range of use. Beyond that, it can also be worn with benefit from early autumn well into spring.

Available in black, coyote, and RAL 7013 directly from Armamat for €129.90 (excluding shipping costs).