REVIEW: Crye Precision HalfJak Insulated

Sure, you were always jealous of your friend. This fancy Bolero! That you can make fun of with jokes like: "Hey, did your jacket shrink in the wash?" In times of equality, it's high time that the joke runs the other way too. And Crye Precision does it with its HalfJak Insulated, available in Germany at TACWRK, now you are the target of jokes. We at SPARTANAT have taken a look at this very special jacket for you (click on all pictures to enlarge.)

Before we continue with the silly jokes: The concept of the HalfJak is extremely useful. The question of whether to wear the jacket under (hot) or over (difficult access to equipment) is now obsolete. The "Tactical Bolero" is cut in a way that allows front access to magazines and side access to pockets, as we show nicely here with a Crye CPC (the REVIEW for it is HERE). Integrated in the collar of the jacket is a hood that can be worn snugly around the head, here it is loose over the head. In the picture, you can also see one of the hooks that attaches the jacket directly to the MOLLE strips of the armor.

Seen from behind, the observer recognizes that the HalfJak is cut in a way that covers the entire back. There is Velcro on the sleeves. The HalfJak is pleasantly lined and keeps you warm where there is no armor. Where the plate carrier rests, you won't be cold anyway. At the same time, the half jacket is also waterproof: a finish with NanoSTX™ keeps snow and rain out. With movement, the jacket keeps you warm, without or with less movement, it is more comfortable.

If you don't feel like wearing the chic jacket, the owner can pack it in the supplied stuff sack. There are MOLLE and Velcro on it. You can attach the jacket pocket to the flap of the carrier - just like the MBITR Pouches by Crye. If you don't want to wear it yourself, you can also attach it to the person in front of you. However, we advise against that. (Attention: Joke.) The inside pocket that the HalfJak has where you can make it disappear is not impractical. This creates a cushion that proves useful in many layers. When duty calls for longer hours or when a tactical power nap is needed. Crye also suggests that you can make an improvised hand warmer out of it. We believe that one should not overdo it with versatility.

CONCLUSION: The Crye Precision HalfJak is a genius little jacket that keeps the world's plate carriers warm and protects them from precipitation. That's practical and good. The half jacket, of course, has the price of a whole one. But that's the price of innovation.

The Crye Precision HalfJak costs $266.80 (excluding shipping). Crye will soon be available on the TACWRK website. Special orders and inquiries are always possible via email at [email protected]. Regarding recommendations, customizations, and inquiries about Crye Precision, TACWRK is available by phone at 030/536 042 46 or by email at [email protected]. You can find the complete range of Crye products on the manufacturer's website. Or download the current 2013 PDF catalog.

CRYE PRECISION on the web: www.cryeprecision.com