If you’re a regular when it comes to reading the AA TACTICAL OUTDOOR DEVELOPMENT section each month, then you’ll know how much detail we go into when we look at technical garments and good outdoor performance gear, and at this time of the year we can’t stress enough the importance of having a good shell setup!

If you’re intending to play on through the rain, sleet and (hopefully!) snow of the colder months of the year, then having a setup that will keep you warm and dry is paramount.

The Force Rain Shell from 5.11 Tactical is a lightweight, highly waterproof and breathable jacket built for wet weather. The shell is EN 343 certified and features a 15K/15K waterproof/breathable Tac Dry® membrane with BBP protection. Built with a 2.5L lightweight polyester plain weave and fully seam sealed. The Force has a two-way front zipper with internal and external storm flaps, a stationary hood with reinforced brim and adjustable opening as well as underarm zips for breathability and adjustable hem. Six pockets, including a waterproof left chest pocket with an internal media port. Keep the weather out and yourself dry and comfortable.

To complete your setup, lightweight and ready for the weather, the 5.11 Force Rain Trousers have been purpose-built to keep you dry when the rain is pouring. The trousers are EN 343 certified and features a 15K/15K waterproof/breathable Tac Dry® membrane with BBP protection. Built with a 2.5L lightweight polyester plain weave and fully seam sealed. The pant has a shaped waistband with high back for added coverage. Low-profile cargo pockets, right rear zippered pocket and zippered pass-through front hand pockets provide storage. Lower legs feature zippered openings with a storm flap and loop/hook adjustment tab to keep the weather at bay as well as reinforced rear hem for durability.

Shell gear is one area in our opinion that you can’t afford to scrimp on, and although you’ll be dropping as much on the new FORCE gear as you would on a decent new AEG, think of your shell gear as a long-term investment… as long as you maintain it properly it’ll give you years of service… unlike certain AEGs we could mention!

Of course 5.11 gear is available worldwide, but if you’re in the UK then to check out the FORCE gear, and all the other goodies from 5.11 in the UK just head on over to TACTREE!