Part 2 Testing the ATS Elite Parka and Soft Shell

Photos by Peter Draugalis and Marco Vorobiev

ATS Elite Waterproof Breathable Parka

In Part 1 of this series I went over the test parameters I’ll be using for testing a variety of hard and soft shell jackets. Now we’ll get this series started with the jacket I have the most experience with the ATS Elite Waterproof Breathable Parka.  I have had this jacket for a few years now and it has accompanied me on my various travels. Apart from typical jacket features like 100% nylon ripstop outer shell with a waterproof, breathable membrane and 260T nylon taffeta liner, Dupont Teflon® Fabric Protector coating, double needle stitching and bar-tacking at stress points, two-way front and side seam zippers, variety of pockets, detachable stowable hood, etc. this jacket has several “tacticool” features most of which add to its functionally.

Lower “skirt” pockets are actually double pockets with fleece-lined side access hand warmers and top-flap secured expendable pouches.

The number and location of pockets is well thought out.  Easy to get to chest pockets and lower flap patch pockets are equipped with wide elastic loops to act as a holster for a small or medium size handgun and to secure extra magazines.  These same lower pockets have a side access that is fleece lined, which is a great feature for quick hand warming. Rather long, two-way side zippers have a double duty.  They can serve as a ventilation opening or provide a quick access to one’s sidearm.  I am a huge fan of  waterproof hoods.  The shell jacket with a hood would replace an umbrella any day. The ATS Elite Waterproof Breathable Parka has a detachable hood that is also stowable into the jacket’s collar. Though it is made with a waterproof, breathable membrane, the jacket has a feel of a lighter garment.  The waterproof membrane is much thinner than similar fabrics on the market and has a softer feel.  And because of the thinner material the ATS Elite Parka has a liner that adds an extra layer of heat retention without making this jacket cumbersome.

Design and Appearance – The ATS Elite Waterproof Breathable Parka is a well designed jacket.  In appearance it resembles a good ole M65 Army field jacket but with a modern twist.  It definitely has a military appearance and is not something you would climb Everest in.

The lower pouches have a top flap secured with loops and hooks strip. It can be tucked in and secured inside the pocket for allowing quick access to the pouch. The lower expandable pockets are also equipped with elastic strips to secure your cargo.

Wearability and Comfort – I found it both very comfortable to wear as well as being quite versatile. On my travels I often find myself moving from a board room to the field or even a hunting trip.  The ATS Elite Waterproof Breathable Parka is longer and served me well as I can wear it over a business suit or at the range or in the woods protecting me against the elements.

There are two upper chest pockets on both sides. These are equipped with zippers and storm flaps for weather proofing. These are not easy to get to as they sit pretty high, but come in handy if one is wearing a chest rig.

Functionality – I think the designers of the ATS Parka did a great job creating a truly versatile and functional jacket.  The location and size of the pockets is well thought out.  They are easy to get to and can store a considerable amount of stuff.  Even when carrying a backpack all the pockets are accessible.  In fact this jacket can be used as a part of a load-out for light duty.

There are however two vertical slit quick access chest pockets that are hidden behind a front zipper storm flap. These are very handy for quick and easy access especially when driving or wearing any chest rig. Both of these are secured with zippers.

Overall Quality – The quality of the ATS Elite Waterproof Breathable Parka is very good to excellent. No split seams or sticking out threads.  All the zippers work smooth.  Over a three-year period I have not have any issues with the jacket.

There are also your standard upper sleeve pocket one on each arm. These are expandable and secured with top flaps with hooks and loops strip.

Cleanability – As I have mentioned before I have had this jacket for several years now in a variety of environments and it still looks great.  I was bound to soil it in places, but light brushing would usually be enough to bring it to a normal state. Also, the DuPont Teflon® Fabric Protector treated fabric is resistant to both water and oil-based spills.  And best of all if I have to wash it, it is machine washable and can be dried in the dryer.

The ATS Elite Waterproof Breathable Parka has ventilating slits on each side. The venting slit goes from the elbow to the bottom of the jacket. It has two zipper runners that allow the vent to be open from either end.

Durability – Over the three years I had a chance to wear the ATS Parka in various conditions.  It still looks and functions great as it should and displayed no issues so far.

Some venting can assure a quick access to your sidearm.

Modularity – Though unlike some other jackets on my list, the ATS Elite Waterproof Breathable Parka does not have any internal zippers or attachments for a zip-in liner of sorts. But it works well with a variety of insulating garments.  I wore it with a combination of fleece, down or PrimaLoft® inserts depending on climatic conditions and in all cases it worked great. No restriction of movement or any other impediments.

A fully functioning hood is stowed away in its collar. It can also be completely detached. It is a classical hood in the sense that it is adjustable, has a sun visor and wide through baffle.

I use this Parka for variety of tasks in different climate conditions. Like my frequent range trips.

Or fall duck hunting in Russia.

My favorite features of the ATS Elite Waterproof Breathable Parka are its versatility, packability (due to light and thin construction it rolls into a small bundle and can easily be packed away into your backpack or even a briefcase) and value (for less than $200 it is a steal).

ATS Elite Soft Shell Jacket

In appearance the ATS Soft Shell Jacket is just like any soft shell you would find in any outdoors outfitters store.

Staying with same manufacturer and because I was also interested in a soft shell jackets, my next subject is the ATS Elite Soft Shell Jacket.  A few words about the soft versus the hard shell. Soft shell jackets were introduced several years back as an alternative to their hard shell counterparts. Still weather proof the new fabric was more stretchable and therefore the outer garments could be made more snug and still provide the freedom of movement. The soft shell is water resistant rather than proof and after prolonged exposure to moisture will eventually soak some of it up. Soft shells can also be bonded with fleece giving them more heat retaining properties. And that is what the ATS Elite Soft Shell Jacket is made of.  In its appearance this jacket is “plain Jane”.  No frills or thrills, no extras, but what you need. It is built rugged with same top notch ATS quality.  Just four pockets, two opposite chest and two lower side.  All equipped with elastic loops for a small to medium frame pistol and spare magazines.  Two-way front zipper allows for a quick access without fully unzipping the jacket.  But its main feature is in its soft shell bonded fabric. Because it has the bonded fabric it acts as a fleece and often would not require a separate fleece layer to keep me warm.  This is the type of jacket which hangs on the very first hook in your coat rack.  It’s the first thing you grab when leaving the house during an emergency in any kind of weather.

Two lower side pockets are easy to access and are lined with traditional Woorich® checker patterned flannel for warmth and comfort. Both pockets are equipped with elastic bands that can secure a small to medium frame pistol and spare magazines.

Design and Appearance – As I’ve mentioned before it is a plain looking jacket and would suit anybody who is not into all the “tacticool” bells and whistles.  Because it is made out of fleece-bonded fabric, it doesn’t need a liner.  The four pockets are however lined with the ‘farmer John” red and black flannel that we know and love.  It’s the design feature ATS inherited from Woolrich®  that gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling.

Two opposed vertical upper chest pockets are ideally located and easy to access. These are also equipped with elastic bands.

Wearability and Comfort – I loved the feel and fit of the ATS Elite Soft Shell Jacket as soon as I put it on.  It feels soft and pliable, cozy and rugged at the same time.  Its high comfort level is achieved by a liberal cut.

Functionality – Though this jacket is a bit on the plain side, it is still very much a functioning jacket that is suitable to wear as an everyday coat as well as a field jacket. Its ability to assist with conceal carry is also an asset.

The ATS Elite uses bonded soft shell material in the construction of this jacket. This combination is my favorite when it comes warmth and comfort. There is additional Woolrich pattern flannel panels sewn into the jacket as a liner and to provide additional storage options.

Overall Quality – The quality with which ATS builds its Soft Shell Jacket is superb.  As hard as I’ve tried to look for imperfections I could not find a single one.  All seams are double stitched and feel solid, all zippers work like “butter”.  For the time period that I wore this jacket there have been no issues what so ever.

Cleanability – The soft shell material was suspect for me in this department. I thought the Soft Shell material being a stretch fabric would retain dirt and/or mud residue more so than the hard shell.  I was wrong.  After drying the dirt and mud brushed right off leaving very little residue.  The best part is the ATS Soft Shell Jacket can be easily machine-washed and tumble-dried.

Durability – I have years of experience with soft shell jackets.  I bought my first one for $400 when they first came out.  My first soft shell jacket still looks great even after being with me around the world. So, I was not worried with the fabric of this ATS jacket.  And I knew that the stitching would be superb based on my experience with their other products.  Over the test period nothing came undone, broke or malfunctioned in any way.

Modularity – The ATS Soft Shell Jacket is reminiscent of the old Three-season Jackets, if someone remembers. It is made as a standalone coat for intermediate weather and provides enough warmth by itself or in combination with additional garments.  I have found that adding an additional 200-weight fleece would greatly improve its heat retention and it would then be comfortable to 20°F. Though, I am not a big fan of fleece on fleece action.  The ATS jacket soft shell is bonded with fleece and having a fleece liner would cause the lining garment to bunch and bind in places.  I would recommend a wool or other polyester shirts or sweaters for use with this jacket.  It can also be a liner itself for a hard shell jacket or parka.

Cuffs are adjustable to provide additional weather proofing.

I loved the ease of use of the ATS Soft Shell Jacket as a go to coat for variety of tasks.  It is sturdy enough to be worn for any job and will continue to retain its warming properties. For less than $120 it is an exceptional value.

Both ATS Elite Tactical Jackets earned high marks from me.  This coats represent what happens when designers actually put their thinking caps on and come up with a functioning product. I wear both the Parka and Soft Shell jacket on a daily basis.  Whether on the range or around town.  Due to their design neither of them stand out and they blend in well within any environment I find myself in.

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