When working in environments like those faced by Coast Guard members, the right gear isn’t just a choice—it’s a necessity. The Coast Guard operates in challenging and varied situations, from patrolling treacherous coastlines to performing daring search-and-rescue missions.
The right clothing can provide comfort, durability and safety, ensuring workers are equipped to deal with situations that arise. We will discuss 10 top Coast Guard clothing brands. Where you can find the best gear to suit your needs.
1. Propper: Reliable Tactical Gear
Propper has been a staple in the military and tactical gear industry for decades. Founded in 1967, Propper has become a leading supplier to the U.S. Department of Defense, including the Coast Guard. They are known for their durable, high-quality apparel that meets the demanding needs of military professionals.
Notable Products:
- Propper Tactical Pants: These pants are designed for rugged use and come with a plethora of pockets for easy storage. They are made with ripstop fabric, making them resistant to tears and abrasions.
- Propper Waterproof Jackets: Ideal for wet conditions, these jackets offer weather protection while being lightweight enough for ease of movement.
- Propper Uniforms: The brand also supplies regulation-compliant uniforms suitable for Coast Guard personnel.
Where to Buy: Propper products are available on their official website, propper.com, and on popular online marketplaces like Amazon.
2. 5.11 Tactical: Versatility and Comfort
5.11 Tactical has made a name for itself as a provider of tactical gear designed for law enforcement, military, and emergency services personnel. Their clothing is designed for durability, functionality, and comfort, making it a popular choice for Coast Guard members.
Notable Products:
- 5.11 Tactical Boots: Made for tough terrains, these boots offer superior traction and comfort, perfect for navigating slippery decks or rocky shorelines.
- 5.11 Tactical Shirts and Pants: With moisture-wicking materials and enhanced breathability, these garments ensure that wearers stay cool and comfortable even during extended wear.
- 5.11 Outerwear: The brand’s jackets and vests are designed to provide warmth without adding bulk, ideal for cold-weather missions.
Where to Buy: 5.11 Tactical gear can be found at 511tactical.com and through third-party retailers like REI and Amazon.
3. Helly Hansen: Protection for Maritime Conditions
Helly Hansen has been a leader in outdoor and maritime apparel since its founding in Norway in 1877. Their focus on waterproof and weather-resistant gear makes them a preferred choice for Coast Guard personnel operating in harsh marine environments.
Notable Products:
- Helly Hansen Rain Gear: Known for its Helly Tech waterproof fabric, the brand’s rain jackets and pants provide superior protection against heavy rain and sea spray.
- Helly Hansen Base Layers: Designed for cold climates, these base layers provide warmth and moisture management, ideal for Coast Guard members on Arctic or North Atlantic missions.
- Helly Hansen Buoyant Apparel: They offer life jackets and buoyancy aids that are perfect for anyone working on or near water.
Where to Buy: Helly Hansen products can be found on their official website, hellyhansen.com, as well as in specialized outdoor and boating supply stores like West Marine.
4. Carhartt: Durability in All Conditions
Carhartt is synonymous with rugged durability, making it a great choice for Coast Guard members. Although Carhartt is traditionally associated with workwear for construction and farming, their heavy-duty jackets, pants, and bibs are highly valued by those who work in demanding outdoor conditions, including maritime settings.
Notable Products:
- Carhartt Insulated Jackets: Built to withstand cold, windy conditions, these jackets are perfect for Coast Guard duties in cooler climates.
- Carhartt Overalls: Their waterproof bibs and overalls are ideal for staying dry during rough weather or while working on the water.
- Carhartt Work Shirts: These shirts offer a balance of comfort and durability, suitable for everyday wear and long shifts on patrol.
Where to Buy: Carhartt apparel is available on carhartt.com, as well as on Amazon and at outdoor retailers like Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops.
5. Columbia Sportswear: Affordable Performance
Columbia Sportswear is known for producing outdoor gear that combines quality and affordability. Their products are designed to offer good protection from the elements, making them a popular choice for both active-duty Coast Guard personnel and recreational boaters.
Notable Products:
- Columbia Waterproof Jackets: Equipped with Omni-Tech fabric, these jackets provide excellent rain protection and breathability.
- Columbia Fleece: Perfect for layering, Columbia’s fleece jackets are lightweight but offer substantial warmth.
- Columbia Footwear: Their water-resistant boots are perfect for anyone working near water, providing good traction and comfort.
Where to Buy: Columbia Sportswear can be purchased through their official website, columbia.com, and through outdoor stores like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Amazon.
6. Under Armour: Advanced Fabrics for Performance
Under Armour is known for its innovation in athletic wear, and many of their products are well-suited for the high physical demands of Coast Guard work. Their focus on moisture-wicking fabrics and lightweight design makes them ideal for layering and active duty in various climates.
Notable Products:
- Under Armour Base Layers: These layers are designed to keep the wearer warm without adding bulk, making them perfect for cold-weather conditions.
- Under Armour Tactical Boots: These boots offer a lightweight, durable option that’s great for foot pursuits or long hours standing watch.
- Under Armour Compression Shirts: Ideal for physical training, these shirts help reduce muscle fatigue during intense activities.
Where to Buy: You can find Under Armour’s tactical line on underarmour.com and at sports retailers like Academy Sports + Outdoors.
7. Drifire: Flame-Resistant Apparel
Drifire specializes in flame-resistant (FR) clothing, making it an essential brand for Coast Guard members involved in hazardous environments where fire risk is a concern. The brand’s products are known for combining safety with comfort, ensuring that wearers remain protected without sacrificing mobility.
Notable Products:
- Drifire FR Shirts and Pants: These are lightweight yet durable, providing flame resistance while wicking away moisture.
- Drifire Combat Shirts: Designed for comfort under body armor, these shirts help reduce heat build-up while maintaining a high level of protection.
- Drifire Flight Suits: Often used by pilots and aircrew, these suits provide full-body flame-resistant protection.
Where to Buy: Drifire products are available through their official website, drifire.com, and specialized safety equipment retailers.
8. North Face: Cold-Weather Excellence
While not traditionally associated with tactical gear, The North Face is known for producing high-quality outerwear designed to withstand extreme cold and harsh conditions. This makes it a reliable choice for Coast Guard members stationed in colder climates or those working on northern coastlines.
Notable Products:
- The North Face Parkas: These heavy-duty parkas are designed to provide warmth even in sub-zero temperatures.
- The North Face Softshell Jackets: These jackets offer a balance of warmth and flexibility, suitable for layered wear during cooler months.
- The North Face Gloves and Hats: Their insulated gloves and hats are designed to provide warmth and comfort, making them ideal for winter operations.
Where to Buy: The North Face products are available on thenorthface.com, Amazon, and outdoor specialty retailers like REI.
9. Grunden’s: The Mariner’s Choice
Grunden’s has been producing high-quality rainwear and maritime apparel for over 100 years. Designed specifically for those who work on the water, their gear is durable, waterproof, and built to handle the toughest conditions.
Notable Products:
- Grunden’s Rain Gear: Their jackets and bibs are a go-to for fishing crews and Coast Guard members alike, offering unparalleled water resistance.
- Grunden’s Deck Boots: These boots provide comfort and slip resistance, making them ideal for wet decks and rocky shores.
- Grunden’s Foul Weather Gear: This includes heavier-duty options for extreme conditions, ensuring that wearers stay dry even in downpours.
Where to Buy: You can find Grunden’s products at grundens.com and at marine supply stores like West Marine.
10. Tru-Spec: Tactical Innovation
Tru-Spec is a reputable provider of uniforms and tactical gear for law enforcement and military personnel. Their products are known for balancing cost with quality, making them a practical choice for those looking for reliable gear on a budget.
Notable Products:
- Tru-Spec Tactical Shirts: Their shirts are designed to meet the needs of active-duty personnel, offering durability and comfort.
- Tru-Spec Pants: Made with ripstop fabric, these pants are ideal for rough conditions and daily wear.
- Tru-Spec Outerwear: Their weather-resistant jackets are a solid choice for those in need of a rugged, yet affordable solution for cold and wet conditions.
Where to Buy: Tru-Spec gear can be found at truspec.com, as well as through major retailers like Galls and Amazon.