As my wife would be the first to vehemently tell you, I have almost as many jackets as I have bags. One the latest additions to my growing collection is the Triple Aught Design Stealth Hoodie LT.
Triple Aught Design Stealth Hoodie LT
According to TAD Gear, the Stealth LT is a three layer soft shell made from Swiss-made Schoeller textiles. You can read more about the technology that went into the Stealth LT on TAD’s website but for a more extensive write-up, I will direct you to Dave Alie’s outstanding article on Blister Gear Review. Dave does a great job of addressing the technical merits of the various layers.
As for my own experience, I found that the c-change fabric breathed pretty well. The LT really is a hybrid. It combines the taped seams and abrasion resistant exterior of a hard shell with the flexibility and range of motion of a soft shell jacket. But, I do agree with Dave’s comment about its utility in warmer weather. Despite TAD’s claims, this isn’t an “all-weather” jacket. During highly active summer excursions here in the Midwest, I found myself opting for a lighter outer layer on more humid days. The jacket has full length pit zips and that helps but there’s just no getting around the fact that the jacket is a heavy-duty outer layer and that to some extent compromises its ability to be a great warm weather shell.
With that said, I really loved the jacket in cooler weather and on less humid days. It is absolutely waterproof. I wore it several times in torrential rain and I emerged bone dry. The Tricot inner layer is extremely comfortable. I’ve had some shells that feel clammy and sticky next to the skin but that isn’t the case with the Stealth LT.
Fit wise, as with most TAD clothing, I found myself between sizes. At 6’4 250 lbs, the XL is a tad bit small (no pun intended); even if I didn’t intend to layer.
The author wearing the Triple Aught Design Stealth Hoodie LT
The XXL fits me better but its longer than I’d prefer in the sleeves and the drop-tail back hem. It’s not a huge deal, but if your job includes sitting for long periods (e.g. like in a vehicle) then you’ll notice that the bottom of the jacket will roll up if it’s too long. Just something to note.
In the end, I opted for the XXL because I intended to layer. More on that later.
The Aero hood is a wonder. It’s adjustable in every way imaginable and its easy to find a perfect fit. The built-in visor does a great job keeping the elements off.
I do find that the edge of the hood tends to rub against the back of my head when not in use. It’s really only noticeable when I’m not wearing a hat. Thankfully, Triple Aught Design incorporated a feature that allows the hood to be rolled up and kept out-of-the-way when not in use.
There are tons of pockets. The two chest pockets are located high on the jacket so they won’t interfere with a pack waist belt or body armor. On the interior, they have ports cut into them to route headphones or comms. They also included a D-ring inside to clip and secure small items.
There are pockets on both upper arms and loop material for morale patches on the patched version of the jacket. I found that the un-patched version is less tactical looking so if that is a concern then go with that option.
The left forearm pocket can fit credit cards or even a smart phone. The dyed-to-match cuffs are fully adjustable.
The zippers aren’t YKK but they worked flawlessly and include zipper caves to make them even more waterproof. They include dummy cord pulls so they can be manipulated even while wearing gloves.
I didn’t find much use for the double zippered hunters pocket but it provides another storage option.
Everyone’s cold tolerance is different, but with just a light layer underneath, I can comfortably wear the Stealth LT in temperatures down to about 35-40 degrees fahrenheit. Paired with the matching Ranger Hoodie in Urban Environment Grey, I was able to wear the two in temperatures well below freezing. I reviewed the Ranger last year. Its hands-down my favorite article of clothing when the temperatures get ridiculous here in Chicago.
The Stealth Hoodie LT paired with a Ranger Hoodie in UE Grey.
The Triple Aught Design Stealth LT retails for a whopping $475. Is it worth it? Most technical hard shells are up in that territory and Triple Aught Design’s quality and attention to detail is top-notch. For me personally, the LT is overkill. At just under 2 lbs, its heavy to pack and I have lighter rain shells that will do the job without taking on the extra weight. In colder temperatures when I’m not shedding my outer layer as often, I’d probably opt for the original version of the Stealth, which is heavier and fleece lined. Look for a review here on that jacket later this year.
So where does the LT excel? None of my lighter shells would hold up to abuse like the LT so if I was operating in variable conditions in a truly hard-use environment then it would be hard to find a better option. If your needs fall into that class then the Stealth LT should definitely be on your short list.
The Triple Aught Design Stealth LT is available here in UE Grey, ME Green, and Black in both patched and non-patched versions.
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