PropperMen's Icon Softshell Vest

So... My last vest of this sort.. pretty worn out at this point was a North Face Apex.. 2XL.. black.. It's done very well, fit well, and I've worn a lot over a period of years, it eventually faded to a sort of off black/green color. Tried to purchase another, but couldn't find one... Tried the Condor.. which I liked, but it was sized small.. the 2XL chest size stated to be 50 -52" actually measured the same as the designated size for the XL. closer to 48".. but would stretch to 50" Nice vest, just not true to size.So... just received this Propper Icon in 2XL in Navy, would have rather had black but oh well.. Comparing it to the North Face Apex in the same size(about 3 - 4 years old).. I'd say the chest size of the Propper is 1 1/2" - 2" larger than the Apex. So maybe an XL would have been fine.. It is also about an 1 1/2" longer, and the sleeve openings about 1 1/2" larger as well.. Nice because putting the Apex on over a mid to heavy weight sweater always caused the sweater to hang up in the arm sleeves. The side pocket zippers/ openings are about 1 - 11/2" smaller than the Apex. The outer vest pocket zipper about 1/2" shorter, however it has two larger inner (not zippered) pockets that the Apex didn't have. Quality, at least initially seems similar, YKK Zippers used throughout.. the waist draw string seems pretty much the same. For half, or less of the price of an Apex.. which I would have purchased again could I have found a 2XL when I was looking. The Propper seems like a good choice at this point. Time will if it holds up as well..

I ordered this for my husband who is IMPOSSIBLE to shop for do to sizing!!!He is 6' and 155lbs. Jean size is a 27x36.. soo safe to say his friggin lean!! Button up shirts are usually the Cinch Modern Fit Small. Most shirts and vest are too boxy on him and not fitted like they ought to be..This vest was great!! I ordered him a Small and it was perfect!! It fit him to a T and looked great. The quality is great and the price is fair. Definatly worth it!!

Ok so this kind of makes sense but is a strange vest. What makes it still doable is the two way zipper. The first issue is it drapes too low and it cinches at the bottom which is already tapered to fit. The inside pockets go completely down to the bottom of the vest so if you do carry concealed in this fashion unless it is a particularity long barreled piece it is actually hard to reach that deep down in the vest. The way I was able to make this work as a CCW vest is because I carry a PF9 which easily fits into one of the outside lower zippered pockets. I unzip the two way zipper up to the waste and then the lower vest drapes well without binding like it does when its fully zipped down. This may also partially conceal a OWB system. The large is cut true to size but does not taper out in the waste area so you need that two way zipper, not belly friendly, fits well if you are fairly slim shaped. A bigger size would make the vest too baggy on top. Why they did not put the cinching chord in the waste and place the inside pockets higher is beyond me. Maybe shorten the length a little. That would have made this 100% better. The material is kind of weird it almost looks formal but seems to wick off moisture well and does not stain that easy. The construction of the vest is good quality although the zippers are marginal. I use this for construction work and maybe a traditional styled photo type CCW vest that is not as long would be better. This is better for a semi casual tactical or blue jean outfit. It should also have two zippered chest pockets instead of one. I like carrying an extra mag in the chest pocket and since I am right handed the extra mag should be in the right hand side chest pocket for mag changes(which does not exist). I probably would have given it 3 stars but I got it for a good price so the value equation was there.

I wear this vest for my job, as we are law enforcement and are required to conceal carry. I needed something lightweight and functional to use along with a firearm and other equipment on a belt. This fits the bill quite well.Pros:-Nondescript, won't print your firearm or other belt equipment-Softshell appears fairly strong and has thus far withstood plenty of washes-Collar folds down easily, which is a problem on other similar products.-Pockets on the inside flaps that are deep. Plenty of room for cell phones, etc.-Lightweight, easy to manipulate.-Surprisingly warm. Add a long sleeve or other fleece underneath and I can stay in 30-40 degree temperatures all day without complaintCons:-Stitching on the inside pockets may not end up holding up over time. They're fine now, but it doesn't seem too heavy-duty.-Nothing else, really. I won't give something five starts unless it really works perfect for me.

I wear a vest for warmth nearly every day from autumn until spring. They provide just the right amount of warmth, but aren't bulky and allow easy movement. Plus, they are great for layering; just throw a fleece jacket over the top and you're good for all but the coldest days. I often wear fleece vests, but fleece is a magnet for dirt, sawdust, etc., and this jacket's semi-slick surface sheds all that—along with light rain or snow—but still doesn't look shiny or cheap. It looks good enough to wear over a turtleneck for a night on the town. The only thing I don't like about this vest is the double zipper (that zips up from the bottom to open up to provide room when you sit). I never use that feature, and double zippers create more hassle when just zipping up. All in all, I'm very pleased with this purchase. I am 6'1" tall and weigh 195 lbs. and the large size fits me perfectly. I usually need to order a tall size, but this vest is plenty long and fits me just right.