A good hoodie over a base layer is a great combo for brisk days when the weather isn’t too extreme. Hoodies can be easily layered under heavier jackets or over lighter shirts, making them suitable for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. They’re great to wear in any casual setting. Even more so, they offer great concealed carry cover, especially dedicated options like the Arrowhead Tactical Durable Hoodie.
Arrowhead Tactical Apparel Durable Hoodie
Arrowhead Tactical Apparel—and other companies—offer concealment hoodies that feature hand pockets with concealed pass-throughs for discreet access to appendix-carry items. They allow the wearer to preemptively draw a weapon in total concealment when faced with an apparent threat. Thus, it puts you ahead of the game in the OODA loop (Observe–Orient–Decide–Act) decision-making cycle.
Arrowhead Tactical Apparel recently introduced its latest concealment garment, the Durable Hoodie, featuring the next evolution of the pass-through pocket. Like all other Arrowhead Tactical Apparel clothing, the Durable Hoodie looks like a stylish, everyday casual garment.
It’s designed for full compatibility with the Carrier line and would also work with any other pants you might use to safely carry concealed. It isn’t designed to support the weight of—or otherwise hold—a handgun like the Carrier line. However, it’s a great layering garment to wear with the Carrier line to conceal your handgun.
Durable Hoodie Construction
The Durable Hoodie is made of 100% polyester fabric, which is snag- and abrasion-resistant. It has a mechanical stretch for maximum comfort and unimpeded freedom of movement. It’s highly wind-resistant and has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. The unlined fabric also has a soft feel to it.
The Durable Hoodie features a pullover design. From a fashion standpoint, pullover designs typically look “smarter” than zip-up designs and thus fit into more social settings. The hoodie has an athletic fit, which you may want to consider when ordering, depending on how you layer. If you desire a looser fit, simply order one size larger than your standard size.
The Durable Hoodie’s body is longer to cover your belt line and accommodate CCW. Likewise, the sleeves feature elasticized cuffs for snag-free draws. In keeping with discretion, the only logo on the hoodie is a small Arrowhead Tactical logo on the left sleeve cuff.
The Durable Hoodie has a large, functional kangaroo hand pocket in the front. It may look like a standard hoodie pocket, but it has a secret—it also serves as a pass-through. You can silently unzip the pass-through pocket for discreet access to your holstered sidearm, allowing preemptive action when anticipating a threat.
The pass-through pocket offers an additional option when needed, but it’s not the only way to draw. The Durable Hoodie can also be cleared in a standard manner, similar to an untucked shirt. Just lift and sweep the fabric up and back, which is how I would normally do it.
Improving on the Standoff Concealment Hoodie
The original Arrowhead Tactical Apparel hoodie, the Standoff Concealment Hoodie, featured an internally buttoned pass-through hand pocket. When the single button was unbuttoned, it offered access to a holstered handgun.
On the Mk.II version, the single button closure of the pass-through was replaced with a zipper that runs horizontally inside the hand pocket. With the zipper closed, the hand pocket provides functional storage and insulation, just like a normal hoodie.
The pass-through hand pocket on the Durable Hoodie has been further enhanced and now includes reactive openings via magnetic clasps at all four pocket openings. This offers 40% more space for smooth draws with larger, accessorized handguns without compromising concealment.
In addition, it is now compatible with most optics and extended magazines (within reason). Likewise, standard-sized weapon lights should not affect the draw.
The hand pocket has a YKK® VISLON® zipper, known for its exceptional durability, lightweight design, and smooth, reliable functionality. The zipper is equipped with a nylon zipper pull tab for quick and easy unzipping.
I have had the opportunity to evaluate all three generations of Arrowhead Tactical Apparel hoodies, and the improvements on the pass-through pocket of the new Durable Hoodie are very impressive. The enhanced design makes a big difference.
That being said, it’s essential to practice with an unloaded handgun until consistent, safe, snag-free draws and presentations using the pass-through are second nature before ever attempting it with a loaded handgun.
You should, of course, practice draws and presentations with any style of cover garment you will be wearing. However, the pass-through pocket brings its own challenges along with its capabilities. Safety is always paramount.
To Sum Up
The Durable Hoodie is a great cover garment for concealed carry in those situations where a hoodie is appropriate. It offers a blend of comfort and style and pairs well with the Carrier line.
Arrowhead Tactical Apparel sells the Durable Hoodie for $89.99, which is very reasonable. It currently comes in three colorways: Midnight Black, Navy Blue, and Woodland Camo. The company also offers a warranty and return/exchange options to ensure your satisfaction.
For more information, visit ArrowheadTacticalApparel.com.
