In reply to carlwilliams:
My list of design features, pattern etc would include:
- Adjustable waist and hem.
- Close fit but stretchy neoprene cuffs, like a drysuit. I imagine MRT's need to take their gloves on and off repetitively during rescues , I find Velcro closures on jackets kind of annoying plus this would be an essentially watertight sleeve.
- Pit zips, waterproof, e.g. RIRI aquazips or YKK aquaseal.
- Waterproof front zip again RIRI or YKK aquaseal.
- 3 way adjustable, helmet compatible hood with stiff peak and flexible wire.
- Two hand pockets with waterproof zips.
- Two front pockets capable of fitting a folded map.
- Tabs on shoulders for attaching radio microphones.
- Super tough face fabric for all parts of the pattern except under the armpits where a lighter more breathable face fabric could be used.
- Reflective patterning for visibility.
- Tight, double stitched seams with high stitch count (22spi Minimum!) and thick seam tape.
- Constructed using as few panels as possible, but with raglan sleeves, gusseted underarms and deeply articulated elbows.
- Finally and most importantly... Use military sizing in centimetres, based on height and width...
i.e. allow the jacket to be available in short regular and long sizes. Far too few jackets are available with these sizes, yet it allows perfect customisation tailored to individual preference and builds with heights available in 10cm increments from for example 160-190 and chests available in 4cm increments from say, 80-120. With any combination of chest and height being available. It also eliminates the need for female sized cuts.