Winter Gear Picks for Canadian Law Enforcement
Winter Duty Gear for Canadian Law Enforcement: Stay Warm, Stay Ready
Snow, ice, sub-zero temps, freezing wind chill, and long hours outdoors. For officers on patrol, especially in provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or the far North, the right gear can make a big difference. At Joint Force Tactical we've helped equip Canadian Law Enforcement officers for a Decade. We’ve put together the top gear categories to help you stay prepared this winter — and every winter after.
1. Base Layers & Mid-layers
Arguably the most important, start with the foundation: Tops and Bottoms worn underneath your Duty Uniform or outer layer. To keep your body insulated and warm all shift.
- Base Layers: Moisture wicking, cover long sleeves/legs, and fit snugly for agility.
- Mid Layers: Provides insulation without the bulk, allowing for ultimate mobility while staying warm.
Specifications to look for: Moisture-Wicking Fabric, non-restrictive, breathable, full skin coverage for maximum effect.
Recommended Brands:
Popular Products:
2. Footwear, Socks & Traction
Your feet can take a lot of abuse: Shifting from the vehicle to snowbank, standing on icy sidewalks or asphalt, chasing or responding. The last thing you need to worry about is cold feet. Joint Force Tactical has you covered.
- Winter Boots: Are essential to keep your feet warm, ensure good grip in icy conditions, but most importantly they need to fit comfortably. Most GTX (Gore-Tex) boots could do the job with some good insulating socks but for those colder climates you need a boot that can combat the hard conditions.
- Winter Socks: Thick insulating socks help keep your feet warm and snug all throughout the day. Combined with a good winter boot and you will never have to worry about getting cold feet again.
Boot Specifications to look for: Insulated, Cold rated, waterproofed, 6"-8" Lengths.
Sock Specifications to look for: Thick, warm but breathable, sweat-wicking (because moisture can freeze).
Popular/Recommended Products:
3. Outerwear: Jackets, Parkas, Fleeces, and more
Officers who spend a large majority of their time outside need outwear that works for Canadian winters. A plate carrier alone won't get the job done in those harsh conditions. We have multiple brands like 5.11 that offer great outerwear options to keep you warm all shift. From Winter Jackets, Multi layered Parkas, to simple fleeces. We've got you covered with options for all Canadian winter conditions. Some jackets will also include Identifier panels if needed for undercover work. For traffic members we have Hi-Vis Jacket / Parka options available as well!
- Tactical Fleece: Added warmth without the bulk, perfect for those warmer winter climates or for those moving constantly between hot interiors and cold outdoor calls.
- Tactical Layered Jackets: For Mid-winter to cool conditions; when you need mobility, quicker response, maybe patrol in mixed weather. Slightly lighter, and more agile than a Parka system.
- Tactical Layered Parkas: Best in severe cold conditions, deep winter, or in extended outdoor exposure. A full Parka system is built for the harshest weather, designed for layering and serious cold.
Fleece Specifications to look for: Lighter for Mobility but still insulated for those moderate cold regions ie. BC. Duty features like special pockets, radio/mic loops, badge tabs.
Jacket Specifications to look for: High waterproof rating (10,000 mm or higher), windproof, water-repellent, good breathability to avoid overheating, still allowing tactical access ie. side-zippers or long zippers for quick access to your duty belt.
Parka Specifications to look for: A 2-layer (shell plus liner) to a full 3-layer construction. Waterproofing 10k or higher for serious winter patrol, good freedom of movement, pockets designed for law enforcement, insulation ratings, ventilation options to ensure even in the coldest conditions you don't overheat.
Popular/Recommended Products:
4. Cold-Weather Head & Hand Protection
Studies show you lose a lot of heat through extremities. Gloves, headwear, and face protection are vital to ensure you stay warm and get the most out of all your winter gear. With brands like PIG, 5.11, HWI and more, you can rest easy knowing you're dealing with good quality products across the board. Custom Toques available made in house here in BC. Keep the heat with these great options.
- Winter Gloves: Keep your hands warm without compromising performance, look for insulated models with strong grip and dexterity traits for operating your gear under the coldest conditions. Touch screen compatibility is almost a must!
- Winter Headwear: A good quality toque or thermal cap helps preserve body heat during long outdoor calls or traffic control. Choose one of our RCMP branded toque options to not only stay warm but professional while on call.
- Winter Face protection: Balaclavas or neck gaiters shield officers from windburn, blowing snow, and sub-zero temps without limiting your visibility. Ensure they are compatible with your communications gear. Breathability is a must!
Headwear Specifications to look for: Strong insulating material (100% acrylic knit, or polyester fleece), minimal bulk to ensure no interference with your gear, enough breathability to allow for ventilation or moisture control to reduce sweat build up.
Gloves Specifications to look for: Touch-screen compatible fingertips, avoid super heavy insulation if it reduces dexterity, reinforced and textured palms/fingertips for firearm and equipment handling.
Face protection specifications to look for: Coverage of the Face, neck, and ears to protect from wind chill, snug fit under helmet/hood, avoid one with access bulk, look for thermal products such as fleece, merino, or high-loft synthetics.
Recommended Gloves:
- PIG FDT Cold Weather Gloves
- HWI Winter Cut resistant gloves
- HWI Winter Touchscreen Gloves
- 5.11 Caldus 2.0 insulated gloves
Recommended Headwear:
- Point6 Single layer Beanie
- Point6 Double layer beanie
- RCMP Members RCMP 12"/8" Toque
- Rothco Watch Cap
- UF Pro Watch Cap
Recommended Face wear Protection:
5. Winter Accessories & Tactical Enhancements
Beyond the main Winter apparel, there's specialized gear upgrades to make your life easier while in these Harsh Canadian winter conditions. From specialized handwarmers that can link to your carrier via MOLLE, to neck gaiters just to add that extra layer of protection, we have multiple options for you. Tired of your Coffee getting cold in the morning? Check out our selection of YETI mugs, open to engraving if interested email: [email protected].
- Winter Accessories: When the temperature drops, the right accessories can make the difference between a comfortable shift and a miserable one. Winter add-ons like Handwarmers, and Neck Gaiters will help keep you focused on the task at hand, not the cold.
Recommended Winter Accessories:
- 5.11 Hand Warmer Primaloft insulated
- TT Tac Muff Hand Warmer
- Point6 Single Layer Neck Gaiter
- Point6 Double layer short Neck Gaiter
Recommended Winter Mugs:
Joint Force Tactical positions itself as the go-to supplier for Canadian law enforcement. We're not just a general uniform vendor, we understand the unique challenges Law enforcement officers face during the harsh Canadian winters. We equip those who protect our communities with trusted brands and duty-tested winter solutions built for long shifts and extreme climates.
If you need help finding the right cold-weather setup for your region or role, our team is here to assist:
Phone: 604-705-0600
Email: [email protected]
