REVIEW – As I’ve written before, I’m active in Scouting (Eagle Scout, Assistant Scoutmaster). One of the Ten Essentials for the outdoors is appropriate rain gear. I’m not sure if it’s because we’ve had crippling droughts in California for years, but I actually don’t own a packable rain jacket. Thankfully, now I have one to test.
What is it?
The LA Police Gear (LAPG) Expedition Packable Rain Jacket is a lightweight seam-sealed waterproof jacket that packs neatly into a pouch.
Hardware specs
- 100% Polyester with DWR
- Fully seam-sealed interior
- 3,500MM fabric waterproof rating
- 3,500GM2 breathability rating
- Zippered pockets with rain guard
- Packable into a separate travel bag
- Concealable hood
Design and features
I received the black color (also available in navy and OD green) in size L. I’m 5 foot 5 inches and shaped like a dad.
One of the first things I noticed was the silvery inside liner. I don’t know if it’s designed to reflect heat, but it has a slightly grippy waterproof feel. 
Here’s a closer look at the inside of the LA Police Gear waterproof jacket. Note the interior pocket. There’s one on each side.
There’s also an elastic waist cinch. A total of two.
Each exterior pocket is zippered. Total of two. No other exterior pockets.
The collar hides the hood. The hood does not detach. Hook and loop fasteners keep the flap down.
The hood is also lined with the same silvery material. 
When packed, the hood forms a slightly puffy collar.
And here’s the hood, over my head, with the front zipper pulled all the way up. Where’s the rain?
Performance
It’s not raining in California anytime soon, so it was time to make some rain of my own. To the showers!
Yes, the LA Police Gear waterproof jacket kept me perfectly dry, with one exception: The sleeves. In the picture above, my arms are raised up, which allowed falling water to drip down my arms. There’s an elastic sleeve opening but it’s not adjustable.
Once the jacket is all dried out, it packs nicely into the included drawstring pouch which is also lined with the same waterproof material.
What I like
- No obvious branding
- Lightweight
- Hood hides nicely in the collar
- Waterproof
What I’d change
- Watch those sleeves!
Final thoughts
Not only does this waterproof jacket work against rain, but it’s packable and reasonably priced. It’s earned a place among my outdoor packing list.
Price: $29.99
Where to buy: LA Police Gear
Source: The sample of this product was provided by LA Police Gear.
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Great review, great subject.
First things first. Two quick questions. In the shower-test situation, what did you do from the waist down? You deserve a medal for going beyond what was required. Second question, so, if the silvery (Mercury?) rubberish inner lining is to keep the heat in, why is the drawstring carrier pouch also lined with the same material?
Seriously though, this is a great review. I would love to know how quickly it dries out and how resistant it is to mould. I had a bad experience last month when a jacket I thought was dry became ground zero for a mould infestation of my jacket closet. Now, I only wear these things for warmth and stay out of the rain.
I was less concerned about the waist down for the test. No idea why they made the pouch the same material. The fabric doesn’t really seem to “absorb” moisture so drying out is really dependent on the relative humidity. I just let it hang freely on a solo coat hook until it was dry.
How much does the jacket weigh? Went to the website and they don’t list weights there either.
For size L, 12 oz.
> I’m 5 foot 5 inches and shaped like a dad.
I love this description. I think this should be an option for all future body shape questions. Are you Rectangle, Pear, Spoon, Hourglass, Apple?, Nope I’m Dad shaped
Agreed!