Thread: Minnesota gear

I got a transfer coming up to a special team in Minnesota. Is there anybody on the forum from up north (and maybe on a warrants squad or something similar) who could make some gear recommendations?

I'll be sitting in a car a lot, standing around in yards, and then switching to indoors for arrests/searches. So I'll need clothes that keep me warm outdoors but don't cause heat stroke indoors.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

I'm a reserve in MN and just make sure you have waterproof and possibly insulated footwear for duty, especially in the winter. Other than have a good hat, gloves and jacket. For Law Enforcement specific cold weather gear check out either Streichers in Plymouth or Uniforms Unlimited in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Just the kind of info I was looking for!

Originally Posted by rojo

I got a transfer coming up to a special team in Minnesota. Is there anybody on the forum from up north (and maybe on a warrants squad or something similar) who could make some gear recommendations?

I'll be sitting in a car a lot, standing around in yards, and then switching to indoors for arrests/searches. So I'll need clothes that keep me warm outdoors but don't cause heat stroke indoors.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Under Armour is your friend, get the leggings and the Turtle Necks they'll do a lot. I echo Pantless Streichers and Uniforms will be your friend. Streichers I think has a bigger selection and they're really nice people out there. (from personal experience, I don't work there.) Also make sure you get a couple good pairs of warm gloves I can't stand it when my fingers are cold. Also a good coat will go a long way.

PM me if you have specific questions
PS. It's snowing right now welcome to MN

You'd be surprised how much a good hat will keep you warm. I don't know if you'll have uniform restrictions on headgear, but I always swear by a good wool watchcap or "toque"-type winter hat. And nowadays you can get them with a layer of fleece inside and something in between the wool and fleece to break the wind. I have a couple like this that I got from REI.

Also might want to pick up some type of vest to wear as an inner layer. I have a couple of wool ones (pricey, but indestructible and, well...nothing beats wool), as well as some fleece vests. You not only have another insulating layer for your body "core" underneath your outer jacket that's less restrictive/bulky, but it also allows you to take your jacket off indoors - like in a restaurant - and still keep your weapon hidden.

k

Something I forgot to say that Krellum touched on is to wear LAYERS so you remove or add on more if you get too hot or cold.

I'm going to echo a good hat, it'll make your day if you have one. Also if you feel your in the car over heating then take that off first and you'll cool down guarenteed. I know a few officers who keep handwarmers in their pockets they usualy last 4 hrs so if they're outside for a while they'll break those out and slip them into their gloves. Also minnesota weather changes a lot so make sure your jackets waterproof, I know some people who have non-waterproof winter jackets and if the snow turns to sleet then i think they have a wet day.

Don't listen to the rumors, it's not THAT cold out!

K9

Originally Posted by K9 Police

Don't listen to the rumors, it's not THAT cold out!

K9

its 19 degrees and snowing..... brrrrrrr

Originally Posted by krellum

I have a couple of wool ones (pricey, but indestructible and, well...nothing beats wool),
k

I'm going to guess Filson. I still get their catalog. Unfortunately, they only offer a handful of items for my more reasonable climate.

I'm going to guess Filson.

Yep. I have a coat, a couple of bags, and 2 vests made by them - stuff will last forever and is top quality; well worth the money, in my opinion. I'm spoiled by being able to actually visit their store .

k