UF Pro Delta AcE Plus Gen. 3 – Winter Jacket for Activity

This article is sponsored by UF Pro.

A tactical winter jacket for activities in low temperatures. This is not a classic insulation jacket! More on that in the conclusion below.

Data

The Jacket

The jacket’s cut is as familiar as other UF Pro designs. I wear size 3XL so that my forearms fit in the jacket. I am 1.92m tall.
The jacket has no drawstring at the hem. The zipper cannot be opened from the bottom.

Under the arms, the structured elastic material allows for ventilation and freedom of movement.

This material is also used on the back.

The cuffs are elastic and non-adjustable.

Collar and Hood

The collar can be fully closed with a zipper.

The collar height is quite comfortable, though a scarf is a good addition in cold weather.

The hood is rolled up and stored inside the collar.

It is secured with four snap buttons in the collar.

The hood itself is permanently sewn in and has no adjustment in the back.

It is designed to minimize obstruction of peripheral vision.

Inside, there’s a small cap-like feature that keeps the hood securely in place on the head, allowing it to move with head movements.

Interior

To improve ventilation and comfort, the shoulders and upper back feature padding made from spacer fabric.

The pads are stored in mesh pockets and can be removed.

The inside of the sleeves is lined with a soft material that feels comfortable against the skin.

Pockets

There are two front pockets.

The pockets are breathable on the side closest to the body.

Each lower arm has a zipper pocket.

Each upper arm has a pocket with a slot for a pen under the velcro.

The jacket has no inner pockets.

Infrared

Here is an NIR photo of the jacket, taken with a modified DSLR.

Conclusion

I’ve been using the jacket since December 2022, primarily with short and long-sleeved thin merino shirts in winter. For extended periods outdoors, it’s worth bringing an additional insulation jacket for longer breaks.
If you’re looking for more wind protection, consider the “lighter” Delta Eagle Gen. 3, which is more of a softshell: My review of the UF Pro Delta Eagle Gen. 3. With the softshell, a thicker base layer would be a good addition for similar insulation.

Functionality
The jacket offers limited rain protection and does not completely shield from wind. The elastic areas allow wind to pass through, so a windproof jacket might be a useful addition in particularly windy areas. However, for moderate to high activity, this breathability is beneficial.

Temperature Range
I was particularly impressed with its performance during activities below 0°C. I wore it at -15°C under a plate carrier with moderate exertion, and the climate inside the jacket was very comfortable. It’s also a great companion in cooler evenings during warmer months.
The water-repellent material protects against light rain, but the sides and the back panel are permeable. However, this isn’t an issue in cold temperatures.

Final Thoughts
I see this jacket’s strengths in winter. It’s comparable to a combination of a partially wind-resistant jacket and a thin shirt.
It’s less suitable as a packable wind jacket since it doesn’t fully block the wind. It’s also not ideal as a packable insulation jacket due to its weight.
This jacket is the right choice if you want functional clothing for winter activities in urban or vegetated areas for extended wear. It resembles a winter combat shirt closely.