Released in fall of 2025, the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Shell from Viktos is intended to act as an enhanced evolution to the company’s outerwear line, and provide a durable yet lightweight jacket for year-round range use and demanding outdoor conditions. It brings together the features of earlier Viktos designs, while adding significant upgrades in protection, mobility, and practicality.
The Range Trainer XD Waterproof Shell is built on a 10k/10k waterproof-and-breathable four-way stretch chassis. Its 100% polyester outer shell is equipped with a PFAS-free StormStrike™ DWR finish, has fully taped seams, with a bonded mesh interior liner—resulting in an outer shell that resists rain, wind, and abrasion while maintaining breathability and regulating preparation during physical activity.
At the front, the Shell includes a mid-height collar and a streamlined hood that provides additional coverage from wind and precipitation when needed. The hood’s minimalist design prevents interference with slings and shoulder straps while maintaining comfort and mobility.
The lower front of the jacket features hand pockets with zippered closures. Inside each pocket is loop-panel retention for securing EDC items, tools, or accessories during movement.
Both sides of the Shell incorporate Viktos’ signature GunVent™ zippers—a dual-zippered system enabling rapid access to a belt-mounted sidearm or range belt while keeping the jacket fully worn. This makes the XD shell an outer layer alternative for concealed-carry practitioners and shooters who require uninterrupted access to their equipment.
The front is secured with a full-length waterproof zipper equipped with a low-profile pull tab, running from the collar down past the waistline to ensure a complete weather seal.
Both sleeves incorporate reinforced forearm overlays for added “brush bash” abrasion resistance, which are intended to provide additional padding during prone shooting or field use. The wrists feature low-profile cuffs with hook-and-loop adjustment straps to block access of wind and weather. Additional low-profile shoulder pockets provide extra accessory or ID storage.
For help regulate body temperature, the jacket includes pit-zip ventilation and a perforated rear yoke across the shoulders designed to promote airflow and reduce heat buildup during extended wear or high-activity movement.
The interior features a bonded mesh liner to assist with moisture wicking and breathability. Additional internal cargo pockets offer increased storage capacity for magazines, gloves, or other field essentials.
The Range Trainer XD Waterproof Shell is available in Murkwood (featured), Nightfall Black (their version of MC Black), and Black and comes in sizes Small through 3XL.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): At a list price of $225, the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Shell occupied a very competitive position within the tactical outerwear market, particularly for a purpose-built waterproof range jacket. Constructed from a 100% polyester chassis with four-way stretch paneling, the XD Shell was designed to balance weather protection with mobility during active use. Comparable products at the time included the Arc’teryx LEAF Alpha Jacket ($750), 5.11’s All Mission Waterproof Jacket ($220), and Helly Hansen’s Odin Shell Jacket ($325); however, many of these alternatives prioritized alpine or general outdoor use rather than range-specific functionality. While some lower-cost waterproof jackets existed in the broader outdoor market, they typically lacked the Gunvent™ side access, range-oriented pocket layout, and reinforced tactical features that differentiated the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Shell from conventional rain shells.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort perspective, the XD Shell had a good level of performance across a variety of weather and temperature conditions, offering a balanced fit that allowed for easy layering without feeling restrictive. The jacket ran true to size and provided enough room in the shoulders and chest to accommodate dynamic movement, including shouldering a rifle or transitioning between standing, kneeling, and prone positions. The 10k/10k waterproof-breathable fabric remained flexible and did not feel stiff or abrasive against the skin, even during extended wear. In cooler temperatures, the shell effectively blocked wind and precipitation while still allowing heat to escape during movement, preventing the clammy feeling often associated with less breathable rain jackets. The bonded mesh interior lining aided moisture management, while the articulated sleeves and four-way stretch panels preserved a natural range of motion. The low-profile collar and integrated hood provided additional protection without interfering with head movement or cheek weld, contributing to overall comfort during prolonged range sessions.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The 100% polyester construction of the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Shell proved to be a durable platform for sustained field use, resisting abrasion, wind, and precipitation. During testing that included movement through brush, contact with barricades, and repeated sling wear, the exterior fabric resisted scuffing and showed no premature wear in high-contact areas such as the shoulders and elbows. Viktos’ proprietary StormStrike™ finish consistently caused moisture to bead and shed, preventing surface saturation during rain and wet snow. This PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment maintained its effectiveness without stiffening the fabric or compromising flexibility. Reinforced and bartack stitching at stress points, along with robust YKK zippers and protective zipper garages, contributed to the shell’s overall durability. The Gunvent™ side zippers operated smoothly throughout testing and did not show signs of separation or snagging, even when accessed repeatedly under load. Perhaps the first (minor) risk to durability over time will come from the raised rubberized “VIKTOS BLACK ARMS COMPANY” along the front zipper’s protective flap as time and UV exposure could likely make it brittle or deteriorate the bonding adhesive. However, that was not observed during the course of review and is based on observations with similar material.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Shell was clearly designed to minimize interference between the user and the task at hand. The inclusion of Viktos’ Gunvent™ dual side-zip system allowed immediate access to a belt-mounted sidearm or range gear without requiring the jacket to be continually unzipped at the front or removed, maintaining continuity of movement and situational awareness. Inversely, the added closure tab at the bottom of the Gunvent™ zippers ensured they would remain secure and not loosen or unzip when not in use. The hand pockets were deep and well-positioned, remaining accessible even when wearing gloves or body armor. Interior cargo pockets provided additional storage for gloves or small equipment without adding external bulk. The adjustable cuffs effectively sealed out wind and moisture, while the integrated hood offered protection without obstructing peripheral vision. Laser-cut rear ventilation ports enhanced airflow when the jacket was fully zipped, helping regulate temperature during periods of increased exertion. Collectively, these features allowed the shell to function not merely as rain protection, but as an active-use garment suited to range, training, and field environments.
- Weight – Average (3/5): For the evaluated Range Trainer XD Waterproof Shell in size 2XL, the measured weight was 37.5 ounces, reflecting its combination of 10k/10k waterproof polyester construction and four-way stretch panels. While more substantial in terms of weight than ultralight rain shells that merely provide moisture protection, the jacket did not feel heavy or fatiguing during extended wear, particularly when compared to other tactical waterproof outer layers intending to also help regulate heat. The StormStrike™ DWR finish further helped prevent moisture absorption, ensuring the shell did not gain noticeable weight during prolonged exposure to rain or snow. Comparable jackets such as the 5.11 All Mission Waterproof Jacket (approximately 32 ounces) and Helly Hansen Odin Shell (approximately 28 ounces) fell within a similar weight range, though overall garment weight varied significantly based on sizing and material selection. As with all outerwear, larger sizes inherently required more fabric and therefore increased weight, but the Range Trainer XD Waterproof Shell maintained an appropriate (or average) and well-balanced feel relative to the overall market and its intended purpose and feature set.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://viktos.com/jackets/range-trainer-xd-waterproof-shell/
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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