Vortex was nice enough to send over their new summer 2025 collection additions along with some scopes I’ve been reviewing. I’ve been putting this apparel lineup through its paces all season long. Between range days, work, and general outdoor activities, their gear has seen everything from light sprinkles to absolute downpours. Here’s how it all held up.
Vortex Coverage on AllOutdoor
Cloud Shaker Rain Jacket – Military Olive ($134.99)
This thing saved me more than once this summer. The morning that stands out was walking to my car during what felt like walking into a wall of water. My head and torso stayed bone dry while everything below my waist got soaked, which honestly tells you exactly what you need to know about any rain jacket. The breathability is solid since it’s genuinely lightweight, and the pit zips actually help when you’re moving around.
The best feature is how it packs into its own pocket. No exaggeration there – it actually works and doesn’t turn into some awkward bundle you can’t stuff anywhere. The styling looks good too, which matters if you’re not trying to look like you raided an REI clearance rack. At $134.99, knock off 35 bucks, and I’d buy another one. As it sits, it’s priced like premium gear but performs more like solid mid-range.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 88% Nylon Ripstop / 12% Spandex
- 2.5 Layer Seam-Sealed Shell
- 10K/15K Rated Waterproof/Breathable Fabric
- DWR Coated
- Adjustable Cuffs, Hood and Hem
- Pit Zips
- Internal Storm Flap Behind Zipper
- Packs Into Its Own Pocket
- Available in Military Olive and Black
- Sizes: M to 3XL
Banshee Sunglasses – Gold Mirror
These are decent shooting glasses that I wish cost less. The gold mirror coating held up fine through everything I threw at them. They rest on the top of my cheeks sometimes, which gets annoying during longer range sessions. Fit under ear muffs is perfect though – no pressure points or weird gaps.
My biggest gripe is the case. It’s not symmetrical and has these weird voids that make it awkward to store anywhere. Yeah, that’s nitpicky, but when you’re paying premium prices, details matter. They work, they’re comfortable enough, but they feel generic for what they cost. Nothing wrong with them, just nothing special either.
Specifications:
- Frame and lenses safety rated ANSI Z87.1
- Lenses safety rated to MIL-PRF 32423-A 4.8.4 Ballistic Impact Testing
- Shatter-resistant, polarized lenses
- Anti-scratch and smudge-resistant coating
- Anti-reflective properties
- 100% UV protection
- Lightweight and flexible design
- Non-slip bridge and temples
- Eyewear Dimensions: 56-16-135
- Available in Black/Amber-Gold Mirror, Black/Smoke-No Mirror, Green/Amber-No Mirror
- Includes protective case and microfiber cloth
T-Shirts – Cartridge Contrast & Three Peaks ($24.99 each)
The 52% cotton/48% poly blend is comfortable and washes well. No shrinkage that I noticed, and they hold their shape. Both designs get comments – the cartridge one especially from other shooters.
At $24.99, they’re priced right for what they are. The fabric feels quality and the prints look clean. Standard everyday wear that happens to have gun-related graphics.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 52% Cotton / 48% Polyester
- Care: Machine wash cold / Tumble dry low
- Cartridge Contrast available in Military and Black
- Three Peaks available in Dark Olive, Polar Night, Military, Grey, Coyote Heather, Charcoal, and Black
- Sizes: S to 3XL (varies by design)
Sun Slayer Snap Front Shirt – Bering Sea ($84.99)
This is where things get weird. I handed this to my fishing cousins during a family trip since they’d actually use the UPF 50 protection. Their reaction was telling – they liked it but called it out for being this strange sweatshirt/t-shirt/button-up hybrid that looks sillier the more you stare at it.
Does everything it claims? Absolutely. The moisture wicking works, it’s lightweight, and the snap front is convenient. But it’s unconventional as hell and looks it. The hoodie version would catch my wallet faster because it’s more mainstream styling.
Specifications:
- Fabric: 86% Polyester / 14% Spandex
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Antimicrobial and moisture wicking
- Built-in stretch
- Snap front closure
- Chamois cloth in hem
- Care: Machine wash cold / Tumble dry low
- Available in Bering Sea
- Sizes: S to 3XL
Overall Thoughts – Vortex Summer 2025 Collection
Vortex continues to treat their customers right – I’ve been dealing with them for almost a decade in this industry and they’re consistently solid people. Quality control was spot-on across everything. The pricing feels like they’re positioning themselves as premium lifestyle gear. Sometimes that’s justified (the rain jacket performs), sometimes it feels like you’re paying extra for the brand (the sunglasses).
For reference, I’ve bought most of their Timber Rush flannel lineup and those nail it – right fit, right size, great look for fall and winter. This summer collection has that same quality but the styling and price choices can be hit or miss. Good gear that works as advertised for sure. The rain jacket earned its keep, the t-shirts are solid basics, and the Sun Slayer is functional if you can get past the weird styling.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Vortex for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their summer collection. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that this summer collection is something worth spending your money on? Would you take this gear out to the range or on your next outdoor adventure? Would this be your go-to summer apparel lineup? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
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