Magnum Sparta Jacket Review
Jacket offers pockets galore for maximum storage
Outerwear can be incredibly important in the EMS setting, especially in extreme temperatures and heavy precipitation. A proper jacket keeps you dry and comfortable so you can focus on assisting your patient.
Magnum USA in Modesto, Calif., has released the Sparta jacket for use by emergency providers.
At first glance, the Sparta looks like many other jackets used in EMS—dark colored, lots of pockets and zippers. But the Sparta goes above and beyond with storage, boasting nine external, and two internal pockets.
For the purpose of this review, the jacket was subjected to extreme temperatures, liquids and sharp objects.
The Sparta jacket’s many pockets were very useful. The pockets on the sleeves are excellent places to keep patches, if the provider happens to be affiliated with more than one agency. Also, the left breast pocket has a flap for identification (badges, etc.), and the pocket on the back of the jacket has a Velcro flap for additional identification. The hand pockets are fleece lined to help maintain warmth. The hood was easy to take out of the pocket in the collar and easy to zip back into the same pocket.
To test waterproofing, the jacket (with hood) was worn for 15 minutes during a rainstorm. The jacket did an adequate job of keeping the upper body and head dry. The jacket also repelled cooking oil that was applied to it, to simulate other liquids.
The jacket was also worn for 35 minutes in an approximately 32 degree environment. Though the jacket doesn’t have an inner liner, it did an adequate job of keeping warm.
The jacket did not resistant punctures from either a needle or knife. Additionally, the jacket provided for the review did not have any type of reflective material on its exterior.
The jacket is available for $150 (plus shipping and handling) on Magnum’s website, in sizes from Medium to 2XL.
While the Sparta jacket certainly has enough pockets to hold everything an average EMS provider would need to carry on a daily basis, and is effective against water and cold, the jacket should have reflective material on it for safety purposes.
For more information on the Magnum Sparta Jacket, visit the Magnum USA online store at www.magnumbootstore.com.
Timothy J. Perkins, BS, EMT-P, is the EMS systems planner for the Virginia Department of Health's Office of EMS, host of EMS World's EMS Squadcast podcast and a member of the EMS World editorial advisory board.
