Army surplus clothing

[rhhudson]

Hi,
Does anyone use old army surplus clothing for shooting?
It looks good quality stuff and is a fraction of the price. Is there a reason for this?

Ideally I want something showerproof and silent for lamping at night.

Or is there another brand that is worth a look without breaking the bank?

I get that some people are doing this as a job and are out everyday in all conditions so they need the best kit, but for me I can't justify ££££ on a jacket/trousers that will only see light use.

Thanks
Recommendations greatly received

 

[Everlong]

Yes to Army Surplus - the DPM Gortex jackets and Trousers are great - and in terms of good value brands - Percussion and the clothes available from Decathlon are both excellent value for money

 

[Rory]

Yes, good value, lots of storage pockets and affordable too.

 

[rhhudson]

Yes to Army Surplus - the DPM Gortex jackets and Trousers are great - and in terms of good value brands - Percussion and the clothes available from Decathlon are both excellent value for money

I had a look at the gortex jacket and they look very plasticy. Are they noisey when moving?

Thanks

 

[Everlong]

I had a look at the gortex jacket and they look very plasticy. Are they noisey when moving?

Thanks

Mine isn’t

 

[Markfox]

I use some ex army gear and it works very well with no issues and does exactly what it says on the tin

 

[Tony Morgan]

Austrian army coats, and leggings + braces, have Goretex and the quality is excellent. Last time I bought any they were about £50 for the 'Feldjacke' and £30 for the leggings.

 

[parkyboy]

Army gortex jackets were designed to be part of a system to keep dry and are to be worn under a combat smock so noise or rustling shouldn't be an issue...i wear mine in this way and stay warm and dry...Hugh.

 

[nathan83]

Also some of the newer surplus MTP trousers and shirts is permethrin impregnated so is a repellant to ticks

 

[takbok]

I've been using an old German army Nato parka for years. I've treated it with Nikwax spray recently. It's silent because it's cotton, and keeps me dry.

 

[norma 308]

Just hang around on here and pick up last yrs trendy high price gear half price on classifieds most forces guys will tell you what the issued gear is like

 

[Blind Pugh]

most forces guys will tell you what the issued gear is like

True if you speak with the ex British army chaps...... Have a look at Austrian/German or US equipment...... Better designed, and often better materials.
If you want to be stylish (but not that good) go Italian!

 

[Koenig]

If you just want ‘showerproof’ go with either a DPM (older darker camo pattern) or the newer MTP jacket. You can spray it with a layer of Fabsil or similar and it’ll keep the worst weather out - for a while. Both types are cheap on EBay.

 

[I. Farticus]

Look for a Dutch Army 3-piece DPM jacket.

Jacket, fleece layer and goretex layer. I've washed the outer layer in Nikwax and nothing's got through yet.

 

[Blind Pugh]

Personally I prefer the plain colours
Austrian good: Austrian Army M65 Gore-Tex Jacket

If you want to look like a bush then just seen the French system - pit zips etc. Can't vouch for them as I have not tried, but look good. Add says "new" but label date 2005 so probably never worn:

NEW French Military Army Goretex Central European Camouflaged CCE Jacket | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for NEW French Military Army Goretex Central European Camouflaged CCE Jacket at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Sash]

Either the MTP or older DPM (windproof) smocks are excellent, especially if layered underneath. The newer MTP smock is made of far heavier material, with even better pockets, so likely right up your street.
British soldiers used to spend exorbitant amounts of their cash on non-issue clothing and equipment. Some still do, but I see massively less on display, even on exercise, than 10-15 years ago: 2 wars have really improved the standard of issue equipment, especially clothing, IMO.

 

[andychas]

I use army surplus clothing a lot for stalking and beating, can't beat it imo, tough reliable and cost effective.
probably my favourites are an Austrian Army goretex mountain jacket, fleece shirt, Altberg defender boots (Haix are good too though) sealskins knee length socks, olive drab utility trousers for summer stalking.
Also a fan of Solognac clothing.

 

[macfarlane]

If its for lamping at night surely anything that's dark will do, no need for dpm just a dark fleece out of the likes of trespass and a pair of dickies work trousers get the trousers that take knee pads handy for kneeling shots of sticks, army gear is OK I use the German flectarn, or I've a French goretex jacket but both can be noisy. If I'm lamping at night mostly just grab a dark fleece.

 

[DVS1]

Army gortex jackets were designed to be part of a system to keep dry and are to be worn under a combat smock so noise or rustling shouldn't be an issue...i wear mine in this way and stay warm and dry...Hugh.

Wearing the waterproof under the smock was SOP for us way back when in the 90's so good to see it's still done that way and it does reduce the noise issue although ANY waterproof clothing will have an element of noise due to its nature of being waterproof

 

[CarlW]

I wear this stuff. Keeps ye warm and draws the ladies...