Hi all,
Just wanted to share my thoughts on a recent purchase.
I have been wearing a UK Issue MTP Smock for years, and very good it is too; but started looking for a better camouflage option. MTP is good in a broad spectrum of environments, but in shady woodland can seem not dark enough. So I started searching about online for a more specific shade. I found this -
It is a much better hue for shady Broadleaf woodland, and is fully reversible too; with an Autumn Brown version of the same pattern on the reverse. There are just two large pockets on the lower front, which cleverly reverse; a vent slot in each armpit and a simple drawstring closure on the front, to allow some air in if you choose. The material is a tight weave waxed cotton.
I have been out in the Smock about a dozen times now, and am impressed. It is best described as minimalist, which works great for me. I picked up a bargain £10 merino wool jumper on fleabay, quite thin with no ribbing; and worn under the Smock its a perfect combo for all my activities so far. I have variously been out just before dawn into mid morning, early hours night time foxing; and general daytime mooching about the woods and hedgerows. It has kept me dry in an unexpected shower, and is most certainly windproof.
On a brisk uphill session, I just tugged the front open a bit to cool; then a simple downward pull on the drawstring closed it up later.
The cuffs and waist are elasticated. The complete lack of a collar concerned me at first, but seems of little consequence now; will probably require a light scarf in winter I think! Smock cost me £70, beware there are cheaper much poorer quality copies around.
This Smock is best off as part of a layering system, as being reversable it is obviously unlined.
Plus points for me are the double camouflage Winter/Summer option, its reasonably weatherproof - would carry a dedicated lightweight waterproof anorak if it was going to rain for hours for sure. And it's minimalist design means it is not bulky, and there are not dozens of pockets - you just carry what you definitely need, not a collection of gubbins 'just in case' If Im out night time foxing I do carry a 'manbag' for the Thermal spotter, thermos flask of coffee and spare batteries etc. (in pic above)
I know this won't appeal to a lot of folk on here, but just throwing it out there as a possible alternative. It is a repro of an old German Military Smock, exact in spec apparently; which may put some off too. You would certainly get a few odd looks cutting about in it at the shops etc, but I don't wear my shooting kit anywhere but in the field. It does not seem to be expensive at around £70, and I expect with occasional re-proofing with a decent wax it will give me a few years of service.
M42 Planetree Smock, made by Richard Underwood.
Just wanted to share my thoughts on a recent purchase.
I have been wearing a UK Issue MTP Smock for years, and very good it is too; but started looking for a better camouflage option. MTP is good in a broad spectrum of environments, but in shady woodland can seem not dark enough. So I started searching about online for a more specific shade. I found this -
It is a much better hue for shady Broadleaf woodland, and is fully reversible too; with an Autumn Brown version of the same pattern on the reverse. There are just two large pockets on the lower front, which cleverly reverse; a vent slot in each armpit and a simple drawstring closure on the front, to allow some air in if you choose. The material is a tight weave waxed cotton.
I have been out in the Smock about a dozen times now, and am impressed. It is best described as minimalist, which works great for me. I picked up a bargain £10 merino wool jumper on fleabay, quite thin with no ribbing; and worn under the Smock its a perfect combo for all my activities so far. I have variously been out just before dawn into mid morning, early hours night time foxing; and general daytime mooching about the woods and hedgerows. It has kept me dry in an unexpected shower, and is most certainly windproof.
On a brisk uphill session, I just tugged the front open a bit to cool; then a simple downward pull on the drawstring closed it up later.
The cuffs and waist are elasticated. The complete lack of a collar concerned me at first, but seems of little consequence now; will probably require a light scarf in winter I think! Smock cost me £70, beware there are cheaper much poorer quality copies around.
This Smock is best off as part of a layering system, as being reversable it is obviously unlined.
Plus points for me are the double camouflage Winter/Summer option, its reasonably weatherproof - would carry a dedicated lightweight waterproof anorak if it was going to rain for hours for sure. And it's minimalist design means it is not bulky, and there are not dozens of pockets - you just carry what you definitely need, not a collection of gubbins 'just in case' If Im out night time foxing I do carry a 'manbag' for the Thermal spotter, thermos flask of coffee and spare batteries etc. (in pic above)
I know this won't appeal to a lot of folk on here, but just throwing it out there as a possible alternative. It is a repro of an old German Military Smock, exact in spec apparently; which may put some off too. You would certainly get a few odd looks cutting about in it at the shops etc, but I don't wear my shooting kit anywhere but in the field. It does not seem to be expensive at around £70, and I expect with occasional re-proofing with a decent wax it will give me a few years of service.
M42 Planetree Smock, made by Richard Underwood.
