Windproof Smock

[Bryan71]

Having worn many waterproof jackets.And feel I get wet more in the inside than on the outside.So looking for a windproof smock.
looked at the ex mod style smocks which appear great value.Looked at the Arktis B110 which is a tad more expensive than the mod ones.Are the Arktis worth spending that bit more.I’m not far from Fenton’s in Preston who sell plenty of ex army stuff.
I have a Keela MK4 for when it’s throwing it down

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[Dave_45]

The genuine issue Arctic windproof smock (cs95) takes some beating.Not the new mtp style

 

[topscots1]

The issues smocks are fine, pair it with a lightweight goretex jacket underneath in showery weather to stay dry and keep access to the pockets.

Either MTP or DPM. The issued arctic gabardine cotton smocks are good and quick drying, they are available in MTP or DPM. MTP are rarer and harder to get.

British Vintage Woodland DPM camo Arctic Smock

Vintage Woodland DPM camo Arctic Smock Old School British Army Issue Smock with Wired hood in stock and available to order online or buy in store

www.surplusandoutdoors.com

I have one of these and have used it since around 1998, it has several holes. Has been on fire more than once. Needs a new zip, but is still used as dry day stalking jacket.

 

[Rory]

As above, the gabardine 'SAS windproof' is the one to get (DPM or MTP), NOT the ripstop or CS95 (Combat Soldier 95). The ones with the Canadian style buttons (big 'slot' type method of affixing with a broad tape, rather than thread) are the ones.to avoid, look for the classic four-hole button, non wired hood, poachers pockets and unlined/unzipped pockets.

 

[Rory]

This is the one to get - sewn on buttons that aren't covered, no rank slide epaulette mid chest, non-wired hood(the hood here is rolled under), no big pockets on the upper arms.

Not this type: (wired hood, epaulette on chest, pockets on upper arms, heavy material, slotted buttons, zipped pockets)


Not this type: (heavy material, zipped pockets, slotted buttons etec)


Not this type: (slotted buttons, elasticated drawcords, zipped pockets)

 

[Koenig]

Whilst the Arctic/SAS gaberdine smocks are good in that they dry out quickly they aren’t the most robust if you put them through hard use. I prefer the Para smock or MTP offerings myself.

 

[Heym SR20]

If you can find one the Bergans Morgedal really keeps the wind out, whilst still being breathable, and also most of the rain out as well. Not sure if they still doing them.

Otherwise a single layer ventile would be worth considering, but most are pretty expensive.

 

[308tikka]

The issues smocks are fine, pair it with a lightweight goretex jacket underneath in showery weather to stay dry and keep access to the pockets.

not this old chestnut! A practice from pre-goretex days... Your gary is designed to be an outer layer. It then keeps you and your layers dry....

It doesnt matter if its south armagh, germany or norway, if its hammering down your enemy.... or quarry.... wont hear the minimal rustle.

For OP - I own issue gabardine jackets in both mtp and dpm. Favourite is an old arctic dpm one. With an exact replacement on standby, but dont write off the bog standard current issue smock. It has handwarmer pockets with zips, it has pit zips, it is tough enough to withstand thornbushes, it is showerproof.

And it is dirt cheap. Unlike many brands or rip off ebay prices for a possible gabardine.

Think of it as a mora knife vs emberleaf cael. You can get another for £20.

 

[topscots1]

not this old chestnut! A practice from pre-goretex days... Your gary is designed to be an outer layer. It then keeps you and your layers dry....

It doesnt matter if its south armagh, germany or norway, if its hammering down your enemy.... or quarry.... wont hear the minimal rustle.

For OP - I own issue gabardine jackets in both mtp and dpm. Favourite is an old arctic dpm one. With an exact replacement on standby, but dont write off the bog standard current issue smock. It has handwarmer pockets with zips, it has pit zips, it is tough enough to withstand thornbushes, it is showerproof.

And it is dirt cheap. Unlike many brands or rip off ebay prices for a possible gabardine.

Think of it as a mora knife vs emberleaf cael. You can get another for £20.

Defeniteley not from pre goretex days.

It’s quite simply because the current issue goretex lightweight does not have chest or bellows pockets.

Much like the smock MVP lined which removes the need for goretex if maintained correctly for lighter showers. But becomes to hot to patrol in.

The OP isn’t looking to insert in to an FFP or conduct a section attack as the GPMG gunner.

He is looking for cost efficient mild weather stalking solutions. A lightweight goretex under an issued smock works, as does the Smock MVP but does not allow the MVP lining to be removed.

 

[marrajack]

Tilak do a nice smock. Mine is still not used for country sports but been great for walks, football etc

 

[lochty]

I've got one for sale, was in the classified adverts about 6 weeks ago. Great thing but too big for me, and interest drop me a pm and I'll send photos and details.

 

[Bryan71]

I've got one for sale, was in the classified adverts about 6 weeks ago. Great thing but too big for me, and interest drop me a pm and I'll send photos and details.

Thanks for the offer.It’s something I need to try on as I’m unsure of sizes

 

[Bugsy]

Christ fellas am lost with your jacket talk FFP/ MVP/ GPMG/ MTPthank Christ Rory explained what a a CS95 was because at that point I was worrying I might have to do another course . £££££

 

[Bryan71]

Thanks guys for your advise.Off tomorrow to try a few on.They have the following in stock

 

[MarinePMI]

I'd offer up a comment that you may also want to look at UF Pro. Their gear is top notch, and readily available in the UK. I have several of their tactical pants with the windshear liners. Very warm, without causing sweating, and made for active use. Pricey, but well made (and sizing is true to measurements listed).

UF PRO | Tactical Gear for Professionals

Browse and gear up with top tier combat uniforms, rain protection, thermal insulation gear and everyday carry tactical gear. Find out more.

ufpro.com

 

[bfltd0]

The trick is to get one of the lightweight goretex jackets. Carry this in your pouch/daysack and, when it looks like it will start pouring down, put it on under your windproof smock.

As the names suggest, windproofs are good against the wind but only water-resistant, not waterproof.

There is no one perfect garment.

British Army-Issue Lightweight MTP MVP Waterproof Jacket. Large. 180/100. | eBay

This is an example of an MTP, gore-tex, lightweight, waterproof jacket. It is labelled a size 180/100. Cargo pockets are fitted at each shoulder. It is closed at the front by a water-tight double-zip.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[caorach]

The trick is to get one of the lightweight goretex jackets. Carry this in your pouch/daysack and, when it looks like it will start pouring down, put it on under your windproof smock.

As the names suggest, windproofs are good against the wind but only water-resistant, not waterproof.

There is no one perfect garment.

British Army-Issue Lightweight MTP MVP Waterproof Jacket. Large. 180/100. | eBay

This is an example of an MTP, gore-tex, lightweight, waterproof jacket. It is labelled a size 180/100. Cargo pockets are fitted at each shoulder. It is closed at the front by a water-tight double-zip.

www.ebay.co.uk

I've been wearing windproof smocks and using the "put a waterproof layer underneath" approach for quite some years now and have found it very successful for my fishing/stalking/walking/lambing in Ireland and the Outer Hebrides.

I think your final point is a key one - modern marketing makes it appear that if you spend more and more money and get more and more (useless) features you will eventually get clothing that is perfect but this is simply not true. In the end the key to getting the right clothing for any given day is not to spend money but to use your brain. I find that on most days the windproof smock is ideal and sufficiently showerproof to do my job but on days when it seems it might be very wet then the waterproof layer can either go on or can go into my rucksack/pocket. Wearing a non-waterproof layer for most of the time means I'm warmer and more comfortable (and drier) for a much greater proportion of the time than if I were to wear a big money waterproof jacket. The exception may be people who sit in high seats and can basically drive to their stalking as they don't really require any flexibility in their clothing simply because their environment and activity is fairly fixed.

Basically my experience has been that spending more and more cash is no substitute for using your brain and wearing the right clothing for the conditions and, if you can use common sense, getting the right clothing can be relatively inexpensive and can make your life much more pleasant. The following short video is of some of my fishing last season and as you can see the windproof smock is a constant with the other clothing changing to match requirements:

 

[User00040]

Wearing a waterproof underneath is bad practise unless you are sitting still or take after Andrew...

Light and showerproof outer shell with either base layer/wool based fleece or quality flannel shirt underneath.

Nothing is 'waterproof' when you have to make holes to fit arms and a torso through it!

 

[VonBlitz]

I got a Ridgeline Monsoon from Optics warehouse for next to nothing and so far it has been great, very windproof.

 

[caorach]

Wearing a waterproof underneath is bad practise unless you are sitting still or take after Andrew...

Why?