i got nothing in DPM exsept for a canteen cover and a gore-tex jacket. I couldn't fit my canteen, cup and stand combination in a OD cover i got, so i use the DPM. The gore-tex jacket is only there because i can't find a OD or tan color water/windproof, but breathible jacket i can afford.
Army or civilian?
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To the original question...US Military now has a program to update its equipment using 'outdoors' companies (eg - Oakley are designing the boots) up-to-date knowledge/technology. Due to the amount of competition there has been great advances made in outdoor gear, therefore much of the military stuff has been surpassed. You need to compare piece by piece.
Sometimes the military/ex-militray stuff is cheaper and more hardwearing. Of course a lot of the 2nd hand stuff is already worn out.
The better civilian gear brands will have superior designs to the military stuff though.
Sometimes the military/ex-militray stuff is cheaper and more hardwearing. Of course a lot of the 2nd hand stuff is already worn out.
The better civilian gear brands will have superior designs to the military stuff though.
The US Military have been doing this or similar for a while - hence Alpha making M65's and whats there name making the Poncho's etc.
One thing with all these so called advances is someones designers and manufacturers can over complicate things - as an example (seeing as its my flavour of the month) lets look at a Mocassin/Mukluk developed over thousands of years, fine tuned to perfection and still worn by many people who live and work in the enviroment its designed for - but - big business, brand names and the petroleum industry all want there peice of the pie - designed by guys who never wander out their office and manufactured by people whose only goal is making a profit - my point sometimes the simple things are better and science can blind us, a bit off topic but hey.......
One thing with all these so called advances is someones designers and manufacturers can over complicate things - as an example (seeing as its my flavour of the month) lets look at a Mocassin/Mukluk developed over thousands of years, fine tuned to perfection and still worn by many people who live and work in the enviroment its designed for - but - big business, brand names and the petroleum industry all want there peice of the pie - designed by guys who never wander out their office and manufactured by people whose only goal is making a profit - my point sometimes the simple things are better and science can blind us, a bit off topic but hey.......
Paganwolf
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Too true Gary, pair of moccasins and a buckskin loin cloth and knowledge did Native Americans fine till the white man came along and messed things up putting it really mildly! Your personal kit is just that personal at the end of the day its down to you,if someone tells you lowa (as an example) are the best boots you can buy and you try em on and they hurt your feet but a cheaper pair has the same features but are comfy then whatta ya gonna do? Er am i mega of topic now :rolmao: :rolmao:
I take the point ... but I think I'd look a lot less wierd going around in the occasional DPM jacket than a pair of moccasins and a buckskin loincloth. Any military kit I wear is because it fits the quality and standard that I want ... wearing moccasins and a lioncloth would put me well and truly in the realm of the wannabe something-or-other! :rolmao:
Paganwolf
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
what about a Gortex loin cloth?!! :shock: oh but make sure its Olive green and not DPM!! :shock: :rolmao: :rolmao: Do Danner make moccasins?? lol 
):
):
Paganwolf
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Paganwolf
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
:rolmao:
Paganwolf
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
G
Ginja
Guest
Definitely a personal choice this once (you don't say ...). I've always been a bit worried about looking like a squaddie on leave - not to mention that should I ever find myself in 'trouble' (touch wood), I wouldn't want to be dressed in DPMs and blending into the scenery - not exactly the best thing for any rescue team or search party! But of course, military kit ain't designed to attract attention ... unless you're wearing temperate DPMs in the desrt, that is.
As for quality, I think the military stuff is getting better all the time, and often has a somewhat unfairly 'bad' reputation. Don't quote me on this, but I'm fairly sure that most 'modern' British Army clobber is produced by the likes of Berghaus et al (not that they're the best by any means, but it's no longer the cheapest bidder that wins military contracts). It did make me laugh to discover that British Army face-paint is now produced by the make-up firm L'Oreal (because you're worth it ... !). True.
And in most cases army kit is A LOT cheaper. My advice is to buy it new, however, as the second hand stuff is often well worn in, and worn out!
Personally - I use a mix. Mainly 'civvy' stuff (eg. bergen, boots, jacket, etc), combined with British Army cooking kit, lightweight trousers (still the best in my opinion) and ... this one's gonna make all you Woodlore knife folks wince ... a British Army jungle survival knife! (yeah, yeah, I hear you - big ol' chunk of metal but it does me proud!).
G
PS: would highly recommend the Swedish firm Haglofs for civvy kit, especially bergens and bivvys (thanks to Viking for the original tip off), British firm Snowsled for jackets (should already be familiar to Ray Mears fans), and Brasher for boots.
As for quality, I think the military stuff is getting better all the time, and often has a somewhat unfairly 'bad' reputation. Don't quote me on this, but I'm fairly sure that most 'modern' British Army clobber is produced by the likes of Berghaus et al (not that they're the best by any means, but it's no longer the cheapest bidder that wins military contracts). It did make me laugh to discover that British Army face-paint is now produced by the make-up firm L'Oreal (because you're worth it ... !). True.
And in most cases army kit is A LOT cheaper. My advice is to buy it new, however, as the second hand stuff is often well worn in, and worn out!
Personally - I use a mix. Mainly 'civvy' stuff (eg. bergen, boots, jacket, etc), combined with British Army cooking kit, lightweight trousers (still the best in my opinion) and ... this one's gonna make all you Woodlore knife folks wince ... a British Army jungle survival knife! (yeah, yeah, I hear you - big ol' chunk of metal but it does me proud!).
G
PS: would highly recommend the Swedish firm Haglofs for civvy kit, especially bergens and bivvys (thanks to Viking for the original tip off), British firm Snowsled for jackets (should already be familiar to Ray Mears fans), and Brasher for boots.
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