Soldier 95 V Soldier 2000?
- Thread starter greasemonkey
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well if u have any doubts over the type before ordering i don't mind having a look at a link for you if you pm to help spot a genuine one. plenty on ebay at the mo, like i said i'll have a look for you first if you want.
Good choice- the old style windproofs are brilliant. You can always mod them yourself as well to bring them up to date- sew loops in the pockets, add a compass pocket, and zips under the arms. Just got back from wearing one all weekend in the rain- dries so quickly, and its incredibly comfortable.
Wow! - Top summary Rabbitsmacker - The subject of military smocks often comes up and I can see this being the reference post we will visit again. My old 90's SAS smock is my bunny hunter jacket (rank tab on the front only) - it's the one I really don't mind getting trashed. I'm shortly to leave the army after 25 years and may keep (or "lose!") the latest issue smock as it is very well made and I like the material.
What he said!..I've had mine for years and it has been thoroughly abused - still going strong.
I must be a bit of a strange one in that I always preferred the 95 ripstop jacket to the later 'windproof' models.
With the ripstop one the material is lightweight and quick drying. It's just there as a shell, still very durable, but it can be used fine in summer conditions for example without being too much. If you're cold, you just put something on underneath it. The 2005 type hooded one (and the one before it, that was the same design as the ripstop but the same material as the current one) seem to be made from a too thick material to allow coolness and drying out easily - you're redders in summer, and constantly damp in winter.
The addition of a hood further complicates matters as it tries to wrap itself around the myriad shoulder straps you are wearing, or indeed your sling. It's not as if anyone actually wears the hood in any case, and if a hood was wanted with the ripstop you could just get a button on one that fitted into the pre-made buttonholes under the collar, no dramas. I can't help but think that it is popular with the lads because it is hooded and so has the same look as a gucci 'sas smock' - but the reason that smock was so popular was because of the gabardine material used. The current polycotton is pretty far removed from that, and as far as 'windproof' goes, it doesn't actually seem to stop that much wind.
The current type is fine for use in camp and working in so to speak (and if you're looking for a robust, affordable outer layer and you are more likely to be back in front of a warm fire of an evening than having to shiver in it outdoors then you will probably find it ticks your boxes), but I very much miss my old ripstop for going to the field in. Wish you could still get them.
With the ripstop one the material is lightweight and quick drying. It's just there as a shell, still very durable, but it can be used fine in summer conditions for example without being too much. If you're cold, you just put something on underneath it. The 2005 type hooded one (and the one before it, that was the same design as the ripstop but the same material as the current one) seem to be made from a too thick material to allow coolness and drying out easily - you're redders in summer, and constantly damp in winter.
The addition of a hood further complicates matters as it tries to wrap itself around the myriad shoulder straps you are wearing, or indeed your sling. It's not as if anyone actually wears the hood in any case, and if a hood was wanted with the ripstop you could just get a button on one that fitted into the pre-made buttonholes under the collar, no dramas. I can't help but think that it is popular with the lads because it is hooded and so has the same look as a gucci 'sas smock' - but the reason that smock was so popular was because of the gabardine material used. The current polycotton is pretty far removed from that, and as far as 'windproof' goes, it doesn't actually seem to stop that much wind.
The current type is fine for use in camp and working in so to speak (and if you're looking for a robust, affordable outer layer and you are more likely to be back in front of a warm fire of an evening than having to shiver in it outdoors then you will probably find it ticks your boxes), but I very much miss my old ripstop for going to the field in. Wish you could still get them.
Not sure i agree with you Beardy! Seeing the old ripstop jackets in use next to the newer polycotton ones, and the polycotton definitely appears to dry quicker. I agree though- it is a little warmer than the ripstop. I never have problems with the hood getting in the way (and i use it loose, not rolled up), and like how i can make the neck closure nice and snug. From a military perspective, there are occaisions when i have worn my hood too- sleeping for example, or on survival courses where warmth is everything. As far as professionalism goes, I've seen badged SF wear their hoods too! I suppose there is a time/place for everything.
All that said, nine times out of ten, I opt for my issued (old style) windproof.
All that said, nine times out of ten, I opt for my issued (old style) windproof.
Really? Soldier '95 brought in the concept of layering which had been used in the outdoor fraternity for years. It replaced a field uniform that included a button up woolen or cotton shirt with collar and cuffs, a heavy woolen pullover, and a jacket and trousers that took an age to dry. Instead we got a quick(er) drying jacket, lightweight fast drying trousers without loads of buttons round the waist to dig into you, a wicking roll neck thermal top, and a fleece jacket. + a whole load of other stuff like goretex lined gloves. At the time, i thought it was amazing!
Agreed - the concept was good (anything that got rid of hairy shirts was good!) - unfortunately it went to the lowest bidder! The quality was awful (on ops my pistol holster rubbed through the fabric of my trousers in about a week) and the sizing was bizarre - a common theme being too short arms on shirts and jackets and trousers that were designed for women (small waist, huge hips) - we did get issued Matterhorns though (prior to the pro boot being issued) which was, like you said - amazing! Not sure I agree on the quicker drying trousers - combats? yes definitely but the old lightweights are still the quickest drying trousers in my experience and mine still get an outing on occasion - despite my aversion to synthetics.
Horses for courses on the rip stop - my feelings against it were probably clouded by the fact that I already had the excellent older stylee SAS smock issued - I tried it a couple of times before retiring it to the attic where it remains to this day.
Best bet for you is to get down to your local Surplus store and try them all on. Find which one suits and fits you the best. Personally, I'd go for the SAS smock. They really are superb.
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