ARMY SURPLUS CLOTHING
Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 4:52 pm
As recently as the 1980’s waterproof clothing wasn’t specifically made for anglers. Back in the 1950’s and 60’s I remember using a yellow oilskin bicycle cape, draped over me and my basket. It also doubled up when I rode my bike home! I coupled this up with a yellow oilskin sou'wester to stop the water running down my neck. I certainly wasn’t concerned about camouflage in those days.
In the 1970’s I recall quite clearly wax jackets that needed to be frequently treated, yet still leaked on the seams. The first bespoke angling waterproofs I bought for myself, and my son Stu, was the Bob Church wax all-in-one bought in circa 1986. Again they leaked on the seams across the shoulders, following a prolonged soaking. Not only that they were really stiff when cold so you needed to nearly dislocated your shoulder to take them off!
What on earth did we do before even these basic items were available to us anglers? What I and many others did was to visit army surplus stores. The stuff may not have been the most stylish, but the clothing was made to the very highest standards with top quality materials. I remember jackets with West German insignia on the shoulders very were good. Not got much street credibility, but they did keep you warm and dry. There was also the very versatile poncho, much like my old cycle cape.
In the 2000’s I invested in a ‘waterproof’ two piece bib and brace and padded jacket ensemble in a fetching ‘Realtree’ pattern. Not very traditional, but very warm for a winter fisherman. It was also waterproof, but not for long. Again it was across the shoulders which eventually got soaked, after just a couple of years use. In the 2010’s that rig out was dumped in favour of Berghaus Goretex long jacket and waterproof over-trousers. This is a really good set of clothing and I have nothing but good things to say about it. However, that isn’t the purpose of this article.
Last winter I was fishing with Hermit and, for some reason, I had not packed the requisite clothing when I loaded my gear in his car. It was a cold and windy day and he offered me a British ex-army Goretex jacket. It was too large but was totally wind and waterproof and I was impressed, particularly when I knew the cost. To get a ‘fishing’ jacket in that material with sealed seams and zips could cost in excess of £200.
When I got home I was soon searching the internet for military surplus clothing. I have since acquired a pre-issued (second hand, but as new) jacket for round about £35 and a new pair of Goretex over trousers for £30. They are in the latest Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) which is the current standard army issue. I have bought a size large enough to wear layers underneath to suit any weather conditions. I have been wearing it during summer showers and I am confident it will be great for cold winter sessions.
To me it is very ‘traditional’ in the true sense of the word. More so in my opinion than Norfolk jackets and tweeds for the ‘ordinary’ chap, or those trying to be a specimen angler.
Discuss!
In the 1970’s I recall quite clearly wax jackets that needed to be frequently treated, yet still leaked on the seams. The first bespoke angling waterproofs I bought for myself, and my son Stu, was the Bob Church wax all-in-one bought in circa 1986. Again they leaked on the seams across the shoulders, following a prolonged soaking. Not only that they were really stiff when cold so you needed to nearly dislocated your shoulder to take them off!
What on earth did we do before even these basic items were available to us anglers? What I and many others did was to visit army surplus stores. The stuff may not have been the most stylish, but the clothing was made to the very highest standards with top quality materials. I remember jackets with West German insignia on the shoulders very were good. Not got much street credibility, but they did keep you warm and dry. There was also the very versatile poncho, much like my old cycle cape.
In the 2000’s I invested in a ‘waterproof’ two piece bib and brace and padded jacket ensemble in a fetching ‘Realtree’ pattern. Not very traditional, but very warm for a winter fisherman. It was also waterproof, but not for long. Again it was across the shoulders which eventually got soaked, after just a couple of years use. In the 2010’s that rig out was dumped in favour of Berghaus Goretex long jacket and waterproof over-trousers. This is a really good set of clothing and I have nothing but good things to say about it. However, that isn’t the purpose of this article.
Last winter I was fishing with Hermit and, for some reason, I had not packed the requisite clothing when I loaded my gear in his car. It was a cold and windy day and he offered me a British ex-army Goretex jacket. It was too large but was totally wind and waterproof and I was impressed, particularly when I knew the cost. To get a ‘fishing’ jacket in that material with sealed seams and zips could cost in excess of £200.
When I got home I was soon searching the internet for military surplus clothing. I have since acquired a pre-issued (second hand, but as new) jacket for round about £35 and a new pair of Goretex over trousers for £30. They are in the latest Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) which is the current standard army issue. I have bought a size large enough to wear layers underneath to suit any weather conditions. I have been wearing it during summer showers and I am confident it will be great for cold winter sessions.
To me it is very ‘traditional’ in the true sense of the word. More so in my opinion than Norfolk jackets and tweeds for the ‘ordinary’ chap, or those trying to be a specimen angler.
Discuss!
