A fairly uncommon reproduction of the Second World War era German Sumpftarn ("swamp pattern") was utilized by the West German Federal Border Guard ("Bundesgrenzschutz") in the Cold War. The original pattern was utilized by Nazi Germany as being significantly darker but featured the same soft shapes and distinctive raindrop design. It was fielded towards the end of the war in 1944, and proved to be an effective pattern, that the West Germans were quick to adopt at the onset of the Cold War. The pattern would continue to see West German service in three different variations, with differing levels of visibility for the distinctive "raindrop". The final variation of this pattern featured the most aggressive "raindrop" elements, and remained in service until the pattern was removed from service around 1976. For a stop-gap, postwar pattern, the pattern works remarkably well in most temperate environments. On top of being extremely effective in most environments, the pattern evokes both the camouflage engineering prowess of the former Third Reich and a symbolic rebirth of a new democratic Germany, standing guard against the Iron Curtain.
As the West German Border Guard service attempted to give off a less militaristic appearance in the latter half of the Cold War, original BGS Sumpftarn garments were completely discarded by the 1980s, with many sold off or otherwise destroyed. Original examples have been hard to find over the last few decades, given their extreme collectability. Fireforce Ventures is proud to be the exclusive stockist of this long-dormant pattern in our outstanding tactical cuts. We have faithfully replicated the final 3rd Pattern West German Sumpftarn based on several mint-condition original examples produced from the 1950s until 1976.
Our combat smock is the culmination of almost a decade of field testing both civilian and military jackets. It is one of the products that we take the most pride in. Nothing that makes up this smock is an after-thought - you will find yourself probably using every feature of this smock in one way or another. We took some practical real-world experience, and applied some tried and tested military features to create something completely unique in the market. The result is the definitive do-it-all smock for adventure, even under the most adverse of conditions. Combine that with an exceptional pattern like Rhodesian Brushstroke, and you truly have the smock, to end all smocks.
The feature list of these smocks is extensive, with a whopping 11 pockets on the outer shell alone, and an exceptionally comfortable detachable liner which can be worn as a stand-alone fleece.
Outer Shell Features:
- 50-50 polycotton rip-stop water resistant construction in West German
- Detachable fleece liner / build-in
- Double sided internal front zipper compatible with detachable fleece liner
- Contrast visibility black YKK zipper / OD green auxillary zippers
- Loops at collar and cuffs for securing fleece liner
- Flared hood with roll up button loop
- 2x Large chest pockets w/ Canadian style slot buttons
- 2x Auxiliary zippered pockets
- 2x Large hip pockets w/ Canadian style slot buttons
- 2x Double slot hand pockets w/ internal zipper
- 2x Zippered arm pockets
- Two-way zippered rear poachers pouch at rear
- Armpit zippers for ventilation
- Fleece lined hand pockets
- Bungie secured cinching straps present at hem and hood
- Velcro Secured Cuffs
Inner Liner Features:
- 100% polyester microfleece construction
- Wearable as a standalone garment w/ two sided front zippered
- Hand pockets
- Snap button secured loops for attachment
- Polyester knitted cuff for ease of wear
Sizing Guide:
- Small: 36-38 inch chest, 5'6-5'8 height
- Medium: 38-40 inch chest, 5'9-5'11 height
- Large: 40-42 inch chest, 6'0-6'2 height
- XL: 42-44 inch chest, 6'1-6'3 height
- 2XL: 44-48 inch chest, 6'4+ height
- 3XL: 46-50 inch chest, 6'4+ height
Sizing Note: This garment is designed as an outer layer, and as such, runs slightly baggier than regular garments. The sizing guide should be used as a benchmark for what kind of design
All prices are in United States Dollars (USD). We ship internationally!