A Tale Of Two Multicam Smocks. A review and comparison of two of my favorite smocks.

While sorting out my cold weather clothing, I came across 2 Multicam smocks I have owned for many years. I felt with it officially being Fall and Winter just around the corner I would review and compare the two cool/cold weather workhorses. The oldest is a Helikon Action Gear, Field Parka, Soldier-2008 in Camogrom (Helikons version of Multicam) I purchased in 2010 (I mistakenly refer to this garment as a PCS Smock in the video). The newest is a SORD Tactical Smock in Crye Precision Multicam purchased in 2016.
I have used both of these "Multicam" smocks extensively through the years I have owned them. One of the greatest features of both "Multicam" smocks is the multitude of pockets covering much of the surface of the smocks. These "Multicam" smocks can easily carry just about any small or medium item of kit that you would need to gain immediate access to. I could easily go on an all-day woodland adventure utilizing the pockets on these smocks with no need for any additional bags or packs.
These "Multicam" smocks are rugged, comfortable and extremely practical for any outdoor use or adventuring.

[@Claymore15.]

I remember in when I was in the British army and we were first issued the mtp smocks we used to cut the wire out of the hood and cut the lip of the hood by about an inch. The wire because a pain when you had to keep folding it up. Great video buddy keep up the good work 👍

[@boonedockery7220]

Wire and elastic always fail. One would think that after years of knowing these short comings they would have come up with a better replacement material....

[@garywheble4534]

Inner pockets original were on the WW2 Paratroopers smocks which were a copy of the Norwegian ski smock similar to what Eskimos use but made of waterproof canvas which has a pocket on the outside to carry food if you watch some old news reeels of British Parras bording the Dacks you will see there chests are bulging with exstra tined food . On your smock there designed to carry MREs , if you strip them down to main meals and breakfast you can fit four days of food in them the mid day meals can be fitted into the lower pockets . The front rank tab are a copy of what Artillery Officers were doing in the 70s they would take a 58 combat trouser belt loop off an old pait and sew it onto the 58 jacket in the same place this was not for rank tabs but to secure binoculars later in the 80s when SF forcers were isued Artic windproof which are differant from SAS Smocks although they look the same they removed the sholder epolet and placed one on the chest and one on the back those who had been given the nod and a wink removed the ones on the back lets just say they are most uncomfortable when you wear a old stile pack wth a solid exsposed fram like an H frame or an Alice frame they would also catch on things like cam nets and also sometimes catch your burgen as you put them on seen that done that too the sord smock those large pockets lower down are designed to carry three magazines each the back pocket to put a basher hamock and trecking mummy sleeping bag so if your on the run you can dump your Burgen and webbing yet still have ammo food and shelter with you in the 80s the Canadians wore a combat jacket very similarly to the British 58 the big differnts was the lower pockets had a devider in then to make two devided pockets to carry in total two pocket four L1A1 magazines after i met a Gunner from 1 RCHA i took my 58 jacket into the camp tailor and had him make dividers in the lower pockets this took off in my regerment we converted two jackets and then bought a new two for parades and 1157 thats the form used for kit check for all isuded clothing items and mess kit so if you can get your hands on a Canadian 58 jacket you will find those swen in magazine pouches in the sord smock the pocket on the right side at the hip as taught by the German Army they use that particularly pocket to carry two 150 or 200 belted ammo for the GPMG yes the Germans have those jackets too but there called specil service jackets and are in there flextard cammo

[@boonedockery7220]

This is a FANTASTIC Essay! I rarely get comments that are this educational! Thank you for posting it!

[@vonsprague7913]

Great video, smashing presentation skills matey. Helikontex have come a long way from the early quality issues and are now excellent kit. In the British Army we wear a single layer Gore-tex jacket UNDER our smocks to prevent noise and allow us access to our smock equipment this works really well as the smock dries quickly. The twill or poly cotton smocks can be waxed to make them waterproof and like you I've done head and shoulders to great effect. You stay safe out there, God bless. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@boonedockery7220]

First of all, I need to apologize for the delay in replying to your comment, life has been crazy lately. Thank you very much for such high praise! I should use your phrase "Smashing Presentation Skills" in my resume! It is very much appreciated! I really like the tip on wearing your Goretex under the smock! Goretex is a great material however, it is loud and rigid. Excellent Tip! Next Autumn, I want to do an E&E smock video. The only kit I have is what I can carry in the pockets. Thank you for your contributions to the conversation! God Bless Brother!

[@vonsprague7913]

@@boonedockery7220 you should definitely use the phrase on your resume lol. You're under no obligation to reply, although it's kind of you to do so. A SERE type video of smock only kit would be great the SOLO smock lends itself particularly well with it's extra pockets/pouches. I can get a Hexi burner in the ammo pouch with a survival tin in one of the others plus a poncho in the large Central rear pocket even before I've used the main pockets.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

​@@vonsprague7913 Fit like big mon? Cracking to read before I find myself a 'proper' smock, I used to have a ton of kit in a denim cutoff I wore for years and the Smock seems a clean switch for my more mature phase of life👍 It should probably be nited for our colonial cousins that in that context, 'Smashing' is used as a noun more than the adjective that many would assume, smashing, canny, cracking and proper are all great Northern/Scottish superlatives :-D

[@vonsprague7913]

​@@OldNavajoTricks aye braw Scots lol. The Smocks are sized for body armour and fit big, I'm a 50" chest 36 waist and a 112 is big enough for several layers under it. Expensive in the States they can be picked up here in excellent condition for 24usd. Sorry it didn't tell me you'd replied.

[@davidtiner4094]

John, you seem to come up with the most unusual ideas for videos. Bravo! Keep up the good work.

[@boonedockery7220]

I call it "Creative Diversity In A Continuously Evolving Vortex Of Infinite Possibilities". My wife calls it A.D.D... 😀😄😆😀😄😆👍

[@davidtiner4094]

@@boonedockery7220 Humm, A.D.D.- isn't another definition B.S.?

[@boonedockery7220]

@@davidtiner4094 Why Yes! I Believe It Is!

[@puma1304]

The newer SAS/Royal Marines smock (after pattern 95) is a superb piece of design! since I got my first one (Gen III DPM/MTP) from the Chilean Navy (the Royal Navy`s "sister navy") I have never used anything else. First I wore it with a polyester fleece underneath, but now I changed to a pure wool high collar sweater (a big quality difference, especially here in Patagonia). If it is very cold, I use a light down jacket over it and the smock on top (which is always waxed). For trekking through the woods or sitting by the fire (resistance against punctures and sparks), this cotton garment is a much better option than synthetics! The only thing I would change in the original design is the mesh lining, since it sticks to the velcro, and sharp things like pencils protrude through it.

[@boonedockery7220]

Outstanding insight through personal experience! Thank you for sharing this! I have to find a good high collar wool jacket to use as a liner! have a great day!

[@georgerobartes2008]

Helicon began in 1983 after the Falklands revealed a number of problems with our kit . Private purchase has always been a thing here and SF typically looked to commercial kit available for extreme usage , but since then the Thatcher government decided to embark on a policy of upgrading the basic issue kit to improve morale and performance. Canadian or what we call taped buttons , featured on Private purchase smocks very early on . The good features of the 68 Pattern smock were carried through and the private purchase features added . All the features seen on current issue smocks serve a purpose making this your first line of survival before you put anything in the pockets . The mesh lining and access to inner pockets resulted as a need to keep your feet dry and your body from dehydration. The conditions in the Falklands showed a dire need for multiple change of socks and fresh water . Yes you dehydrate in cold weather too but it's more serious as the brain is not cognisant in the old as the surface blood vessels contract. Wet socks can be placed inside the smock and dried with body heat without chilling the body , between the 2 protective outer layers , similarly pouches of snow can ve gathered and inserted in between the layers both without opening the main front fastening and melted for drinking water and on the move . The loops inside the pockets are for admin lines , tying off stuff you cannot afford to drop and lose e.g, extra pocket knife , multi tool , torch lighter etc. The lefties zip is there so one can unzip without loosing your weapon in the right hand and so on . Despite all these great features they are still modified by certain units in the UK military. Stocking top cuffs are popular . Stocking tops or footless socks have been issued since WW2 and are used to replace the cuffs . These obviate the need to mess around adjusting velcro cuffs and are much quieter too . Other alterations include swapping cinch laces for paracord and often removing the hood and retayloring the collar . The Sord smock shown is generally called a " Sharpshooter "pattern as it has the large rear pouch for camo netting/ gillie and comfy bum pad for sitting around on the scope for long stints without getting piles and 2 additional mag pouches for easy access from left or right when laying prone . Their large size is for gloved hands I.e. fold down shooting mits used in cold weather . These 3 pockets do not feature on general issue smocks but were often fitted to the Paras Denison smock in WW2 and later for sniper use. When all these features are used as intended in a military context, only then do you realise what lengths our government has gone to to provide the best kit possible for our lads . Boots are now our crowning feature from the miserable DMS boots that were suffered in just a short time in the South Atlantic . SF guys went to either the commercial trekking mountaineering market but German issue para boots , Hanwags , were also popular . Every boot fielded by our military since 2014 with possibly one exception, the US made Bates variants , are pretty exceptional. No longer do we need to look elsewhere with Alt- Berg , Haix , Itturi , Meindl and AKU being issue kit since 2014 with continuous renewal of contracts . Good enough for our SF , good enough for any military across the world . Alt-Berg Defender cold/wet ( use a Vibram sole so you can get them resoled over there) and AKU Pilgrim low for base/summer use are highly recommended.

[@skelia851]

Very nice

[@boonedockery7220]

Thank You!

[@justpain365]

Nice gear john! I think we must be close in age my friend lol I got the m65 w/the liner and the hairy peep hole for when it gets nasty windy n chilly . But I think I musta got this thing when 85.00 was pricey and it holds up.. But like things made well and taken care of, I got shirts older than my youngest lol. Great video. Nice showing john. Kyle

[@boonedockery7220]

Oh Agreed! I remember seeing O.D. field jackets in yard sales for $5.00 from the 80s into the 90's. They'll outlast me for certain. Made to Last! Take Care Kyle, Blessings to you and yours!

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice outfit(s). You have a wonderful day. Take care.

[@boonedockery7220]

Thank you! You too! Great outerwear! Be well my friend!

[@a3iaanautlaw161]

thnx sir but only one thing i like the model in flectarn :-) thnx for the info,..!!

[@boonedockery7220]

I love German Camo Patterns! Flectarn is just a little too dark for my neck of the woods. I have a reproduction WWII reversible smock in oak leaf pattern which works beautifully in S.E. Ohio. The Russians resurrected the pattern and re-named Partisan.

[@a3iaanautlaw161]

@@boonedockery7220 i,m gona order the jacket soon from germany in holland not all people fan off flectarn. It,s the same also smock with the back and side packs so cool :-)

[@boonedockery7220]

@@a3iaanautlaw161 Don't get me wrong, I Love Flectarn! It just doesn't blend well in my environment . It's a much better smock than the one I bought. The quality is much, much, better!

[@a3iaanautlaw161]

@@boonedockery7220 deutsland ubber alles :-)

[@tomfit641]

What is your mensuration bro?

[@boonedockery7220]

I have NEVER been asked that question! Here are a few stats, I'm 5'9" tall, I weigh 195lbs. I have a 48" chest and a 37" waist.

[@tomfit641]

@@boonedockery7220 sorry im french. Kilogram and centimeter please 😉

[@Barnes-ml9wg]

SORD doesnt make these anymore. They domt make much of anything anymore

[@boonedockery7220]

that is sad...

[@jamesellsworth9673]

This subject gets increasingly COMPLEX. WHATSA Old Guy to Do? BUSHCRAFT used to be taking a few pieces of kit and making that work somehow to meet a range of challenges. Smock over puffy over shirt over underlayer: I could barely move! THAT would be without putting all those lumpy items in pockets in every layer. Maybe I'll just take a decent pack.

[@boonedockery7220]

I was talking to a friend of mine Saturday about "STUFF" and how "STUFF" easily gets out of control. We start by accumulating "STUFF" and some people transition from being someone that has "STUFF" to them becoming their "STUFF". I use to be a French and Indian War Reenactor. The "STUFF" I had was only the "STUFF" they had. You couldn't buy what you needed if you needed what you didn't have. You had to find a way to make what you have do what you needed it to do. It forces you to be creative. It forces you to master a limited number of items that all wind up being multi-purpose items. Those items became precious/indispensable and you were very responsible with 100% of your kit. Simplicity is a Swiss Army Knife with a single blade that you learn to use a hundred different ways.