M05 COMBAT VEST

A review of a vest that is definately a product of its environment.
#varusteleka

[@petesheppard1709]

Interesting! I like the idea of front-opening vests or harnesses better than the solid chest rigs that have been so popular; I'm looking forward to seeing how you rig it out with pouches, etc. MEMORY LANE: I had a lot of doubt about the durability of those plastic buckles when they first came out in the '70s, but I'm glad to see that they held up.

[@matkahenkilo8554]

A "pro(ziptie)tip": If you want to make the vest shorter when operating from vehicles you can fold it from the hem and ziptie it in place.

[@finn0h]

The loop at the back of neck is for evacuation but conscripts are instructed to not use it in training due to excessive wear. (The hook and loop would die after a few cohorts.) I dont really like the S/M size at all. In the infantry we had these with flak vest underneath (and room for extra layers) so the vest itself was always set super loose to accommodate for all that. If you are a regular sized person the "Medium" is far too small heightwise and the belt becomes a nightmare instead of an asset.

[@matkahenkilo8554]

This is correct. Another reason for not trying it out in service was the braking of the evacuation strap. It does hold up for a few tries, but not dozens of evacuations.

[@Callsign_Ewok]

Very interesting, I love this form factor of vest so I love seeing more mesh vest models like it in molle ideally or even other pouch methods like pre sewn etc. Also gives me future gear ideas since I have a particular methodology as to why I like these vests. Though I do prefer the ventilated ones to me the more mesh the better, helps prevent not only heat casualty but also hyperthermia as well since it will help you evaporate sweat better instead of soaking it up and getting cold and wet. So no ventilation would concern me in some regard actually with that in mind especially under intense rigorous activity in cold weather.

[@finn0h]

If you have flak vest underneath you wont be evaporating any sweat regardless

[@lipidi1542]

-PU means polyurethane -The evacuation loop does two things, it extends when pulled making pullin easier. Secondly it puts the weight on the shoulders so you don't strangle the person you're evacuating. -There are versions of this vest in the FDF that use mesh material on the upper back area

[@anttieskelinen1]

Those were prototypes, so not a "version." Ten of thousands made only couple hundred in Santahamina got those ventilations. No point for them because this is always on kevlarvest.

[@anttieskelinen1]

No need of ventilation because point is to use this over kevlar vest M91 or M05.

[@petrimakela5978]

M91 at least is a portable sauna in the summer. Especially with the trauma plates.

[@petrimakela5978]

You can't find these in surplus, because the last LBS the Finnish army surplussed was the M36...

[@PegasusTests]

Several are available on E-Bay but that is the only place I have seen them.

[@petrimakela5978]

@@PegasusTests Most likely nicked from service or removed as damaged if they have the army "tower" stamp.