Is This Smock For You? - Varusteleka L4 Recon Smock

[@kapu11]

Zips are reversed because idea of user crawling (recon guy) and zip would come open by snagging on something

[@filipvrijders7994]

@@kapu11 Yes indeed, an extra safety. Some of my motorcycle gear have such zippers. I asked myself why not all brands do it…

[@Alexander.Grekhov]

Great civilian version of the smock. I have a surplus British DPM one, love it for outdoors. Great thing about smocks is that they allow you to carry a lot on yourself without using additional bags.

[@TeurastajaNexus]

Fun fact: This smock is made for military use as well.

[@Miclantechupi]

Great review. I have the Sarma Windproof Smock from the same company, in Ox Blood (which seems to have been discontinued unfortunately). It is pretty much exactly the same without the pocket on the back. I like the colour because it doesn't look military and stands out a lot more when hill walking. I wore it on a relatively recent trip to the Falklands and it worked great when wandering around the hills.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hmmmm... The Ox Blood sounds very cool. Hopefully they'll read this and reconsider. I do like the looks of the windproof version. It's definitely less 'military' looking

[@betulaobscura]

One of my most favourite jackets of all time! It is very universal and well-thought-out. Utilitarian and robust design. It looks good as well.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Couldn't agree more! I wear this a lot throughout the year and love it

[@vonsprague7913]

Nice looking smock, well thought out. A little bit expensive at £212 plus postage but not ridiculously so and obviously very well made. The rear pocket screams smock kit shelter system (paracord, plastic pegs and poncho) for SERE if you're military or an emergency hi-vis bag and maybe a jungle blanket if civvy. The zips opening from the bottom means the zip pulls wouldn't dig in if wearing a chest for hours at a time and the flat waist adjuster would sit flush under belt kit and the bottom pockets are lower so they won't get in the way of pouches. Good colour, good fit, good length. Agreed on the armpit mesh. Good review and fair.

[@epiggroup]

This is also a Smock which was missing in our Smock Series - great product introduction!

[@andersbomortensen757]

Yes you missed the best one 😊

[@MoorlanderEDC]

We're all human at the end of the day 😊 thanks for watching

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Ps. I'd love a rummage around your gear. You've had some amazing smocks in on your channel

[@adamkreuz9068]

I keep getting ads for this, it looks awesome. Holy crap that is a lot of pockets!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

You know what they say "One can never have too many pockets" 😂

[@Leec_1972]

Been watching your smock reviews etc. Great stuff! The mesh lined pockets are great for stowing damp garments like sock, gloves etc to help dry them with body heat. Additionally broken down and preprepared MRE components can be stashed there to at least not be freezing cold if on "hard routine"where heating is not permitted.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Aaaaah, yes that make sense. They're very well crafted outdoor jackets. I'm a huge fan of learning more about how the military use their gear and how we can bring those garments into civilian life. I've been looking at the Leo Kohler one next

[@Leec_1972]

@@MoorlanderEDC Yeah, I learned the MRE rechnique (we called them "Rat Packs") from reading books by Vietnam era LRRPS when I was in years ago. Seemed a great way to avoid having to stuff ice cold porridge mix down your throat in the morning haha. Anyway, great work on all the reviews!

[@Robert_Thomas832]

Nice smockery content :) Just acquired the Helikon Tec satchel from HH, so useful I nearly slept with it. Cheers, atb for 2024

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Ha ha ha... I love mine that much too

[@GAUROCH2]

I have both the otter green and the M05 como and I like them very much!

[@FA-tq9ip]

The synthetic component to the fabric is made from polyamide which is a form of nylon not polyester - so is a NyCo not PolyCotton fabric which both have very different properties.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Ah, that's my bad then, sorry. It was definitely not intended to mislead. I assumed polyamide was a form of polyester. Either way, it's a very tough Smock. I hope you enjoyed the content

[@unfi6798]

Very well presented mate but still as entertaining as ever. We love it.! Perhaps next time you can do an Australian Army jacket.? Still love the bloopers, keep them coming mate. "Freaking chicken...?! WTF.! Cheers from Australia.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Glad you enjoyed it brother 🤙 ill add the Australian Army Jacket to the list

[@notundermywatch3163]

Nice review. What's the purpose behind the back pocket ? Is it to insert one of those foam butt pads while sitting on the ground?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Not direct for a butt pad however you could fit one in there. Mainly it's a prone pocket incase you need to keep something safe in there. It has two dividers so 3 rifle mags can fit in (I think they can be double stacked too). It's also often used for a rear pocket bivvy/tarp kit in case you need to ditch a bag, or as it sits out of the way from your other packs/chest rig/plate carrier. In civvy use it's brilliant for keeping your gloves at hand. Plus if your gloves are there it's extra padding when you sit down 😆

[@notundermywatch3163]

@@MoorlanderEDC Roger that, thanks for the info.

[@mountaineer5596]

Great smock, very nice video. Is the fabric woven tightly enough to be truly wind resistant? I’ve noticed other rip-stop fabrics are not very windproof. Thanks for a great video.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hmmmmm... I'm going to guess no. It's pretty tight however I don't think it'll every be truly waterproof even with a thick layer of wax. I will however check with Varusteleka as I'm emailing them as we speak.

[@fudoshin811]

Hi, great review, I would be interested in the Leo Köhler smock review next! Thanks

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Noted!

[@MichaelWade12]

The @HebTroCo 303 Ripstop Jacket is excellent. had one for a year or so and it is well worth the money, Very similar to the Sarma item. Made in the UK as well!!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Oh nice. I haven't seen these before. Thanks for the heads up. I'll check them out 🤙

[@colinhathaway9493]

Just received my Hebtroco smock today. Top top quality.

[@isanna6075]

@MichaelWade12 Just picked up your comment and was wondering how you've been getting on with it over the last eleven months? Is it warm enough for winter, or does it require layering? Cheers.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@isanna6075 love this and wear it all the time. You definitely need an under layer in the winter. I wear a medium fleece and it's an awesome combination

[@MichaelWade12]

@ had zero issues with the Hebtroco smock. Not really warm much below 10, so laying definitely required

[@mungo75]

Great review mate 👍 I really, really like it and I love Varusteleka's whole deal and their kit, but if I'm completely honest I think the basic Arktis combat smock (think it's the B110) would be literally 90%-95% as good, for a fair chunk less change. Glad to hear you're going to check out one of the Arktis smocks soon, I like the Sarma stuff but for me it's always going to be Arktis. Proper bombproof kit 👍 Plus I have to admit the different range of colours means a lot of their gear can be a bit more low key if you know what I mean. Everyone's mileage varies, but these days that's a big plus for me.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

The B110 is the one I was looking at. I don't think it has the butt pocket. I think I'm hooked on Smocks. I'll definitely do a comparison

[@mungo75]

Nice mate, nice. You should have a look at the Arktis Mountain smock, I reckon you'd be smitten! 😂👍

[@StarDarkAshes]

I never thought of this before but when you were describing the size of the pockets, it gave me an idea. Imagine a jacket similar to this but literally there was just a whole layer of several pockets not just on the front but also on the back, and not just in certain spots, but literally covering the whole jacket in a way that it wouldn’t look stupid, and the zippers could even be hidden. Whatever company made the jacket they could also sell inserts made of down “pillows“ or polyester pillows that you could put inside or remove depending on the season. There could be regular pockets that you can store stuff in obviously but during the cold season, you could add the pillows For more warmth. If it was executed properly, wouldn’t that be killer? Or even in an emergency if you happen to be out in the woods with your jacket on without the pillows and you somehow got caught in the elements you could stuff all the pockets with leaves or some other material for insulation. I think this would be a great application for any type of militaryjacket. Anybody out there want to start a company?😂

[@MoorlanderEDC]

This time next year we could be millionaires

[@StarDarkAshes]

@@MoorlanderEDC 👌🆗 😜

[@hunterphfr]

Very similar in design to the shell of the exterior parka shell of the Canadian armies two piece parka. Which has been around for ever with several updates and changes. It has a poly-cotton shell and a snap in thermal liner.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Sounds awesome. I can imagine it's needed for Canadian winters. Surprises me this doesn't have an equivalent thermal layer as Finnish winters can be just as harsh

[@LukasBrachmaier]

Hey, a comparison between the Särma Smock, the Arktis, the Helikon and of course the Leo Köhler, would be very interessting. I would send you my Köhler Smock for testing, but I run with a M size. Thank you for your videos.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hi Lukas, thanks for watching my friend. Hopefully this winter I'll make this happen . I think the Kohler on is next on my list. All my best

[@garydumbauld4212]

Looks good-wish they had a little more accommodation for big folks. Sizes seem to stop at garment made to fit 5 ft 11 inches. I’m six feet two inches tall. Oh well.

Very interesting jacket, I wait other reviews for smocks ! Thx

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Coming soon!

@@MoorlanderEDC As prices are more in the higher end (Arktis, Leo Köhler and Särmä) maybe it will be good to see other more budget options (HT SAS is one but it seems there are also Brandit and Mil-Tec) Maybe it ca be a comparaison to do between smocks vests and stuffs like the M-65 (that I like very much also)

[@timwhistler5882]

looks like a great smock.What about a comparison with the helikon sas smock ,durability wise particularly. Cheers moorlander.'

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Yep, will definitely do one. I think once I have the Leo Kohler and Arktis I'll do a comparison piece with them all

[@oldsoldier181]

Any experience with the Arktis smock? I have the b310 version (the one with the drop liner), and like it (except for the reversed zipper on the front closure-Americans do it different!!). I love the smock design for the pockets alone. For whatever reason, the US military dropped functional external pockets after WWII, which is sad. I much prefer the pockets on NATO forces jackets, than on our own. The jacket itself is great. The one you have, with the rear game pocket, not a fan of.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

No yet... However definitely soon. Should have one soon and make some content

[@exAirMover]

Any lanyard attachment loops in the chest pockets please?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Just checked. No, not loops or attachment points in the pockets

[@exAirMover]

Old school trick of using the button eyelet to double up to attach a compass lanyard it is then 👍

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Tried and tested work around 😂

[@Rocksau333]

Great content, sir! Am I seeing a big smock comparison incoming, like you did with boonies? Hyvästi (good bye in finnish, ´cause I watched it to the end💪🏻)

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Legend 🤘

[@rogibaer]

My ideal Smock / Anorak doesn't seam to exist: Under-arm Vents; Pockets fold into the flap (total protection from weather and fall-outs); Doubled at Hood/ Shoulders; NO VELCRO CUFFS; Full Zip (or full side zips); Very tough (PolyCotton) - Dog and Ember Resistant; Removeable Fur Hood Trim. Fjallraven Singi Anorak is close, but has Velcro Cuffs [and no longer available]. Helixon Pilgrim is close, but no Full Side Zips, plus, Velcro Cuffs. Fjallraven No. 8 is close, but at that price, I'd need the Fur Hood Trim. Is Fjallraven really £500 better than Helikon?! They're similar in material and weight...

[@requiscatinpace7392]

I believe that the fold over pocket design is to stop things falling out. That’s what we were taught in the army at least. However we were also taught that a fully screw was god!!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

You mean it isn't God? 🤙

[@danielhurst8863]

It is a great piece of kit, but it is not WINDPROOF, this is by design. It is really a four season outer organization shell.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Good to know. Makes perfect sense

[@andersbomortensen757]

Just Got one 👍 because af your review 🤩

[@MoorlanderEDC]

HI Anders. That's awesome. How are your initial impressions?

[@andersbomortensen757]

@@MoorlanderEDC I think it's pretty cool. I bought an XL. (I am 179cm tall, 91kg, chest 115, waist 90cm). It has plenty of space, so I think it should be used with an insulation layer underneath. I'm not sure if I should have bought a Large like the Helikon-tex SAS Smock, which I also ended up buying 🫣😅

[@dasep4]

Leo Kohler next :)

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Noted 🤙

[@youwebz]

14:22 - I se what you did there - bravo 👏

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Bro! You're the only one that's picked that up and noticed. Clearly we should be friends 🤣

[@youwebz]

@@MoorlanderEDC 🤣 clearly! What do I win? 🤣 Great review and looks like a great smock.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@@youwebz you're now at the top of the Kingdom of the Moorlands honours list 📃🤙

[@andrewjerdan8069]

Very similar to the old SASS Kit Carry Smock.

[@janizzkar]

The buttpocket without the dividers is so big that my friend had his full heavy rain poncho inside it. It looked really funny but was really good for the recon excersize were in.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

A few people have made similar suggestions. Might be a great idea for some content this winter

[@bd3199]

Have you found an original m65 to do a comparison?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

😂 Not yet... Although I was looking at them on eBay the other day

[@bd3199]

@@MoorlanderEDC will you get an OD green one?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@@bd3199 yes, best to compare like for like

[@bd3199]

@@MoorlanderEDC whenever you do the review it will be great. I can't wait for it to come out. The original is fantastic and you won't be disappointed.

[@Soggz7785]

Nice. Better than the black one you had on…but remember. These smocks are only designed for load carrying hence all the pockets. They are not designed to be weather proof, just to carry lots of equipment. If you want waterproof, it’s meant to be worn with a goretex coat underneath. This is a copy of the The British Army Smocks, the best designed smocks in the world. Some come close, but the British smocks are the original, which come from the Air marines Denison Smock. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I'll definitely pick one up

[@Soggz7785]

@@MoorlanderEDC I have two. One in DPM and one in MTP. They are much better quality than the older cotton smocks as used in the Faulkland conflict. I have one of those too, if they get wet they become really heavy and take longer to dry.

[@Hew.Jarsol]

Exactly. Surprised the Yanks haven't copied yet 😂

[@dago4076]

What is the best British smock brand Arktis?

[@Soggz7785]

@@dago4076 British Army Issue.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@brianvannorman1465]

It's just all the pockets. I really like that piece. "How do you say "hello/goodbye", in Finnish? Google translator says, "Terve ja nakemiin". Hello from San Diego California.

[@androna1919]

"Moi" is hello and "moi-moi" goodbye. Suomi it's easy😆

[@1968hvr]

Which smock do you prefer.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

If it's between the Varusteleka and the Helikon-Tex I'd pick the Varusteleka. Nothing wrong with the SAS Smock however if I had to grab one as I ran out of a burning Castle Moorlander I'd grab the Recon Smock

[@barlowarcadeboyz7441]

ciao dall'italia!!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hey brother. Hope you're well and having a great week 🤙

[@vonsprague7913]

Arktis next please.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Noted 🤘

[@pixelfascination]

It must be a European zip orientation. I have the Helikon Pilgrim Smock and it's the same way. Oh I just looked at my Helikon Patriot Fleece and that's also like that.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hmmmm... The plot thickens 😂

[@hhbeck-ziegler9333]

Terve ! = Hello ! ,Näkemiin ! =Good bye !. About those zippers i seen on Hunting jackets going from down to up is probably for easier to open if you have gloves on ,or other purpose ? Skiing jackets the same actually. I had zippers like that in both hunting and skiing gear, why i know . Think nothing Finish even have not lived in the country for 50 years ,so had those here in Sweden.. Nice presentation and we are nearly the same size (me a bit bigger) but i have to try it on before i buy when the price seems that high . I have done my military duty in Finland in early 80s and had nothing like that then ha ha . I have seen the new gear they getting is top quality having the same as the Swedish and Norwegian army . Norwegian design so top quality probably . Maybe i take a trip to Helsinki coz i am interested in other gear too from that shop . Nice flag ha ha.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I think I'd like a trip top Helsinki too. I'm not sure my wife would be happy when I returned home though Thanks you for watching my friend

[@schnappsz8273]

Я в кёллеровском смоке ящик пива из магазина усносил 😊

[@MoorlanderEDC]

You can never have too many pockets 😏

[@Miclantechupi]

Hello = Hei Goodbye = Hyvästi 😁

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Legend 🤘

[@mariumrajah]

£220 for that smock , £450 Fjallraven no 8

[@andersbomortensen757]

God damn it is Nice ☠️

[@myckbeddall4472]

Think its Hey and Hey Hey

[@Hew.Jarsol]

Can't beat the British Smocks. Just get an MTP or DPM one and dye it! Best of Both worlds! Surprised the Yanks haven't copied them yet.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

😆 psssssh... those crafty Yanks

[@samuelfinland9587]

Hello/Goodbye=moikka, moi, heippa, hei, moro, hyvästi😂😂

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Legend. Thanks you Samuel 🤙

[@samuelfinland9587]

Love the flag, but the jacket is not for me. Im like crazy for british army clothes, and i have two issued smocks, mtp and dpm versions. For the Sarma TST price, i would consider buyin Arktis smock, or that one from Australia. If i had loose money in pocket. Nice review mate👍🏻

[@JCam19K88]

What is your undergarment? The waffle top?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thank you for watching. That is the Helikon-Tex Wolfhound Jacket in the DNC camo. I made some content a few months back on this. It's a brilliant jacket. Hope that helps 👍

[@dimi7055]

Absolutely hate zippers on handwarmer pockets..! Why?! The Sarma windproof Smock doesn't have these and on top of that the Sarma windproof smock has the handwarmers double lined in fleece! NOTE to design teams for jackets: THE ONLY way to do handwarmer pockets right is without a zipper and fleece lined! Also has all the zippers in the big teeth instead of these in the small teeth which i prefer. And also doesn't have the flimsy mesh lining that will tear before anything else. Love this smock but the Sarma windproof Smock just seems better overall at a much better price. If this one would have been the same design as the windproof smock with upgraded fit and finish and the same ripstop nylon/cotton i would have bought it. I do like the large back pocket and wish the Sarma windproof had it!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

The Windproof is en route to Castle Moorlander as we speak. Will have some content out as soon as possible

[@peecmkr45]

$288USD 😳 Yes it will probably last a lifetime but that's expensive.

[@muskett4108]

The chest zips going downwards are a bad thing, as a poorly closed zip leaves the hole at the bottom where things will fall out. The designer was thinking too hard. Good smock ruined in my opinion.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hmmmm... I can see what you mean. I will say though, the zips down run to the bottom of the pockets. The chest pockets have a good 60mm between the bottom of the zip and the bottom of the pocket if that helps 🤙

[@KK-xn7mz]

None of the pockets can snatch on things and open, spewing out their contents when crawling forward on one’s stomach, though.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@@KK-xn7mz Ooooooh... I didn't think of that either. That makes a lot of sense

[@muskett4108]

Doesn't happen in practice. Again someone thinking too hard. I've done plenty of crawling in my time. Anyone doing a lot of crawling needs a boiler suit with no pockets, no buttons, and a skid front. As it is crawling is but a fraction of time compared to doing normal stuff. Such pull down zips don't get closed always and do "empty out". Fill some pockets up and do a jog leaving a little open and you will see what I mean. Do the same with the correct way/pull up and even half closed its unlikely something will get out. I've been wearing such smocks since the early 80s. I also am a fan of the Skrama. This zip way just isn't clever. How quiet is the smock? Gaberdine and ventile are my preferred "quiet". I wear a Buffalo pile under. @@KK-xn7mz

[@trikyy7238]

That is precisely the reasoning. The Finnish army camo jacket has the same idea - you can crawl on the ground and the pockets dont come unzipped.

[@sandman_-_]

Greenland wax the smock. Just do it, everyone in my company who got it has waxed it, doesn't affect comfort at all.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

They did send me some wax with the smock. I'll definitely do that this winter Hope you're well Sandman

[@couchcamperTM]

that's a smock xD just a tad expensive.

[@888johnmac]

yes , it was a long piece of content .. lol ...... did i hear British Army Smock in the pipeline ??

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Yes, we either looking at the Arktis or Leo Kohler Smock next

[@nonnovyabizness3003]

I might have bought one of these but now I have seen it was designed by some moron who feels because he went to college he can reinvent the wheel and fix what is not broken I will give it a miss ! What am I talking about ? Them zips on the pockets have been specifically designed so you will loose items out of you pocket because you thought you zipped it all the way but you didn't ! where as a normally orientated zip can still be sufficient zipped halfway ! And its a shame because I have wanted a S.A.S type smock in civilian colour (non camouflaged ) for while !

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Somebody mentioned in another comment as this is a military garment the zips are like that if your crawling prone the Zip pull won't catch on something and open on you. Makes sense to me 😂

[@nonnovyabizness3003]

@@MoorlanderEDC No sorry mate I disagree this is what I meant about college student ( somebody who is academic without real life experience !) If that is why they inverted the zip then it was the wrong solution , a better solution would be to put a flap of material over the zip in a similar fashion to the fly zip on trousers maybe a little bigger or have a little flap at the top of the zip sewn either side to cover the zipper pull when it is pushed into it, this would be a better solution for a soldier who has to occasionally hit the dirt ! And if the college student had any real life knowledge he would know that snipers remove all the zips off the front of their clothing because crawling around in dirt causes zips to break or jam up very quickly !

[@nonnovyabizness3003]

Just to clarify I was calling the designer a college student with no life experience ! That was not aimed at you !@@MoorlanderEDC

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@@nonnovyabizness3003 I got that buddy. No worries. Love the comment 🤙

[@nonnovyabizness3003]

@@MoorlanderEDC Sorry if that sounded like a rant but to me it makes no sense even if it is because the designer was just doing it to save money on the little bit of material needed to fix the problem then he could have just made them as internal pockets on the inside of the jacket ! It brings to mind a saying my farther used to use a lot when I was a kid (usually used when I was trying to get him to buy something !) He would say " that's neither use nor ornament ! "

[@davidhudson7590]

Tbh a old combat jacket be far better plus you look like gi Joe the army man no ex forces wear kit they wore it in service 😂think il stick with country gear as to Vietnam battle dress

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I take the GI Joe comment as a compliment. These figures were ripped 😆 but I see your point

[@ericworst]

£252 and only small regular size - pass.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

They're in the process of moving production from China back to Europe. I think they're getting to the end of the stock so hopefully they'll be other sizes in stock soon

[@betulaobscura]

@@MoorlanderEDC That smock is made in Europe (Poland right now). Previous generation[s] were made in China. There are lots of sizes but looks this jacket is popular and often out of stock.

[@rustyjocsen5260]

i think varusteleka is made in china. is too expensive for china made. i prefer original british smock made in uk for 70 euros.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

They're right here in Europe. Some of their gear is made in Estonia whereas this is made in Poland. They used to have a Chinese manufacturer however everything now is back in Europe (or at least if its not totally back in Europe, they're working hard to bring it all back)

[@rustyjocsen5260]

If it is made in europe is good then. My bad.what do you think about the mesh inside?is it sensitive. Uk army change it and put inside like the old style smock, the 95 model without mesh

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@@rustyjocsen5260 no worries 🤙they've been promoting recently how they're bringing their production back. The best is great. Nice and tough,but not too abrasive against anything you wear underneath. Hope that helps

[@rustyjocsen5260]

@@MoorlanderEDC yes, exactly, i read it in their website. But i dont know if they produce allready in europe. Anyway, no big deal. I have an old smock 95 desert and a pcs mtp smock gen 1. The first feels more sturdy.

[@kenba96]

its a recon smok it open upp because they expect you to crawl