SADF PATTERN 83 BATTLE VEST

An overview of a classic of the Bush Wars
#varusteleka

[@mariusbuys5355]

Straps on top of the vest were also for various other things like "soeksteekstokke" liberally translated as landmine probe sticks. A favorite use of one of the 2L water bottle pouches on the back was to put two teabags in it as the water would get very hot when walking patrol under the South African sun. Our sleeping bag and tarp were rolled up tight and strapped upright with thge side straps over the two back pouches. Generally the bottom pouch was used to carry our Ratpack aka MRE. We did indeed carry smoke grenades to execute a FLOT maneuver (Forward Line Own Troops) when providing guidance to an arial strafe of the enemy in close contact. Jeez I cant believe I still remember this stuff. 88/89 was a long time ago man. The Battle Jacket was hot to wear but you could comfortably run in it. In fact we used to do regular fitness marches/runs in them with full ammo, water and rifle.

[@rockingamadeus]

I remember wearing that get-up. Good times and memories. Thanks for reviewing it.

[@cookie5535]

were u SADF?

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

That's the best viewing I've seen of that webbing, and I served in the SADF. I was in the Armoured Corps in 1989/1990, so we were issued the old canvas webbing as well as the old metal helmet we called a 'staaldak', meaning metal roof in English. The plastic inner, which the staaldak fitted over, was called a 'Dooibie', an Afrikaans mangling of the English word 'Derby', being another name for a bowler hat. The dooibie was worn by itself as head covering right through basic training. It kinda looked like a cross between a Yank WWII era helmet and a German Fallshirmjäger helmet.

[@PegasusTests]

Thanks!

[@K3jand]

At the time it was such an improvement over the pattern 70. Any weight reduction was such a blessing during basics and 2nd phase.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Nice!!! I have an MFH version one that was a secondary piece of kit given in small numbers to Army and Guard peeps for stateside training, my buddy runs the OG SADF one that I made a custom Dump Pouch for. I like the rig and the stitched construction, except for some of the magazine pouch placements, not terribly ergonomic in that regard, but it's great otherwise.

[@patrickoberem9109]

Good to wear. Interestingly when in the shadows the light would paint a shape shifting camo pattern as you moved. The brown nutria became somewhat of a canvas for this ever shifting camouflage pattern.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks, really informative tutorial. I was given a brand-new knock off version. which initially I was a bit disappointed with it. But I am now squared away, just needed a different point of view. The magazine pouches will hold one 5 round shotgun mag. As my preferred load out is a shotgun. Plenty of pockets for a few loose rounds or a 6 round canvas holder, Cheers

[@paul7754]

Seen a few reviews on this vest recently - I think there is a reproduction version out of good quality. I don't get excited about Velcro 'only' pouch closure - prefer it with snaps or buckles. I do like the uncluttered open front or 'split' design. Except for nostalgia I don't know why someone would go with this kit over the many choices in a modular LBV like the US FLC or British Osprey. I'm a fan of the US LBV-88E although it too has sewn on mag pouches but with an ALICE web belt (vest has loops for it at the bottom) additional pouches can be added to carry a full+ loadout.

[@shadowlab9543]

cool piece of kit !!

[@PegasusTests]

Yes it is!

[@dodoDodo-of6pu]

This vest always reminded me of the Canadian Forces vest. It's sad that the CAF is still using it to be honest.

[@JinceofVoy]

wondered how it fit on shorter people and how adjustable they are, I'm 5.6 ft and have a 37 inch chest.

[@rule3036]

1983 in the UK we were using 1958 pattern webbing. Utter crap.

[@vexxamis2472]

If I had a second one to dye OD. I'd wear it for One Shepard.

[@PegasusTests]

You and me both!

[@dodoDodo-of6pu]

Here in Canada These vests are extremely common. Most are reproductions, but they still build pretty well. You can get them in all colours. CADPAT, OD, black and many more.

[@PreppedReView]

🤙👍🇺🇲

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

Where can a sidearm and knives (2) be attached?

[@PegasusTests]

On your belt

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

@@PegasusTests lol. No. IMHO a chest rig or vest should be complete. Magazines side arms grenades knives medical water navigation and communications. My belt has other things on it. Btw way, those flat 2iter bottles apple cranberry and other juices come in should be a perfect fit for your canteen holders

[@HAMASSPIGS]

We used it for up to 3 day patrol or ops If we need a groot sak we hung the battle jacket over the H frame or used the chest rig