SOFTIE SUIT (Original Issue)...surplus onlyh

Brief History. British Softie Suit
The Army Green Softie Suit is a key component of the military's cold-weather clothing system, designed to provide warmth and comfort in extreme conditions. Here's a brief history of its development and use:
Early Cold Weather Gear
- **World War II and Korean War Era**: During World War II and the Korean War, the U.S. military used various types of heavy wool and down garments to provide insulation in cold climates. These were bulky and less effective in wet conditions.
- **1950s and 1960s**: Advances in synthetic materials led to the development of lighter and more effective cold-weather clothing, such as the M-1951 field jacket and the M-1965 field coat.
Introduction of the Softie Suit
- **1980s and 1990s**: The British company Snugpak developed the first version of the Softie Suit. Snugpak specialized in synthetic insulation technology that mimicked the loft and warmth of down but with better performance in wet conditions.
- **Softie Technology**: The term "Softie" comes from Snugpak's signature synthetic insulation material, Softie Premier, which is known for its lightweight, compressible, and quick-drying properties.
Adoption by Military Forces
- **British Armed Forces**: The British military was one of the first to adopt the Softie Suit for use by its personnel in cold-weather operations. The suit includes a jacket and trousers, designed for layering and providing maximum warmth with minimal bulk.
- **Global Use**: Due to its effectiveness, the Softie Suit has been adopted by various military forces around the world, including special operations units in the U.S. and other NATO countries.
Design and Features
- **Layering System**: The Softie Suit is typically used as part of a layering system, worn over base layers and under outer shell garments. This allows soldiers to adapt to changing weather conditions by adding or removing layers as needed.
- **Materials**: Made from lightweight and durable synthetic fabrics, the suit is designed to provide insulation without restricting movement. It includes features such as full-length zippers for ventilation, reinforced knees and elbows for durability, and adjustable hoods for added protection against the elements.
- **Versatility**: The suit is known for its versatility and is used in a variety of climates and conditions, from Arctic expeditions to temperate forest operations.
Modern Developments
- **Continuous Improvement**: Modern versions of the Softie Suit continue to evolve with advancements in textile technology, offering even greater warmth-to-weight ratios, breathability, and moisture management.
- **Customization**: Some military units have customized the suits with additional features like camouflage patterns or specific tailoring adjustments to meet operational needs.
Overall, the Army Green Softie Suit represents a significant advancement in military cold-weather gear, combining the latest in synthetic insulation technology with practical design features to meet the demands of soldiers operating in harsh environments.

[@armingilsdorf9675]

I’ve got both, love it, not expensive, really warm and useful! Great stuff!👍

[@xix94]

These are the best wear mine all winter with just a t shirt on under it Most I have been out in is -5 and was still warm

[@MichaelR58]

Great kit Bex , thanks for sharing , God bless mate !

[@carlh4747]

I often camp in the back of my landy and wouldnt go anywhere without the softie as my sleeping kit

[@xix94]

The softie I have has a Velcro storm flap

[@xix94]

The new pcs stuff is crap I always go for these when I can find them very hard to find now at a reasonable price

[@Mat-kr1nf]

I have a full softie set, but just the top in the new version, never actually seen any trousers though online, at least, not that I’m aware of. How come the new version isn’t as warm, what kit does a soldier wear to make up for the difference in warmth? I got mine for winter camping, although I’ve just invested in a Savotta TST thermal cloak, the insulated one (67g/m2), I figured I’d wear it in camp instead of the softie suit- it is about 100grams less in weight, but, it means I can take a lot lighter sleeping bag because the thermal cloak is also an insulated bivi bag, so I’m saving at least 1.1kg or more, also the the thermal cloak is fully waterproof in the rain (the zip isn’t so you have to sort of fold it around you to prevent ingress. The plus side of the zip is, it lets condensation out when using as a bivi, so although it’s not breathable material, it’s not at all as bad as you would thing it would be, condensation wise).

[@Surplus-Only]

The newer PCS in tan was designed for use in the dessert environment, where temperatures are milder than environments the green PCS was indented for....