Ive had a few of these and I wore them when I was contracting in Iraq and Kuwait. The best thing is also the worst thing. Wash it a couple of times and the waterpoofing disappears. Wash it a few times with conditioner well..........theres nothing softer and more comfortable you can buy. Perfect for dry, windy, desert conditions. Lovely.
@@Andy-walkaboutnutty haha yeah keep washing and going lol and tumble drying (basically everything Arktis doesnt recommend) and it will become the comfiest softest clothing item you will ever own.
It's the best, I think. Even though I've fancied the swedish stuff, flectarn and that Greek lizard think, I always go back to DPM. thanks for the compliment, johnanon3081 💯👍
@@Andy-walkaboutnutty Also, great tip on putting a waterproof shell under these when needed. I know Canadian soldiers used to wear a "Stealth Suit" under their combat clothes, which was a pure Goretex membrane. The idea was borrowed from the British.
I purchased an Arktis waterproof smock in Swedish M90 a few years back and absolutely love it, very, very well put together, a real quality bit of kit, BUT it certainly isn't as breathable as i thought it would be and if i had known i would have gone for the combat smock for a lot less money or paid the extra and got the mountain smock with pit zips. Like i've stated the quality i think is spot on but as you have stated there is no flex with the waterproof version, I have a Helikon tex Pilgrim and that really is a cracking alternative jacket for the price, loads of ventilation and well put together.
I suppose it's very hard to find the perfect jacket for our environment and weather to match your metabolism. If you run hot, maybe you could roll the sleeves up and the zip down? The mountain version will probably be the same material and only good for mountains maybe. How about taking it to a seamstress and getting some holes put in the armpits with metal grommets? That would be a cheaper option. Anyway, honourable66, I hope you enjoyed the video.
I was going to say that's a lot of jackets. But then I stopped myself because I have more than 7 with different types. I'm glad you enjoyed the video Wallace 👍
Andy... nice video. I believe in the layering system also (readjust to the weather conditions as needed). A shell such as this one is essential. Simple is better too, less to go wrong. Big pockets, Canadian buttons, wired brim and Velcro top closure around the neck (I hate fighting with snaps up there haha) make this jacket very attractive. Maybe that's why I have one coming in the mail right now. Thanks
Nice one, you won't be disappointed, you could give it a bit of waterproofing with fabsil to give it a boost. Wool or a light mac underneath, and you'll be ready for anything 😉👍
I've had an aftermarket in MTP, a issue Desert cam. The aftermarket had side hand pockets behind the bottom 2 pockets. Handy to warm defrost hands. The perfect smock in my opinion would be 1. Those handwarmers 2. Rank slide open to take a compass 3. 2 way zip from A. Bottom to waist string B. 2 way zip from above waist string to halfway up biceps. This would sort issues of its a bit warm. The Desert cam issue has 3 waist draw strings each front side and along the back. It gives the best cinching adjustment
@Andy-walkaboutnutty I did enjoy it and very true some people are never happy, makes Jay Jay's a fortune in tailoring😅😅. Smocks are dangerous so so many different kinds it could be a expensive past time😅😅
Hi Andy. Nice vid, nice jacket. Arnt These army jackets, Arctis or otherwise, are load bearing coats. The waterproof layer goes underneath so that you still have access to the equipment in the pockets if needed? Have you tried the Swedish Alpanflage load carrying jacket and rucksack system? Very interesting. All the best👍🏾🇬🇧
Hi there soggs, the arktis jackets are very good, I've never heard or seen the alpanflage. I think I've got enough jackets to last me 2 lifetime's anyway, hope you enjoyed 👍
@@Andy-walkaboutnutty The Alpanflage is unusual in the fact that it has a lot of red in it but it is surprisingly effective in out autumn winter forests. Check it out. All the best👍🏾🇬🇧
Thanks mate for the review. So it looks a lot like a CS95 smock with a few differences - like buttons instead of velcro on the front, some differences to hood? I've got a PCS MTP smock that i find a bit annoying. But my CS 95 is simpler, tougher and better. Sooo, is this Arktis smock similar? Because I think i'll just get rid of the velcro and replace with buttons on my CS DPM 95 if it's similar. Coz the arktis looks nice but is pretty pricey if it's not that much better than cs95. What do you reckon Andy? Thanks mate.
Hi Peter, I had to look up the cs95 smock. I was mid 80s to mid 90s soldier, so I just missed the cs95. By the looks of it, you might as well keep the cs95 until it's worn out, then make another choice of purchase. One thing I like about the cs95 is it's double layered over the hood, shoulders, and down the back slightly. A brilliant feature that should never change. Hope this helps. I did a waterproof test on the arktis, waterproof with fabsil if you're interested. Anyway, cheers and thanks for watching 👍
Thanks very much for getting back Andy and taking the time. I'm in Australia so temperature variation is a big thing out walking/hiking - and sometimes it buckets down! Had a look at your fabsil video. That's really helpful. Goretex is a sweat monster in Australia so treating a smock might serve a number of purposes. Thanks again mate. @@Andy-walkaboutnutty
I've never waxed this smock, but I have waterproofed it with #fabsil, and with that, I would say in short, hard bursts, or light drizzle, no, you don't need a gortex. But in long, hard rain, then yes, have a waterproof of some sort underneath or over the top depending on the cut of the cloth. I have a video testing this jacket in the rain when waterproofed with fabsil. That would give you some answers. The british weather can't be trusted. 1 hour ride and you could be in a different world weather wise. You could waterproof your bike jacket and an army jacket? When I'm in the hills, I never leave anything to chance. I always wear a short length waterproof, and if needed, a military smock over the top as a backup. I hope this helps you out coffinman5007.
@rostamr4096 There are no underarm pit zips, and the size of the jacket is a British size large, which is true to my size. Also, I'm 5'9" tall. I hope this helps 🤘💯
I've never seen or tried out the helikon tex sas smock, so I couldn't comment. Sorry about that, martyn. The only thing I can suggest is to take a look at the price of both smocks. If there's a big difference, then that might say something. Thanks for watching 👍
DOnt buy helikon Weird fit, absolutely awfull hood! Badly designed Their R&D havent spent 5mins testing it. Ive waited a long time for this and was very disappointed and returned immediately
@@VishnuZutaten youre right, had the same thing with their BDU trousers, I know the originals, and theirs have a completely different cut, only thing correct was the place of the pockets.
Ive had a few of these and I wore them when I was contracting in Iraq and Kuwait. The best thing is also the worst thing. Wash it a couple of times and the waterpoofing disappears. Wash it a few times with conditioner well..........theres nothing softer and more comfortable you can buy. Perfect for dry, windy, desert conditions. Lovely.
@@ashleystyles6888 conditioner. I've never heard of that one. I bet it would be the nicest smell you could wear as well. 💯👍
@@Andy-walkaboutnutty haha yeah keep washing and going lol and tumble drying (basically everything Arktis doesnt recommend) and it will become the comfiest softest clothing item you will ever own.
Nice to see a new Andy Walkabout video pop up. Never tire of DPM. It's probably my favorite camo.
It's the best, I think. Even though I've fancied the swedish stuff, flectarn and that Greek lizard think, I always go back to DPM. thanks for the compliment, johnanon3081 💯👍
@@Andy-walkaboutnutty Also, great tip on putting a waterproof shell under these when needed. I know Canadian soldiers used to wear a "Stealth Suit" under their combat clothes, which was a pure Goretex membrane. The idea was borrowed from the British.
I purchased an Arktis waterproof smock in Swedish M90 a few years back and absolutely love it, very, very well put together, a real quality bit of kit, BUT it certainly isn't as breathable as i thought it would be and if i had known i would have gone for the combat smock for a lot less money or paid the extra and got the mountain smock with pit zips. Like i've stated the quality i think is spot on but as you have stated there is no flex with the waterproof version, I have a Helikon tex Pilgrim and that really is a cracking alternative jacket for the price, loads of ventilation and well put together.
I suppose it's very hard to find the perfect jacket for our environment and weather to match your metabolism. If you run hot, maybe you could roll the sleeves up and the zip down? The mountain version will probably be the same material and only good for mountains maybe. How about taking it to a seamstress and getting some holes put in the armpits with metal grommets? That would be a cheaper option. Anyway, honourable66, I hope you enjoyed the video.
I agree with everything you say. it is a very flexible smock. I have several ( 7 actually)
Only 7? You're nothing but a minge. I've got 46.
I was going to say that's a lot of jackets. But then I stopped myself because I have more than 7 with different types. I'm glad you enjoyed the video Wallace 👍
Ha, ha, Andy. That made me really laugh, especially as you have supplied me, Woody and my boys with so many coats over the years.
@ivanwoodward4116 you're not having this one. It fits me like a good unn
Excellent review. Thanks for taking the time to make this video and share it. Subscribed! 👍🏻
Thanks maltaconvoy 👍💯
Andy... nice video. I believe in the layering system also (readjust to the weather conditions as needed). A shell such as this one is essential. Simple is better too, less to go wrong. Big pockets, Canadian buttons, wired brim and Velcro top closure around the neck (I hate fighting with snaps up there haha) make this jacket very attractive. Maybe that's why I have one coming in the mail right now. Thanks
Nice one, you won't be disappointed, you could give it a bit of waterproofing with fabsil to give it a boost. Wool or a light mac underneath, and you'll be ready for anything 😉👍
@@Andy-walkaboutnutty Arktis B110 just arrived today. What a piece of work it is. Already in love 😍
@TheToscanaMan it's the right time of year to test it out when you're ready 👍
I've had an aftermarket in MTP, a issue Desert cam.
The aftermarket had side hand pockets behind the bottom 2 pockets. Handy to warm defrost hands.
The perfect smock in my opinion would be
1. Those handwarmers
2. Rank slide open to take a compass
3. 2 way zip from
A. Bottom to waist string
B. 2 way zip from above waist string to halfway up biceps.
This would sort issues of its a bit warm.
The Desert cam issue has 3 waist draw strings each front side and along the back. It gives the best cinching adjustment
@@davidleonard1813 sounds like it's got plenty on the design side.
@@Andy-walkaboutnutty except that garbage black lining. Gets too hot cut it out now it's too cold😂😂
@davidleonard1813 🙄🙄Some people are never satisfied 😆. only messing. I hope you enjoyed the video, david.
@Andy-walkaboutnutty I did enjoy it and very true some people are never happy, makes Jay Jay's a fortune in tailoring😅😅.
Smocks are dangerous so so many different kinds it could be a expensive past time😅😅
Hi Andy.
Nice vid, nice jacket.
Arnt These army jackets, Arctis or otherwise, are load bearing coats. The waterproof layer goes underneath so that you still have access to the equipment in the pockets if needed? Have you tried the Swedish Alpanflage load carrying jacket and rucksack system? Very interesting.
All the best👍🏾🇬🇧
Hi there soggs, the arktis jackets are very good, I've never heard or seen the alpanflage. I think I've got enough jackets to last me 2 lifetime's anyway, hope you enjoyed 👍
@@Andy-walkaboutnutty The Alpanflage is unusual in the fact that it has a lot of red in it but it is surprisingly effective in out autumn winter forests. Check it out.
All the best👍🏾🇬🇧
Thanks mate for the review. So it looks a lot like a CS95 smock with a few differences - like buttons instead of velcro on the front, some differences to hood? I've got a PCS MTP smock that i find a bit annoying. But my CS 95 is simpler, tougher and better. Sooo, is this Arktis smock similar? Because I think i'll just get rid of the velcro and replace with buttons on my CS DPM 95 if it's similar. Coz the arktis looks nice but is pretty pricey if it's not that much better than cs95. What do you reckon Andy? Thanks mate.
Hi Peter, I had to look up the cs95 smock. I was mid 80s to mid 90s soldier, so I just missed the cs95. By the looks of it, you might as well keep the cs95 until it's worn out, then make another choice of purchase. One thing I like about the cs95 is it's double layered over the hood, shoulders, and down the back slightly. A brilliant feature that should never change. Hope this helps. I did a waterproof test on the arktis, waterproof with fabsil if you're interested. Anyway, cheers and thanks for watching 👍
Thanks very much for getting back Andy and taking the time. I'm in Australia so temperature variation is a big thing out walking/hiking - and sometimes it buckets down! Had a look at your fabsil video. That's really helpful. Goretex is a sweat monster in Australia so treating a smock might serve a number of purposes. Thanks again mate. @@Andy-walkaboutnutty
Do you need the gortex if youve waxed the smock?
Im looking at getting an older sas smock to wear on a motorbike.
Thanks for your reviews.
I've never waxed this smock, but I have waterproofed it with #fabsil, and with that, I would say in short, hard bursts, or light drizzle, no, you don't need a gortex. But in long, hard rain, then yes, have a waterproof of some sort underneath or over the top depending on the cut of the cloth. I have a video testing this jacket in the rain when waterproofed with fabsil. That would give you some answers. The british weather can't be trusted. 1 hour ride and you could be in a different world weather wise. You could waterproof your bike jacket and an army jacket? When I'm in the hills, I never leave anything to chance. I always wear a short length waterproof, and if needed, a military smock over the top as a backup. I hope this helps you out coffinman5007.
Is there an under arm zipper for ventilation? Also, what size are you wearing ?
@rostamr4096 There are no underarm pit zips, and the size of the jacket is a British size large, which is true to my size. Also, I'm 5'9" tall. I hope this helps 🤘💯
@@Andy-walkaboutnutty Thank you.
How does in compare with the Helikon-Tex SAS Smock?
I've never seen or tried out the helikon tex sas smock, so I couldn't comment. Sorry about that, martyn. The only thing I can suggest is to take a look at the price of both smocks. If there's a big difference, then that might say something. Thanks for watching 👍
Thanks, does the nylon construction make the jacket hot to wear?
@martyn420 no, not with a T-shirt on. However, there's going to be a time when any smock is going to be removed on a very hot day.
DOnt buy helikon
Weird fit, absolutely awfull hood! Badly designed Their R&D havent spent 5mins testing it. Ive waited a long time for this and was very disappointed and returned immediately
@@VishnuZutaten youre right, had the same thing with their BDU trousers, I know the originals, and theirs have a completely different cut, only thing correct was the place of the pockets.