Claw gear Pathfinder Smock

[Brian McIlmoyle]

It's no secret I have a Smock problem..

I have a German Flectarn smock
3 DPM smocks
a Dropzone OD smock
a German SS smock..

I like smocks...

So.. just what exactly IS a Smock..

The heritage of the Combat Smock is to be found in WWII where most all armed forces found the utility of a weather resistant over garment, often in a camouflage pattern top go over the regular battle dress of the Soldier.

The Waffen SS issued a wide array of camouflage smocks in WWII .. as did the Luftwaffe, for airborne troops.

British, Canadian and American forces issued smocks to their airborne troops

By the end of WWII the Combat Smock had taken it's place as a key part of the soldier's Kit.

After WWII the Smock was retained by British and Canadian Airborne troops and entered general issue to all british troops.. where it remains a standard issue item to this day.. as it does as well in German infantry forces.

US forces .. never really embraced the Smock.

Generally a Smock is an unlined cotton, or polycotton blend ( often ripstop ) fabric garment furnished with several pockets for the stowing of gear.

The CLAW GEAR version, called the Pathfinder Smock.. updates the garment,

furnished with no less than 21 pockets.. you should have no problem loosing your keys.

The garment is well sewn, with no loose threads, the fabric is cotton, ripstop in a deep OD green

All zippers are YYK .. and well sewn in.

Each of the 6 main pockets is actually 2 Pockets.. one in front of the other, with deep bellows to hold lots of gear.. and most importantly 2 magazines without them knocking together and making noise. the rear pocket has an extension up onto the flap.. so when the flap is closed the pocket top is folded over.. to ensure nothing can come out. This pocket has a tie off point for a lanyard.

Behind the main chest pockets are Zippered document pockets.

Behind the lower main pockets are zippered warmer pockets

On the Flanks are 2 more main pockets of the same configuration

and under those on the back is a large zippered "poachers Pocket"

On the left chest inner.. is a zippered pocket, accessible from the outside of the jacket through a zippered opening under the storm flap covering the .

The sleeve pockets are zippered, on the outside of the sleeve pocket is a the required patch of velcro, but CLAW also included a fabric cover so you don't have to leave the fuzzy velcro exposed if you are not into Morale patches.

The sleeves have a Cordura reinforcement on the elbow and forearms that can take padding inserts, the CRYE field inserts should fit ( Ill Try)

the cuff is a elastic knit cuff.. a nice touch a rarely seen anymore expect in so-called "SAS" style Smocks. I like the knit cuff as it keeps dirt and debris, and cold air from going up the sleeve.

there are drawstrings at the waist and the bottom hem, and a zip of lined hood.

the entire jacket is lined with perforated nylon "sports lining" .. the underarm ventilation Zips are closed off with fine mesh to keep bugs out.. but keep air flowing.

Another interesting feature is a 6 x 6 patch of Molle on each hip between the front and back pockets. any sort of pouch you may want could be attached here.. or even a holster.

I'm thinking a BFG ten speed elastic pouch for each side .. that way you could put whatever you want in there.. mags, grenades, radio, snacks..

Overall .. I'm very impressed with this Garment.. and I'm not easily impressed..

this smock blows away the Dropzone smock I have.. which costs more than twice as much.

the only problem is .. it's not available in Multicam.. YET .. but it will be,

Currently available from

www.Crypsis.ca

top notch retailer by the way.. easy to deal with and FAST shipping.. free over $200

[seabass]

Thanks for the review, I've been looking at these for a few days now pondering.

Cheers

Edit: perhaps a few photos would be nice

[Brian McIlmoyle]

Originally Posted by trevorthetwigyalienman

Thanks for the review, I've been looking at these for a few days now pondering.

Cheers

Edit: perhaps a few photos would be nice

here you go... better than I could take

http://www.clawgear.eu/p/en/Pathfind...ar-M/5633/266/

[Coward]

how long did you have to wait? been waiting on fulfillment for 12 days now haha

[Brian McIlmoyle]

Originally Posted by Coward

how long did you have to wait? been waiting on fulfillment for 12 days now haha

I have in idea. I don't keep track of such things, not a consideration for me,

Coms from Crysis were top notch.. Try pm

[Grey Ops]

Originally Posted by Coward

how long did you have to wait? been waiting on fulfillment for 12 days now haha

The shipment from Austria should be in tomorrow, so if all goes well it'll be going out tomorrow.


What are your further impressions on the smock Brian? Any more input?

[Brian McIlmoyle]

It's been too damn hot to wear it!

I expect it will see lots of wear this fall, more to follow.

Eta multicam version?

Originally Posted by Grey Ops

The shipment from Austria should be in tomorrow, so if all goes well it'll be going out tomorrow.


What are your further impressions on the smock Brian? Any more input?

[Grey Ops]

Originally Posted by Brian McIlmoyle

It's been too damn hot to wear it!

I expect it will see lots of wear this fall, more to follow.

Eta multicam version?

No news yet, Claw Gear still just says MC and A-TACS will be "soon".

[Cilantro]

Could we get an update on this smock now that the weather's been beating down on us, Brian? I'd also like to know how sizing is on this thing; generous, tight, etc...

Also if GreyOps wants to pipe in about what Claw Gear's up to (they have a bunch of domains stating "Coming Soon" with not much more info...) that'd be neat too.

[Grey Ops]

Originally Posted by Cilantro

Could we get an update on this smock now that the weather's been beating down on us, Brian? I'd also like to know how sizing is on this thing; generous, tight, etc...

Also if GreyOps wants to pipe in about what Claw Gear's up to (they have a bunch of domains stating "Coming Soon" with not much more info...) that'd be neat too.

As far as I know, Claw Gear is focusing on dev and production of new products and should have new stuff out "soon". I don't have much more info than that unfortunately.

[Hectic]

Nice write up Brian, who better to do a smock review the such a smock connoisseur as yourself lol.
looks like a nice peice of kit may have to pick one of theese up, unless you can reccomend a good smock in woodland?
i know my main camo choice is starting to become outdated now lol.