British MVP rain jacket, Desert DPM, surplus

Genuine issue British MVP rain jacket with a Desert DPM pattern - unissued, most in factory wrappings MVP is the British equivalent to Gore-Tex and other waterproof membranes. These jackets are waterproof but breathe a bit, unlike old rubber "crisp packet" suits.

The British army rain jacket is very simple: a long hem and generous hood, fast front closure with a zipper and folding storm flap + velcro. Because there's no liner, this packs fairly small, but it's no fist-sized ultralight jacket that breaks as soon as you hit the deck. If you are after a low-cost, durable, no-nonsense GTX jacket, this is the ticket. No big loss if it gets damaged; this is a BIG plus in surplus. Of course, being army issue stuff, this thing is pretty durable, to begin with.

No extra on this - it's just a protective shell with a hood. The simplicity has an added benefit: the jacket packs very small. An old British army trick is to wear this under the combat smock to retain the ability to use pockets and to protect the MVP jacket from wear and tear. A regular combat jacket is more stealthy, too.

A note about the membrane. While it's true the MVP (Moisture Vapour Permeable) membrane lets some moisture out just like Gore-Tex, it's not a magic do-it-all fabric. It's best used as rainwear or as a windproof layer in stationary use. In the heavy activity, you will likely get wet from the inside.

Care

Please note that clothes with a membrane require care to retain their waterproof properties. Washing should be done in lukewarm water, by hand with a special detergent. Periodic waterproofing treatment is recommended by washing in, spraying on, or both.

Size

Easy size first, followed by first user's height, then chest circumference. The cut is roomy because these are meant to be worn over everything.

Condition

Unissued, most still in factory plastics. If not, they have just been tried on.