These German army winter trousers are like Finns: simple, ugly, rugged and used. To continue the list, they're element-proof Nylon on the outside while the inside is soft and fluffy. Not all Finns are made of element-proof Nylon.
The 80s model winter trousers of the West-German Bundeswehr are delightful in their raw simplicity. Straight leg with full length side zippers, drawcord, elastic band and hook-n-loop adjustment on the waist, buttons for braces and reinforced leg cuffs. Along with the artificial fur lining there's nothing more.
Thanks to the two-way zippers the pants can be donned without taking anything else off first. These don't have a front fly; if you need to pee, you'll have to open the zippers from the top.
If you need to wash, do it in 60 degrees Celsius. Machine wash is OK. Hang dry.
First up is the German size number, in the brackets you'll find user's recommended height and waist. The bigger number corresponds pretty well with the actual measured waist of the trousers.
As these are meant to be worn over regular field pants, the cut is generous. The leg is short-ish on purpose, because it is supposed to settle around the shaft of your combat boot - too long would be unnecessary! You'll probably wear hi-leg boots with these anyway. Our model is size 175 / 86 cm and wears size 03 (170-180 / 85-95 cm), with regular field pants underneath.
Looks like the Germans didn't have to cope with freezing temperatures much, as these are in very good used shape across the board. Some might have a well made repair here or there, a missing button, or slightly faded fabric, but nothing major. We didn't check each pair with a microscope.
And these are made in Germany, naturally.
The availability of army surplus is always a gamble. We really can't say if these will be available for next winter or not. At least probably not in your size.
Eithan B.
Robert S.
Roberto S.