Dutch KL Field Parka, DPM, Surplus

Here's a Dutch KL intermediate parka for three-season use. Single-layer design for adjusting the layers of your outfit, DPM camo.

While this jacket is called a parka, it's not a dense and weatherproof shell jacket like the British smocks, but rather a light and breathable jacket that can be used during most seasons.

Made for field use

The front closure has a sturdy zipper and a storm flap with metal snap-fasteners. There are four large front pockets with flaps and snap-fasteners and a sleeve pocket on the left. The sleeve pocket is conspicuously suitably sized for a pack of cigarettes but in the modern-day, it's more appropriate to say it fits a can of Scho-Ka-Kola. Behind the lower pockets, you'll find pockets for your hands.

The collar is mid-high and looks good popped up or folded down. The waist and hem have drawcord adjustments and the cuff tabs have snap fasteners for adjustment. The sleeves also have D-rings close to the cuff, we suspect these could be used for hanging mittens in winter. As opposed to the current NATO form, the rank tab epaulets are on the shoulders.

The parka has buttons on the inside, around the collar, and at the cuffs for attaching a separate liner jacket and hood for rough weather. Sadly, we couldn't get either of these so they are not available.

The material is 50/50 polyester-cotton and can be machine-washed.

Size Info

Made in NATO sizes that translate roughly to Small Regular and Medium Regular.

The fit is rather loose to allow layers of clothing underneath, but surprisingly little baggy. So it's best to choose your ordinary size if it happens to be either of the two.

Dutch Surplus

These are vintage items from the '80s or '90s and have been used, though not in heavy combat exercises. The fading of colors varies, most are a little less faded. You may find rank tabs and other insignia of previous users. The manufacturers vary and include N.V. Neirynck, Seyntex, etc. The condition is pretty good but some storage smell is present.

Previous users have often shortened the hem drawcord, perhaps to fold the hem to shorten the jacket. If you think this might bother you, we suggest buying a length of shock cord with the jacket to replace the original.