SADF Pattern 83 Battle Jacket, surplus

149,99 €
4.4(10)
Product description

South Africa is one of the few countries that rival Israel when it comes to military endeavors on their own soil or nearby. The South African Pattern 83 Battle Jacket is one of the most well-known modern pieces of military kit. It has been copied by numerous manufacturers and is found in a plethora of colors and patterns in service worldwide.

After working together with the Rhodesian security forces in the '70s, the South African military picked up some ideas from the famous James North, and Fereday & Sons combat vest designs and started making their own ones. The first designs were pretty much copies of the Rhodesian ones but led to further development of various models, which were issued primarily to the Special Forces.

After a couple of years, the final design of the Pattern 83 Battle Jacket emerged. It was to replace the aging Pattern 70 yoke-based webbing and did so in the mid-'80s. Since then, the Pattern 83 Battle Jacket has seen continuous use and is still in service today. Outside Africa, these have been most notably used by individual British fighters serving in the Middle East.

The Australian School of Human Movement Studies and Centre for Human Movement found in 2002 that a person wearing a Pattern 83 Battle Jacket consumes significantly less energy on the move compared to a person wearing traditional webbing with a yoke and belt.

The vest in a nutshell

The design process was heavily influenced by experienced bush soldiers and any kind of input from pencil pushers was quickly shot down. While progress has been made since this vest was and still is a prime example of functional fighting gear.

  • Durable and breathable mesh construction.
  • Tough, Cordura-like fabric in Nutria Brown.
  • Generously padded for comfort.
  • Adjustable straps on the sides and shoulders for a good fit.
  • Pouches with flaps for
    • Up to twelve (12!) 35rnd R4 magazines,
    • grenades, and
    • other necessities.
  • Two large pouches on the sides for 2-liter (1/2 gallons) canteens or field radios.
  • Two large daypack compartments on the back.
Reviews
4.4(10)

Michael K.

23.01.2024Verified purchase
Great Quality, clean and in good condition. I bought two SADF Pattern 83 Battle Jacket over the years from Varusteleka and they where absolute great!

Yannic S.

20.08.2022Verified purchase
Just finished a 5 hour walk with this, i am beyond impressed. The Vest arrived in perfect condition and freshly washed. It has enough storage space to fit everything you could think of (Huge Medic Pack, Water, Food, Tools, Radio, Magazines etc.) and is build as tough as nails. But what really sets it apart is the fit and weight distribution: It cradles your body like a loving mother, contributes the weight evenly over your entire body and never feels heavy or limiting in any way. You have full freedom of movement, you can easily shoulder or sling a rifle on your bag and can reach every pocket on it. I walked for 5 hours in 30 degree celsius weather in the sun, it felt cool and comfortable the entire time. When i took the vest of i only had minor sweat stains on the back, but nothing compared to a rucksack or plate carrier. I dont know what Afrikaan Blood-Magic the SADF used to create this Rig, but you just dont sweat in it. This is by far the best patrol vest out there, you can literally fit an entire backpack worth of stuff in there and keep your freedom of movement. If your planning for SHTF or similar, get it now. You wont get any better. Big thanks to Varusteleka for bringing this gem on the market, you guys are all we love about the finnish people.

Lachlan R.

18.08.2021Verified purchase
Pretty awesome product in all honesty. The original of the much copied, so they must have done something right. Endlessly adjustable, it fits me well, I'm 6'5", and you can squeeze it nice and close to your body. But as far as the condition I received it in? Damn near perfect. It was clean, had one hole in a minor spot and some wear, but thats not varusteleka's fault! These guys took care of it, and sent it fantastically!