RARE Special Operations Experimental Woodland Gore-Tex Parka Size: Medium

This is a highly sought after Adventure Tech brand experimental Gore-Tex parka in woodland camouflage. It is a size Medium. It is in used, excellent condition. There are no holes or tears. There are some miscolored spots on the front that are the result of wear (pictured), but they do not detract from the camouflage.

*** Please note, the owner of this parka was a smoker. It carries a faint smell of cigarettes. ***

These parkas were officially procured in the late 1980's for use by Special Operations. The presence of an NSN on the tag designates this as an officially procured item, not a private purchase or unit level purchase. The emergence of Gore-Tex fabric was considered a substantial leap forward in lightweight cold weather and waterproof clothing. Naturally, the military gravitated towards it and various samples were procured for testing and general use by Special Forces, the Rangers and Naval Special Warfare.

Many Special Forces men who were issued these parkas preferred them over the later, general issue ECWCS parkas. They said they retained the experimental parkas and used them until they were completely worn.

One can see the genesis of the general issue ECWCS parkas in these early designs, but the early parkas were unique. The woodland camo pattern color scheme is slightly warmer and almost reminiscent of its ERDL predecessors. These parkas lacked a rank flap. There were no Velcro closures. The cuffs have button closures. The front buttons are exposed. Furthermore, there is no provision to stow away the hood. This parka features two front pockets with button closures and an internal zip closure pocket. The hood and the hem have shock cord and barrel drawstrings.


Measurements:

Sleeve (Armpit to Cuff): 24"
Chest (Armpit to Armpit): 26"
Length (Bottom of Hood to Hem): 26"