Parkas and smocks at Recon Company – field jackets for operations, duty and the outdoors

Parkas and smocks are among the oldest styles of jacket used in the military, and even today they remain an indispensable part of everyday service life. With over 30 years’ experience as a supplier to public authorities, we stock everything in this category, from the classic M65 field jacket and tactical operational jackets right through to smocks for hunting and field operations. Which type suits which operational profile depends on the design.

M65, combat jacket and tactical parka – the key designs

The M65 field jacket is the classic: four patch chest pockets, a hidden hood in the collar, drawcords at the waist and hem, and a removable inner lining. The design dates back to the 1960s and has hardly changed in its basic construction because it works. Brandit and Mil-Tec offer sturdy reproductions that are suitable for training, leisure and occasional fieldwork. However, they are cut too bulky for professional use whilst wearing equipment.

Tactical parkas such as the Carinthia G-Loft Tactical or the 5.11 3-in-1 Parka take a different approach. They integrate modern insulation materials, detachable inner jackets and membrane outer layers into a modular design. The outer jacket acts as a waterproof layer, the inner jacket as an insulating layer, and together they form a fully-fledged military parka. This design saves space in your rucksack and makes the jacket suitable for year-round use.

Combat jackets from A10 and Leo Köhler (KBS series) are cut shorter than a parka and specifically designed to be worn with tactical equipment. The hem ends above the hips so that it does not get in the way when wearing a belt, holster or leg platform. If you work in the field with the German Armed Forces and wear the jacket over a plate carrier or protective vest, this category is often the first choice.

Smocks and anoraks – two concepts that are often confused

An anorak in the tactical sense is a pull-over jacket: no full-length zip, slipped on over the head, opening only as far as the chest. This reduces potential vulnerabilities at the front and reliably keeps the wind out. Helikon has built an entire range based on this principle with the Woodsman, Pilgrim and Mistral: windproof, water-repellent and packable. A solid foundation for hiking, bushcraft and light field operations. For prolonged rain and heavy use whilst carrying a load, they lack the membrane found in a waterproof model. In such cases, a hardshell jacket should be included in your kit.

A smock, on the other hand, has a full-length front zip, which is covered by a wide storm flap. From the outside, it looks just as closed as an anorak, but can be opened right the way through. This makes it much easier to put on and take off over your kit. There are also typical design features: a wide hood for use with a helmet, generous front pockets and ventilation openings under the arms. The Ridgeline Evolution and the Arktis models demonstrate how a modern smock is constructed for hunting and tactical use.

What to consider when choosing between a parka, a smock and an anorak

The question of the right design starts with the intended use. A parka with a full-length zip can be opened and closed quickly, is easier to ventilate and simpler to pull on over equipment. For patrol duty, vehicle operations and any situations involving frequent movement between indoors and outdoors, this is the more practical choice.

The smock offers advantages in situations where the jacket remains on the body for long periods: whilst sitting in a hide, on extended foot patrols in the countryside, or whilst patrolling hunting grounds. The concealed zip placket offers better protection from the wind than an open front, and the robust construction withstands contact with undergrowth and equipment. If you need to move quietly and stay protected whilst hunting or on observation duties, it’s worth taking a look at the Ridgeline or Deerhunter.

Regardless of the design, the following applies: the length and cut must complement the rest of your kit. A long parka protects the thighs and buttocks, but restricts legroom. Short operational jackets and combat jackets can be combined more easily with leg holsters and belt systems. The correct length depends on what is worn underneath and over the top.

• 10% discount for public sector staff and BOS personnel on the entire range.
• We deliver worldwide directly to the operational area via field post.
• Personalised expert advice on fit, design and operational requirements, available in Salzgitter or online.
• Certified quality processes from procurement through to delivery, as evidenced by ISO 9001 certification.