In collaboration with German Special Forces, ever since being founded in 2003, Tac Gear has developed a series of clothes and accessories that have acquired a magnificent reputation for their quality and durability; the most famous of which is the Combat Smock. This particular piece has been in use since World War II and offers extra camouflage, advanced protection against the elements, has a cargo net, etc. Combat Smocks continue being very popular among European armed forces (especially English and German), but for some reason have not established themselves among North American armed forces. The latest jacket used by the US Army that has most closely resembled the Combat Smock was the old M1965 jacket, or the night parka used in Desert Storm.

Unfortunately, this model was too bulky and did not offer sufficient ventilation. Tac Gear has improved on the old concept of the Combat Smock by using modern materials and by adding more features to its design. Tac Gear’s Combat Smocks are manufactured to be bigger so that they may be worn comfortably over clothes. Generally, I wear a size L, but with an M there is still sufficient space to allow for layers of clothes underneath. Tac Gear furnishes their Combat Smock in many different types of camouflage: black, olive, flecktam, German, Danish flecktam, British DPM, Swedish, etc. Being made with both 50% cotton and nylon, Rip Stop, the jacket is designed to repel water but will not keep you dry if it rains heavily.

An internal cinch allows adjustment of the waist and a solid, durable, two-way #10 YKK zipper closes the front of the jacket. The zipper is then protected by four Canadian style buttons and a Velcro strap. Sleeves are double layered from the elbow to the top of the waist to ensure protection of the neoprene pads that acts as elbow guards. Cuffs are also adjustable. At about shoulder height are pockets with a Velcro face, ideal for team patches, etc.

The Combat Smock’s hood is well-designed and is easily adjustable. It is large enough to wear over a helmet, has Velcro on its back to allow stowage when not in use, and has a cinch to that can be moved with one hand in order to adjust fit. An adjustable wire within the hood’s visor ensures that water is kept away from one’s line of vision.

Proper vents are necessary in this type of garment to allow for use in a wide range of temperatures. That being said, openings that run from the elbow-height to the armpit are located underneath the sleeve. If you seek additional ventilation, you can open the jacket’s Napoleon-style pocket that allows access to layers worn underneath the Combat Smock. The jacket may be difficult to open with gloves, but by adding a strap to the zipper you can avoid this challenge.

The jacket’s four front pockets and large back pouch are all secured with Canadian-style buttons. The two upper pockets have zipper pockets within them that can be used for additional storage and have Velcro strips on the outside for fastening other objects.

Heightened use of under armor and protective vests has given greater importance to pockets placed on arms. These pockets are sufficiently large enough to be useful and are fastened by Velcro. Velcro straps on the pockets’ outside are ideal for placing patches, flags, or whatever is deemed appropriate.
To show the garment’s interior our model offers an all around view. As you can see, there are two more superior pockets which are fastened by zippers (these are most easily accessed by slightly opening the jacket rather than through the previously mentioned Napoleon-style pocket). You can also observe the waist and hem cinches (both of which are very important when it comes to keeping cold air out). On the sides and on the back you see three big pockets with Velcro fasteners that can be used to carry maps and other light objects.