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British Army PCS Smock v Softie Jacket - But Which Is Best ?

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In this video I test the British Army PCS Smock and the Softie Jacket, during a recent sprinkling of Lancashire snow. But which one is best and which do I prefer, based on this comparison ?
British Army PCS Smock : amzn.to/2X2DmtJ
British Army Softie Jacket : amzn.to/2IehtnG
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13 фев 2019

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Комментарии : 74

@kelvynmoore4882 2 года назад

Really informative review, thank you. One element that has been overlooked is that the buffalo is designed to be part of the PCS as correctly said. Yet the base layer you’re wearing isn’t. That’s why it feels like its snagging and restrictive. The correct base layer for this buffalo mid-layer is the PCS Thermal Long Sleeve Base Layer (NSN 8415-99-152-9112). All close-skin PCS elements have the fleece lining on the inside, with a polyester outer. Therefore when you put one on top of the other there is no (or little) friction/snagging. Otherwise a fleece inner will pretty much get snagged on anything. The Softie however pre-dates PCS, so it can be worn with any material base layer including the old norgie and will not catch on base layers. But it isn’t ripstop, unlike the buffalo, so any cut on a thorn with tear it open. Plus the sizing is an absolute joke. But somehow I still prefer it :) Great video.

@BG-rf1mx 3 года назад

Great comprehensive review. Thanks for all the effort you went to (in the snow as well... there's dedication😊). I've got both as well. As for the disparity in sizes I came to the assumption that the smock is intended as a 1st or 2nd layer (adequate for 3 season use) and the softie meant as a warmer 2nd layer or a 3rd or 4th if needed. (though the new PCS softie - with hood - is now on issue). The fact they're issued as part of a clothing system gives us the choice to mix and match according to personal preference. Agree with you. Great kit for the price. Thanks again👍

@brandrunway 3 года назад

I use softie all winter, here in Poland. This is a great jacket. This year I tested it at -25C as a second layer and it worked perfectly. My wife uses the Smock during cooler evenings or hiking in the mountains, also in summer. Sofite in a set with pants from the set and socks works well as a sleeping bag up to 10C. I carry less.

@JesterBushcraft 3 года назад

Thanks for sharing, great feedback. Yes, I have the pants to...super warm !

@Mich73534 Год назад

Cześć. Jak opinia aktualnie?

@brandrunway Год назад

@@Mich73534 Bez zmian. Mam też ten lżejszy model z zamkiem 1/3 Bardzo mało używam.

@twardy8996 Год назад

@@brandrunway Nasze zimy zrobiły się lajtowe. Choć akurat całą ostatnią przechodziłem w parce ECWS Mil-Teca. A pod nią nosiłem pikowany ocieplacz myśliwski z Decathlona. Ciepły, lecz dziadowsko wykonany (prujące się pikowanie, materiał rozłażący się przy kieszeniach, do reklamacji i zwrotu kasy). Właśnie się zastanawiam, czy kupić softie, która pewnie będzie trochę za ciepła, czy raczej mniej grzejący ocieplacz Bundeswehry.

@xix94 4 месяца назад

The green and sand one is my favourite wear it all winter 2023-2024 and never been cold just wearing a small fleece with it

@desburnett5406 2 года назад

Nice review, I first saw this when it was new and thought 'these are complementary things'; one's a light-ish Buffalo style 'wear on the go' style garment, the other is a belay jacket of sorts. As it turns out the army agree, the smock is still issued but there's also a new PCS softie - more of a proper stand alone hooded jacket this time.

@nellbrown770 5 лет назад

great test Mick. i ended up getting the snugpak venture pile, a very warm top.

@JesterBushcraft 5 лет назад

Nell Brown Thank you, yes that’s a nice top too...

@redsteadyon 4 года назад

I really wanted to know about the smock & your review was ACE & give me a proper view cheerz Mick...

@JesterBushcraft 4 года назад

redsteadyon your welcome, glad you enjoyed it...

@Dan-wo4bx Год назад

Biggest difference is the fleece lining in the new one ‘grabs’ at your base layer whereas the old softie with the same inner and outer fabric slides and gives much much better movement between layers.

@thefreshprinceofdapto1668 5 лет назад

Good video mate. I prefer the softie jacket out of the two but in my opinion a far better option is the Snugpak Sleeka .... but it's pretty expensive.

@JesterBushcraft 5 лет назад

thank you for your comment and great feedback...

@dawnbuglass8492 4 года назад

Mardale did one for the Army- it was the best of both. Zipped from bottom to under the armpit. And had re-enforcing on the wrist,arms ad neck. Very good piece of kit. Think we will be getting the softies trousers.

@JesterBushcraft 4 года назад

Great feedback thank you...

@BG-rf1mx 3 года назад

I've got a couple of the Mardale smocks and they're excellent. Pity they went bust.

@fitnready4 4 года назад

I have the softie jacket and pants in size small, still massive on me despite being average height and weight. Very warm and comfortable, great way to add warmth to sleeping set up or around camp. I like the reversible option as well. Only negative would be lack of a draw string for trousers. For the total cost, you can't go wrong IMO.

@JesterBushcraft 4 года назад

Totally agree! Great for additional sleeping bag layer, but lacks the drawstring, which you could no doubt add quite cheaply... thank you for your comment...

@armyrepelentcz4090 Год назад

I use softie all winter too in czech + softie pants, very useful matherial.Weight is perfect, i love UK army surplus too 🙂

@barrywatson9626 5 лет назад

Great video review! I’ve just purchased the smock, softie jacket and trousers just waiting for them to arrive! I bought them for wild camping so looking forward to trying them out. I also own the buffalo mountain shirt, which is far too warm to wear walking so might try it out to sleep in. I wonder what the temperatures would have read if you’d had the neck zipped up on each test? Great review! Barry.

@JesterBushcraft 5 лет назад

Thanks Barry for your kind words. Yes they are great items of gear. I find myself wearing the smock all the time. love it... thanks again for your feedback, much appreciated.

@barrywatson9626 5 лет назад

JesterBushcraft Just working my through your videos! Much appreciated! Cheers, Barry.

@JesterBushcraft 5 лет назад

@@barrywatson9626 Thank you for your support...just went to subscribe to your channel...? No worries !!

@barrywatson9626 5 лет назад

JesterBushcraft I’m just a watcher, too technical for me! 🤣

@ifell3 5 лет назад

Hey Mick great video, i've got the softie and the softie pants which are amazing as they zip up, so you can leave your boots on!! Bloody toasty bits of kit, and i'm glad they are about the same. Your test is legit, as long as you called down and allowed sweat to evaporate between tests. I've got also a RAB belay jacket, to be honest apart from the £100 more and a slight better quality, possibly a little more shower resistant i think they are still about the same amount of warmth. Keep meaning to do a video of the too, i also where the softie more, because its cheaper ^^ Also what was the model of your thermometer, be nice to have a inside and out one!!

@JesterBushcraft 5 лет назад

ifell3 thank you for your comments and feedback. Don’t think they make that model of thermometer anymore, but there are loads of different ones online... see here > amzn.to/2USoOL8 thanks again...

@johnnunn8688 Год назад

If the smock is a small and the softie is large, then of course the sleeves would different lengths.

@fepowson 5 лет назад

Hello Mick, must say I like the softie, top & bottoms. Good to see you mate ;) Cheers.........Les

@JesterBushcraft 5 лет назад

fepowson Thanks, yes I have the bottoms to, great addition to the jacket. I often sleep in them when camping/hammocking. It’s like wearing a sleeping bag...

@fepowson 5 лет назад

;)

@tobealionyoumusttrainwithl1645 3 года назад

i understand cold weather protection is all about a good layering system did you think if you wear two of these jackets your get double the protection ?

@JesterBushcraft 3 года назад

Very true...this was a test of the individual garments really... I do wear both together...

@sbura_ Год назад

How does the softie compare to the us ecwcs lvl7?

@gdsf9839 Год назад

Some of the British army thermal clobber can be up to 24cm bigger chest or waist size than what's shown on the NATO label to allow for layering without restricting movement and it often varies for different items, styles, & even makes which is why getting a good fit can be such a b-ll ache if you can't try em on first, then in the usual lets screw everyone up again fashion the Buffalo smock seems to be the reverse, so my latest issued hooded PCS thermal jacket which I got in Large was more like a XXL or even XXXL, luckily got it swapped but not without some earache, then I later managed to bag a smock but needed a XXL. And my old softy pants would've buried Pad's wife cos I requested a Large, bleedin madness as usual.

@SimbaOS 3 года назад

Great video. I just wanted to purchase the PCS Smock from eBay but sizing seems kind of weird ( I usually wear medium size, but this one seems too small), this video gave me the answer. May I ask how tall you are, so I can choose right size for me? Thanks a lot.

@JesterBushcraft 3 года назад

I’m 5’7” 👍

@b.bushcraft7332 4 года назад

What size of clothes do you usually wear? Trying to gauge what size I should get the smock in?

@JesterBushcraft 4 года назад

I normally wear a thin merino wool long sleeve t shirt under the smock, anything else gets a bit tight...

@sameerjoshi515 3 года назад

Hi Mick, any update on how the smock performed? Looking at getting one myself.

@JesterBushcraft 3 года назад

I still like it and it now forms a regular part of my wild camp layering system...

@OldNavajoTricks Год назад

I wanted to get a dpm and an mtp smock to stitch together reversibly but I might add a softy as a third layer now I've seen this lol.👍

@JesterBushcraft 6 месяцев назад

Wow that would be a great project and a nifty idea 👍 thank you for your comment…

@OldNavajoTricks 6 месяцев назад

@@JesterBushcraft I stitched some Dpm I had to the Mtp as internal pockets/panels but I remembered that I have a dpm in plastic as well so I may be stripping the fabric out and replacing with waterproof dpm, treated fabric dpm to cover any gaps. Plus of that is that I have seven large pockets that I can stuff with leafage etc for cold weather once I remove what's in them, (Tarp/Hammock/Nav sack and cordage at the moment.) or reverse as a dpm raincoat.

@barrycummings6394 3 года назад

Hi great video I'm 43 chest do you know how a medium would fit me thanks

@MrAnon-2024 5 лет назад

Both look like decent jackets and I may well get myself one, or both. Checking the links, they all seem to be ‘used’ kit. Have you experienced any issues with regard to this?

@JesterBushcraft 5 лет назад

Paul Rose With them both being army surplus, they are tried and tested, in my opinion. Both have their merits and work well together I reckon. I got my PCS smock from the same link and was perfect. The softie I purchased from a car boot I think and had slight damage which I had to repair. If you chose the appropriate “condition” option, should be fine...

@MrAnon-2024 5 лет назад

JesterBushcraft sounds good. Thanks for the info 👍

@lansdorf 5 лет назад

Great review. Ive tried the smock on and I also found it tight under and around the arms, I tried the large version. I am 5ft 8 and 11 stone slim build so i was surprised to find it a tight fit in that area, and also the sleeves are short. I was disappointed as a really wanted to buy one but i chose not to, I am going to go for the old version. Great review thanks again.

@JesterBushcraft 5 лет назад

lansdorf yes I am similar build and found the same, thank you for your feedback, much appreciated...

@rustyspoonss 4 года назад

I believe the sleeves are short for a reason (cant remember if its for watches etc or gloves or both) the ubacs are the same with slightly shorter sleeves

@twardy8996 Год назад

I have a similar problem. I bought a Desert DPM smock. All measurements are OK, but very tight under the arms. I bought some hoods from the older version and I will be working the sleeves according to the cut of the American ECWS parka.

@half_century_techie 4 года назад

Having worn the Softie, the PCS Smock (the Buffalo as we called it) and the Snugpack (Jacket, Thermal. NSN 8415-99-837-620x) during my time in the RAF, they were all good but I preferred the Snugpack. Wear a Norgie & a Buffalo, you'd be toasty warm. Mind you, the old DPM Arctic Smock was ace!

@JesterBushcraft 4 года назад

Great feedback Graeme and thank you for your service...

@half_century_techie 3 года назад

@Threeknuckle Shuffle when the Aircon was stuck full cold!

@cyclingmikeyisalizard9499 2 года назад

Thou shalt not steal. Unless the item has an NSN.

@Barnaby_bo 3 года назад

So the softie was warmer, looks cooler (better), easier to put on/off, more comfortable and reversible. Enjoyed that thanks.

@JesterBushcraft 3 года назад

I like both, wear the smock more for general use, but the softie is probably warmer i agree...

@soggz4246 2 года назад

Hi. The sizing for the smock is terrible. The fit around the armpits are way too tight with those zips. But the next size up,is massive! All the best 🇬🇧

@robgrady3766 3 года назад

Mate how do you wash these thankd

@gdsf9839 Год назад

Washing's fine for all this type of army softy kit as the materials don't shrink. Never had insulation bunch up inside either so must be secured in place in areas. 30C with no detergent normally gets the job done fine BUT add a couple of table spoons of white/distilled vinegar in the detergent drawer (or to bowl if handwashing) if you can as it kills bacteria & freshens up clothing perfectly without leaving any smell behind (also helps clean & kill bacteria in washing machines). Obviously don't want detergent smells on military or hunting clothing so if you need to remove heavy soiling either pre-scrub by hand or use a specialist detergent such as Nikwax Tech Wash which is designed for such clothing at 30C, you can even follow up with Nikwax Softshell Proof if you want to maintain & improve water repellency. Avoid long and full speed spin cycles though, a short spin is fine and I've never had issues wringing this gear out after hand washing.

@Yorkshiremadmick 4 года назад

10.7k subscribed and 50 likes including mine and 2 dislikes mmmmmmmm I have both, my softie is a large and I’ve got the trousers too. I sleep in them in the cold. I have the pcs 🤪🤪🤪 smock but that’s XL. Never worn it with the softie but do wear it under my mtp windproof jacket or my mvp mtp jacket. For warmth 👍🏻