Looking Closely at The More Commonly Issued Flecktarn Camo Uniform Pieces of The German Armed Forces 

The Sleeve pocket according to Regulations is intended for the Following Items: Assortments of Pens and Pencils, Eraser, Pencil sharpner and In-Ear Ear Protection. Chest pockets are for "Pi-Päckchen", Military ID and Reporting Book Paper The Upper Pants Pockets are sometimes for the Field Cap and more general stuffs, but are usually reserved for warming the soldiers hands. The Cargo Pockets are for the Barret/Field Cap on the right, and Bandana Cloth, Gauze pack, Emergency Blanket and Gloves on the left. The Rear Pocket is usually for the Wallet (Inside a Water Proof Ziplock bag, the wallet can also be carried together with the Mil-ID in the Chest Pocket) Its a pretty mixed bag, sometimes people also carry the stuff in sleeve pocket in the chest pocket, and only retain the Ear Pro in the sleeve pocket, its really up to the soldier, as long as he has everything he needs, thats atleast how I carried my stuff during my service, i also carried my dog tag in my sleeve pocket for safety reasons, which is quite common.

Flecktarn is a true legend of camo-world.

Another reason is the fact that Germany discontinued mandatory conscription in the early 2010s, meaning there are far less items produced nowadays, and the turnover rate has decreased...

QUICK TIP for those who want to order the Feldmutze or Field cap. It fits really small and is supposed to sit high on your head, like an inch or 2 from your ear. If you want a "baseball" style look get 2 sizes higher like a 60 for a 57/8 head.

The new Multitarn Pattern is fielded for SpecOps already. Those are the only units outfitted with it, regular troops keep their standard Flacktarn Uniform.

Please Do the Finland camouflage M05 🇫🇮🇫🇮

There is a big reason that you didn't mention. Germany deactivated conscription in 2011.

Regarding Mil-Tec. I've heard many people, both civilians and fellow soldiers refer to it as "Müll-Tec" (Müll is german for garbage) and that has been my experience too, mostly. Terrible quality and finish, boots that fall apart after being used for a week. Their socks are pretty decent though.

FYI: If you're from Europe, you can find the standard jacket for as little as 5€. Idk how much shipping costs, but that might also be an option for the Americans. Pants start at 15€ Edit: they will be used tho (but usually in a good condition)

DON'T buy Mil-Tec. In Germany we call it "Müll-Tec" wich translates to "Trash-Tec". Even airsofters avoid it.

The underarm zips in the parka and slots in the liner are for ventilating and cooling the armpits; very helpful for cooling; you can get pretty hot when active in cold weather. I used to have a surplus fleck Gore-Tex rain parka (from Sportsmans Guide). All it had were two lower pockets, and curiously several holes in the hood. I wondered what they were for, presumably some sort of draw string.

Ah, good ol' Flecktarn! I loved the Tropical issue pants so much, they were super comfy! A lot lighter than the normal issue stuff. About the left upper arm pocket, we put our ID tags there for safety reasons. If you had them on your chest and did certain excercises in the field, like the wall climb or doing down to crawl the large tags could come in a bad angle and dig into your chest painfully. That's at least what I was told when I served in 2006-2008 I had that first rain jacket you showed and I loved it. Very comfy, warm and dry.

A very common mistake is that the tan-dominant pattern is the "Desert Pattern". It is officially called "Tropical, arid" while there is another green dominant "Tropical, humid" pattern.

I bought a used pair of Flecktarn pants for €0.5 in a Finnish thrift store back in 2015 =)

Fascinating! Flecktarn is definitely my favorite camo pattern. 😎

Also realy good ad camouflaging Coffee, Mustard and Ketchup Stains. Merry Christmas everyone

Quick tip: the top button on the fieldshirts is not supposed to be closed! Soldiers even iron them out after washing the uniform to give it a sharper appearence.

I've always liked Flektarn, really effective and good colouration. although the standard woodland can look a bit too dark in regular grassland and light woodland (the newer multicam-esque colouration of Multitarn kind of fixes this). I have a set of Japanese Jeitai which is essentially a recolouration of Flektarn for the JSDF, a stronger green, dark soil brown, black and a dark tan, it works really well as a woodland camo.

Sportsman's Guide is a pretty great store. They have a small store attached to the warehouse and you can order from the catalog right at the counter!

I've always loved how these uniforms looked

I was issued the Luftwaffe cap back in the days. That was the single most hated item of the new gear ... for its awful looks and because it gave you major headaches due to the rubberbands in the back used for a tight fit.

Hey, loving the videos. Its such a niche topic so I am glad someone covers it well. I would love to see a video on boonie hats. They are used in so many armies around the world and I have not heard much about its history and usage today.

I almost got in a fight in an NYC deli about 15 years ago because a drunk US Army guy got mad that I was wearing a Flecktarn parka

Great! Much informations here!!

Have most of these pieces in collection. Be aware of your size in metric, & GR size group Charts. Larger frames/ sizes are difficult, as They sell out fast. Best to go Larger if you're old & out of shape.

Yeah, Flecktarn ❤🌲My old Bundeswehr Parka still does its Job today🌳:)

2:58 the shoulder sleeve pocket was moved to the left to be used for a compass. You can see a stitched slit when you open the flap, its for the lanyard to attach said compass. You can also see that the pocket is made to be able to fold outwards especially for the bulky form of said compass. Right hand on the underslung rifle, left hand for the compass.

I have three Woodland Fleck shirts. One from 95, one from 97, and one from 2003. I also have Parkas in both Woodland and Desert, and the liner. The only complaints I have are the 95 seems to be incorrectly sized (feels snugger on me than the other two, despite the tag stating it's the same size as them), and the 97 has more vibrant reddish browns.

I own a surplus flecktarn winter hat and I used to have a surplus flecktarn parka. Really sturdy stuff. The hat I keep around as a backup and the parka I gave to a friend.

Proudly to own one myself for a 20 year old. Mine is the 1st Standard issue with black tabs/button

Great video. I also have flecktarn suspender rain pants that are great and would fall under this line of uniforms

That last part about streetwear made me chuckle because outside my crye style tropentarn, all my flecktarn (and my tiger camo too) jackets have all been stolen by my sisters to be worn while thier away at college, its been a huge pain to get them back and one actually fell victim to a pair of scissors as my sister tried to "personalize" one.

Another excellent video! I'm surprised you didn't mention the issue "Gortex" jacket. My local surplus stores have been flooded with them. I'm not sure if it's Gortex brand material but it seems very similar. Anyway, when are you going to get around to the US Pattern of 1942 Frogskin camo? It's one of the only major US patterns you have yet to touch on significantly.

Wore this stuff for 2 years with pride (1994-1996). Back then, approx. 40 to 50% of the Bundeswehr had the pretty new Flecktarn, many other units still had the old fashioned single tone "Oliv" which looked already aged in these days that I was happy to get the new shit. Thanks for the interesting video and all the facts.

It's worth noting that though flecktarn was adopted in the early 90s it took until the 2000s for most of the bundeswehr to have it, when I was putting together my bundeswehr setup I talked with former/current bundeswehr members who were in training in the late 90s still using the uniforms and gear they had been using for decades. For anyone purchasing the liner and parka they are smaller than you think, I bought a set based off my measurements and the US to euro conversion charts and I had to return it and get a size larger, the parka also does not zip all the way to the bottom.

You deserve more subscribers

Very interesting, I did not realize that there were that many. That parka liner is indeed deceptively good, I really don't know how the Germans pulled that off, but it is cool. I also like the parka a lot, but you might be able to find a better substitute for it... like the British windproof smock for example. One thing about the waist pockets on that parka... somehow they are right on spot for the size I have. Very well aligned. That Mil-Tec rain jacket (wet weather jacket with fleece liner as it is called on their website's online shop, there is also a Gen. II model now) is quite awesome. For give or take 100$, it's pretty cool. That fleece liner comes on and off easily and is well-nested. It can be used by itself and it is warm. No elbow or shoulder reinforcements, but I guess you had to cut corners somewhere. Has armpit zips, 4 pockets on the jacket itself and a few extra on the fleece and even a snow skirt on the back. I am quite sure that there will be more German surplus to come in the future. They simply have nothing to do with the surplus except store it which they are already doing or burn it... which would be a waste of money.

Glad I have my original Flecktarn coat. Got it for a steal 15 years ago

The Germans I was around wore 2 desert patterns that was more " dottie." lol. and 1 style had very few dots .. both on tan . That could have been because of the cut out pieces used in assembly as both types were used at the same time. 2004-2009. The soft cap I remember was an Afrika Corp look-a-like. Over-all they were more Tan in color. I don't remember pocket details etc .. just the patterns and colors. Thanks for the info. I'm sure there are many variations.

I remember buying a two pack of the woodland fleck parkas from Sportsman’s Guide around 2005 for $25. Both were in near new condition. A few years later I got a tropical pattern parka on eBay for $35, in new condition.

I have a woodland parka with liner, cost me about $160 Australian but damn was it worth it, best jacket i have ever bought, i wear it all the time. its a surplus jacket too, the zip on the liner is broken but can be fixed.

I just gave my nephew a flecktarn jacket for X-mas. It's in decent shape and he's was using it while playing with his nerf gun earlier.🤣🎅🎄 I own two sets of this camo, plus a cap, schutzweste and helmet cover. 😁 Frohe Weihnachten!!!

An interesting video, one of the surplus items you didn't mention but I get good use out of are the waterproof (gortex? but don't quote me) over trousers that have there suspenders built in. You might already know about them but I can send you some pics if you want :)

We are now seeing the new "Multitarn" being used by our Tier 1 SF (KSK, KS). But I have yet to see a single piece of it on sale.

I know for a fact that one reason for Flecktarn uniforms becoming more scarce is due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. After the defence of Mariupol, by Ukrainian volunteer groups, the well known Azov Regiment wanted to find their own uniforms that would differ from those used by seperatist groups. Early on in the war, both sides would primarily use the old Soviet Ukrainian camo, mixed with a bunch of other items featuring easily accesible camos, like DPM and Flecktarn. Seperatists would use the same Soviet Ukrainian camo along with Russian Digi Flora. However, once Azov became a much bigger and much more important force, they wanted to find a camo pattern to wear that would look different from the seperatists. At first, they opted for uniforms that featured Flecktarn, due to the fact that it was so cheap and easy to find. Azov wore Flecktarn for a while, but once they became a part of the Urainian National Guard, they changed to wearing Multicam uniforms. They did this for the same kind of reasons. Multicam was a cheap and easily accesible camo, especially compared to the camoflauge they were considering changing to, which was actually going to be Swedish M90. This isnt the only reason for Flecktarn becoming harder to source, but I thought it was interesting information for anyone who might care to hear.

i remember back then i got a full set with boonie hat for like 12€ and then gave it away for free when i no longer needed it because it used to be the cheapest surp camo that nobody wanted since it was everywhere lol

It drove me crazy over the years that the pocket on the sleeve was here and there. Now I finally know how it came about the different positions 😂

Really hoping to see you do the M/84 Danish flecktarn type pattern, especially with the possibility of looking into the experimental urban pattern.

Great Video over all, but a few pieces have been missing. - The insulating liner also consists of trousers, not just the jackets - There's a set of rain proof gear, consisting of both a jacket and trousers - Additionally to the parka, there's an official Smock version in Flecktarn - A sole green poncho is also commonly issued for weather- and NBC-protection - The Bundeswehr issues standardized Flecktarn-camo combat gloves - Standard Backpacks are available in the green "Jägerrucksack" (Hunter's Backpack) of 28 liters and "Kampfgepäck" (Battlepack) of 60 liters These are the most commonly items to be found in civilian markets additionally to the ones you showed. And before anyone dares calling me out: I served in the Bundeswehr for 9 years; so keep it.

a little addition.. theres also a version of the Feldbluse without any buttons, only velcro to wear under the SK4 vest. :)

Just had a quick note. The 3fb desert camouflage (light variant) has not been used exclusively commercially. It was introduced/tendered between 2010 - 2012 (Libya crisis and preparation Mali) and also already procured in smaller quantities. Partially, the clothing could also be seen in the KSK picture book during trials. There are also from time to time here in Germany still garments on ebay etc., which were manufactured e.g. by Scharrer (no commercial distribution) with BUND labeling. But not many. In the TL's of the Bundeswehr it is still called Wüstentarn, while the other pattern is simply 3fb Flecktarn. In the TL's of the Bundeswehr it is still called desert camo, while the other pattern is simply 3fb Flecktarn. In Koblenz in the WTS you can also see some parts.

I have to say that in my opinion this seems much better than "digital". CADPAT was a revolutionary development but from what I remember it was about ease of printing. Also, I just love the look of this.

I have a variant of the woodland shirt but it has a Velcro attachment point for the shield style NATO ISAF/KFOR patches

Can you make one on Bundeswehr Splinter camo? I recently got one jacket and could provide photos and videos of it.

Could you perhaps do a video on the Royal Netherlands Armed Forces and their newly introduced NFP (Netherlands Fractal Pattern) Camo? I'd like to know the history or use of that pattern, as it is quite similar to Flecktarn

1:17 is gold meme material. If that set up wasn't intentional, I'll be shocked

I have that Mil-Tec jacket shown at the end. Used it for 3 years without fault. 🤔

There is actually a third version for the Special forces called Mulititarn. It is a bit like a mixture between the Tropentarn and the standart Flecktarn.

I was wearing the 3rd Version Jacket in 2008, if i rembember correctly i was issued 3 Jackets, 3 Pants, 3 T-Shirts, 3 long sleeve Shirts, 2 Parkas, 1 Parka-Liner, 1 Water resistent over jacket and pant and 3 long undies, i still have the T-Shirts and the green field knee socks and white Sport socks, the T-Shirts are great especially the long sleeve ones the parkas are nice too but i heard that the older olive green ones are better and the 65 litre Kampfrucksack was also really nice

One reason for the drying up after 2010 or so is because that's roughly when general conscrption was put on moratorium in Germany. Meaning much lower numbers in general. I was actually the first year that didn't have to do conscription or the civilian alternative. I still got the letter to report for health check and evaluation, but at that time it was already clear that there wouldn't be conscripts called in that year. PS: I still did the voluntary civilian service. The Federal Volunteer Service (BFD). It's a bit like conscription, just that i worked in a zoo. And voluntary. ;) It was created to replace the people who objected to military concription and thus served in civilian jobs for the year. Kind of a civilian conscription. Working in hospitals and such. I really like that idea.

the crusher cap was for the luftwaffe only.

Schönes Video, Grüsse aus Deutschland Heilbronn, cool das ihr die Miltec Nässeschutzjacke GEN 1 gezeigt habt aber die läuft eventuel 2023 aus - Miltec hat schon Gen 2

The Belgian air force had its own version of the pattern, and the Dutch army made an update of the pattern called 'NFP'

40-60 USD for the Field Jackets is crazy! I remember buying them for 4-5 Euro per piece!

You forgot to mention that the newest iteration of the field shirt (and jacket) has a piece of velcro on the right arm that has the shape of a shield and accomodotes unit patches.

That Mil-Tec jacket at the end actually looks like a copy of ECWCS 1st generation parka.

I wonder if the brass buttons were also eliminated because they would become shrapnel if hit with explosives.

i was lucky back in the early 2000s i got a set of blouse and trousers at a place in kentucky for 5 dollars a few years back i found the field jacket with liner for 25 dollars and the gortex raincoat for 20 dollars.

The other reason for surplus flectarn drying up was the abolishment of compulsory military service in Germany. There was a influx of kit immediately after, but availability has dropped because no more 1 year soldiers.

Outstanding documentation but you miss two pices, The insulated liner trousers and the water proof insulated parker has trousers and they are not just commercial they where issued standard gear. parker, trousers. Insulated parker and trousers where worn on very cold and wet days together, bottom part and top part + insulated top and bottom part. We have never worn the parker and the insulated jacket together it kind of doppeld gemoppelt.

Took a bit. But hey. Flecktarn ! I like it.

I have the winter coat /spring coat in the flex RN Woodland camo I don't even know where the code came from but I'd imagine at one point it came from over there in Germany mine is in great condition should I not be wearing it in wintertime like I normally do should I be collecting it

I got the parka here in Australia for around $80aud. I need to chase up a cap now

The clip at 0:39 got me hahaha

Is there not a snow or winter version too, white, black and green...?

Okay, the joke about Mil-Tec producing good quality was really funny.

i have pants that are ripstop, has green normal buttons on the cargo pockets, a single right back pocket, and two strips of velcro on the sides on the belt, so its adjustable, i'm not sure if its surplus, but i've never seen another one on internet.

When I was in the Bundeswehr 21 years ago, I unfortunately had the misfortune to get red-brown field blouses and dark brown field trousers, which looked shitty. The then new liner for under the field parka was not issued in my regiment because it was in the process of dissolution and you froze your ass off in winter. All you could wear underneath was an horribly scratchy, olive-green wool winter sweater from old stocks. Too bad I didn't swipe an entire uniform. But I "lost" my beret. ;D Fun fact: When I came to my core unit after basic training, there were rumours about comrades who steal berets, you should be careful. In fact, many soldiers took it with them as a souvenir at the end of their service, reported that it had been lost, and paid the cost of making it. At the end of the service period, for reasons of hygiene, you can keep all clothing that you wear directly on your skin (t-shirts, warmers, socks) and keep all boots and shoes.

I have been wondering about the exact involvement of Mil Tec Shturm in the flecktarn range of uniforms. I have a couple of items of theirs and it seems like they are reproductions that are of a lower quality in comparison to the legit german issued clothing.

For what is the slit next to the snap that is in the sleeve pocket? Looks like a slit for a botton to pass through. Anyway the liner is one of the best I had ever used, only which it had hand warmer pockets.

And now comes the kicker. Leo köhler one of the producers produces a variety of patterns in the same quality.

The survival vest reminds me of Vietnam War US issued vests

My brother wants to ask a questions is the GE SPEKON Germany uniform shirt true ✌🏻

I weard it 12 years nearly every day :D .... served in the Bundeswehr

You know what the best camo is? That greenish tarp background he is using in this video. What is that?

Please do a video about Gorka suits

I have also a goretex set, parka and trousers. It is original of the BW. Thy are very common here in Europe

Could you do digital floral

I actually own a “multi-tarn” repro from Sturm. It turns a lot of heads playing airsoft.

I'm wearing some from 2009

I got lucky with my German flecktarn uniform and got a 1991 shirt and 1992 pants for only $15 total

What about the pants knife pocket in the right cargo pocket???

Now The Netherlands has joined the Flecktarn game with there new NFP “Netherlands Fractal Pattern”

Flectarn IS the best woodlands camo on the planet. Also, authentic Flecktarn uniforms are very very comfortable to wear. They do not chaff, itch or dig into you. Unless you are wearing the wrong size.

Yesterday I found a flacktern at goodwill

I picked up a filed shirt in a thrift store for $2.50 in the Halloween section, guess I got a good deal.

Ahhhh why did you close so many of the top buttons! :P

Can you do mtf uniform from scp contaiment breach?

No Leo Kohler brand?

As a German I really want one