[Pinemarten]

I was doing some holiday reading from library discards and one of the books was written by a Russian author called Inside The Spetsnaz.

Basically the book is about the author's intelligence service in the USSR and he mentions training with Spetsnaz(Russian forces) and describes some of their gear.

One of the items he describes is a coat-this coat has attachment points for a detachable "skirt" that can be attached to the coat making the coat longer down to the wearer's heels. The author mentions that padded trousers make you sweat but a long coat does not.

Has anyone any thoughts about this idea? I know from pictures of long ago of people in cold climates they usually wear long coats. The idea sounds a bit like the fishtail parka/U.S. parka extreme cold-let the extra bit down and tie the ends off between the user's legs.

 

[Geistfalken]

Look at the old WWll footage of Russian solders fighting in the dead of the winter. They and many of the German troops wear long coats that are almost ankle length.

Those coats were heavy wool and it would seem that they would hinder movement. However, they worked well for the environment and time period that they were used in.

A convertible or multi-use item is favorable in any situation, especially if the capability to re-supply is limited. It seems like a weather proof coat that could be used as a full length cover would be a good idea.

 

[Post18guy]

A bit of trivia on the Greatcoat;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greatcoat

Enjoy!

 

[Mayberry1981]

Wow that would be great to find a coat like that in a surplus shop. Now I'll be looking hard for one!

 

[Montana-Prepper]

mountain men wore a similar item, the 4 or 6 point wool capote.

 

[Jojo]

Just a footnote for the ladies reading...my floor length pendelton wool cape keeps me twice as warm as my north face parka.

 

[Observer]

I own a capote. What can I say. Very warm...! I also have many military parkas from various countries. I generally wear one of these with French motorcycle coat over it. Pretty warm also.

 

[ghost792]

I used to have a WWII USGI trenchcoat that had a wool blanket liner. It was awesomely warm, but it was very easy to overheat while wearing it. I think I ended up giving it to my dad.

 

[daroh]

I recently found a swiss military parka that I absolutely love. The lining is so soft and warm. And it was only 20 bucks!