Note:Ebay and other sites have been overrun with counterfeit knock-offs of the PAT 83, but our jackets are the genuine articles — no reproductions here!
Special thanks to Hub City Outdoors for helping bring a few of these battle jackets back into Excellent condition!
In October 2015, Pattern 83 was fully discontinued by the South African Defense Force. Since then, supplies of PAT 83 equipment have decreased exponentially due to heavy domestic and foreign demand (and a couple Mad Max movies).
For a long time, it was quite possible to find the iconic battle jacket by the hundreds. We’re afraid that day is long gone. Today it is typically available used and in single quantities — even in Africa.
Recently we uncovered a significant number of pattern 83 items while developing a separate project in South Africa. This was the result of a series of in-person visits throughout South Africa, facilitated by our local contacts there.
Most Saffie businesses have little-to-no web presence, so things like this require phone books and commutes halfway across the country. In short, we were incredibly lucky to find a cache in this condition, and doubly so at this pricing.
As a result of this import, we are pleased to offer the crown jewel of the pattern 83 system in excellent condition. The battle jackets in this import have been hand-inspected for damage and laundered to remove the dirt and dust from years of storage. The result is as close to a new jacket as is possible, especially given the 30-some-years since the Border War.
History and Overview
The Pattern 83 webbing system was produced to fill a very specific need in the South African military. In the later years of the Border War, the SADF was hurting for a comfortable, lightweight, and simple-to-use load bearing system. As with much of the equipment of the time, private sector commercial outfitters helped the military design and produce an effective solution. The resulting “battle jacket” (heavily influenced by Rhodesian Fireforce webbing) is still in use today by the South African Defense Force and has been featured as the go-to load bearing gear of various movie baddies (see Blood Diamond, District 9, and most recently Mad Max).
The iconic “Nutria brown” pouches on the vest are made of a waterproofed Cordura nylon. You’ll find a heavy wear-resistant coating inside the pouches. The “body” of the vest is a padded breathable nylon mesh which distributes weight evenly across your shoulders, back, and hips. In total, there are five magazine pouches, each capable of holding two standard capacity mags (for a grand total of ten). Although originally intended for R4 (Galil) magazines, we’ve found the pockets will accommodate some other magazines.
On the sides of the vest there are two large pouches intended for canteens. In a pinch, they can be used as dump pouches for empty magazines, but we’d recommend using them for their original purpose (dehydration is no joke). Smaller pockets arranged around the water pouches are intended to hold grenades but work just as well for storing cleaning kits and other miscellaneous small gear. The large lower pouch in the front can fit even more magazines or be used to store bandages and other bulkier items. The backpack pouch features a roomy upper and lower compartment, with additional straps to secure a bed roll.
Specs
Waterproof, durable Cordura nylon with nylon mesh webbing
Nutria brown color, designed to get dirty and build a natural camouflage
Padding along shoulders, back and hips
Webbing can be adjusted and secured with buckles to fit all sizes
Pouches
Five double magazine pouches, compatible with R4 Vektor and STANAG pattern magazines, and partially compatible with Galil and AK 5.45 magazines. Not compatible with AKM magazines.
One large front pouch
Two large canteen side pouches
Two small side grenade pouches
Large “backpack” pouch with two compartments
Condition Guide
Like-New+
The item has been used, but remains in like-new condition. Suitable for discerning collectors and reference use.
Excellent+
The item has barely any cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
The item may exhibit internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
Great+
The item has only minor cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.
The item may exhibit noticeable internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
The item may have minor field repairs, or field modifications.
Good+
The item has clear cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.
The item may exhibit clear internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
The item may have minor or major field repairs, or field modifications.
Serviceable+
The item has significant cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.
The item may exhibit clear internal/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.
The item may require minor repairs to either a seam, or to the fabric to restore 100% functionality
Note:A “+” following any of these conditions indicates the product has also been freshly laundered.
Instructions
Featured here we have the original SADF field manual containing adjustment, handling and maintenance information on all P83 equipment. This can be viewedhere. Battle Jacket usage information can be found on pages A4-A4, A9, and A34-A46.
100%
of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
Utility
Rated 4 out of 5
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Excellent
Performance
Rated 4 out of 5
Poor
Excellent
Ergonomics
Rated 4 out of 5
Poor
Excellent
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106 Reviews
DC
Dylan Camarena T.Reviewed by Dylan Camarena T., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Condition
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted
Macro rigs go H A R D
Got the serviceable condition for the chest rig and by all means this does not mean the rig is beat up beyond all recognition. The rig had prominent signs of a previous owner whether or not this give the rig charm or greatly devalues the product is case by case but for me this was greatly in favor of buying surplus gear. It has minor attempts at restoration by the previous carrier of this gear leading only to believe the rig is durable in of it itself seeing there were no major damages nor patches done to the product. Over all I must say I’m satisfied with the rig it’s fucking bad ass
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JK
James K.Reviewed by James K., from Australia
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Condition
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted
Excellent piece of gear.
I selected the "good" quality. I thought it would come with a few visible faults but as far as I can tell this thing has nothing wrong with it and hasn't been repaired either. Excellent condition. There's a small white stain on the inside of the jacket and some writing on the backpack but these have no impact on the functionality. I actually like the writing, adds to the charm. Buckles are a bit stiff but it's to be expected for an old jacket. Might replace them in future for convenience but it's definitely not needed.
Overall it's a great jacket. I'll be sure to recommend it to my friends if there's any new stock.
The jacket might look a bit misshapen in the photos but that's just cause most of the pouches are empty.
Very happy with the gear rating, it is better than described. I got the good+ , one pouch velcro and one webbing strap needed
some stitching, it has had some repairs but nothing to be worried about.
Good job kommandostore.
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PM
Paul M.Reviewed by Paul M., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Condition
As Described
Rated 4 out of 5
Review posted
Glad to Have
A good addition to my collection. Only issue was one of the canteen pouches was sewn closed for some reason. Just need to cut it loose.
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ZS
Zane S.Reviewed by Zane S., from United States
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Condition
Better Than Described
Rated 5 out of 5
Review posted
Still excellent
So nice I got it twice, even at a tier down from my last one, it's still quality and even has some of the bits my other one is missing, great for hiking when you need water carrying.
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