The Flecktarn SympaTex parka is the hardshell first cousin of the classic cotton/poly Flecktarn parka you know and love. It wears hard, while being light enough to wear in the summer.
SympaTex is a fabric/membrane that is both water and windproof but allows water vapor to flow through. It's very similar to American Gore-Tex but originates from a European parent company. SympaTex is widely used across Europe in sports and recreation gear and has had considerable success winning military contracts.
TL;DR It's a damn good waterproof shell in Flecktarn.
Specs
- German Flecktarn pattern on delicious weatherproof SympaTex membrane
- Zippered main closure with snap-secured double storm flap
- Two roomy low-front snap-secured pockets
- Hook and loop fabric for nametape, patches on both shoulders, and tightening cuffs
- Cinch cord in hood and at bottom of parka "skirt" (that's what that part is called, apparently)
Type
The Flecktarn Hardshell Parka comes in three color versions.
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Pre-1995: An extraordinarily vibrant version of the five-color pattern. Best for use with bright, eye-catching vegetation. It seems the Bundeswehr toned down the jacket a touch with the Pre-2005 version.
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Pre-2005: The five-color pattern everyone thinks about when they hear Flecktarn — vibrant and robust
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Pre-2005 variants: Sometime during the 90s, Germany was in high demand for BDUs, so it contracted a handful of different companies for manufacture. Construction is identical, but color is not. With the number of different batches being produced by different printing equipment, the tone of the five colors varies from company to company
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Post-2005: In 2005 the five colors of Flecktarn were altered into more muted tones. Since then, the colors have stayed free of variation. Every piece made since 2005 features this muted version of Flecktarn
Condition
All parkas are in like-new to very good condition with no indications of damage.
