I absolutely love my gorka. I originally bought it for the look, and I still wear it in the winter. But it's excellent on the trail. The fit is amazing. You're literally wearing pajamas that you can roll on the ground in. It's super comfy. It's also big enough for easy layering if you want to use it as a hardshell. I haven't tested it out in rain yet. Still a bit worried about that. They did get soaked when I was trudging through the snow, but nothing that killed the comfort. Some people will waterproof their gorkas themselves. Haven't tried that but thinking about it.
@@IMDARKFIRE007 I already own the bag. It has been years in my backpack collection. I spent less than 70 bucks for purchasing it. I think MOLLE2 is the best budget backpack for campers out there if you like military surplus gears.
MOLLE 2 Large rucksack is great, ALICE Medium with frame and shelf is excellent, MOLLE 2 Assault Pack is great also. Personally I have an ALICE Large and am looking at getting a medium without frame since I already have one for the Large.
Molle 2 is an amazing system. I might be a weirdo but I find it super comfortable and love the fact it can be adjusted to any torso length. As a taller person, commercial packs are hit or miss. I love it so much I have several. I do quite a bit long distance backpacking. I run a molle 2 frame, straps, and belt. I made my own ruck to go on the frame out of 70d ripstop silnylon. Kind of a weird combo but it saved several pounds over the 1000d ruck bag. No matter what I use, I keep coming back to that platform. It's just comfortable to me, can carry heavy loads easily, and i love having the Ventilation of an external frame
I'll be looking for one of the green fleeces. Thanks for the heads up. I have 3 gorkas, 2 are Bars, they are by far better than the no name yellow camo one I have. I recommend them to anyone needing a great hard-wearing suit. I'll be getting another this next year that's fleece lined by Bars. One piece of gear I recommend is the Soviet veshmoshock pack. No frills, lightweight, tough, great day pack.
surplus for the win! i have a "cold weather shirt" (70% wool ? ) and it is warm enough for me plus it is really sturdy. another thing that i own is a pair belleville hot weather boots. really beaten up but their composite toe ( not sure but it seems to be ) and speed lacing has saved my feet numerous times from getting a sprained ankle. thank you for the video and for the advise!!!! love the content!
@@MilitaryHistoryGearReview Those quarter zip shirts are an amazing layer, seriously the first few times i wore mine I realized I was over heating and ending up replacing other heavier layers with just that shirt. Probably the best warmth layer you could have and easy to keep handy.
There is a Denmark brand called Endurance, which makes these ‘waffle’ shirts. I bought one two years ago in Norway for about 25 euros. Its holding up very well, I take it with me whenever I go camping. That, to me, is great value!
Man the gorka suit does look cool. I love military prodcuts. Have a m65 woodland camo from the 80s. Want to get an OD green one but they've gotten too expensive to justify the price. Maybe I can find one at an estate sale or something.
How warm is the green fleece? My father is one of those people who is cold in 70 degrees, might be a good gift. And dude how can you do a best in class surplus without mentioning the ICS? 4 season, tough, and cheaper than most anything else even half decent. Also surplus woobies deserve a spot. My third pick would be the Molle 2 ruck sack.
The army fleece jacket is pretty warm but you need an outer shell like gore tex jacket to block the wind. If you combine two of em, it would work great.
@@MilitaryHistoryGearReview Yes indoors during summer mostly when people are fighting him over the thermostat haha. Looking for one now as a birthday gift.
Strange you didn't mention surplus US military GORE-TEX options since they are about the same price, also pretty durable, and probably lighter and more breathable. Also, I don't think it is ideal for hiking or backpacking in most cases since they are pretty bulky. Maybe if you are backpacking the arctic or something.
I have 2 suits of the US surplus ecws goretex along with a mismatched set of a French jacket/ British pants that are approximately the same. I lived in my woodland set for basically 2 days camping in a horrible thunderstorm. I've also sat in a tree stand hunting all day in pouring rain. Comfy and dry as could be. As long as you have a good midlayer to keep the outer layer off your skin, you're good. They are still comfy to hike in and breathe well. Remember the hood is made to go over a helmet. So if you wear a ball cap underneath, it keeps the oversized hood off your face and the brim of the hat will even stay dry. People say the goretex can wet through, but I have not experienced that yet. And I've put them through the ringer.
The R&D that goes into anything from any company trying to get military contracts os good stuff. Mil spec isn’t easy to achieve. Surplus was chosen ,used(or not) & still kicking.get some. I would feel like a tool in a $200 commercial. In the woods alone. Charity could use a few bucks. Always…think about it.
Bars gorka run you 200 on ebay these days, if they can get them in your size. Im glad I got my bars gorka 3 before they hit 500 lol (i'm joking but seriously they're getting pricey)
Love the premise of this video but that fleece is one of the few surplus items that isn't better than even china knock offs on Amazon. It's the only part of the ecws I don't use and I have the whole system. It's literally pointless and doesn't keep you warm even in mild temps. My cheap ass "OUTDOORSPORT" china brand one way outperforms that thing. Also polartec is the fabric. They don't make clothes. The government didn't contract polartec to make those they are simply made out of polartec material and any company can contract and make it to those specs so in the end company that says polartec fleece is using polartec fabric and therefore is the same material(thickness may vary), the ecws tho uses the thinnest polartec I've ever seen and it isn't warm. The waffle shirt thinks warm, and everyone calls it the waffle shirt btw, not just you
The TruSpec Gen 2 H20 parka is superior to the Gorka. I have grid fleeces from a over half dozen vendors and there is nothing inferior about Rothco and TruSpec offerings!
I'd still say truspec is a level above rothco. I own both as well as real surplus. I like rothco for the older stuff that's getting hard to find. Their knockoff BDUs are pretty good. Propper makes good stuff as well and can be bought new for pretty reasonable
Growing up camping, hunting, and fishing with my dad that’s a Vietnam Veteran military surplus has always been first choice for most of our gear.
I absolutely love my gorka. I originally bought it for the look, and I still wear it in the winter. But it's excellent on the trail. The fit is amazing. You're literally wearing pajamas that you can roll on the ground in. It's super comfy. It's also big enough for easy layering if you want to use it as a hardshell. I haven't tested it out in rain yet. Still a bit worried about that. They did get soaked when I was trudging through the snow, but nothing that killed the comfort. Some people will waterproof their gorkas themselves. Haven't tried that but thinking about it.
Would you do TOP 3 military surplus backpacks, too? I love my US military surplus gears.
For sure! It was hard to settle on just three for this video!
I can save you the time on that. Molle 2 ruck sack. Look up a review video. Be the last one you ever buy. And won’t cost you over 150.
@@IMDARKFIRE007 I already own the bag. It has been years in my backpack collection. I spent less than 70 bucks for purchasing it. I think MOLLE2 is the best budget backpack for campers out there if you like military surplus gears.
MOLLE 2 Large rucksack is great, ALICE Medium with frame and shelf is excellent, MOLLE 2 Assault Pack is great also.
Personally I have an ALICE Large and am looking at getting a medium without frame since I already have one for the Large.
Molle 2 is an amazing system. I might be a weirdo but I find it super comfortable and love the fact it can be adjusted to any torso length. As a taller person, commercial packs are hit or miss. I love it so much I have several.
I do quite a bit long distance backpacking. I run a molle 2 frame, straps, and belt. I made my own ruck to go on the frame out of 70d ripstop silnylon. Kind of a weird combo but it saved several pounds over the 1000d ruck bag. No matter what I use, I keep coming back to that platform. It's just comfortable to me, can carry heavy loads easily, and i love having the Ventilation of an external frame
I'll be looking for one of the green fleeces. Thanks for the heads up.
I have 3 gorkas, 2 are Bars, they are by far better than the no name yellow camo one I have. I recommend them to anyone needing a great hard-wearing suit. I'll be getting another this next year that's fleece lined by Bars.
One piece of gear I recommend is the Soviet veshmoshock pack. No frills, lightweight, tough, great day pack.
It's true, the Veshmeshok is such a cool, elegant design
A 4 season tent is the ICS. And the PUFFY set level 7 winter layers. So the tent and Puffy you can sleep anywhere any season.
The best fleece you can get is the Austrian military fleece, has zips under armpits and is elasticated around waist and wrists
Outstanding
Great video and some valid points, military surplus is good gear! Speaking of backpacking, military surplus packs would work good too.
Yea for sure. Might be the next one in the series!
I have the Molle 2 large, medium and assault packs
IF you like a bulky and REALLY heavy pack, get you a military surplus. Study up!
Another good vid, glad I subscribed, thank you.
Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it!
Those waffle tops (what I've always heard them called) are amazing. They work so well.
surplus for the win! i have a "cold weather shirt" (70% wool ? ) and it is warm enough for me plus it is really sturdy. another thing that i own is a pair belleville hot weather boots. really beaten up but their composite toe ( not sure but it seems to be ) and speed lacing has saved my feet numerous times from getting a sprained ankle. thank you for the video and for the advise!!!! love the content!
Thanks! When I left the military I was surprised how hard it was to find commercial gear that was as tough and functional.
@@MilitaryHistoryGearReview Those quarter zip shirts are an amazing layer, seriously the first few times i wore mine I realized I was over heating and ending up replacing other heavier layers with just that shirt. Probably the best warmth layer you could have and easy to keep handy.
There is a Denmark brand called Endurance, which makes these ‘waffle’ shirts. I bought one two years ago in Norway for about 25 euros. Its holding up very well, I take it with me whenever I go camping. That, to me, is great value!
Couldn’t agree more. Add the black polertec full zip goes for 30-40 bucks new. Awesome. And the woodland gortex rain jacket and bivy.
Honestly the Buffalo jacket is solid, is the ucp and the ocp jacket is the same thing
Man the gorka suit does look cool. I love military prodcuts. Have a m65 woodland camo from the 80s. Want to get an OD green one but they've gotten too expensive to justify the price. Maybe I can find one at an estate sale or something.
Great Video! Thank you for posting. Can't wait to see more videos 👍
Thanks!
got a couple self inflating sleeping pads. basically a more durable thermarest basecamp pad, but theyre 10 bucks used on ebay.
MilitaryTechnologies is a new channel about defence technology, military vehicles, and trends in global warfare and security.
Cool
Military Surplus is 4 me. Thnxs 4 Sharing this Awesome content ❗👍✌💯🇺🇸
Same here. Thanks for watching!
How warm is the green fleece? My father is one of those people who is cold in 70 degrees, might be a good gift. And dude how can you do a best in class surplus without mentioning the ICS? 4 season, tough, and cheaper than most anything else even half decent. Also surplus woobies deserve a spot. My third pick would be the Molle 2 ruck sack.
The army fleece jacket is pretty warm but you need an outer shell like gore tex jacket to block the wind. If you combine two of em, it would work great.
If he is just a guy who gets cold indoors, it great for that. Our heat was spotty this winter and I've worn this around the house several mornings
@@MilitaryHistoryGearReview Yes indoors during summer mostly when people are fighting him over the thermostat haha. Looking for one now as a birthday gift.
@@militarygearjunkie2522 It's mainly for indoor use, but I do intend to do as you say for when he goes out.
ICS is excellent!
The major issue with the army fleece is the ugly color and the velcro to put patches if you don't have patches.
You won't win any fashion contests its true
Rit dye for the win.
Good video, luv the comparison to branded equivalent..
But would been better if you stood up, more close up n do 360 twirl..
Thumb hooks are for donning additional layers, not for wearing under gloves
Excellent review, thank you!!
Thanks!
Ps. PONCHO & speed lace Panama sole Jump boots. Black leather, no steel toe. Best boot ever
Strange you didn't mention surplus US military GORE-TEX options since they are about the same price, also pretty durable, and probably lighter and more breathable. Also, I don't think it is ideal for hiking or backpacking in most cases since they are pretty bulky. Maybe if you are backpacking the arctic or something.
I have 2 suits of the US surplus ecws goretex along with a mismatched set of a French jacket/ British pants that are approximately the same.
I lived in my woodland set for basically 2 days camping in a horrible thunderstorm. I've also sat in a tree stand hunting all day in pouring rain. Comfy and dry as could be. As long as you have a good midlayer to keep the outer layer off your skin, you're good.
They are still comfy to hike in and breathe well. Remember the hood is made to go over a helmet. So if you wear a ball cap underneath, it keeps the oversized hood off your face and the brim of the hat will even stay dry.
People say the goretex can wet through, but I have not experienced that yet. And I've put them through the ringer.
The R&D that goes into anything from any company trying to get military contracts os good stuff. Mil spec isn’t easy to achieve. Surplus was chosen ,used(or not) & still kicking.get some. I would feel like a tool in a $200 commercial. In the woods alone. Charity could use a few bucks. Always…think about it.
My brother was in. The forces as well and this what he used
I had NO idea you had a second channel!
1st time viewer!!word up!Like & subscribe. Let’s see what your Chanel is about. Like military bargains & outdoors. Take care.
I gotta get all that thanks for the info bro
I like my U.S. Marine ILBE along my my old poncho and liner.
Thank you man.
Do more videos like this of you know of more gear like this.
Good info bro.
Thanks!
My issued waffle top was manufactured by rothco
Bars gorka run you 200 on ebay these days, if they can get them in your size. Im glad I got my bars gorka 3 before they hit 500 lol (i'm joking but seriously they're getting pricey)
great video.
Thank you
Great video
Hey how do you feel about XGO first layer of defense
I said waffle shirt with you😂😂
Any website where I can buy military surplus
I use ebay and Etsy, usually sellers with a lot of positive feedback. I've heard good things about Russian Cold Camo and Varusteleka
@@MilitaryHistoryGearReview thanks👍🏽
Love the premise of this video but that fleece is one of the few surplus items that isn't better than even china knock offs on Amazon. It's the only part of the ecws I don't use and I have the whole system. It's literally pointless and doesn't keep you warm even in mild temps. My cheap ass "OUTDOORSPORT" china brand one way outperforms that thing.
Also polartec is the fabric. They don't make clothes. The government didn't contract polartec to make those they are simply made out of polartec material and any company can contract and make it to those specs so in the end company that says polartec fleece is using polartec fabric and therefore is the same material(thickness may vary), the ecws tho uses the thinnest polartec I've ever seen and it isn't warm. The waffle shirt thinks warm, and everyone calls it the waffle shirt btw, not just you
I'll be honest after being I'm the military I hated those fleece
The TruSpec Gen 2 H20 parka is superior to the Gorka.
I have grid fleeces from a over half dozen vendors and there is nothing inferior about Rothco and TruSpec offerings!
I'd still say truspec is a level above rothco. I own both as well as real surplus. I like rothco for the older stuff that's getting hard to find. Their knockoff BDUs are pretty good.
Propper makes good stuff as well and can be bought new for pretty reasonable
Polartec link to Amazon $80.😂
Waffle tops and pants work great; Fruit of the Loom is crap.
Is the waffle shirt better than long johnz?
Couldn't make it past that intro music