[andy]

For the past couple months I’ve been looking around for a reasonably unique camouflage pattern for on the field this summer. At first I decided BGS was the way to go, but after having one heck of a hard time finding any I wanted, I decided to go with Sumpftarn. After a bit of browsing I found exactly what I was looking for—a reproduction Mil-Tec (Sturm) Sumpftarn hoodless smock. I ultimately ended up ordering my Sumpftarn from Wehrmacht History on Ebay for $65 shipped. After shipping from Ireland, the smock was in my hands a couple weeks later.

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2545.jpg

History
At the End of 1942 and the beginning of 1943, the Wehrmacht introduced a new significantly altered camouflage pattern. It includes the lines (rain drop design), as well as the splinter elements of the former splinter 31 pattern. The sharp edges of the splitter elements were blurred, so that the sharp contours of the original model 31 splinter pattern disappeard. On each, until 1944, produced clothing were still the angular structure of the pattern clearly visible.
In 1944, the angular structure of the pattern was omitted and the 1944 marsh pattern showed only overlapping blotches of green and red-brown colour which was overprinted with the line (rain drop) pattern. The most basic colours varying between different shades of sand yellow and ochre. The marsh pattern was printed on smooth cotton fabric and linen HBT.
(History courtesy of www.ww2-camouflage.com)

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2554.jpg

The Pattern
After looking at it, the smock is distinctly a copy of the 1944 pattern. The pattern basically consists of green and brown blobs interspersed among a tan background with a lined rain camo pattern covering the entirety. Comparing it to other German camouflage of World War II, the pattern is quite reminiscent of Splinter camouflage (Buntfarbenaufdruck), just with less angular lines, more green, and softer colors.
Not having an original copy of Sumpftarn, I cannot say exactly how good of a reproduction the pattern on this smock actually is. Judging from photos of originals online though, Sturm has done a fairly good job recreating the original pattern. As of yet I do not know how rugged the pattern will be after washing, but I will definitely update when I reach that point.

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2552.jpg
Tag. Manufactured by Mil-Tec (Sturm)

Fabric
After picking it up, this smock is very light weight. Made of a fairly thick 100% cotton cloth, this somewhat worries me for durability. Weight comparison it is most similar to my Portuguese Lizard camo top, or in other words, a bit lighter than a standard BDU shirt. Draw cords are made out of cotton or nylon; I can’t frankly tell. They feel plenty strong enough however, and should stand up. Overall, the smock should stand up to regular outdoor and airsoft wear, but it’s not going to stand up to major hardcore abuse.

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Right under-sleeve vent. Notice the single row stitching.

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Double row stitching on the shoulder.

Stitching
Stitching on the smock has proven to be my biggest disappointment. Single row stitching was used on considerable amounts of the smock, with the pockets, collar, bottom hem, and sleeves all being single row stitched. I am pleased to find the shoulders and the area attaching the sleeves to the smock are double stitched. So far the stitching has proved to be fairly robust, but I’m expecting I’ll have to bring out the sewing machine here at some point in the future.

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Sleeve with buttons and button tab shown.

Buttons
The sleeves on the smock can either be left open at the cuffs or can be cinched in. Two buttons are positioned for this purpose. These buttons are sewn on quite well, and I don’t believe they shall cause any problems. Placement is somewhat odd however, with one button on each side of the sleeve. The cuff ends up either being left wide open or cinched rather tightly.

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2546.jpg
Collar area and draw string

Neck drawstring
This feature of the German smocks has always been quite endearing to me. The basic lace-up design is quite simplistic and effective, allowing you to either leave plenty of breathing room or a tight collared smock. Stitching around the drawstrings is quite sturdy and should stand up to significant abuse. As mentioned before, the drawstring is made of a fairly sturdy cloth and should fare quite well.

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2547.jpg
Right side pocket. Flap can either be tucked in or left out.

Pockets
Although the smock has flaps for pockets, it does not actually have any internal pockets. I believe the flap is present to allow the wearer to access the pockets on his internal tunic. Being made to wear with standard WWII German tunics, the flaps are positioned right where the tunic’s lower pockets should be.

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2555.jpg
Interior white side of the smock.

Reversability
With the removal of the ‘Mil-Tec’ tag, turning this smock inside out makes a decent winter over-white. Pattern bleed through is significant, giving the white side a bit of a dirty look. This is perfectly fine by me, as off whites seem to serve far better than pure whites in winter conditions. Holes are present so the waist drawstring can be transferred from the camouflage side to the white interior. A button is also present on each sleeve in the fully cinched position. The button tab can be slid under a flap, allowing you to use the button on the white side.

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2557.jpg
Internal pattern as well as holes for drawstring on white side.

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2556.jpg
Cinched sleeve.

Other fun pics:
http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2548.jpg
Cinched waist

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr56/andyjp75/IMG_2544.jpg

[Unibomber]

Looks like pirate-camo! Impressive review from the ASB master of military history himself.

[J0KER]

Good review Andy. Lol kind of looks like medieval garb when it's reversed.

[Clayton]

When's the next Macbeth styled game? You'd be the center of attention! :lol: