REVIEW: Leo Köhler Einsatzkampfbluse

High Speed Gucci Gear - this term coined equipment and clothing of superlatives - everything here should be perfectly thought out and everything costs a fortune. Isn't there surely another way? Leo Köhler is setting an example in Germany and offers robust and well-designed clothing at more affordable prices. We've already introduced the KSK Smock and pants, and today we'll show you the combat blouse that has also been worn and approved for training abroad.

The combat blouse from Leo Köhler is essentially a German BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) jacket, improved similarly to the Arc´teryx Recce Shirt. It is manufactured in Tunisia. As is usual with Leo Köhler, everything is made according to Bundeswehr-TL specifications, meaning it can also be worn in operations. The camouflage patterns of the Bundeswehr (Flecktarn, Tropentarn, and Wüstentarn) as well as Multicam and PenCott are now available for almost all products, and so we chose Multicam for this model.

The fabric is 52% polyamide and 48% cotton, a slightly modified version of the typical 50/50 blend. The cut of the combat blouse is rather loose and straight, not body-hugging. Advantages include good air circulation and enough space to wear additional layers underneath.

Since the blouse is typically unlined, it is well suited for use in places like Afghanistan where it is hot during the day and cold at night.

The sleeve cuffs are closed with Velcro, allowing for continuous width adjustment. Enough room has also been left so that the sleeves can easily be rolled up. This is not as easy as with the Arc´teryx Recce Shirt, as the sleeve is not as easy to open, but it is still doable.

The elbow is reinforced with a layer of material and unfortunately does not have the option to insert a pad.

On the upper arms, there is a sleeve pocket on each side, accessible from the top. They are closed with slotted buttons that are neatly sewn.

Due to the angled position of the pockets, access from the top is not a problem. On each side, there is also a Velcro field, which is supplied with a matching hook-and-loop cover. The sleeves are not anatomically shaped, but there are no issues with the length, as the jacket is quite generously cut and wide.

Mesh is used in the armpit region to further promote air circulation.

On the front, only chest pockets are included, as all other pockets typically disappear under the equipment. These pockets are closable from the top with slotted buttons and also have a side access via a zipper.

This is the only weak point of the blouse: the transition from zipper to upper opening is only sewn with a few millimeters of webbing, which may not hold up for long.

The combat blouse is closed with slotted buttons, which are well protected behind a cover flap.

The collar is a classic shirt collar and can be raised, but not closed in the front.

As mentioned, the jacket has also been extensively tested and approved for foreign training. We have some bonus pictures to show how well the Multicam camouflage works compared to the Bundeswehr camouflage patterns in arid regions.

Laid out on the hot ground of the Wild West: Multicam, German desert camouflage, and German woodland camouflage.

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
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