REVIEW: Pitchfork Gorka 4 Jacket - Black & Multicam

Who invented it? Well, most of the time the correct answer is "the Swiss". That's not entirely true here, even though the Swiss provide the fabric from which some dreams are made. Originally, Gorka uniforms are for Russian Spetsnaz and mountain troops. Wide-cut and made of simple cotton fabric, they offer good mobility and are extremely practical. This Gorka top that accompanies us through urban Western Europe, however, comes from Switzerland and is a civilian reinterpretation that fits well with our personal style.

Black and made of cotton: a jacket to always have with you and ideal for everyday wear. The West Gorka is also made of very normal, sturdy fabric, meaning: no Gore-Tex, no laminate, no waterproof jacket, and also not for winter, although it is cut so wide that plenty of layers can fit underneath. Freezing rain isn't fun in the long run, unless you're as tough as a true Russian.

There are two types of Gorkas: one as a regular button-up jacket. The other as a slip-on jacket.

The Swiss at Pitchfork Systems have opted for the more stylish model, which is overall heavier to put on. Also because the Gorka is not a loose vest. The cut is reminiscent of windbreakers from the 1920s, which in many ways also served as models for modern mountain equipment.

With the Swiss Gorka, you get a very good-looking, practical garment in a neo-Russian style. Since the Russians indulge in every camo they can find, the Multicam flap also fits well in the reinterpretation of the Gorka.

The hood is as large as Russia and theoretically a helmet can also fit underneath.

There is a flap at the front of the hood against rain, but it can also be velcroed in. Just above that is the logo of Pitchfork Systems, a three-pronged fork.

When closed high, you get a collar that sits close to the neck and can be tightened with cords.

Buttons are used here. Otherwise, the Swiss Gorka likes velcro, which the Russians don't use as much.

The neckline is also quite deep, so you get enough air into the jacket when moving. Otherwise, it's not easy to open up completely...

The major break on the Gorka 4 is the belly flap in Multicam. We liked it at first sight as a stylish element. However, we're not sure if we'll like it forever. The advantage of a fabric jacket is that this element could easily be exchanged for a black flap with the help of a tailor.

Under the flap is a belly pocket. Ideal for use as a map compartment or for anything that needs to be readily accessible: cigarettes, tickets, leaflets...

You can see how sturdy the fabric is on the sleeves. And two elastic bands ensure that nothing flutters around in the work area.

The Gorka also has two upper arm pockets, which are even equipped with velcro. The modern Blackbeard Patch here is from Forward Patch Control. Upper arm pockets are quite relative: the bottom edge is roughly at the level of the elbow joint, so unusually low by Western standards.

You can even give yourself a hand here. There is a pass-through pocket in the lower abdomen where the wearer can warm their hands. We really like that. Standing around