REVIEW: CARINTHIA Combat Uniform

Dressing the best of the best, that's something. Although it's not about fashion, but about durable operational clothing for special forces. At the last ENFORCE TAC/IWA 2022, it was clear to see that this segment is highly contested and that several providers offer attractive solutions. CARINTHIA has definitely landed since then. They were quietly introduced at the Jagdkommando of the Austrian Armed Forces.

If you visited the Armed Forces on National Day during their big presentation and were at the Jagdkommando, you could clearly see the new uniform. CARINTHIA from the front...

...and from the back. A very classic combat suit. HERE we introduced it to you.

Operational clothing has different requirements, so let's first test it with the IR brightener of the night vision device. Everything perfect and NIR safe. The helmet cover behind it is not, so it shines conspicuously white, while the camouflage suit also camouflages in the IR range.

Let's go back to the visible range of the light spectrum and start with the Combat Jacket by CARINTHIA. The field blouse is worn as the top layer and over the pants.

The zipper goes through and there is a stand-up collar at the top, just like with the Combat Shirt that we wear underneath.

Large chest pockets with name Velcro and Velcro for rank insignia.

Interior pockets made of mesh, so you can also use the chest pocket as ventilation.

And there are two zippers. Normally you would probably reach for the chest-side one, but if a plate carrier is worn over it, the outer zipper is a practical feature.

Here is the inside with a mesh compartment.

You shall know them by their name. Velcro strips also on the right chest.

Zipper pulls down, jacket goes about halfway down the waist.

Inside view, RippStop fabric there without print. We assume that the CARINTHIA strip is only there because the uniform we have is a pre-production model.

Inside the jacket is simple, you can see the compartments made of mesh.

And the impression reveals that it is abbreviated as CCJ: CARINTHIA Combat Jacket. Pay attention to the fabric.

Looking at the stand-up collar, where velcro strips await the attachment of the Breacher Hoodies, we also see the difference in materials here.

In addition to RippStop fabric, a stretch fabric is also used, which interestingly forms the shoulder area of the jacket.

And velcro of course. Because you can never have enough patches...

Inside, the upper arm compartment is divided with elastic bands.

And another material mix: durable Cordura on the sleeves.

Even a back can delight: the full area of Multicam for the Jagdkommando.

The CARINTHIA Combat Shirt is similar in structure, but has a softer body. It is usually designed to be worn under a plate carrier.

Again with a standing collar and a zip that goes down to the chest.

Soft and sweat-wicking, the body of the Combat Shirt is in Coyote color.

And with standing collar with Velcro attachment points for the Breacher Hoodie, the hood. Exciting detail: the shoulders are not in stretch fabric, but in Cordura.

Neck view with standing collar.

And a thick seam running down the middle of the back. This is because the knit fabric in the back area is doubled and then stitched to accommodate the Cordura and needle fleece shoulder pads.

Built-in air conditioning: Mesh in the armpits.

And Velcro for our patches.

The CARINTHIA Combat Shirt is slightly longer than the jacket and covers the hips, as it is worn in the pants and should not slip out when crouching.

And now onto the CARINTHIA Combat Pant, the legwear for special forces.

Classic: Velcro and zipper.

Good pants pockets with wide openings and reinforcement for the pocket knife.

Adjustments at the waist, a wide belt is worn.

Here is a special material mix, the fat waistband is padded with G-LOFT, which is also designed to wick sweat. It looks like an equipment belt. Underneath there is a stretch expansion joint.

Do good and talk about it: G-Loft inside.

A must-have: double-layered bottom of the pants.

All good in the crotch: here, stretch is used again.

From the side, you can see the cut and especially the configuration of the thigh pockets.

CARINTHIA also has a specially designed knee area. Cordura rules outside, and the CARINTHIA knee protectors can be inserted from below.

Stretch material makes the knee flexible.

Adjustment in the knee with two bars.

The important thigh pockets are particularly well thought-out.

In the front is the height adjustment for the knee protectors.

The large pocket can be easily accessed while sitting with a zipper. Flexible straps are equipment or water bottle holders.

Inevitable: the lower leg pocket for whatever.

And at the bottom, CARINTHIA closes with a gaiter-like system.

Overall view from the back. In addition to the Combat Pant, there was a lighter version called Field Pant at the trade fair a year ago, we are not sure if it has survived. What we are sure of: this is a perfect operational pants. Bravo, CARINTHIA.

CONCLUSION: CRYE PRECISION has set the standard for everyone. Nevertheless, CARINTHIA sets a benchmark. The new combat suit from the Austrian quality manufacturer is great in terms of cut and focuses on proven elements that are implemented to optimize movement. In addition, there are plenty of pockets and a good fit, not too bulky, not too tight, in a functional mix of materials. A good choice, not only for special forces. The uniform will be available on the market for free in the coming months, we hear.

The CARINTHIA Combat Uniform consisting of Field Shirt, Combat Shirt, and Combat Pant. The uniform is expected to be available soon for the civilian market, also in other colors. Soon available at STEINADLER.

BUNDESHEER online

CARINTHIA online

More CARINTHIA on SPARTANAT

- JAGDKOMMANDO: DAS IST DER NEUE KAMPFANZUG

- IWA 2022: FEINER COMBAT ZWIRN VON CARINTHIA