REVIEW: Leo Köhler Operational Combat Jacket KSK Smock and Operational Combat Trousers

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Leo Köhler has been producing work and service clothing since 1927, including for the Bundeswehr. Under the "Law and Enforcement" section, in addition to normal field clothing, you can find the operational combat jacket and trousers, which are presented here. The jacket is a smock modeled after the English version - a jacket in which combat items and other equipment can be carried directly on the person. The trousers are standard military cargo pants with some useful features. Martin has tested the gear for you.

Both pieces are tailored according to Bundeswehr specifications and are therefore extremely robust and designed for tough use. Ripstop is usually used as a cotton/polyester blend - depending on the camouflage pattern in which proportions. The set in the beautiful Pencott Greenzone is made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. Some areas are additionally reinforced with strong and abrasion-resistant Cordura, but more on that later. In addition to the aforementioned materials, high-quality zippers and Canadian style slotted buttons are used, and Velcro is also strategically used.

Let's take a closer look at the smock. As is customary for this type of jacket, it is covered all over with pockets and gizmos. The cut is straight and wide, allowing for several layers of clothing to be worn underneath.

On the front, you will find 2 large pockets in the chest area. These are accessible from the top and can be closed with a slotted button.

Inside, on each side, there is a D-ring for attaching gear. Behind and accessible from the side, there are additional pockets for documents or similar.

These pockets are equipped with a zipper. Above the chest pockets, there is a Velcro strip for attaching name tags or similar.

Moving on to the hip area with the pockets: Here, on each side front, there are two pockets, and on the left and right (at the hip side) there are two pockets.

All 4 are also closable with slotted buttons, and the two front ones have D-rings on the inside. At the same height on the complete rear is the so-called "poacher pocket" - this pocket offers enough space for, e.g., a poncho with liner and is closed with a total of 3 slotted buttons.

Only the outer sleeve pockets remain, found on the upper arms on the right and left and not - as usual with other jackets - identical, but the right sleeve pocket is slightly longer and deeper and accessible from the top,

while the pocket on the left sleeve lies flat and is accessible from the top and from the side with a zipper.

There is also Velcro here, on the right and left sides above the pockets, and additionally on the left side on the pocket itself.

The cuffs of the sleeves are adjustable with Velcro and have a very durable Cordura in the elbow area, under which you can place elbow pads through an opening.

Here Leo Köhler has inserted poorly cut, thick white padding - they are indeed modest, but at least there is something - which other manufacturers commonly exclude.

The jacket itself is closed at the front with a two-way zipper. Above it, there is a flap that can be closed with Velcro and slotted buttons. Furthermore, there is a Velcro field at chest height for rank insignia. Under the flap, there is a zipper opening so you don't have to open the jacket to access the inside. The zipper with the cover seamlessly transitions into the high collar, which is in turn part of the hood. This allows the hood to fit snugly around the head. A wire is embedded in the edge of the hood to keep it stable. At the back, there is an adjustable Velcro for height, and of course, there is also a drawstring with a cord stopper. Unfortunately, the hood is relatively small, making it very difficult for a helmet to fit underneath.

Under the arms, the obligatory pit zips for ventilation are located, which are quite useful for a smock.

At waist height, the smock can be closed with an all-around drawstring. The end of the drawstring on the inside of the smock is provided with a cord stopper for fixation.

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