For several years we played as a brave
American soldiers. Fascinated by the latest equipment available on the
battlefields of early twenty-first century all so nicely advertised in
mind blowing movies and computer games. With mandatory US style uniform
and one of all american AR15 rifles family replica.
The world seemed to be carried away by the “fashion” for Multicam ™ – fashion which did not spared us.
In attempt to broaden our horizons and
desire to stand out from crowd of all players who use airsoft Multicam ™
and its variants, ie MTP (Multi-Terrain Pattern), Camogrom, etc. We
have decided to change camouflage.
From some time “dark side” – the
Russians drawn our attention. Among many available on the market
camouflage patterns and uniform systems used by descendants of USSR we
decided give a try to Vitiaz Specoznaszczenie (Vitiaz Special purpose)
‘VSO’ offer – Maschalat Partizan M Medusa.
At this point we should explain what
‘Maschalat’ means, in simple words it is exactly this same type of gear
like white outer liner used in winter, but printed with camouflage
pattern and is not for winter only.
Our ‘maschalat’ is distinguished by two features
first it is a double sided (with a predominance of a brownish autumn colors on one side and with juicy green on later)
and secondly Partizan camouflage pattern derives directly from World War II German design”Eichenlaubmuster” (Oak Leaf) .
Maskalat differs from the typical
uniform in almost everything. First of all loose cut with distort
soldier silhouettes in field and accommodate more or less layers
underneath depending on weather. The kit consists hooded jacket and
throusers. Both parts will be discussed separately.
JACKET
It is loosely sewn more like the British
“Smock” than a typical uniform. It has four pockets – two smaller ones
can be found on the chest and the two more just under waist line. All of
the pockets have fold over tops secured by Canadian pattern buttons.
It has slightly oversized hood that
allows it to accommodate helm but it can be easily adapted with draw
string to fit head if needed. At the ears height on both sides hood have
mesh patches to lessen impact on hearing and peripherial vision. Hood
also has small peak.
At the wrist height sleeves have elastic
band sewn in, cuff go nicely over upper part of palm, elbows are
reinforced with an extra layer of material.
Adjustment can be easily done using three draw strings (hood, waist and bottom). Front is all canadian style buttons.
Camouflage ‘fixing’ points are provided
at shoulders and hood sides top, in form of several rows of loops sown
on, which make east job to use of vegetation to mask / blur silhouette –
i.e.by threading in some small branches or leaves/grass.
TROUSERS
Elastic bands sewn in at the waist and
ankles, loose fit, two front pockets – it’s hard not to compare with
ones in sweat trousers. The waist have drawstring for adjustment.
Pants have a fly fastened with a button.
Pockets have fold over tops secured by Canadian pattern buttons. The
pockets are quite large.
The downside is lack of cargo pockets on the sides, but we understand the idea they would not work well with double side thing.
Knees are reinforced with an extra layer of material. Hem go well over boots.
SUMMARY
‘Maschalat’ is perfectly suited to the
colder weather due to decent thicknes and tight woving of the fabrick.
The material includes 35% cotton and 65% polyester. Loose fit allows
extra layers for cold days.
The material is not waterproof, but well protected from the cold breath of wind. Not recommended for very hot summer days.
Sewing quality is very good but the strings are suitable for replacement and cord locks.
The European climates Russian version of
camouflage “Eichenlaubmuster” (Oak Leaf) is doing brilliantly – in this
case, thanks to the German scientists.
Double-sideness of ‘maschalat’ is
presented in the following video and photo gallery contains pictures for
the side with spring-summer camouflage.
I would definitely recommend it.
