Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
IMHO a better option would be to replace Vel- cro with buttons for the cargo pockets' closure as frequently used Velcro worms down s and it is vulnerable to any kind of soiling. Buttons would be far better. That front thigh pocket is a total misunderstanding – in case of using a mid-ride or low-ride holster access to that pocket will be greatly limited or even impossi- ble. And why just one and not two? CJ-01 CJ-01 field jacket has a classic cut, rather looser than fitter and doesn't get narrower at the bottom. It has the same length at the front and at the back. It is closed with a zipper cov- ered with a Velcro flap. Stand-up collar can be laid flat. On the back we have a central overflap that is meant to enhance maneuverability. CJ-01 field jacket has 4 pockets in total: ÄTwo front chest pockets with Velcro flaps – those are sewn on slightly slanted towards the main zipper which makes it easier to reach inside them. They have small overlaps increasing volume. Over the right pocket we can find a strip of loop side Velcro to attach a name tape e.g. ÄTwo bicep pockets closed with vertical zippers. At the rear part is a dart increasing the volume and two rubber loops that can be used for holding a chemlight or a pen. Each pocket can hold a 5.8-inch smartphone or something similar in size. Each zipper has a puller for easier grip. On the front wall of each pocket is a Velcro cut in the shape of MASKPOL company logo – a cool design feature but not all patches will hold well to it. Sleeves are straight and cuffs are ended with Velcro flaps. In the elbow area on each sleeve is an extra layer of fabric that creates a pocket for foam inserts. There are two black labels sewn on the in- side of the jacket, chest pockets high. One is a regular description of the product with laundry instructions and the second one is… a Morse's code cheat sheet. Nice touch. CS-01 Generally, the CS-01 combat shirt is a sim- plified version of CJ-01 field jacket – same sleeves with a torso made of the dark green, elastic fabric (95% polyester and 5% lycra). It is a rather thick one. In the armpits and on the sides are parts that enhance comforta- bility of wearing the combat shirt. Thanks to them the fabric is not wrinkling. This fabric is also used on the inside of the collar. WHAT'S NEXT? We should be happy that MAPA is finally avail- able, especially the people who were support- ing it. It's a pity that uniforms are rather a mis- fire than a bomb. Trousers definitely require redesign, field jackets and combat shirts are slightly better. I hope that soon we will see better designs and products, for example those offered in the Dromader system by MASKPOL as well and shown at MSPO 2017 in MAPA camou- flage. If the offer has modern fabrics (nylons, stretches etc.) allowing creating complex equipment in full camouflage, MAPA will have a chance to beat PenCott camouflages which are very effective but lack of materials and fabrics really limits their usage. Maybe left by Polish Armed Forces, MAPA will find its users somewhere else in the world?? UNIFORMS