Night Desert Reversible Parka
The US Night Desert Reversible Parka is a flexible three-season garment used by US special forces in the Persian Gulf War and beyond. The main pattern is US 3 Color Desert, with US Desert Night on the “inside” shell to disrupt image intensifiers during low light use. This jacket is perfect for anyone looking for an all-weather 3 season outer shell, NAVSPECWARCOM fanboys, and anyone looking to defeat first generation Soviet night vision.
Breakdown
Gear type: Water resistant outer shell top, reversible
Pattern: US 3 Color Desert/US Desert Night
Value at time of writing: $120-150 USD
Manufacturer: Adventure Tech, TSSi, other .gov contractors
Primary users: US Navy SPECWAR and other US special forces.
First use: Early 90’s, Late Gulf War
Practical Use
The Desert Night reversible parka is a supremely capable three-season rain jacket with an easily stowable hood and adequate pocket space. The jackets manufactured by Adventure Tech are made of Gore-Tex, while the TSSi jackets are made of an equally water resistant proprietary nylon composition. The TSSi fabric is tight enough to reliably repel water while being breathable enough for summer use. The ECWCS hood is plenty large enough to be used in conjunction with a helmet, and can be easily rolled up incrementally to use without a helmet, or completely to store it safely in the back with an attached velcro strap. The hood can be secured in either 3 Color Desert or Desert Night configuration. There are two slash pockets on the 3 Color side, and one breast pocket on the right side of the Desert Night side (left side interior when using 3 Color). All pockets have zipper closure (with quality YKK zippers all around) and are large enough to mostly encompass one or two 30 round rifle mags or comfortably hold a couple Hershey bars. Adjustments are made via velcro on the sleeve cuffs, and elastic with cord locks on the bottom edge and the hood. It is recommended to tie overhands or figure-eights on the end of the elastic as to not lose the cord locks during strenuous use (foot chases, climbing, 1am drunken LARPing, dynamic CQC, etc).
The hood can be secured in either 3 Color Desert or Desert Night configuration. There are two slash pockets on the 3 Color side, and one breast pocket on the right side of the Desert Night side (left side interior when using 3 Color). All pockets have zipper closure (with quality YKK zippers all around) and are large enough to mostly encompass one or two 30 round rifle mags or comfortably hold a couple Hershey bars. Adjustments are made via velcro on the sleeve cuffs, and elastic with cord locks on the bottom edge and the hood. It is recommended to tie overhands or figure-eights on the end of the elastic as to not lose the cord locks during strenuous use (foot chases, climbing, 1am drunken LARPing, dynamic CQC, etc).
The camouflage, by virtue of being reversible, is usable in a wide variety of environments. US 3 Color Desert was first issued as part of the Desert Combat Uniform (DCU) in 1990, with wide scale adoption rolling out by 1992. The pattern served as a replacement for the US 6 Color Desert camouflage, and blends well in arid environments such as the southwest US, and even works well in dry grassland and some areas of the North East in late Autumn. US Desert Night was originally developed to defeat early image intensification devices, and features green dominant grid pattern with interspersed splotches similar to the “chocolate chips” from the US 6 Color Desert pattern. The grid pattern was meant to blend in with the heavily pixelated/distorted low resolution view given by early night vision devices. By the time the pattern was actually put to use, however, image intensification had progressed enough to make the pattern obsolescent, and possibly even a hindrance.
A E S T H E T I C
The versatile nature of the garment means it will naturally blend into almost any kit. Use the Desert Night side to blend well with green-heavy setups, and roll up the sleeves to accentuate earth-toned accessories and equipment. For the reverse, 3 Color Desert will break up your silhouette against the background and match almost any modern or vintage gear, thanks to its use with M81 woodland equipment during the Gulf War and the commonality of desert toned modern gear.
The period correct choice of loadout would undoubtedly be a modified Colt 723, commonly referred to as the “SCUD Hunter Carbine.” Added features such as a hose clamped flashlight, Aimpoint 2000, and 100mph taped “jungle mags” complete the early 90’s Delta look. For an anachronistic twist, a modern bullpup such as a Steyr AUG or the upcoming VHS-2 from Croatia will add to the synthwave aesthetic and open the floodgates to turn yourself into a walking conversation piece.
For everyday use, the parka is best worn with the 3 Color pattern out, with sleeves rolled up and hood stowed. This presents a subtle, subdued look with accents of a peculiar camouflage pattern that adds an eye catching conversation starter to any outfit. The early 90’s usage and aesthetic lends itself to grunge styles with an ironic anti-war touch, as well as SOCOM fans who want to show off their knowledge of eccentric patterns and operations form the early days of the Global War on Terror. Equipment used by special forces under any flag will always be in high demand, and holds a certain amount of cool factor just by virtue of being a piece of Operator Gear. This lightweight garment is easy to pack, comfortable to wear, and will serve as a versatile outer layer in any context. You can trust US Night Desert Reversible Parka to fashionably conceal you during even the most high stakes basement LARP, even if your mom steals your NODs.
Rating: 1ПН58/10
