What is a Smock, and when is a Smock not a Smock?

The military smock is a durable, four-pocket, loose-fitting outer layer garment. Modern smocks often have wind and water-resistant properties and can be found in almost every NATO camouflage pattern – as well as leading commercial patterns like MultiCam and PenCott. Hugely adaptable, smocks were originally designed as an over-garment to protect inner layers in the field. They continue to be used by armed forces across the world and are also widely used in the civilian market by outdoorsmen, hikers, and campers.

 

The word”smock” is thought to have derived from the Middle Ages, as a loose-fitting, pull-over garment designed for work wear that provided a protective layer to prevent the workers personal clothes from getting damaged or soiled. Such garments are frequently seen in use among factory and farm workers.

Smocks have also seen influence from Inuit tribes. In 1903, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen journeyed through Canada’s Northwest Passage and sought assistance from the natives. They wore “Anoraqs”, a pull over coat, made from animal furs with a large hood. This design was crucial to Amundsen’s survival and success in the harsh conditions, inspiring European fabric makers and much of the military and outdoor clothing that later followed.

When WW2 began in 1939, the “Denison” smock was developed by the British Army – taking inspiration from the “bone sacks” used by the German Fallschirmjaeger. Worn by the paratroopers of the newly formed Parachute Regiment, the four pocket, half-zip pullover jacket was designed to keep them warm and prevent equipment from snagging when jumping from airplanes at high altitudes. The brushstroke camouflage versions of the Denison went on to be used by all British airborne and commando forces in WWII.

 

When British troops were sent to aid the Norwegians against the German invasion in 1940, they soon realised their equipment was insufficient compared to the Amundsen-influenced anoraks used by the Norwegians. So, inspired by the same Inuit anorak concept, the British Army requested smocks that were reinforced around the elbows and arms, with four button fastening pockets and adjustable cuffs and hood.

These ‘windproof’ smocks were produced in plain olive green, tan, and white colors, as well as the famous brushstroke camouflage pattern. Contrary to popular myth though the camouflaged windproof smocks (and matching over-trousers) were not an SAS-specific garment – they were a general issue item that was widely used by regular British infantry towards the end of the war (and then again during the Korean War). The SAS also continued to use the camouflage windproof smocks right up to the early 1980s.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ARKTIS SMOCKS:

Today, Arktis supplies a range of smocks that can be trace their inspiration back to these WWII designs. Constructed from durable proprietary Ripstop, DWR coated and adjustable, Arktis smocks are incredibly robust and functional. Their most popular model is the B110 COMBAT SMOCK, a robust garment used by Special Forces and Military Units throughout the world. This model can also be seen, in grey, being used by the contestants in the latest season of “SAS: Who Dares Wins” on UK television.

A liner-less design, the B110 COMBAT SMOCK is suitable for hot or cold environments with enough adjustment to cover your layering needs. It features:

• Hardy 50/50 Ripstop fabric
• Adjustable at cuffs, waist and hem
• Four large front boxed pockets
• Hood wire for easy shaping
• Durable zips

B310 – WATERPROOF COMBAT SMOCK.As the name suggests, the B310 is very similar to the B110, but waterproof! With an additional light-but-strong seam sealed inner drop-liner, the garments remains waterproof and breathable. It also features:

• Hardy 50/50 Ripstop fabric
• Adjustable at cuffs, waist and hem
• Four large front boxed pockets
• Hood wire for easy shaping
• Durable zips

B211 – MOUNTAIN SMOCK. Originally designed for special forces operating in mountainous regions, the B211 is heavily detailed and seriously durable. It features:

• Hardy 50/50 Ripstop fabric
• Retractable face veil
• Wire framed windproof lined hood
• Ripstop reinforced elbow pads
• Underarm ventilation zips
• Storm flap
• Webbing loops
• Multiple pocket configuration

B220 – KOMMANDO SNIPER SMOCK. Developed in collaboration with the German KSK as a requirement for a rugged and quiet outer shell, the B220 smock has a very detailed set of features, including:

• Removeable padding
• Wire hood for shaping
• Storm flap epaulette
• Underarm ventilation zips
• Storm flap
• Webbing loops
• Multiple pocket configuration

How is the smock worn?

Arktis smocks have been sized to accommodate armour or insulating layers worn beneath – or left loose-fitting on their own for ventilation and comfort. The ‘basic’ B110 COMBAT SMOCK is not only a great entry-level garment, it is also very versatile.

Thanks to the B110’s liner-less design, its windproof capabilities can be easily improved by wearing the lightweight wind and rain resistant Stowaway Shirt underneath. To stay both insulated and waterproof and breathable, pair the B110 with the Arktis Rainshield Coat. Both the Rainshield Coat and Stowaway Shirt are also fully packable into pouches that fit snugly into the smock’s pockets.

Now, it wouldn’t be SMOCKTOBER without a special offer – and you’d be right… ALL ARKTIS SMOCKS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Click here to SHOP NOW>

(note – some sizes and colorways may be sold out)