Gorkas, Anoraks, and Paratrooper Smocks

Stoog · May 20, 2019

Not waterproof like proper rain gear that isn't breathable and not as good as gortex but you can treat them to keep the factory "water repellent" status up.

There are a few videos online that shows you how to properly waterproof a gorka set.

Pro's

Look cool
Decent price from the OP (You won't find these online for under $120 a set) and overall a lot cheaper than gortex
Tough material

Con's

Heavy compared to 21st century rain gear
Not really waterproof in heavy rain
fit can be tricky if you don't know how sizing works.

Overall decent gear that costs considerably less than a full set of gortex but more that "plastic" rain gear that works better but doesn't vent as well.

flashman2 · May 20, 2019

Stoog said:
Not waterproof like proper rain gear that isn't breathable and not as good as gortex but you can treat them to keep the factory "water repellent" status up.

There are a few videos online that shows you how to properly waterproof a gorka set.

Pro's

Look cool
Decent price from the OP (You won't find these online for under $120 a set) and overall a lot cheaper than gortex
Tough material

Con's

Heavy compared to 21st century rain gear
Not really waterproof in heavy rain
fit can be tricky if you don't know how sizing works.

Overall decent gear that costs considerably less than a full set of gortex but more that "plastic" rain gear that works better but doesn't vent as well.

Gorka are absolutely not meant to be rain gear and definitely shouldn't be compared to such. They're really soft shells - that would be the thing to compare them to. If you're expecting them to compare to a hard shell you're in for a huge disappointment.

That said, the fabric on my Splav Gorka 5 is near enough waterproof as makes no difference. It takes forever to wet out and acts like a ventile fabric when it does get wet, ie the face wets out but the inside face remains dry. In continual rain it will absolute eventually become a sodden mess however. For intermittent showers it's fine. For walking in wet bush or being rained on all day, it isn't.

Think of them as softshells, not a hardshell replacement.

flashman2 · May 20, 2019

The only real downside to Russian kit is this eventually happens...

L to R - Splav Gorka 5, Bars Gorka 3, ANA Gorka 1, Splav Gorka 3, SSO/SPOSN Gorka C (aka Gorka P in cyrillic alphabet), SSO/SPOSN Gorka E izlom (aka Gorka 3)

Ratnik 6Sh122 green side, 6Sh122 arid side, SSO/SPOSN Partizan M SS spring, SSO/SPOSN Partizan M SS fall, Afghan war era KZS, Afghan war era KLMK (both 85' dated)

SSO/SPOSN Partizan ATACS, SSO/SPOSN Partizan SS summer, SSO/SPOSN KM-L Palma, SSO/SPOSN blown snow, SSO/SPOSN Partizan digi flecktarn, SSO/SPOSN Partizan sumrak

And that's not including the boots, field gear, hats, helmets, body armor, load bearing gear, medical gear, etc etc etc etc.

The Partizan suits are the very definition of combat lingerie. So wonderfully light and cool in hot weather... I really wish we had Partizan and Gorka equivalent field gear in the Army, both are waaaaay better than combats in the summer or IECS for spring/summer/fall unless it's pissing rain. Our winter gear is still way better, though the Russian winter gore tex boots are better than ours but no way you could wear them indoors. The new Ratnik shelter half is cool, comes with built in tie downs to set it up, and has handles and buckles to fold in half and make a soft stretcher.

xdmer · May 21, 2019

I'm in 100% guaranteed and wish you could bring in newer veriety and brands.

Suryavongsa · May 21, 2019

I'm in. Wow !

AITacticalSolutions · May 21, 2019

flashman2 said:
The only real downside to Russian kit is this eventually happens...

L to R - Splav Gorka 5, Bars Gorka 3, ANA Gorka 1, Splav Gorka 3, SSO/SPOSN Gorka C (aka Gorka P in cyrillic alphabet), SSO/SPOSN Gorka E izlom (aka Gorka 3)

Ratnik 6Sh122 green side, 6Sh122 arid side, SSO/SPOSN Partizan M SS spring, SSO/SPOSN Partizan M SS fall, Afghan war era KZS, Afghan war era KLMK (both 85' dated)

SSO/SPOSN Partizan ATACS, SSO/SPOSN Partizan SS summer, SSO/SPOSN KM-L Palma, SSO/SPOSN blown snow, SSO/SPOSN Partizan digi flecktarn, SSO/SPOSN Partizan sumrak

And that's not including the boots, field gear, hats, helmets, body armor, load bearing gear, medical gear, etc etc etc etc.

The Partizan suits are the very definition of combat lingerie. So wonderfully light and cool in hot weather... I really wish we had Partizan and Gorka equivalent field gear in the Army, both are waaaaay better than combats in the summer or IECS for spring/summer/fall unless it's pissing rain. Our winter gear is still way better, though the Russian winter gore tex boots are better than ours but no way you could wear them indoors. The new Ratnik shelter half is cool, comes with built in tie downs to set it up, and has handles and buckles to fold in half and make a soft stretcher.

That is a mighty fine collection and we do agree with you. Also After your glowing review of the Partizan suits we can bring in the modern contract version done by ANA for the police. We will post photos tomorrow.

AITacticalSolutions · May 21, 2019

For this first order we would be bringing in one shipment from the manufacturer. So once the initial order period is closed we estimate it will be between 1-2 months before the order arrives.

AITacticalSolutions · May 21, 2019

Kingjenky said:
Also......what do they have to offer for foot wear if anything?

Sadly at this time we aren't planning on bringing in any footwear.

AITacticalSolutions · May 21, 2019

xdmer said:
I'm in 100% guaranteed and wish you could bring in newer veriety and brands.

What would you be interested in us bringing in. Let us know what you're looking for and there is a good chance we can bring it in.

flashman2 · May 22, 2019

AITacticalSolutions said:
That is a mighty fine collection and we do agree with you. Also After your glowing review of the Partizan suits we can bring in the modern contract version done by ANA for the police. We will post photos tomorrow.

I've never seen the ANA version, but I'd be down for a Krot or two. I understand they're a bit heavier.

AITacticalSolutions · May 22, 2019

As promised here are some photos of the Krot. The price of these would be 99.99 for the whole set.

The weight on these is 800 grams for the entire set. We will have more information when we post these on our website.