I've had this for (three different ones, different colors) for years and the past couple of years it's been pretty much the only winter jacket I've worn. I have the liner but not a big fan, what I did was I got a hoodless fleece jacket (possibly from Varusteleka but I couldn't find it now) and put it into the smock, it stays there for the entire winter and I've never really been cold, even this winter when temperatures reached -15 to -20 c (coupled it with a merino wool thermal shirt on especially cold days). Since I've been away from home a lot lately (working) it's important for me to be able to layer properly, I can wear the fleece or the smock separately which makes it a great autumn/winter/spring setup. The only thing it's missing are interior zippered pockets, with that it would be perfect.
I’ve had one of these in black for a couple of years and it’s a great jacket. If it’s really cold I’ll button in the liner. I’m bigger than you but XL fits me well.
Brilliant jacket, highly recommended. I think the liners are in short supply last time I looked. I’ve been drenched through, having said that it dries quickly.
I have Särmä TST L4 Recon Smock bought in Varusteleka and i can recommend it! I strongly recommend this shop to anyone interested in high quality clothes (like wool shirts for example) and gear (like Savotta packs and backpacks for example). Very honest (and sometimes very funny as well) product descriptions, fast shipment. I am their customer for 4 years now.
Yes, Varusteleka have been moving all of their manufacturing back in to Europe as part of their MEGA programme. There are some amazing skills between Poland, Finland and Estonia making world leading products. It's great that they have took the lead on EU manufacturing
Love my m65 for style, but this is the progress, the evolution. I recommend to try something they making from recycled whool, they have a lot of woolen stuff. Like even woolen flannel shirts.
Which do you think would perform better as an everyday spring & summer jacket? The Varutselaka Sarma, or Helikon Tex SAS Smock? I like the look of the Sarma, but fear it'll get too hot.
@@MoorlanderEDC the smock just arrived! Finland to Alberta, Canada in record time. Gotta say its perfect. Superb value. Your review was perfect. I look forward to your next review.
Great review mate. A lot cheaper than i was expecting for what looks like a well crafted jacket. What your thoughts between this and the Helikon Tex SAS Smock? Think i prefer this, looks more comfy with some good extras.
They're both great options however the Windproof addition to this puts it in the lead. It's also a bit longer for rain. Larger hood and a little bit more generous in size to add layers beneath. Hope that helps
I'd like to see a comparison between the Sarma TST L4, or this one, and the Arktis B211 Mountain Smock (which ever is most like it). (I still don't get how the Sarma TST L4 is NOT wind-resistant, if it's made from the same materials?!) But I prefer Canadian buttons on the sleeves of the B211 (hate Velcro). Pit-Zips are a must so you can wear them for longer when it gets warmer. The Roll-Over Pockets are preferred. Basically, I'm after the toughest, lightest, most breathable, most weather-resistant, ember-resistant, boisterous-dog-resistant soft shell. (Plus a waterproof poncho when you're out in persistant rain.) When I first started camping on my own, 35 years ago, like many, I got my stuff from the Military Surplus store. My German M65-style jacket was my favourite. I got it for camping and fishing, but wore it for EVERYTHING. Then I went Hi-Tec and got the new Gore-tex stuff. It was great heading into the mountains in this lightweight stuff, and no more 'First Blood' treatment from townies. But you lost something too. The cultured, quiet, naturalness of cotton and wool. Plus my Military Roll-over Pockets kept things dryer and more secure than my Gore-tex zipped ones. And, once you paid a fortune for your Gore-tex & Gore Wind-Stopper fleece jackets, they'd end up riddled with little black pock-holes when you used a fire. And they possitively attracted stink and would not let go! Older, with dogs (and their claws), and my go-to stove being the Bushbuddy, I'm ready to re-visit the 'old school' stuff I started with... (Maybe the 'cheap but not nasty' Helikon Smock is a good tester jacket, and less military...)
Aaaaaaaah... I see... you're after the fables Unicorn Smock 😆 That's a lot of boxes to tick there fella. Totally get you with the ultra technical fabrics. They're great however there's the extra maintenance, cost to repair, sometime you just want to throw everything in the washing machine and give it a good wash rather than having to Tech Wash and then reproof etc. A well waxes cotton or wool can be stronger and just as protective. Leave it with and I'll see what I can arrange. I'll definitely be bring out more smock content and more than happy to compare and contrast too
I think I may have a problem because I have 3 of them and the liner! Fantastic kit for the money. I did treat my ( no longer available) oxblood one with the Sarma wax and its a bit better on those "a bit moist" days!
I'd probably grab this one over the Helikon-Tex SAS. The Varusteleka is wind proof, plus better in the rain. The SAS is still a great jacket, however, I wear this one more. I hope that helps
Hmmmm... Yes I guess. I think a hood is a protective thing that protected something beneath it like a head or engine. It's the beauty of the English language. There's probably several words that would work 😂 thanks for watching
Hello mate, definitely looking to order one of these. Can you clarify your chest size pls? In this video you say your chest is 48” but in your review of the same brand’s other smock, you say your chest is 44”.
Hi, I can confirm my chest size is about a 47". I generally go for a 48" so I can add layers. There's definitely others where I say 44" which I thought I was. I went to get a jacket for my kilt and realised very quickly I'm not 28 yrs old anymore 😂 Mrs Moorlander took full advantage of taking the mick out of me
I would say the Varusteleka smock is the better of the two. Features are similar however the wind stopper material is far superior. I can wear a tshirt under this smock and be fine. I think the pockets are slightly better on this version too. I hope that helps
No DWR, but maybe that's meant to be? I treated it myself Why is the hood so exaggeratedly large? Otherwise a super nice smock. The sleeves are too short so I had to unfold the hem and move the velcro. Too bad I couldn't find measurements on the models, I asked Varusteleka and they ment that Regular was the same measurement as the Recon smock that I bought in both colors. - Please do not test more Smocks 😅
I have Sarma outdoor pants. Excellent gear, awesome for the price. But a little bit noisy for a bowhunter. It's the same for this jacket? My Fjallraven kits are more quiet, but price😑...
Yes agree with the noise the jacket makes. For everyday use its OK however I can imagine when you're out hunting it's not the best. I think I need to save up some pennies and pick up some Fjallraven gear. Thanks for watching 👍
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I've had this for (three different ones, different colors) for years and the past couple of years it's been pretty much the only winter jacket I've worn. I have the liner but not a big fan, what I did was I got a hoodless fleece jacket (possibly from Varusteleka but I couldn't find it now) and put it into the smock, it stays there for the entire winter and I've never really been cold, even this winter when temperatures reached -15 to -20 c (coupled it with a merino wool thermal shirt on especially cold days).
Since I've been away from home a lot lately (working) it's important for me to be able to layer properly, I can wear the fleece or the smock separately which makes it a great autumn/winter/spring setup.
The only thing it's missing are interior zippered pockets, with that it would be perfect.
I’ve had one of these in black for a couple of years and it’s a great jacket. If it’s really cold I’ll button in the liner. I’m bigger than you but XL fits me well.
Thanks for the comment Mike. Great for others reading this to hear how well they last. All my best buddy 👍
Brilliant jacket, highly recommended. I think the liners are in short supply last time I looked. I’ve been drenched through, having said that it dries quickly.
You should definitely try the FJÄLLRÄVEN Smock No. 1 M - it looks like the most heavy duty fabric smock I have found.
I have Särmä TST L4 Recon Smock bought in Varusteleka and i can recommend it! I strongly recommend this shop to anyone interested in high quality clothes (like wool shirts for example) and gear (like Savotta packs and backpacks for example). Very honest (and sometimes very funny as well) product descriptions, fast shipment. I am their customer for 4 years now.
Yes, Varusteleka have been moving all of their manufacturing back in to Europe as part of their MEGA programme. There are some amazing skills between Poland, Finland and Estonia making world leading products. It's great that they have took the lead on EU manufacturing
@@MoorlanderEDC I can only wish them good luck!
Love my m65 for style, but this is the progress, the evolution.
I recommend to try something they making from recycled whool, they have a lot of woolen stuff. Like even woolen flannel shirts.
I'll check them out, thanks
I mean in terms of density like the same denier fabric
Nice one (I hope more flat colours in the future but these green is yummy), I will wait when MEGA is done ;)
Which do you think would perform better as an everyday spring & summer jacket? The Varutselaka Sarma, or Helikon Tex SAS Smock? I like the look of the Sarma, but fear it'll get too hot.
good review, only I wish the velcro were the same color as the jacket...it looks a bit too busy..you know
Oh, yes, that would be nice. I have another one of their smocks and they've colour matches the velcro there
"winter" giggles from Canada
🤣 I fully accept my idea of a winter is like a Canadian Fisher Price My First Winter set 😂 I hope you're well brother and enjoyed the content 🤙
@MoorlanderEDC I just purchased the smock based on your review! On sale right now.
@@VikingWelder that's awesome. I was out with mine this weekend. I hope you like it. I'd love to hear your thoughts when it arrives 🤙
@@MoorlanderEDC the smock just arrived! Finland to Alberta, Canada in record time. Gotta say its perfect. Superb value. Your review was perfect. I look forward to your next review.
@VikingWelder great to hear you like it buddy. Looks like it got there in record time for sure. All my best 🤙
Great review mate. A lot cheaper than i was expecting for what looks like a well crafted jacket. What your thoughts between this and the Helikon Tex SAS Smock? Think i prefer this, looks more comfy with some good extras.
They're both great options however the Windproof addition to this puts it in the lead. It's also a bit longer for rain. Larger hood and a little bit more generous in size to add layers beneath. Hope that helps
I'd like to see a comparison between the Sarma TST L4, or this one, and the Arktis B211 Mountain Smock (which ever is most like it).
(I still don't get how the Sarma TST L4 is NOT wind-resistant, if it's made from the same materials?!)
But I prefer Canadian buttons on the sleeves of the B211 (hate Velcro).
Pit-Zips are a must so you can wear them for longer when it gets warmer.
The Roll-Over Pockets are preferred.
Basically, I'm after the toughest, lightest, most breathable, most weather-resistant, ember-resistant, boisterous-dog-resistant soft shell. (Plus a waterproof poncho when you're out in persistant rain.)
When I first started camping on my own, 35 years ago, like many, I got my stuff from the Military Surplus store. My German M65-style jacket was my favourite. I got it for camping and fishing, but wore it for EVERYTHING.
Then I went Hi-Tec and got the new Gore-tex stuff. It was great heading into the mountains in this lightweight stuff, and no more 'First Blood' treatment from townies.
But you lost something too. The cultured, quiet, naturalness of cotton and wool.
Plus my Military Roll-over Pockets kept things dryer and more secure than my Gore-tex zipped ones.
And, once you paid a fortune for your Gore-tex & Gore Wind-Stopper fleece jackets, they'd end up riddled with little black pock-holes when you used a fire. And they possitively attracted stink and would not let go!
Older, with dogs (and their claws), and my go-to stove being the Bushbuddy, I'm ready to re-visit the 'old school' stuff I started with...
(Maybe the 'cheap but not nasty' Helikon Smock is a good tester jacket, and less military...)
Aaaaaaaah... I see... you're after the fables Unicorn Smock 😆 That's a lot of boxes to tick there fella. Totally get you with the ultra technical fabrics. They're great however there's the extra maintenance, cost to repair, sometime you just want to throw everything in the washing machine and give it a good wash rather than having to Tech Wash and then reproof etc. A well waxes cotton or wool can be stronger and just as protective. Leave it with and I'll see what I can arrange. I'll definitely be bring out more smock content and more than happy to compare and contrast too
I think I may have a problem because I have 3 of them and the liner! Fantastic kit for the money.
I did treat my ( no longer available) oxblood one with the Sarma wax and its a bit better on those "a bit moist" days!
😂 This is a safe space brother. You don't have a problem 🤙
Do Military 1st sell these smocks? Or would I have order from their own website? Many thanks
These are Varusteleka's own brand and you can only get them directly from them. Postage from Finland is usually really quick
This smock or the HelikonTex SAS smock???
I'd probably grab this one over the Helikon-Tex SAS. The Varusteleka is wind proof, plus better in the rain. The SAS is still a great jacket, however, I wear this one more. I hope that helps
Surely that’s a Flap or Placket not a hood. The hood is a covering for your head.
Great looking Jacket 🧥
Hmmmm... Yes I guess. I think a hood is a protective thing that protected something beneath it like a head or engine. It's the beauty of the English language. There's probably several words that would work 😂 thanks for watching
Hello mate, definitely looking to order one of these.
Can you clarify your chest size pls? In this video you say your chest is 48” but in your review of the same brand’s other smock, you say your chest is 44”.
Hi, I can confirm my chest size is about a 47". I generally go for a 48" so I can add layers. There's definitely others where I say 44" which I thought I was. I went to get a jacket for my kilt and realised very quickly I'm not 28 yrs old anymore 😂 Mrs Moorlander took full advantage of taking the mick out of me
@ thank you very much. I really appreciate you replying.
I’m also looking to get a Seal Skinz beanie after watching your other review.
Thanks again.😀👍
@@MoorlanderEDC I have ordered this smock in the blue colour way. I also mentioned to customer service that my order was based on your review. 😊
@@ogotuwaobuto5366thank you for the shout out with Varusteleka. I'd love to hear your thoughts when yours arrives 🤙
How does this compare to the Helikon SAS Smock, which one do you prefer and why?
I would say the Varusteleka smock is the better of the two. Features are similar however the wind stopper material is far superior. I can wear a tshirt under this smock and be fine. I think the pockets are slightly better on this version too. I hope that helps
No DWR, but maybe that's meant to be? I treated it myself Why is the hood so exaggeratedly large? Otherwise a super nice smock. The sleeves are too short so I had to unfold the hem and move the velcro. Too bad I couldn't find measurements on the models, I asked Varusteleka and they ment that Regular was the same measurement as the Recon smock that I bought in both colors.
- Please do not test more Smocks 😅
Ha ha ha... I'll try not to 🤣
What is the difference between the regular vs the long version?
As far as I'm aware just the length. I think the longer version has the fish tail at the back too
@@MoorlanderEDC The fishtail comes in the fishtail parka jacket, which is a totally different product.
Is the materials the same as the sarma anorak ???
Yes, I believe so. They're both the Windproof fabric. 👍
Yes they are as I’ve both.
@@Thedagda801thank you mate❤ do you have one that you prefer
@@jack.charlesc4750 good question! I think I possibly wear the jacket more, but they are excellent!
I have Sarma outdoor pants. Excellent gear, awesome for the price. But a little bit noisy for a bowhunter. It's the same for this jacket?
My Fjallraven kits are more quiet, but price😑...
Yes agree with the noise the jacket makes. For everyday use its OK however I can imagine when you're out hunting it's not the best. I think I need to save up some pennies and pick up some Fjallraven gear. Thanks for watching 👍
@@MoorlanderEDCThank you for your answer!
' i like big hoods and i cannot lie ' .. lol
Sounds like similar song lyrics 😂