{"product_id":"sadf-pattern-83-battle-jacket","title":"SADF Pattern 83 Battle Jacket","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cem\u003eEbay and other sites have been overrun with counterfeit knock-offs of the PAT 83, but our jackets are the genuine articles — no reproductions here! \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn October 2015, Pattern 83 was fully discontinued by the South African Defense Force. Since then, supplies of PAT 83 equipment have decreased exponentially due to heavy domestic and foreign demand (and a couple \u003cem\u003eMad Max\u003c\/em\u003e movies).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a long time, it was quite possible to find the iconic battle jacket by the hundreds. We’re afraid that day is long gone. Today it is typically available used and in single quantities — even in Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecently we uncovered a significant number of pattern 83 items while developing a separate project in South Africa. This was the result of a series of in-person visits throughout South Africa, facilitated by our local contacts there. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost Saffie businesses have little-to-no web presence, so things like this require phone books and commutes halfway across the country. In short, we were incredibly lucky to find a cache in this condition, and doubly so at this pricing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a result of this import, we are pleased to offer the crown jewel of the pattern 83 system in excellent condition. The battle jackets in this import have been hand-inspected for damage and laundered to remove the dirt and dust from years of storage. The result is as close to a new jacket as is possible, especially given the 30-some-years since the Border War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pattern 83 webbing system was produced to fill a very specific need in the South African military. In the later years of the Border War, the SADF was hurting for a comfortable, lightweight, and simple-to-use load bearing system. As with much of the equipment of the time, private sector commercial outfitters helped the military design and produce an effective solution. The resulting “battle jacket” (heavily influenced by Rhodesian Fireforce webbing) is still in use today by the South African Defense Force and has been featured as the go-to load bearing gear of various movie baddies (see \u003cem\u003eBlood Diamond\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eDistrict 9\u003c\/em\u003e, and most recently \u003cem\u003eMad Max\u003c\/em\u003e).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iconic “Nutria brown” pouches on the vest are made of a waterproofed Cordura nylon. You’ll find a heavy wear-resistant coating inside the pouches. The “body” of the vest is a padded breathable nylon mesh which distributes weight evenly across your shoulders, back, and hips. In total, there are five magazine pouches, each capable of holding two standard capacity mags (for a grand total of ten). Although originally intended for R4 (Galil) magazines, we’ve found the pockets will accommodate some other magazines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the sides of the vest there are two large pouches intended for canteens. In a pinch, they can be used as dump pouches for empty magazines, but we’d recommend using them for their original purpose (dehydration is no joke). Smaller pockets arranged around the water pouches are intended to hold grenades but work just as well for storing cleaning kits and other miscellaneous small gear. The large lower pouch in the front can fit even more magazines or be used to store bandages and other bulkier items. The backpack pouch features a roomy upper and lower compartment, with additional straps to secure a bed roll.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaterproof, durable Cordura nylon with nylon mesh webbing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNutria brown color, designed to get dirty and build a natural camouflage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePadding along shoulders, back and hips\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWebbing can be adjusted and secured with buckles to fit all sizes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePouches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFive double magazine pouches, compatible with R4 Vektor and STANAG pattern magazines, and partially compatible with Galil and AK 5.45 magazines. Not compatible with AKM magazines.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne large front pouch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo large canteen side pouches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo small side grenade pouches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge “backpack” pouch with two compartments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Guide\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WVN250lde70?start=25\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLike-New+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item has been used, but remains in like-new condition. Suitable for discerning collectors and reference use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item has barely any cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item may exhibit internal\/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreat+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item has only minor cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item may exhibit noticeable internal\/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item may have minor or major field repairs, or field modifications. This includes (but is not limited) to: removing the divider between the two pouches on the back of the rig, small additions such as hardware, or removal of mortar straps.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item has clear cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item may exhibit clear internal\/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item may have minor or major field repairs, or field modifications. This includes (but is not limited) to: removing the divider between the two pouches on the back of the rig, small additions such as hardware, or removal of mortar straps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServiceable+\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item has significant cosmetic blemishes, abrasions, or other signs of use that have not compromised a significant majority of its functionality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item may exhibit clear internal\/external writing. This may include rank, serial numbers, etc.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe item may require minor repairs to either a seam, or to the fabric to restore 100% functionality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eA “+” following any of these conditions indicates the product has also been freshly laundered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstructions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeatured here we have the original SADF field manual containing adjustment, handling and maintenance information on all P83 equipment. This can be viewed\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehere. Battle Jacket usage information can be found on pages A4-A4, A9, and A34-A46.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"HRY","offers":[{"title":"Like-New+","offer_id":50515231178966,"sku":"zlf1790039581907","price":244.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Excellent+","offer_id":50515231211734,"sku":"txx1790039581908","price":212.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Great+","offer_id":50515231244502,"sku":"qmr1790039581909","price":187.19,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Good+","offer_id":50515231277270,"sku":"tue1790039581910","price":165.59,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Serviceable+","offer_id":50515231310038,"sku":"gpx1790039581911","price":123.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0822\/2526\/6902\/files\/sadf-pattern-83-battle-jacket_1.jpg?v=1790039586","url":"https:\/\/candleholderclad.shop\/products\/sadf-pattern-83-battle-jacket","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}