Slovakian Army Field Jacket

Slovak M97 Field Jacket

This is the field jacket issued to the Slovak Army in the M97 pattern (Vz. 97), the country's own version of woodland camouflage. It was built as an everyday outer layer for soldiers in the field, with a hood packed into the collar, plenty of pocket space and zips inside for a cold-weather liner. Collectors of Central European kit wear it, and so do reenactors, hunters and anyone who wants a hard-wearing camo jacket made to an army specification.

Features

• M97 Woodland Camouflage — The Slovak take on four-color woodland mixes green, brown, tan and black shapes that suit forest and mixed terrain.
• 50/50 Cotton-Polyester Blend — Equal parts cotton and polyester give you the comfort of cotton with more abrasion resistance and faster drying.
• Zip Front With Storm Flap — A full-length zipper closes under a buttoned placket that keeps wind and rain off the teeth.
• Hood Stowed In The Collar — A hood rolls away inside the collar so it is there when the weather turns and out of the way when it is not.
• Liner Attachment Zips — Internal zips accept a removable insulated liner for winter use; the liner itself is not included.
• Hook-And-Loop Insignia Strips — Velcro strips above the chest pocket hold rank, name tapes or patches.
• Slovak Shield On Left Sleeve — The left arm pocket carries the double-cross shield from the Slovak national arms, marking it as Slovak issue.
• Bellows Cargo Pockets — Expanding lower pockets, sleeve pockets and inner breast pockets give room for maps, gloves and small kit.
• Reinforced Elbows — Extra fabric layers at the elbows take the wear from crawling, kneeling and leaning on hard surfaces.
• Adjustable Fit Points — A drawstring waist, button cuffs and shoulder epaulettes let you snug the jacket down and keep out drafts.

Issue Specification

The M97 jacket belongs to the uniform system the Slovak Army adopted after the country became independent, and it follows the same cotton-poly construction and pocket layout as the original contract. Sizing uses the Central European military format, written as two numbers such as 170/100: the first is the wearer's height in centimeters, the second is chest circumference in centimeters. The cut is roomy enough to wear over a sweater or with the liner fitted.