Marpat - Propper, Tru Spec or Parkland

[R3CON1]

I have marpat by tru spec and parkland!!

Tru Spec is quality
Parkland is cheap

The Tru-Spec marpat will fade to uselessness after one game and one wash. Seriously.

[pugs144]

Originally Posted by MadMorbius

The Tru-Spec marpat will fade to uselessness after one game and one wash. Seriously.

Got that right. Even after soaking it in vinegar and washing it in cold water, the stuff still faded.

[Mysteryfish]

Tru-spec has changed materials for a good number of their BDU's, to something akin to rip-stop, and it seems to hold colour alot better than it used to.

I have a pair of tru-spec MARPAT pants, and they're faded, as you all despise, but I just recently bought a new pair of cargo's (granted, they're not MARPAT), but it seems they've changed materials for most of their lineup, and these have been through several cycles, and they're just as crisp and colourful as they were when I bought them.

Just something to consider.

Also, are you sure Dave's doesn't have Propper Marpat? I KNOW they have Propper clothes...

[R.A.T.M._JLD]

The BDUs are at Seals Action Gear, and are they any good?

P.S.
Sorry for high jacking your tread.

[pugs144]

Originally Posted by Mysteryfish

Tru-spec has changed materials for a good number of their BDU's, to something akin to rip-stop, and it seems to hold colour alot better than it used to.

I have a pair of tru-spec MARPAT pants, and they're faded, as you all despise, but I just recently bought a new pair of cargo's (granted, they're not MARPAT), but it seems they've changed materials for most of their lineup, and these have been through several cycles, and they're just as crisp and colourful as they were when I bought them.

Just something to consider.

Also, are you sure Dave's doesn't have Propper Marpat? I KNOW they have Propper clothes...

Good to hear Tru-spec upped their QC. Unfortunately, Propper does not sell issue MARPAT BDU's directly to the civilian market, only to the Marines. That's why eBay was suggested here. Different story for ACU as that is supposedly the issued stuff.

[R.A.T.M._JLD]

Hey and if you feel rich.

http://www.militarygearhq.com/c1060.shtml

[pugs144]

Ouch! That webstore is charging at least $20US more than if you buy from eBay.

[redhawk_six]

FYI: The Propper ACU sold in stores is not issue. They have a civi version and an issue version. I know Colin at daves says different, swearing the stuff they have is issue, but its not.

[damage]

Hmm well I just bought a Tru-Spec brand from daves with discount just for a couple game use. Yep I checked Ebay and waiting for the sellers e-mail and I also phoned the store where I bought the blouse and he said in three weeks. Hopefully he finds my size. $15 I payed for the real deal Marpat and maybe another $15-20 on the pants not bad eh!

Originally Posted by redhawk_six

FYI: The Propper ACU sold in stores is not issue. They have a civi version and an issue version. I know Colin at daves says different, swearing the stuff they have is issue, but its not.

Yes and no actually.

There are many (well, at least 3) companies making the ACU, although American Apparel was contracted to provide the issued uniform (issued as in provided to the troop by the army at the army's expense). See, Unlike the Marines, the Army does not restrict the sale of uniform-grade BDU's so the usual contractors began producing them for resale to troops.

Tru-spec uniforms are IDENTICAL to issue uniforms, and are bought by serving Army personel to compliment their issue set. I believe they even contain labels with the same NSN, which basically means they're approved for wear. I can't speak for the Propper stuff.

Now, there are also "civy versions" but the cut is different. You'll find that stuff all over the place, it has no velcro on the shoulder pockets, does not have the built in shock-cord pocket closures, etc.

In case anyone is curious, I have compared the issue American Apparel ACU uniform with the Tru-Spec ACU uniform side by side, and they are IDENTICAL. Also as stated above, the material in use on the newer Tru-Spec ACU is certainly not the same as the earlier fade-prone marpat, which is why I didn't hesitate to purchase it.

[beastman]

Originally Posted by MadMorbius

In case anyone is curious, I have compared the issue American Apparel ACU uniform with the Tru-Spec ACU uniform side by side, and they are IDENTICAL. Also as stated above, the material in use on the newer Tru-Spec ACU is certainly not the same as the earlier fade-prone marpat, which is why I didn't hesitate to purchase it.

Can the same be said about their Marpat products?
Does anyone have a suggestion as to what i can wash Camo with without getting severe fading?

I have not compared the marpat products recently. Past experience with the tru-spec and parklands marpat were....unfavourable.

[Phalanix]

Just to add a little to the ACU topic, there are 16 manufacturers that were awarded with making the ACU's for the US Army.

• American Apparel
• DJ Manufacturing Corp.
• Propper
• Golden
• Woolrich
• Bethel Industries, Inc.
• Bremen Bowden
• Rutter Rex
• Fox Apparel
• Sidran, Inc.
• American Power Source, Inc.
• Ashland Sales and Service
• Caribbean Needle Point, Inc.
• Wear-tech, Inc.
• Tullahoma
• AC Fabricated Products

I've also heard Tru-Spec were also one of the later contractors, but I haven't really found any sources that would indicate as such. I have both a Propper and a Tru-Spec ACU. The Tru-Spec shirt seems a little bit thicker, but an overall comparison shows that they're both pretty much identical to each other. Both have the correct NSN and issued uniform tags. Only difference is they don't have the glint tapes on the shoulders.

IMAGES that I took to compare the two.

*Yeah, I know this thread's about Marpat - but since we've touched base on the ACU stuff, I might as well post something. :razz:

As a side note, I prefer my Tru-Spec ACU over the Propper.

[pugs144]

Found this post on another mil board back in August 2005.

Proppers or anything else commercial are not authorized IAW 670-1

Taken from a DA message that I recieved on .mil:

"One Team, Team Together"


AAFES is officially scheduled to get the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) in April
2006 although it may be Jan 06 as mentioned in the MCSS seminar.

Soldiers are very anxious to get the new ACU and are exploring opportunities
to purchase commercial items.

AR 670-1 does not authorize the wear of an optional commercial utility
uniform. Many commercial vendors have look-alike commercial type "ACUs"
that do not meet the Army's specifications for quality and design. Army G-1
Uniform Policy Section has responded to numerous inquires regarding
commercial "ACUs." They continue to tell Soldiers that commercial "ACUs"
are not authorized.

In accordance with AR 670-1, Soldiers and commanders are responsible for
ensuring they are purchasing and wearing uniforms that are authorized for
wear. Uniforms must be produced by certified manufacturers and meet the
specifications for quality and design. See AR 670-1 extracts below.

Pam XXXXX

Divisional Merchandise Manager

Military Clothing"

THE Next part is the paragraph that covers this in AR-670-1

"2-7. Responsibilities of soldiers purchasing uniforms, uniform items, and
heraldic items

a. Soldiers purchasing uniforms, uniform items, or heraldic items from
establishments other than the Army military

clothing sales store (AMCSS) must ensure that the items are authorized for
wear and that they conform to appropriate

military specifications or are manufactured in accordance with the UQCP or
the heraldic quality control system. When

items appear deficient, soldiers should submit a SF 368 (Product Quality
Deficiency Report) through their servicing

MCSS, where forms are available. Commercially purchased items that are
authorized for wear in lieu of military-issue

items must conform to the basic specification of the military-issue item,
unless otherwise specified in this regulation.

(1) All Army uniforms, uniform items, and heraldic items procured by the
Defense Logistics Agency and sold in the

AMCSS are procured in accordance with appropriate military specifications
and are authorized for wear. However, in

those MCSS with multi-service support agreements, some items are sold that
are authorized for wear by members of

other services, but not by Army personnel. Soldiers are responsible for
verifying with their chain of command which

items are authorized for wear by Army personnel. Uniform items with defects
in workmanship or material should be

returned to the AMCSS for replacement or repair.

(2) Optional uniforms and other uniform clothing items sold in the MCSS, in
post exchanges, or by commercial

sources will contain a label, stamp, or certificate issued by the textile
technology team at the Natick Soldier Center.

Components of some optional uniforms, such as men's commercial white shirts,
studs, and cuff links, are not included

in the UQCP.





2-6. Commanders

g. Commanders will conduct periodic inspections to ensure that all personnel
under their command comply with the

following:

(1) That soldiers possess the minimum quantities of uniforms prescribed in
this regulation, AR 700-84, and CTA

50-900, tables 1, 2, and 3; and that the uniforms are properly fitted and in
serviceable condition.

(2) That soldiers wear only authorized insignia and awards, as prescribed in
this regulation.

(3) That soldiers wear only uniform and heraldic items produced by certified
manufacturers, and that they meet the

specifications for quality and design."


Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Bottom line: Tru-spec is no go. Store bought Propper ACU's are close but no cigar.