Questions on DPM 68, PLCE bergen, Artic smock

It is still possible to get DPM 68 in the UK? Tried Silvermans in the past, without any success. Also is the Artic DPM smock with the wired hood still on issue?
Lastly, was the olive green version of the PLCE bergen intended for the civilian market or were they also issued to units? Similiarly, I've noticed olive green
SA-80 ammo pouches.

Regards,
Fariz

I have a P-68 set, including the hood and "Crap Hat", for sale or trade. Very good condition. Send me a private message if interested. I also have some S95 Tropical sets for sale or trade, as well as odds and ends of P84 and P95. Oh, and P58 webbing

Steve

Hi Fariz,

Ref the green PLCE bergan and webbing this was issued to Infantry around 1990 I believe then a little later we were given the DPM version, non combatant units retained the green PLCE for a while longer until there was enough DPM to go around.
Just remembered to I'm pretty sure my first DPM bergan had quick release buckles on the shoulder straps (or was it the green one? Can't remember).
The Arctic smock is no longer issued however you can still get some very nice examples of it, my issued one is looking somewhat tired but it was used in Norway and several exercises, so it's earnt the look.
Actually if your ever in the UK in July try to get along to Beltring with some money and you'll be able to buy an arctic smock 10 times over ;-)
Hope this helps

Grim Reaper, thanks for the feedback. I picked up an olive green PLCE bergen from Silvermans in 1993 and it had quick release straps. I've tried the PLCE bergen in jungle conditions, my only complain is the back padding was a bit thin. Regards.

Hello again, yep the green one had the special quick release system cool, memory is fading, use to be annoying and come undone when you least expected it, we use to tape them to stop it, used it in South Armagh to carry ECM and it was very heavy with water rations and gonk bag, we weighed ourselves after a 3 day Op and we were twice our normal body weight with all kit minus water and rations....happy days! actually the green Bergans were the ones used by the SAS in the 1st Gulf war and painted up with sand paint. Ref not enough padding you could always use a German folding kip mat and put it down inside the back of the Bergan, that should make it a little better, also do you have a long or short back version? I find the long back is only suitable for those guys 6 foot or over, I always use shortbacks.... Take care
GR