Russian & Eastern Bloc Uniforms and Gear

Back when I started airsofting it was virtually un-heard of to have Russian dressed/equipped airsoft players. Everyone looked generally the same, in Woodlands or Cadpat/MARPAT (the odd tiger stripe here or there) which can make it hard to separate teams at times. When I started collecting there was only four or five of us posting on an online internet forum of the retailer we bought the stuff from, now its turned into its own market with websites like the Red Alliance offering a buy and sell section that's awesome!

So with that said, here is a look into some of the uniforms and gear used by myself and others.

Uniforms

Every player needs at least one, although the more the merrier!

KLMK 2 Piece Uniform

Using a very popular camouflage pattern that's been used since the 1960's. Nick named "sun bunnies", this lightweight uniform made out of cotton features a hood, elastic waste with a draw string for a shirt. Also has some bush loops and ankle dust covers to keep debris out of your socks. Very common in 1980's Soviet Afghanistan, and still very popular with VDV airborne. Beret, patrol hat / boonie and t-shirt are also produced but can be hard to source/

Lovingly referred to by CIA players as "fucking Nintendo cam", its quite effective all year around. During hot summer games, this uniform is a life saver!

Krot

The Kamysh Krot lightweight summer uniform (left picture is my new one, middle and right is pictures of my old one).  Similar design to the KLMK but a bit baggier and without bush loops.  Meant for hot climates, this uniform works great in spring / summer heat. The tactical vest is a ANA grad-1 vest, and is one of the first vests I bought.

Tiger Bekas

Bekas cut uniforms are very hard wearing, designed after the "Mubuta" uniform in Afghanistan they have been very common since the mid 1995. The uniform cut offers flexibility with ankle straps, and with mesh inserts at the arms and groin ventilation for hotter days. Fabric type is mixed on most, your fabric will depend on what pattern you choose (Smog and Flectarn-D is light weight with Flectarn light weight rip-stop, Tiger Medium, Berezka heavy weight).

Berezka


Smog (DPM, Kulka)

Tacitcal Equipment

Most tactical gear from Eastern Bloc is very well made, they started using Cordura 1000 long before Western companies caught onto it. It will last a very long time, regardless of what horrible conditions it has been put through.  The frequent use of metal snaps and clasps or fast ex clips in most cases along with velcro makes sure that none of your essential gear falls out.

Chi-com Chest Rigs

Cheap standard Chinese made chest rigs, usually in Tan or OD. Perfect for a "rebel" or "insurgent" kit or a Vietnam kit. Made of heavy canvas material thats very hard wearing. Carries three ak magazines, how-ever if you soak the vest and insert an extra magazine/pouch and leave it to dry it can hold six. Found cheap, as a lot are still produced today. 

Splav Sniper Web Belt and Harness

Splav's web belt and H harness is a lot similar to most on the market, not a whole lot differs except the use of snaps and metal clasps. When used with the Splav m23 chest rig it prevents "chest harness wobble" and keeps the vest firm to your body. Also fairly good at balancing weight, how-ever you should try to keep it as balanced as possible. Pouches you see here are a Splav butt pack, two double AK magazine pouches, and one ANA Kamysh misc pouch (camera case) plus a maxpedition rolly polly (not Russian).

Rex Designs v-95, Splav m21

Similarly designed vests, the major difference being the Rex Designs version comes with a web belt and is made out of a snythetic fabric. The Splav m21 is made out of cotton, which makes it very light weight. The fit is very loose, as its ment to be worn over top of body armour. Carrying 8 magazines with lots of grenade / back pouches makes this vest a good choice to carry a days combat load.

Made famous from use in the first Chechen war, these vests can be found in almost all Russian patterns. The rarest pattern being Flora (1st picture, vest on the left) and Woodland.  The vest magazine pouches may seem "tight" at first, but this is easily fixed by soaking the m21/v-95 with magazines in the pouches.