I’ve had a Vertx Smock prototype for well over a year. It’s served me well and I’ve worn it in a variety of environments. But, for me, there were two issues with the prototype. The first is that the pockets were closed with snaps and the fabric is 50/50 NYCO. Nothing wrong with the NYCO but when combined with the innovative design of the Vertx Smock, it just didn’t seem up to the task. A garment like this needs a softshell fabric and Vertx came through. They have combined the same fabric used on their Gunfighter Storm shirt (anti-microbial 40D face fabric treated with Scholler Nanosphere) and paired it with fleece in the hood and lower cargo pockets which are well suited to warming cold hands.
Almost every other smock I’ve seen on the market follows the traditional styling found on the original British smocks; fixed hood, big chest and hip cargo pockets along with a single FFD pocket on the sleeve. Vertx took an entirely different approach.
Their smock features a removable hood, pit zips (with a mesh liner to keep the nasties out), and pockets. Pockets unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The poacher’s pocket is divided in two and the opening is angled so you can get into it be reaching around behind. On both sides of the hips between the poacher’s pocket and the front hip pockets there are pockets for a single 5.56 magazine, kept at the ready. I am sure users will come up with a myriad of other uses for this pocket as well. The chest and hip pockets are of the patch cargo variety but feature rounded edges so that items won’t get caught in the corner of a pocket and the pleats keep the pockets nice and flat when empty but expand with ample room for your gear. The napoleon style chest pockets also feature integrated magazine pockets.
The bicep pockets aren’t exactly inset but their expansive design is very low profile with a vertical zipper closure. Both bicep pockets feature Velcro fields for ID or other insignia. Also, the elbows are reinforced.
The fit is designed to fit over armor so it’s got plenty of room for additional layers. Additionally, all of the buttons are of the slotted Canadian style so there is little to no chance they will fail. In fact, I’d say the base fabric will give way first.
Battleware caught up with the smock’s creator, Dave Walsh and shot this video of Dave talking about this “wearable go bag’s” various features.
If you’re looking for a combat oriented softshell then this is the one for you. The pocket configuration is unlike anything else you will find out there and this in turn, offers a unique look not found with other garments. Remember, it’s a softshell and priced accordingly. But it’s quality and innovation you are buying.
At this point I haven’t had any wear time with the production version. They just simply aren’t available. But…one lucky SSD reader is going to get a chance to win the very first smock. That’s right, Vertx is sponsoring a contest to give away the first smock out the door.
To enter for your chance to win, visit https://apps.facebook.com/webpromotions/vertxsmock. You’ll need to “like” both Vertx and Soldier Systems Daily. The contest ends on 16 December so go sign up! Visit here for full rules.
