So over the past couple years I have rounded up a nice couple pairs of gortex in the woodland BDU style. Like this: Now I am looking to do some travelling overseas (europe and russia), I am wondering if wearing military style clothing will create a lot of hassle or if I should just drop the extra couple hundred bucks and get normal rain gear. Any advice is appreciated
I've been retired from the Army for a few years now but general advice is always to avoid anything that makes you stand out as an American while traveling. Last time I was out of the US was 2001 but it is probably more true now than ever.
Best advice.... Be invisible, no white tennis shoes, military clothing or out of place hats. Nothing that tells people your from the USA. Why be a target, this advice is given to airline crews, traveling outside the states. Probably goes for a few places in us also
Thanks for the replies. I was just thinking that I had free gear that worked quite well so why not use it. But in hindsight, I must agree that you all are correct. Thanks guys
Don't think anyone will take you for an american based on wearing that. Most people won't tell the difference between different camo patterns used by militaries. People may think you look like a bit of a dork, but I really really doubt you would get any particular hassle because of it.
Did you try acid dye, like can be used to dye nylon? I've been thinking of doing my aerostich black with acid dye because it is cordura/goretex.
That exact same camo pattern has been worn by several NATO countries.. it is probably readily available all over Europe. I wouldnt worry about it.
not sure of anywhere in Europe but while visiting Antigua i think it was, while in the Navy they told us camouflage was illegal to wear on the island. Again that was the Antilles not Europe.
I'd buy a different jacket at least, pants will work fine IMO. The jacket isn't the best for riding in rain anyways. I have one and tried it before, it leaks around the neck pretty bad. Use it as a normal raincoat and wear the right gear for riding now.
If you want to blend in and be inconspicuous (i.e. reduce your target signature to thieves, local law enforcment or terrorists) DON'T wear camo. US Woodland camo pattern is unique from the Brit's and other Euro countries and easily identifiable. And yeah there are cheap Asian knock-offs that are similar but you will stand out from the crowd in anything that is different. When traveling be situationally aware and street smart. P.S. a Canadian flag may win you some new friends and a free beer or two in Holland but probably few other places since the start of the GWOT.
I don't think it matters what camo you wear. Camo is only worn as a fashion statement in the US. In Europe, wear black if you want to fit in.
Rainwear wise - If you've got it, and it works, wear it. This is Europe, not the Middle East (FYI I'm English and I've worked in Russia, all of Europe and bits of the ME), Save your money for better things and don't fuck it up by dying it. As for differing camo patterns - speaking on behalf of all of me, it's camo...and has a pattern...I don't go any further than that.
Fishermen in Russia and neighboring states ofter wear camouflage, because it's a good and cheap replacement of the outdoor gear and it's quite common in rural areas. You can meet them walking or driving mopeds. Doubt you want to be identified as a fisherman. Foreign travelers in camouflage - never met them around (except bad-ass bikers)