Marpat:Propper or American Apparel?

[Cobra]

Hi everyone,I'm going to buy a Woodland Marpat set,and I want to know what is the best for you between Propper International and American Apparel Inc.,for the building quality,color...Thanks!:)

[East Scout]

Proper makes them for the Marines and as far as I know they dont make a civilian version..Tru-Spec makes a civilian version but its totaly schit-fuk and I wouldnt buy it. The material is very corse nylon and the dye they use fades with one wash.......American Apperal makes it for the Corps too butagain i have no Idea if they make a civilian version.....Best bet is to look for some surplus issue stuff......Yes its out there..I almost picked up a set yesturday for 25$..........

[dangerdan87]

Propper and American Apparel both supply the Marines.
I have a set of Propper MARPATs

[wbear]

I assume you are talking about real issue items with the globe and anchor in the fabric.
Both manufacturers meet USMC specs so color and quality are the same.
I have both brands and the propper trousers fit about 1 inch looser in the waist due to the difference in the way the button fly is constructed. Other than that they are the same. So if you got a little beer belly going on get the Propper.
I am looking for some of the new Italian desert digital style genuine issue camo. If you can get it I would trade some new USMC Marpat.

[Dalleer]

I'd take a set of Propper's just to be sure: at least the BDU's they've manufactured have been of extremely high quality.

I've got no experiences on "American Apparel" - clothing, although I believe that some parts of the older Alice - webbing I've got has been manufactured by this company.

[RGRBOX]

I'd give brandenburgers right nut for a issue set of MARPATs... any takers..

[East Scout]

Hey man leave my nut alone.........Ive only got one left

Seriously If you were looking for an issue set you should have asked..I just traded off a set of medium long cause Im medium short.......Ill check my local A&N Store next week they usually have some passing through.......

[RGRBOX]

Hey man leave my nut alone.........Ive only got one left

Seriously If you were looking for an issue set you should have asked..I just traded off a set of medium long cause Im medium short.......Ill check my local A&N Store next week they usually have some passing through.......

aaassssss.......hhhhoooooolllleeee

I'd have offered my nuts, but my wife's got them ha, ha, ha... na really I already traded one for a issue set of ACUs, and my SIG226....

[Cobra]

I resume this topic because I have heard the voice that Marines Corp recently switched from American Apparel to Propper International for the Marpat supplies.It's true?Thanks:)

[East Scout]

I dont think they switched i think they get it from both......Ive seen sets sold with Proper tops and AA bottomes....

[RGRBOX]

Most of the contracts out for uniforms fall into different hands.. I remember getting the BDU Woodlands made from all kinds of companies... I guess, the out bidded get left to the side.. But because of demand, one company doesn't have the resources to make everything...

[Cobra]

Sorry,but what does it mean "I guess, the out bidded get left to the side"?Thanks:)

[RGRBOX]

Sorry,but what does it mean "I guess, the out bidded get left to the side"?Thanks:)

We had an expression when I was in the US Army.. "Your carrying the M16 because it was the lowest bidder" that being they won the Government contract to make and sell Rifles or in the case Uniforms because they offered to make them for a lower price then the competition...

[East Scout]

I have a ALICE belt made by the Coalition of the Blind.......you can get US gear made by all sorts of places..If you are a minority with a low bid and of "color" you got it in the bag...

[wbear]

At this time only 3 companys make all the tops and bottoms for the USMC. Propper Int, American Aparrel, and E.A. Industries. A fourth company, American Power Source, was contracted to make an initial run for the testing program. They may be still making some but I have not seen any current production from them.

All three meet the USMC stringent specs and are hard to tell apart. All three are found on the racks at clothing sales. There is a slight difference in the shape/size of the pockets on the sleeve, mainly the flap. Also as I mentioned before the proppers have a differently constructed waist band/fly design which results in a slightly looser fit in that area. The corp allowed this difference due to the type of machinery the companys already had for production.

The boonie hats are made by SEKRI. South Eastern Kentucky Rehabilation Industries.


The Corp calls the initial production run by these companys Buy 1 and it ran from 2002 until 2006. Buy 2 was scheduled to begin now. Different companys may win the bids, who knows. Buy 2 may include all of the uniforms being treated with chemicals such as "Bug Off" which has been tried on a limited basis already. Supposedly no differences in construction will be allowed in Buy 2.

[Cobra]

Thanks for your reply.So all the current uniform will be replaced with the new Buy 2 production?Where did you read that?Thanks

[Cobra]

Nothing?:)

[wbear]

The info I posted came from a contact I have at DSCP (Defense Supply Center Philadelphia) who is involved in the purchasing of the USMC MCCUU's.

The current uniform will not be "replaced" with buy 2 uniforms. They will be added too. The contracts to produce the uniforms in Buy 1 will expire after a certain period of time as all gov contracts do. At that time the orig manufacturers as well as any one else who wants to make them will put in new bids. Whoever wins will make the next run of uniforms. The uniforms will be the same unless the powers that be decide to make minor changes such as the Bugoff treatment. I would guess no changes will be made and you won't be able to tell the difference between the 2 buys. I myself would be very happy if they would put a draw string at the bottom of the trouser legs so those pain in the ass boot blousers would not be needed. The Army was smart enough to put them on the ACU's. Also velcro instead of the buttons on the pockets on the sleeves would be nice. I haven't had the time but I plan on making those improvements on my sets.

[Bohemoth]

Oh, does that mean I got the new sets already, because I got mine with additional "Buzz Off" labels? See the following photo:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/kwp/6b5c5496.jpg

[Cobra]

Bohemoth,I think that your set is one of the sperimental set with the Buzz Off and not one of the new run.Wbear,thank you very much for your reply.So,when the new run will start?And when can I find one of them for example on ebay?And how can I distinguish one of the new run from one of the precedent,in your opinion?Thanks!:) :oops: :)

[wbear]

The Buy 2 was "scheduled" to start in 2006. That does not mean it actually will, you know how gov works. I don't think you will be able to tell the difference except that a new manufacturers name and date code ( 06 or 07) will appear on the label/contract #.

I would say that Bohemoth has one of the early Buzzoff runs from Buy 1.

[akmarksman]

I have Propper brand MCCUU digi pants.Comfy

[Hubeertus]

And what about APS Inc.?

http://photos.allegro.pl/photos/oryginal/10/1009/100901/10090122/100901221_1

Seller told that is original uniform.

[4LPH4 B3T4]

I'm thinking about bying a pair of MARPAT pants from AA. But what's up with the "Permanent Press Treated Garment"? Aren't these ment for combat use or...? Looks a bit wierd to me!

[TacoDelRio]

I have a ALICE belt made by the Coalition of the Blind.......you can get US gear made by all sorts of places..If you are a minority with a low bid and of "color" you got it in the bag...

Industries for the Blind
Lighthouse for the Blind
SKILCRAFT

Practically everything from canteens to cleaning spray is made by Skilcraft. And pencils.

That being said my ALICE is made by IFTB (Industies for the Blind) and hasn't fallen completely apart just yet.

[wbear]

I guess the seller is right, you could call APS the "original" uniform maker. But they are really nothing special, just the first company to make them.

The perm press treatment is a new feature on the MCCUU's. It is something the Marines wanted because it makes it easier for them to look "squared away". It takes the place of having to starch and iron them like the old uniforms. Starching wears out the material faster and costs the Marine more. Perm press keeps the crease down the front of the legs there and the material wrinkle free. Perm press does not compromise military function, is no longer for sissies and is a good thing. :)

[Cobra]

And the perm press is another standard feature on Buy 2's MCCUUs?

[wbear]

Perm press/wrinkle free is already on all MCCUU's (buy 1). It is on the Armys ACU's and will no doubt be on the Navy's and Air Forces new uniforms because as they say it rocks!

[Digital Marine]

Industries for the Blind
Lighthouse for the Blind
SKILCRAFT

Practically everything from canteens to cleaning spray is made by Skilcraft. And pencils.

That being said my ALICE is made by IFTB (Industies for the Blind) and hasn't fallen completely apart just yet.

anyone know what that means... i got an ALICE Belt which said ''FOR THE BLIND''

Is that charity or something?

[TacoDelRio]

I think it's a company that works with the government to provide disabled people with a good reliable source of enployment because, as you know, they can't drive trucks or operate machinery. ;)

[TacoDelRio]

Perm press/wrinkle free is already on all MCCUU's (buy 1). It is on the Armys ACU's and will no doubt be on the Navy's and Air Forces new uniforms because as they say it rocks!

Does that mean no more starching BDU's?

*Thrusts fist into air* woot

[East Scout]

anyone know what that means... i got an ALICE Belt which said ''FOR THE BLIND''

Is that charity or something?

To add to what MrSkor said:

Blind people are a minority and as such will get prefered treatment come contract time.............kinda legal discrimination against regular peopel trying to make a dollar but I have no problem with that, just when its skin color based..Cant be easy being blind..Id rather be dead.

[ktk_ace]

propper for the win IMHO

[Cobra]

The Buy 2 was "scheduled" to start in 2006. That does not mean it actually will, you know how gov works. I don't think you will be able to tell the difference except that a new manufacturers name and date code ( 06 or 07) will appear on the label/contract #.

I would say that Bohemoth has one of the early Buzzoff runs from Buy 1.

Wbear,how can I find the date on the label?It's inside the NSN code?Thanks

[Roanoke]

I hate to bump, but it's better than starting an all new thread, right?

I've been looking for some real Woodland MARPAT to replace the crappy Tru-Spec I've got now and so far the only place I could find it is some Californian Surplus store that sells trousers for $80.

Is there a place to buy high-quality MCCUUs for the same price as a good set of ACUs?

[TallGuy]

I hate to bump, but it's better than starting an all new thread, right?

I've been looking for some real Woodland MARPAT to replace the crappy Tru-Spec I've got now and so far the only place I could find it is some Californian Surplus store that sells trousers for $80.

Is there a place to buy high-quality MCCUUs for the same price as a good set of ACUs?
I got my brand new set from this Ebay seller, the set cost about $100, IIRC.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZusmarinewife4lifeQQhtZ-1

[Roanoke]

There aren't any MCCUUs displayed on that store right now. Just boonies and web belts.

Meh. I'm thinking I'll just go for ACUs now and MARPAT when I can afford that kind of loadout. I think MARPAT is way better but it's not worth it right now.

[TallGuy]

There aren't any MCCUUs displayed on that store right now. Just boonies and web belts.
Just send her an email, she can probably hook you up with a set..

[Cobra]

I resume again this thread because I've read on recent thread on Strictly Photos&Videos called Digital Pattern fills the world...... that there are two different types of Woodland Marpat,that are called Digital Woodland and Temperate Woodland...What are the differences between these two types of Woodland Marpat?Or are both prototypes of the issued Woodland Marpat???:roll:

[wbear]

Only 1 kind of issued Marine woodland. I think you are refering to two kinds of Cadpat. Maybe a Cadpat expert could coment.

[Cobra]

Thanks for the reply Wbear,but I was referring at Marpat...Take a look at this pictures,that is also showed in the thread Digital Pattern fills the world......

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5832/xfcgnbfxgsq6.jpg

You can see that there are two different Types of Marpat...
Maybe one of these two Types is a Prototype?:)
There are also showed two Types of ACU...

[Cobra]

And in this photos You can see that these Marpat are different...

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6229/b030810fnq8.jpg

[wbear]

I checked with my contact and he assured me that the corp only has one specification for woodland marpat. The Marine on the right seems to have an abnormaly bright uniform. Maybe he used detergent with optical brightners!

The chart with the colors is probally from some early prototypes. The Marines already have Desert and Woodland to stock and produce. I think it would be very unlikely for them to want to add a third pattern.

[tomster]

I got my brand new set from this Ebay seller, the set cost about $100, IIRC.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZusmarinewife4lifeQQhtZ-1

Sorry for the necropost again, but a word of caution.

I ordered and paid for a set of desert MCCUU from Amber Doyle aka USmarinewife4life on December 23rd 2006 and she still hasn't shipped them out to me. Nor does she reply to my emails. There are other people on another forum who have ordered from her and paid for the items months ago, but they have not received their items either.

[nilz]

To add to the above, I've seen a warning about the same seller posted on another forum too. Guess they got caught stealing stock...

[RGRBOX]

I checked with my contact and he assured me that the corp only has one specification for woodland marpat. The Marine on the right seems to have an abnormaly bright uniform. Maybe he used detergent with optical brightners!

The chart with the colors is probally from some early prototypes. The Marines already have Desert and Woodland to stock and produce. I think it would be very unlikely for them to want to add a third pattern.

If you notice the color of the covers they are wearing, you will see the same difference.. I doubt he washed his cover in a brightening detergent.. In fact, I've never washed a hat in the Army..

RB

[aj-0311]

If you notice the color of the covers they are wearing, you will see the same difference.. I doubt he washed his cover in a brightening detergent.. In fact, I've never washed a hat in the Army..

RB

When brand new "off the rack" they appear like the ones on the right, somewhat "bright". after a few washings and a few trips to the field they begin to look like the ones on the left.

[RGRBOX]

agreed...

RB

[Ricochet]

I have a ALICE belt made by the Coalition of the Blind.......you can get US gear made by all sorts of places..If you are a minority with a low bid and of "color" you got it in the bag...

My Uncle (who's blind) used to work there. Maybe he made yours.....
They also made Body Bags during the Vietnam war.

[rooks]

Sorry for the necropost again, but a word of caution.

I ordered and paid for a set of desert MCCUU from Amber Doyle aka USmarinewife4life on December 23rd 2006 and she still hasn't shipped them out to me. Nor does she reply to my emails. There are other people on another forum who have ordered from her and paid for the items months ago, but they have not received their items either.


I ordered from Amber some time ago. Fantastic Customer Service. Very nice lady.

However, her site does have this message above her listings:


I will be away until the middle of March due to a family emergency. You may purchase items while I am gone, however, please understand that there may be a delay in getting your package(s) out to you. The date I will be back is approximate and may change at any time. If you have any questions you can send me a message via the E-bay message system. Messages will be returned as I am able. Thank you for your patience & understanding.

Whilst it is well beyond mid-March, that message has been up there since the beginning of the year (I've been looking to get another set of Marpat for months and only wanted to get it from her, as I trust her) so she's definately having a problem with something. Are you positive that it wasn't there when you placed your order?

[RGRBOX]

Sounds like she's spending all of that money..

RB

[COUCH]

And in this photos You can see that these Marpat are different...

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6229/b030810fnq8.jpg (http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6229/b030810fnq8.jpg)

Is that Jeremy Scahill behind them?

[JC0352]

check the date of the last post in a thread before asking some irrelevant questionp-). this thread's over a year old

[Rynnäkkökivääri]

But since it's been resurrected, lemme post this real quick: http://www.armynavysales.com/c-3-battle-dress-uniforms-bdu.aspx They have both issue and spec built MCCUUs, but the issue stuff is somewhat limited.

[COUCH]

sorry guys, I was just looking through them and didnt even think to look at the date, but now that its alive[ish] again, is the propper MARPAT anything near the actual issue stuff? oh and whats an infraction?

[asch]

But since it's been resurrected, lemme post this real quick: http://www.armynavysales.com/c-3-battle-dress-uniforms-bdu.aspx They have both issue and spec built MCCUUs, but the issue stuff is somewhat limited.

got a American Apparel set from them. very quality made, insectguard.

[Sc!zO]

I got Propper pants & American Apparel blouse, colors nearly identical (used stuff so there are some wear issues).
Propper also makes "Battle-rip" which is civilian version, but material & colors are sh!t

[Rynnäkkökivääri]

got a American Apparel set from them. very quality made, insectguard.
Was it from their issue or their non-issue stock? They don't credit the non-issue stuff as imported, so it's not something from China. On that note, anybody buy their non-issue stuff that can give me a review of them compared to the real deal?

[asch]

Was it from their issue or their non-issue stock? They don't credit the non-issue stuff as imported, so it's not something from China. On that note, anybody buy their non-issue stuff that can give me a review of them compared to the real deal?
issue.
and non-issue stuff there from TruSpec. much more thick cloth but ****ty colors that wears off with lightning speed. AA is a lot comfortable to wear also.

[Rynnäkkökivääri]

It is Tru-Spec? Then why the hell isn't it credited as imported?

[asch]

It is Tru-Spec? Then why the hell isn't it credited as imported?

well, no matter that they assemble their stuff in Honduras and Dominican Republic, TruSpec still American brand afaik.

[Rynnäkkökivääri]

Hmmm, I thought it was a Chinese company.

[dangerdan87]

Several companys make our MARPAT uniform. The difference in colors depends on several things: sunlight, detergent, how many times it has been washed etc..

[dangerdan87]

And also the PX just got the new cammies with Insect Shield.

[Remington Rand]

Hi everyone,I'm going to buy a Woodland Marpat set,and I want to know what is the best for you between Propper International and American Apparel Inc.,for the building quality,color...Thanks!:)

Nothing bad to say about American APparel Inc- no experience with them. I can say that Propper BDUs are well built, tough, and keep their color well. My two cents. Good luck.