SANDF Pattern 83 Battle Jacket – Bush War Classic

The Pattern 83 battle jacket was designed to carry everything you need to fight, move, and survive in the African bush without falling apart. It replaced heavier, outdated webbing with something lighter, more comfortable, and brutally effective, borrowing heavily from Rhodesian Fireforce webbing.

Still used by some South African units today, the Pattern 83 has been immortalized in films like Blood Diamond, District 9, and Mad Max: Fury Road.

Construction & Layout

Pattern 83 jackets are built from Nutria brown Cordura nylon, waterproofed and internally coated for extra durability. The main body uses padded, breathable nylon mesh to evenly distribute weight across your shoulders, back, and hips—crucial for long patrols.

• Five double magazine pouches (for a total of 10) – R4/Galil mags total, also fit STANAG & some 5.45 AK mags
• Two large side canteen pouches – can double as dump pouches
• Two smaller grenade/utility pouches near the canteen pouches
• One large lower front pouch for bandages, extra mags, or bulky items
• Two-compartment rear “backpack” pouch with straps for a bedroll or poncho

It’s a self-contained load-bearing system—ammo, water, grenades, first aid, sustainment—all in one vest.

Specs

• Waterproof, heavy-duty Cordura nylon
• Nutria brown color that naturally camouflages with wear
• Padded shoulders, back, and hips for comfort
• Fully adjustable webbing & buckles to fit most body sizes

Condition: Genuine SANDF surplus. Expect wear, fading, soldiers names written, and that “been-there” character, but fully functional and ready for another lifetime of use.

If you’ve wanted a real-deal bush war vest, this is it.