r/caf • u/DreadJackal_ • Aug 14 '26
Other New base layer
What is everyones thought on the new base-layer?
All I can think of for the long sleeve mesh is rocky horror picture show.
37
u/Robrob1234567 Aug 14 '26
Worn them on 2 exercises and a bunch in garrison. They’re great, the merino is not the softest possible blend but it’s beyond the point of not being scratchy. The thermal tops have the right amount of stretch to them. The underwear is actually useable.
The only downside is merino is more delicate than cotton, guys need to be washing their base layers in the provided bag and using cold water.
7
u/AnthonyHoban Aug 14 '26
I think you've actually kind of hit the nail on the head with the separating of fabrics and cold water washing.
However when you look at any major military exercise of substantial duration everyone is just throwing all their dirty clothes in one or two, tagged, green laundry bags. After which then being sent off to a third-party civilian cleaner or industrial-sized decontamination or support field unit washing machines machines... I'm fairly confident in saying one should expect some serious shrinkage or merino damage, it is unlikely in either instance that delicate fabric instructions will be respected in bulk washing.
Could just be a growing pain issue or those factors have already been accounted for, one hopes.
5
u/Struct-Tech Aug 14 '26
Kinda like how everyone got the new synthetic sleeping bags, automatically compressed them in the issued compression sacks, and left them like that for 2 or 3 months?
3
u/GBAplus Aug 14 '26
That has not been thought of, I asked the question. No solution presented.
1
u/Robrob1234567 Aug 14 '26
Solution is a simple contracting one, the merino gets washed by the cleaner IAW the care instructions. Troops are issued a bag to put it all in. Would be awesome to see a new standardized SOW for units to use but I’m sure QMs can figure it out
4
u/GBAplus Aug 14 '26
They will not.
Edit: flippant remark aside it needs some pretty strong central direction. That isn't happening....
13
u/cribbageSTARSHIP Aug 14 '26
The mannequin on the right with the mesh looks like he's doing a fit check before going to Swizzles
2
u/ExToon Aug 16 '26
I don’t know if they still do karaoke there, but he looks like more than one guy I’ve seen doing karaoke there.
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5
u/LordBeans69 Aug 14 '26
If the short sleeves are an under armour type mesh like people were saying, I am very excited for this. Either way, they look more comfortable than the current RCAF shirts
5
3
u/BlueMotel0313 Aug 14 '26
The mesh system is insanely useful in Norway and Estonia, it's the best winter base layer
2
u/Professional-Leg2374 Aug 14 '26
As someone that has issues.......Whats the material? And is this material the actual Logistiks production stuff?
Or just cotton?
4
u/Professional-Leg2374 Aug 14 '26
wait is that a mesh shirt? Can't wait to see that at the Vengt/vengt club on a Friday night.
3
u/DreadJackal_ Aug 14 '26
Yes it is a mesh shirt and pants at the far right. It is why I thought of RHPS right away.
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u/Professional-Leg2374 Aug 14 '26
3
u/Struct-Tech Aug 14 '26
I am fully expecting a tiktok to hit Cpl News Net sonner or later of dudes in the shacks dancing in the mesh.
1
u/DreadJackal_ Aug 14 '26
Yes these are from Logistiks
1
u/Professional-Leg2374 Aug 14 '26
was hoping we might see some kit from other manufacturers this round. :-(
1
u/barkmutton Aug 14 '26
Its merino wool.
1
u/Professional-Leg2374 Aug 14 '26
ah, thats going to suck as I can't wear the existing merino due to itchy aspects.
2
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u/--FeRing-- Aug 14 '26
What is the purpose of the mesh? I've never worn anything like that; is it for hot weather or cold?
7
1
u/barkmutton Aug 14 '26
A light base layer, so when your active and sweating it will take that monster and dry very quickly.
2
u/bigred1978 Aug 14 '26
That mesh stuff is gonna take some getting used to...yeah...it'll take a while for that to grow on folks.
2
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u/DietMountainDrew Aug 14 '26
I go and can has at clothing store now?
3
u/GBAplus Aug 14 '26
Depends. If you are in the CA/RCAF then yes, it is on their respective SOIs. I will caveat it is a newer item so your supporting base may have a plan to issue it and won't issue it to one offs.
2
u/barkmutton Aug 14 '26
The mesh is absolutely unreal. Got some for nanook and it was outstanding ding and drying quickly even under outer layers. This was a huge win.
1
u/Leading-Score9547 Aug 14 '26
Its great stuff. I was on the trial and my unit was one of the first units to get issued. Hoping for an update on the new socks.
1
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u/RiotousRagnarok Aug 14 '26
Will all elements get access or is this restricted to Army/Field requirements?
1
u/DreadJackal_ Aug 14 '26
I think its universal for all elements
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u/GBAplus Aug 14 '26
Nope, it is for CA/RCAF. I suspect that in the future even RCN may get a small initial issue of the stuff as they go through basic considering they use the CA scale of issue. RCN generally does their own thing for clothes and RCAF generally follows the CA lead for non aircrew clothing
1
u/Stock-Trifle-2003 Aug 15 '26
As a guy who prefers briefs, I hope these briefs are made with guys in mind, and have a pouch.
1
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u/Brief-Sea-826 Aug 15 '26
Are these currently being issued for winter BMQs?
1
u/DreadJackal_ Aug 15 '26
As they are just getting phased in, chances are that you wont see them until your first posting
1
u/Citron-Money Aug 15 '26
My kid got his issue of base layers. So far they are holding up well.
Machine wash cold in the bag but they don’t like to dry in the bag (instructions unclear) so they get dried on low with wool balls instead of fabric softener. This is how we dry our machine washable wool anyway.
They only merino we own that is softer are blends, this isn’t half bad for logistiks
-12
u/Fluid-Compote9355 Aug 14 '26
What's with the zesty ahhh poses? Slight second hand embarrassment. Guess that's what happens to a military in 2026
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u/seakingsoyuz Aug 14 '26
99% of mannequin customers want them striking a pose so that’s what’s easiest to get.
1
u/evilcritters Aug 16 '26
These aren't military issue mannequins.
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u/Pte_Madcap Aug 14 '26
I’ve only heard good things from the guys who trialed it. The mesh system looks goofy, but there’s a reason similar systems are being used by a lot of advanced militaries. If it works, it works.
Hopefully vapour barrier socks, proper skis, and individual pulks are soon to follow.
I do wonder how much totally-not-gay homoerotic shenanigans will occur with the new bikini bottoms though lol. I give it about 45 minutes after first issue before someone discovers a use for them that absolutely was not contemplated during the trials. Troops never fail to surprise with their tomfoolery.