A camo that maybe brings up some feelings of frustration for a few of the 35-55 veteran dads amongst you, but definitely my best purchase from Venture Surplus (though sadly long OOS at time of writing).
Afghan National Army Spec4ce Forest pattern by Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp.
Fortunately Hyperstealth love to talk about their development processes and trains of thought that have lead to various camo patterns and other products, so there is a PDF that’s publicly available discussing the creation of these uniforms. Specifically why a dark brown and green pattern was chosen:
https://www.hyperstealth.com/Afghanistan-Spec4ce-Forest-camouflage.pdf
The cut of these particular uniforms is vaguely similar to UCP ACUs of the time. The preponderance of 4-hole buttons is a shame and slotted buttons or velcro are just superior all around, but they are the only small complaint I have about the trousers.
Back pockets.
Slanted and pleated main cargo pockets.
Ankle pockets.
Again fortunately, KommandoPost.com has another set of identical trousers where the Contractor Name hasn’t been penned through nearly as thoroughly, revealing the title Bethel Industries, which is a sewing company in the US. If I was a betting man, I’d wager a fair amount of these uniforms were manufactured state side but then around 2020 the writing was probably on the wall and they weren’t shipped over. Eventually sold off via the surplus disposal channels. Though the date on these is 2013, so it’s hard to be certain.
A lot of these uniforms were also made over in the middle east by local manufacturers, perhaps with US fabrics. Examples of those tend to have green labels that are somewhat similar to common US issued styles, but easy enough to differentiate. The labels in this item of course are in line with all US military issued uniforms i.e. one large generic label with contract info and care guide, a separate smaller label with sizing information, both in white.
Very pleased to have an authentic example of such a significant pattern that’s in a modern cut, in 50/50 NYCO fabric, unworn and in my size. Ideal combo and not one that is always easy to find outside of high end commercial garments and standard or common US surplus.
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