2. Gebirgsjäger
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Uniform & Kit ("Impression") Requirements

On this page:
  • List of all Uniform and Equipment items you will need with links to the item on vendor websites. Do your Step 1's for both Kit and Uniform before doing your Step 2 and 3.
  • You should be able to purchase field gear and uniform with a budget of $1,000.  
  • Don't forget, we are happy to lend you uniform and kit items during your first years. ​
  • Link here to our  Vendor page if you want to shop specific vendors. 
  • Illustration of the "classic" Gebirgsjäger impression​ ​
  • ​​Equipment insert from actual Gebirsjäger Soldbuch​
  • Link here for more photos
  • At right is an excellent reference book on uniforms, insignia and equipment---->
Picture
Below Left and Center are illustrations of the classic GJ impression. Below right ​is the equipment insert from the Soldbuch of Jäger Franz Schwab. Schwab was inducted into the Wehrmacht on Feb 2, 1942 and trained as a Gebirgsjäger Pionier with the Geb. Pio. Btl 82. He was transferred to GJR 138 and was KIA on Nov 28, 1942 during the Soviet Counter-offensive at Velikiye Luki, a strategic city on the rail line between Riga Latvia and Moscow. Schwab was 31 years old. The insert is one that is made specifically for GJR units and reflects the special equipment and uniform parts that were issues. You can download a pdf of this and also an English translation after the photo of the insert below. Click on an image to get a larger view.
soldbuch_list_062018.docx
File Size: 13 kb
File Type: docx
Download File

gjr_equipment_insert.pdf
File Size: 391 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Field Gear Requirements:
Prioritize these items for purchase before other field gear items. We can generally lend you gear that you can't find
STEP 1: BELT, BUCKLE, BREAD BAG, AMMO POUCHES, MESS KIT, CANTEEN, GAS CAN
Click on the image above for full size photo with description.
  1. ​​Enlisted Man (EM) black belt.
  2. Belt Buckle. Select Enlishted Man Heer (army) buckles, not Luftwaffe or Waffen SS. Field gray color preferred over unpainted (silver) finish.
  3. K98 Ammo pouches
  4. M31 Bread Bag
  5. M31 Mess Kit (currently unavailable and can be loaned)
  6. 1 Liter Canteen (if you can't find or can't afford one, the 0.75 or 0.8 liter canteens are ok)
  7. Bayonet and frog (holder)
  8. Gasmask Canister (try to find a reproduction under $50)
Here are links to various vendor field gear pages. They are reliable. Some go a little deeper than others on researching the details for their reproductions. Try to buy as much as you can from one vendor to save on shipping. 
​
​www.atthefront.com/category-s/48.htm

​www.gavinmilitaria.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_101

​www.kelsmilitary.com/category/Fieldgear.html

www.hessenantique.com/German_Field_Equipment_s/4.htm
STEP 2: HELMET
M35, M40, or M42. 
​
M35 in photo at right.
​
www.atthefront.com/product-p/ghrhm35.htm
Picture
STEP 3: RUCKSACK
This not required for your first events since they are hard to find. Check with unit leadership for loaned rucks. Because GJ operated in the mountains where their supply lines could not reach them and because they had special equipment, the rucksack was larger and vital.  Below are photos of original and reproduction rucksacks. Left are the 3 pocket rucks and at Right are the two pocket rucks. 
STEP 4: CAMPING

Most of our events involve camping outdoors. We provide a large troop tent for your shelter, but you will need a cot or sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, blanket, etc. You may use modern items here for the sake of comfort, warmth and practicality, but we expect modern items to be covered during the event. Grey wool blankets and a white pillowcase do the job.
If you want a reproduction German blanket, many of our vendors above provide them at various prices. A great example is here:

www.atthefront.com/product-p/gprblan.htm
          
Wooden stool or wooden folding chair (check antique shops for chairs). This is a well-made Schemel (stool)
www.krautgear.com/WWII-German-Schemel_p_152.html
​Hygiene Requirements

Facial hair (mustache or beard) is forbidden unless you have an exception granted by the commander. Gebirgsjägers were permitted to have facial hair in the mountains but it was not common. Ten members out of 50 with facial hair is 5 members too many.

In general, your haircut should be as close to a period German WW2 regulation as is practical for you. Click on the gallery below for examples of "short back and sides, long on top"
Equipment Enhancements (not required)
Mountaineering 
These items are mainly for display and can be found at antique shops, ebay, etc. 
Snowshoes, Skis, Ice Axe, Piton Hammer, Pitons, Crampons
Warm Weather Requirements:
Prioritize these last.
Having a cotton uniform for warmer weather is helpful. Hessen and Kelly's generally have them in stock.
​
APPROVED:
Wehrmacht Heer GREEN HBT (Herringbone Twill)

BANNED:
No Afrika Korps (DAK)
No Tropical Heer, Kriegsmarine or Luftwaffe
No Jackboots, no desert high boots, no desert low boots
Uniform Requirements:
Prioritize these items for purchase before other uniform items. Some items have links to multiple vendors in case your size or the item isn't available.
STEP 1: TUNIC & TROUSERS
Click on the gallery below for full size photos of tunic details.
Feldbluse: 
M36 or M40 "tunic"
www.gavinmilitaria.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_36_98&products_id=29
​​www.hessenantique.com/M36_Tunic_p/2111101.htm
​www.kelsmilitary.com/product/GUI-003.html

Feldbluse Insignia     
Breast Eagle 
www.hessenantique.com/M36_EM_Breast_Eagle_Embroidered_p/2119808.htm

Shoulderboards (1 pair) Early war dark green with light green branch color 
www.hessenantique.com/Schulterklappen_p/2119126.htm

Litzen (collar tabs)​
Bevo Gebirgsjager Collar Tabs (Folded & Mounted): Kelleys Military (kelsmilitary.com)

Trousers, Belt Hooks, Suspenders, Puttees
Click on gallery below for full size photos of Trouser, Puttee, Suspender & Belt Hook Details
WWII German M36 gebirgsjägers stone grey wool trousersWool Heer Trousers -Military Harbor

Alternative:
Hiki's current run of M37 Berghosen in Steingrau color:
www.hikishop.com/wwii-german-mountain-troops-m37-stone-gray-wool-trousers-pants-p-1038.html

Gavin has a great deal on belt hooks, internal suspenders, and a gas canister:
​www.gavinmilitaria.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2_101

Trouser Suspenders:​www.hessenantique.com/Cz_Trouser_Suspenders_p/s91318400.htm

Wool "Wickelgemaschen" (puttees) were wrapped around the trouser bottom and boot top

www.kukreplika.cz/products/ob409-ovinovacky-pro-horske-myslivce-puttees-for-gebirgsjager-gebirgamaschen/            
                 
schusters.ru/en/buy-puttees-getry-m2-001-o/?v=7516fd43adaa

Alternative: Canvas buckled ankle wraps (if puttees unavailable)
STEP 2: BOOTS & HAT
Click on gallery below for full size details
Boots:  
Finding affordable mountain boots is not easy. If you can't find or cannot afford mountain boots right away, go with low ankle boots. Please avoid marching/jackboots unless there are no other options.


​Custom mountain boots

Andrea Roccon 
We've ordered several pairs from Mr. Roccon. He does excellent work, but you'll need an online English/Italian translation app to communicate. 


Andrea Roccon | Facebook

www.wehrmacht-shoes.com/
             
Low boots
www.hessenantique.com/Low_Boots_with_hobnails_w_Heavy_Duty_Soles_p/2118029.htm

Hat: 
​(Bergmutz with short brim, not an M43) Email [email protected] for the vendor contact. We have these custom made for us. 
STEP 3: SHIRT & SWEATER

This is not a high priority since it will generally be hidden under your tunic. You can make do with something in your closet if you are prioritizing spending.
​
Shirt:
Service shirt
www.kelsmilitary.com/product/GUI-001.html
“Tank” undershirt (no t-shirts) 
You can also just get modern Hanes tank undershirts
 wwiisoldier.com/product/german-sport-shirt/

Sweater:   www.1944militaria.com/German_WWII_M36_V_Neck_Sweater_p/rpvnswt.htm
Uniform Enhancements (not required)

Anorak (Windbluse):
While not required, this is a signature item, like the Windjacket. They are very useful to keep wind, rain and mud off your wool.
www.gavinmilitaria.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_36_106&products_id=86

Windjacket: Hikishop

See this page for photos of originals:
Windbluse and Windjacket

Mantel: Hessen or Kelley's recommended

Gallery shows Anoarak, Windjacket and the M36, M40 and M42 Mantels. Differences are primarily in the collar. The 42 tends to be the warmest. 



​