PMCI November 2021

SNUGPAK MML6 SMOCK
One of the things with ranges is that you do spend a fair
amount of time in a cold, static position; you might be
attending the safety briefing first thing in the morning
or breaking for lunch, but it’s a rarity to find a heated
outdoor range, right? For years many of us have always
had a Snugpak “Softie” jacket in the back of the car for just
such times, for when you want a bit of instant warmth!
Snugpak have really upped the ante though, taking
things to an entirely new level, and one insulated smock
we’ve had in test for a considerable time is the MML6,
and it’s proved its worth on many occasions both at
home and abroad. Developed by Snugpak with input
from professional navigators, mountain leaders, climbing
instructors, meteorological staff, and military personnel,
the Military Mountain Leader Smock has been created
to support the user in a diverse range of operational
environments, especially when exposed to extreme cold
weather.
As a part of Snugpak’s “VENTURE” range the MML6 Softie
Smock is the flagship garment. It’s a tri-layer smock and
uses both Paratex Micro as a face fabric, and an internal
Softie Premier fill, encapsulated with a Paratex Light lining.
Designed to provide excellent thermal protection against
the cold the MML6 is rated -5C to -10C; it also provides a
high degree of wind protection.
The MML Smock is lighter than normal expedition style
jackets, and uses water resistant YKK zips, making it ideal
when size and weight need to be kept to an absolute
minimum. It is ideally worn with a variety of base layers,
such as the Snugpak 2nd Skinz Coolmax base layer, to
move moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and
regulating core temperature in extremes of cold.
The quick drying, Paratex Micro 100% nylon material
has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Water
repellency can be maintained with a cool tumble dry after
washing and periodic re-treatment with suitable after care
products, such as Nikwax and Grangers. The MML Softie
Smock will keep you dry in a short, light shower, giving
you time to find a safe place to stop and put on more
effective waterproof layers. The MML Softie Smock can
also be worn under waterproof membrane hard shells in
severe weather, still allowing easy access to your essential
equipment.
The MML Softie Smock allows essential equipment
to be carried centrally, with easy access when wearing
a day sack, bergen, plate carriers and webbing systems
and maintains its core functionality with other operational
equipment, such as body armour.
FEATURES:
• Manufactured in the UK
• Large map chest pocket, with internal D-rings
• Large & small external pouches with hook and loop patch
• APALS® soft hook & loop patches - All Purpose Adhesive
Light Strips, one supplied with each jacket
• Exclusive Softie® Premier insulation
• Elasticated Drawcord-adjustable neck & hem -helping
trap warm air and aid insulation
• Soft Armour Panel (SAP) and Hard Armour Plate Carrier
(PC) Compatible 1/4 length water-resistant YKK® zip
• Pack away into the external chest pocket for easy
compact carrying
• Side pockets with Water-resistant YKK® zips
• Deep hand warmer style pockets lined with brushed
polyester for added comfort and warmth
• Soft hook & loop patches on chest pocket flap & both
arms
• External D-ring for LED torches, etc
• Elasticated cuffs with thumb loops
• Windproof, breathable & water repellent
• Rolls into chest pocket
Whilst not exactly cheap at around the UK£180 mark at the
moment the MML6 Softie Smock should be viewed as a
long term investment, especially if you act as an Instructor
or RO; whilst most shooters can easily head back inside
to warm up an Instructor or RO needs to be out on the
range at all times when it’s live. The MML6 easily lets you
do this so in our mind is an invaluable addition to your kit
locker, and mine came direct from my friends at www.
snugpak.com!
GEAR ON TEST
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