Gorka 3M (produced by Bars)

This summer uniform set, consisting of a jacket and trousers, is the Gorka 3M model. Various Gorka models are often spotted in combat footage from eastern Ukraine. During the Second Chechen War, half of the Russian units, including those from the Ministry of Defence and Internal Troops, as well as various Spetsnaz units, operated in Gorkas. Gorka suits and their clones, more or less faithful to the original design, are very popular among hunters and hikers in Russia. Every reputable Russian outdoor clothing manufacturer has a Gorka-inspired suit in its product line. One of the most renowned producers is Bars, a company that supplies uniforms to all of the Russian Federation's armed forces and security agencies. The suits are made from a durable, heavy-duty cotton canvas material with reinforcing rip-stop overlays in areas most prone to abrasion. The reinforcement panels are khaki, darker than the main fabric, and can also come in camouflage patterns. The Gorka 3M is an evolution of the Gorka 3 (which had a button-front jacket). In addition to several design changes, the Gorka 3M uses an impregnated fabric instead of the simple tent canvas found in classic Gorkas.

• The loose-fitting cotton jacket with a hood features a zipper closure covered by a storm flap with snap buttons (the older version used buttons). The elbows, lower sleeves, and shoulder areas are reinforced with a darker material (a cotton blend with synthetic fibers). At the waist, there are two slanted pockets with buttoned flaps. The Gorka 3M adds two chest pockets secured with vertical zippers covered by flaps. The sleeve pockets have also been redesigned (with added Velcro panels), and an additional small pocket for minor items has been added to the end of the left sleeve. The sleeves are finished with elastic cuffs. The hood has a small brim and a drawcord for adjusting the fit to the face. It is worth noting that the reinforcement panel on the shoulders, upper back, and the back of the hood is made from a single piece of fabric, which reduces the number of seams.

• The trousers feature an elastic waistband and loops for a wide military belt (a raised waistband section at the back has been added). The fly has a zipper closure (the older version used buttons). The reinforcements are the same as on the jacket, with elastic gathers behind the knees. There are two slanted side pockets at the waist, two rear pockets with Velcro flaps (the Gorka 3 used buttons), and two large cargo pockets on the thighs. The trouser legs are finished with elastic cuffs.

• The set includes field-proven side suspenders with button attachments. The suspenders attach to loops on the sides of the trousers, rather than at the front and back.

All buttons on the Gorka 3M are mounted on webbing tape, not sewn directly with thread. All attached photos are from the manufacturer's catalog.

Available sizes:

• 44/3 – height 170 cm, chest circumference 88 cm, waist circumference 76 cm

• 46/4 – height 176 cm, chest circumference 92 cm, waist circumference 80 cm

• 46/5 – height 182 cm, chest circumference 92 cm, waist circumference 80 cm

• 48/5 – height 182 cm, chest circumference 96 cm, waist circumference 84 cm

• 48/6 – height 188 cm, chest circumference 96 cm, waist circumference 84 cm

• 50/4 – height 176 cm, chest circumference 100 cm, waist circumference 88 cm

• 50/5 – height 182 cm, chest circumference 100 cm, waist circumference 88 cm

• 52/4 – height 176 cm, chest circumference 104 cm, waist circumference 92 cm

• 52/5 – height 182 cm, chest circumference 104 cm, waist circumference 92 cm

• 52/6 – height 188 cm, chest circumference 104 cm, waist circumference 92 cm

• 54/5 – height 182 cm, chest circumference 108 cm, waist circumference 96 cm

• 56/5 – height 182 cm, chest circumference 112 cm, waist circumference 100 cm

• 58/5 – height 182 cm, chest circumference 116 cm, waist circumference 104 cm

• 58/6 – height 188 cm, chest circumference 116 cm, waist circumference 104 cm

• 60/6 – height 188 cm, chest circumference 120 cm, waist circumference 108 cm

An important note regarding Russian uniform sizing: unlike Chinese sizing (which notoriously runs small, meaning a Chinese XXL is often a European L), Russian sizing tends to be generous. This may be because Russian field uniforms are designed to accommodate warm, thick underlayers, or even a tracksuit, for added insulation. It is worth considering this when choosing your size.

Regarding the future availability of out-of-stock Gorka sizes: I cannot say if or when a particular size will be available again. At the end of 2024, the Russian Federation introduced an export ban on camouflage clothing. Since I do not wish to enter into a dispute with Russian customs officials over whether a tactical suit in an "olive" color is considered "camouflage" clothing or not, I am currently unable to import more Gorkas. The sets on offer are the remainder of our old stock.