Vers·eng·tarn from the German versengt “scorched” and tarnen “camouflage.”
The Versengtarn parka is a tribute to the fall of a king. The German Flecktarn parka, one of the most prolific and well-loved pieces of military surplus, is no longer being sold to the public. Instead, the Bundeswehr is burning it.
Our process takes the iconic Flecktarn pattern and scorches it with a reactive dye, darkening the print and giving each piece a unique appearance. Black, but not quite black — the color of the fabric shifts in the light.
After the dye bath, the parka is washed with a binding agent, removing any residual dye. The resulting Versengtarn fabric will not leech color or chemicals — it is clean enough to put in your mouth.
These 'Lite' variants of the (which was a pre-order only item) do not feature additional pockets or reflective tabs, making them closer to the original .
Manufacturing Information
- Each parka is professionally dyed in Minnesota
- Our experienced dye house has handled all Versengtarn and Wellenbrecher items to date, with a high degree of consistency and professionalism
Original Flecktarn Specs
- Thick and durable poly/cotton water resistant fabric
- High waist zipper closure with snap-secured storm flap enabling bending and crouching without binding around the body
- Drawcord fasteners at hips, thighs, and in hood
- Two snap-secured front breast pockets
- Two zippered front hand pockets
- Velcro® secured inside pocket
- Velcro® wrist cuff fasteners
- Straps for shoulder marks, rank tabs, etc.
- Zippered armpits for venting heat or warming hands
- Shoulder “cigarette” pocket
Versengtarn Modifications
- Reactive dye permanently darkens the Flecktarn pattern to charcoal black while retaining a faint trace of the original pattern
- Each dyed parka is unique, with subtle differences in pattern, hue, and saturation
- Dye treatment is permanent, non-toxic, and non-leaching
- Parkas arrive washed and ready to wear with no residual dye
