British MTP Lightweight GORE-TEX Jacket | Genuine British Army MVP Waterproof Shell
Whether you are navigating relentless downpours on a wet Scottish fell, spending long hours on an airsoft skirmish field, or preparing a dependable bug-out kit, the Genuine British Army MTP Lightweight GORE-TEX Jacket stands as an essential piece of weather-protective kit. Issued as part of the UK MoD's Personal Clothing System (PCS), this jacket was explicitly engineered to deliver 100% windproof and waterproof defence without adding unnecessary bulk or weight to your pack.
Constructed from advanced Moisture Vapour Permeable (MVP) fabric—the British Armed Forces’ high-performance PTFE membrane equivalent to GORE-TEX Paclite—this outer shell keeps heavy rain out while allowing internal heat and sweat vapor to escape. Ultra-packable, incredibly durable, and finished in the versatile Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP), it remains one of the highest-value functional waterproof jackets on the military surplus market today.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Specification Details |
| Material |
100% Moisture Vapour Permeable (MVP) PTFE Membrane / Ripstop Nylon |
| Pattern |
British Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) |
| Weight |
~360g – 420g (depending on size) |
| Waterproofing |
Taped waterproof internal seams throughout |
| Sleeve Pockets |
2 angled upper arm pockets with Velcro storm closures |
| Ventilation |
Dual underarm "pit zips" for rapid heat dump |
| Collar |
Microfleece-lined high storm collar |
| Fastening |
Heavy-duty full-length front zip with storm flap |
| Cuffs & Hem |
Adjustable Velcro cuff tabs and elasticated shock-cord hem |
| Chest Display |
Front rank slide / epaulette loop |
Product Features & Construction Breakdown
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Ultra-Lightweight & Highly Packable: Weighing under 400 grams, this jacket rolls up tightly to fit easily inside a side pocket, daypack, or BERGEN, ensuring you are never caught unprepared when the weather turns.
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Ripstop MVP Technology: Fabricated with a ripstop weave, the outer shell is resistant to tears and abrasions from thorns, rocks, and foliage, while the breathable membrane keeps condensation down during active use.
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Underarm Pit Vents: Integrated armpit zips allow you to dump excess body heat instantly during high-exertion activities like speed hiking or tactical drills without needing to open the front zip to driving rain.
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Microfleece-Lined Storm Collar: Protects your neck against chafing and draughts, offering a comfortable, soft seal around the throat.
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Streamlined Design: Built without lower front hand pockets or heavy hood assemblies to ensure seamless wearing beneath load-bearing equipment, web belts, or heavy outer combat smocks.
History & Military Legacy
The British MTP Lightweight Waterproof Jacket represents a major tactical evolution in military clothing design. During the Soldier 95 (S95) era, British troops were issued heavyweight DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material) GORE-TEX jackets. While durable, those older jackets were heavy, bulky, absorbed surface water when degraded, and occupied significant pack volume.
When the UK Ministry of Defence introduced the Personal Clothing System (PCS) to replace Soldier 95, military gear designers revamped the waterproof layer. Feedback from operations in Afghanistan and cold-weather NATO exercises demanded a minimalist, rapid-deploy waterproof layer that could be stowed away cleanly until needed.
By utilizing lightweight MVP ripstop fabric and removing heavy excess features like oversized chest pockets and fixed hoods, the British Armed Forces created a streamlined shell that fit effortlessly under a Windproof Combat Smock or over a UBACS (Under Body Armour Combat Shirt). Introduced alongside the Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP)—designed to blend into desert, woodland, and transition environments—this lightweight jacket became standard issue for infantry personnel across all service branches.
Comprehensive Usage Guide
The design philosophy behind the PCS Lightweight Waterproof Jacket centers around minimalist versatility. To get the absolute best performance out of your jacket, consider these recommended usage methods:
1. The Classic British Army "Under-Smock" Trick
While designed as an outer layer, standard military doctrine often saw soldiers wearing this lightweight MVP jacket underneath their standard Windproof MTP Combat Smock.
Why? Wearing the lightweight waterproof jacket underneath protects the membrane from sharp thorns, barbed wire, and rifle sling friction, while allowing full access to all your combat smock pockets.
2. Standalone Hard-Shell Outer
When weight reduction is paramount, wear this jacket directly over a thermal mid-layer or base-layer shirt. Tighten the Velcro cuff tabs and pull the elasticated hem drawcord snug to form an impenetrable barrier against wind and rain.
3. Tactical Vented Layering
During fast-paced hiking or airsoft movement, unzip the underarm pit vents halfway. This creates a chimney effect—drawing cooler air through the armpits while keeping your core shielded from direct overhead rainfall.
Ideal Applications:
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Outdoor & Hiking: Reliable emergency wet-weather gear for UK fell walking and camping.
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Airsoft & Paintball: Authentic British military aesthetic combined with breathable storm protection.
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Hunting & Fishing: Multi-Terrain Pattern breaks up your outline across diverse rural environments.
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Workwear & Utility: Tough enough for agricultural work, outdoor construction, and yard work.
Care Guide & Maintenance
Proper care ensures the breathable MVP membrane and water-repellent coating last for years of rugged use. Standard household detergents contain surfactants that can clog breathable pores and strip the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish.
Washing Instructions
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Preparation: Empty all arm pockets, zip up the main zipper, close the underarm pit zips, and secure all Velcro tabs.
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Detergent: Do not use standard biological detergent or fabric softeners. Wash using a specialized technical cleaner such as Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Wash + Peel.
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Machine Wash: Place in a washing machine on a gentle, synthetic cycle at 30°C (86°F).
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Rinsing: Run an extra rinse cycle to remove any remaining soap residue.
Re-Proofing & Maintenance
Over time, water may stop beading off the outer fabric surface (known as "wetting out"). When this occurs, reapply a DWR waterproofing agent (Nikwax TX.Direct or Grangers Clothing Repel) either via a spray-on application or a wash-in treatment. Air-dry the jacket away from direct high heat sources.
Product Comparison
To help you decide if the MTP Lightweight MVP Jacket is the right gear for your loadout, review how it compares to other tactical outer garments:
| Feature / Aspect |
British MTP Lightweight MVP Jacket |
Classic S95 DPM Heavyweight Jacket |
British Army MTP Windproof Smock |
| Primary Purpose |
Lightweight storm & rain protection |
Traditional heavy weather coat |
Heavy-duty utility & wind resistance |
| Pack Size |
Extremely compact (stows small) |
Bulky (occupies main bergen space) |
Large & heavy |
| Weight |
~380g |
~850g |
~1,100g |
| Pockets |
2 Sleeve Pockets |
2 Large Chest Pockets |
4 Large Front Cargo Pockets + Sleeve Pockets |
| Pit Venting |
Yes (Underarm Zips) |
No |
Yes (Side/Pit Zips on PCS versions) |
| Best Used As |
Emergency waterproof outer/mid-layer |
Heavy static outer layer |
Primary daily combat outer garment |
Sizing & Surplus Grading Guide
Military sizes are listed in standard NATO height/chest centimeters (e.g., 180/100 fits a user roughly 180cm tall with a 100cm / ~39-40 inch chest).
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Super Grade / Unissued: New, unissued condition. May show minor storage marks but has never been worn in the field.
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Grade 1 (Issued): Genuine issued gear in fully functional condition. Zips, Velcro, and seams work properly. May feature faint soldier names/unit markings on internal tags or light cosmetic scuffs.
