Is MARPAT OK for camping/hiking?

[Gavin McCoy]

Dear Marines,


First I'd like those who have served our country and has made an ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Words can't express the gratitude that I have for you all.

A few days ago I went hiking up in the mountains of Big Sur, California, and while I was there, I saw a couple of men wearing Desert MARPAT. There was no indication that they were Marines, such as any patches or a rank. If they were civilians, would this be OK to wear on Camping or Hiking trips?

Thanks Marines,
​Gavin


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[devilbones2]

Yes it would be okay, unless they were Marines then no.

[josephd]

even if they were Marines......who cares

[madsox]

Well, if they were Marines, and they were wearing the current issue cammies, then that would be an issue. AFAIK the utility uniform is still not authorized for leave/liberty wear. I still get thrown all the time when I see Marines (or soldiers, sailors, etc.) wearing cammies off base - on travel, for instance.

When I was in, you could wear your cammies commuting to and from base, and for brief emergency stops on the way. Otherwise, they were a work uniform. Things have obviously changed.

[josephd]

I wear my salty worn out trousers that I wore on deployment out camping and to go shooting all the time....as long as you aren't wearing them out in public and making a scene it's a non-issue

[madsox]

That's about what I figured - and I like the change. The old thinking about what's ok to wear and what's not was, well... old. I wouldn't want to see someone wearing Charlies out in the woods or something, but utilities? What you said, Joe.

I was a peacetime stinkin' Reservist, back in the 80s, so we had a lot of BS rules and regs that I've seen get tossed out over the last decade+ with real shooting wars going on. I approve of the changes, for what that's worth. You young guys now are doing what Marines are supposed to do - fighting.

I'm sure there's still plenty of bullchit and politics, but it seems like less than when I was in uniform.

Semper fi!

[josephd]

That's about what I figured - and I like the change. The old thinking about what's ok to wear and what's not was, well... old. I wouldn't want to see someone wearing Charlies out in the woods or something, but utilities? What you said, Joe.

I was a peacetime stinkin' Reservist, back in the 80s, so we had a lot of BS rules and regs that I've seen get tossed out over the last decade+ with real shooting wars going on. I approve of the changes, for what that's worth. You young guys now are doing what Marines are supposed to do - fighting.

I'm sure there's still plenty of bullchit and politics, but it seems like less than when I was in uniform.

Semper fi!

:handshake:

I'll admit I am the first one to lose my mind and correct a Marine if they are out in public(grocery store, mall, whatever the case..)because it is unacceptable... but out in the woods hiking, camping, shooting, etc..??...No, I do it so how can I correct someone else and say it's unauthorized(yes, I know that it is).

I've busted a few Marines at the gas station outside of base buying dip, cigarettes, soda, etc...civilians inside the gas station thought I was crazy and about to kill a few guys with how I was yelling(I am usually a pretty mellow/quiet person but this kind of crap drives me insane cuz they know better).

[USMC 2571]

Agreed, Joe, that way out in the wilderness-----no problem.

[Hammer]

I've often thought of putting on a set of Herringbone Utilities and walking around Jacksonville. Everyone would notice, but wouldn't know what they were, and no one would say anything.

[Phantom Blooper]

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

[USMC 2571]

Herringbone utilities were just being phased out when I was at Camp Lejeune 1964 to 1965. No longer issued at that time, only the old salts wore them then.

[USMC 2571]

And, going back to the original post, if someone was hiking ten miles out in the wilderness, I personally would not care at all if they wore full dress blues.

Why should we care what others do miles from civilization?

[madsox]

I'd worry about somebody 10 miles out in the boonies wearing blues - that would call for a psych eval in my book!

[USMC 2571]

Yeah, Andy, you got a point there, no doubt about it. LOL

[MunkyVsRobot]

I believe as long as you are not wearing rank and or name tapes you are good. Besides if they are no longer Marines who is going to say anything? If I am no longer a marine and I decide i want to wear my utilities with no nametapes hunting or hiking then I am going to, I am no longer subject to the UCMJ.