New Centennial Uniforms Revisited

The new uniforms are now in the Scout Shop. I went by to check them out, first hand. I don't think all the options are in yet but there is a good stock of the new items. The new forest green Switchback Uniform Pants are not yet available.

The first thing I noticed was that the uniform is really not that different. Once you get by the loss of the red shoulder loops and numerals, it becomes more a change of materials and cut rather than a huge change in the uniform. Yes, there are changes and yes, some people won't like them but I was very impressed by the new uniforms. They are well made, versatile and seem to be much more functional that before.

The shirt is about the same color as the old shirts. It is available in short and long sleeves in both Supplex Nylon and cotton/poly blend. The long-sleeved shirt has tabs on the sleeves so the sleeve can be rolled up and buttoned into place. The bellows pockets have the same basic look except they now have hook-and-loop closures. There is also a small pocket on the sleeve that does not appear to have a real purpose. The back of the shirt is pleated for easy movement.

I really like the new canvas pants. The forest green is not that different from the old pants. It is a good color, in my opinion. Remember the tiny lack-of -cargo pocket in the old uniform. It has been replaced by large usable cargo pockets. The literature say there is a pocket big enough for a Fieldbook. What a concept! The pants area available in both classic and relaxed fit. The relaxed fit is for those of us who have "relaxed bodies". A big change is that they are all unhemmed so you can't run in on the way to camp and pick up a pair, unless you have needle and thread. Two styles are available. The canvas has the total new design, zip-off convertible style the poly/cotton. The new Switchback is in the new forest green and is Supplex nylon but is in the same style as the older olive Switchbacks.

The new socks are great. They are a wicking blend that are very soft and look to be very comfortable. No cotton here! It took them 25 years to figure this out. There are several styles and weights including three from Thorlo. These are all official uniform socks. For some of the guys refusing to let go of the past (and you know who you are), there are no more knee socks! Welcome to the 21st century.

The red and olive mesh back cap was old, dated and for the most part ugly, has been replace by a forest green pre-curved visor model with a tone-on-tone emblem that looks much more like a cap you would buy and actually wear, if you had a choice. In my opinion, in case you could not tell, the old hat is the one piece of the uniform, more than any other, that looks 25 years old.

The updated web belt is also much more functional that the old web belt. It has a very attractive buckle design and is wider that its predecessor. Those of us who have spent the better part of a house payment buying belt buckles for leather belts for the last couple of decades won't have much use for this item.

The old uniform was 25 years old. It is time for a change. The new uniform is designed for comfort and activity. In practical terms, few of us will go out and replace everything. They are calling this uniform - transitional. That means all the old parts can be worn with all the new parts. You can't however, put red numerals on a new uniform. Let it go.