Unissued Dutch OD Bandana/Balaclava

Americana Pipedream Apparel

Unissued Dutch OD Bandana/Balaclava

Sale price$6.99Regular price $9.99
Description

Unissued Dutch OD Bandana/Balaclava

A triangular cut of olive drab cotton from the Koninklijke Landmacht — the Royal Netherlands Land Forces. Unissued condition. One of the most quietly useful pieces of military surplus you can carry.

The Piece

The military-issue triangular bandana is one of those objects that has remained essentially unchanged for well over a century because nothing about it needs to change. A square of sturdy cotton cut diagonally into a triangle is, as it turns out, one of the most adaptable pieces of kit ever issued to a soldier. The Dutch army issued these in olive drab as standard field equipment — a small item with an outsized role in the daily life of anyone operating outdoors for extended periods.

The Netherlands has been a NATO member since the alliance's founding in 1949, and the Koninklijke Landmacht has deployed Dutch forces from Cold War West Germany to Lebanon, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Items like this one passed through quartermaster stores destined for field use across four decades of operations. Unissued condition means this one never made it out — it's been in storage since it was packed.

What You Can Do With It

The triangle cut makes it more adaptable than a standard square bandana. Fold it into a wide band and tie it across the nose and mouth for dust and wind. Fold it diagonally into a thinner band for a headband or sweatband. Bring the two corners up under the point and tie behind the head for a half balaclava covering the lower face and neck. Wear it as a neck gaiter. Tie it around a wrist, a pack strap, or a piece of kit for quick identification. Use it as a sling. Fold it into a wound dressing in a pinch — its original military application.

The OD green color blends without effort into most outdoor environments and most wardrobes. It is not a loud piece. It does its job and stays out of the way.

Construction

Woven cotton construction — breathable, packable, and washable. Approximately 16” x 17.5” across the two equal sides. The Dutch military spec favors durability over softness; this is working fabric, not fashion fabric. It will hold up.

  • Unissued condition — Koninklijke Landmacht (Royal Netherlands Land Forces) surplus
  • Triangular cut cotton bandana/face covering/balaclava
  • Olive drab (OD green) — standard Dutch military field color
  • Approximately 16” x 17.5”
  • 100% cotton woven construction
  • Multi-use: face mask, bandana, headband, neck gaiter, dust cover, sling, wound dressing
  • NATO-issue specification
  • One piece per order
In stock, ready to ship

Pairs well with
Curious About Sizing?

Given the massive variety of clothing we carry, a standard sizing guide is incredibly helpful for customers seeking the best fit.

Please understand that surplus varies widely in fit and cut and this sizing chart is general advice rather than tailor-level fitting.

Nearly every military has different sizing charts and schemes, which is why we've taken the time to put together this brief tutorial.

 

Jacket & Shirt Sizing

In absence of an established military size chart, we measure each jacket or shirt from armpit to armpit to get a rough idea of how it fits. If a garment is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a shirt measures 19.75" from pit to pit, it is marked as a small rather than medium.

To measure pit to pit, close up your shirt or jacket and measure from armpit to armpit. 

This is our measurement guide that we use to measure garments without an existing military size chart:

14"-15" PtP = XXS

16-17" PtP = Extra Small

18"-19" PtP = Small

20-21" PtP = Medium

22-23" PtP = Large

24-25" PtP = Extra Large

26-27" PtP = XXL

28-29" PtP = 3XL

Pant Sizing

We typically convert pants to US waist and inseam sizes. If a pair of pants is between sizes, we mark it one size down. For example, if a pair of pants measures as a 33 waist, it is marked as a 32 waist.

To take these measurements we lay a pair of pants flat on the ground. We then measure across the waist and double the measurement. For example, if a pair of pants measures 16" across the waist it will fit a US 32 waist.

To determine inseam we measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff. For example, it a pair of pants measures 30" from the crotch seam to the bottom of the cuff we will list it as a 30 inseam or 30L.

Surplus Condition Guide

  1. Unissued
  2. These items are brand new. They may sometimes exhibit signs of storage. They may be new in their original factory packaging, but most times will not be. 
  3. Issued; Good / Issued
  4. These items are in issued/used condition but are fully functional. This grade of surplus item may also exhibit signs of use such as stampings, small stains or general dirtiness.
  5. Issued items will not have missing or broken buttons, zippers or be missing any functional components unless noted as such in the product description. Any items you purchase that are marked as "Issued; Good" but exhibit these defects will be replaced free of charge by Americana Pipedream.
  6. Grade 2
  7. These items are in issued/used condition but have defects that impede function. This may include missing buttons, broken zippers, holes and tears. They may also be missing components.
  8. This is the lowest grade of surplus item that we carry and they are not eligible for returns or exchanges due to condition.
Prop 65 Warning

All products that are NOT INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION OR NOT FOOD PRODUCTS fall under this warning:

“WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.” WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.”

In stock! Ships within 3-5 business days, or we'll refund your shipping cost.

First-class customer service, guaranteed.

Free exchanges & returns.