A RIG THAT’S SEEN IT ALL (And would probably rather not have)
Born in the 50s for the People’s Liberation Army, the type 56 Chicom Chest Rig is without a doubt a Cold War Legend of the East. The Viet Cong rocked it in Vietnam, Soviet Spetsnaz snagged it in Afghanistan, and every commie-aligned rebel and LARP-ist from Rhodesia to the borders of South Africa copied it.
Naturally the Type 56 caught the attention of the US Special forces in Vietnam and other Western countries too. The US used the rig in conjunction with the family of AKMs borrowed from downed VCs & blend in with the enemy as much as a 6’4 Iowan MACVSOG commando could – it’s high speed and ease of use changed the western world’s opinions on belt-mounted kit as a means of combatting Insurgency.
A spiritual evolution to the bandoleers of old, the Type 56 would go on to inspire the Russian Lifchik, and spread the gospel of chest-stowed-ammo to the western world via Soldiers of Fortune in Rhodesia & South Africa. It still saw use deep within enemy territory in the past few decades. And of course, we could even credit the USA’s very own Pattern 84 rig to the Type 56’s legacy.
To us Zoomers It’s been made famous again by its depictions in cyberspace and on the big screen – CoD Black Ops, Escape from Tarkov, and hit films like Apocalypse Now & Platoon all show the influence of the OD canvas OG.
So stay loaded, unhinged and within the limits of Xi Jinping’s social credit system with the type 56.Or go hog wild and modify it. It’s only $30usd / $42.94cad from our friends at kommandostore.com and is great to get your sewing and seam ripping practice in. Just make sure the party isn’t watching, they don’t like when us filthy capitalists misuse their gear, we wouldn’t want a Cold War II: 电动布加洛.
In case this message is seen by CCP members: Zǎo shang hǎo zhōng guó! Xiàn zài wǒ yǒu Chicom rig—wǒ hěn xǐ huān! We love TEMU, Alibaba, and Xiaohongshu!
A few months ago, In the heat of the summer this year, our friends at Kommando embarked on a journey to once again remake a South African Legend back in its home country. Today is one of their favorite days in the journey from being handcrafted in the original shops that made them in the Bush war, to being delivered to Canada and the USA. The boots have completed production and are being loaded up in South Africa & shipped to their warehouse.Due to the nature of the production of these boots taking a little while (and being worth every second) it’s now time to reserve yours ahead of the inevitable rush. It just occurred to me that there’s some of you who might not be familiar with these legendary boots. Fear not- read on….. Why do they say these new production boots are “Rare” so often? Truth be told, it’s not “Rare” in the traditional surplus collectible sense… but rare in terms of making it to market. Manufacturing pretty much anything in South Africa has been turbulent at best.The OG tan ‘Half Combat’ variant with their iconic ‘anti-track’ sole. Post-pandemic Inflation, rising materials costs, and an ongoing collapse of the power grid* in South Africa all makes these boots harder and harder to make. *The business that makes boots for kommando literally had to install solar panels at their facility so they could continue working through the rolling “load shedding” blackouts (Eco-Friendly Waxis anyone?) so production has slowed down to a once-a-year type of thing. But even then, every pair of boots sold is crucial to keeping the doors of these bootmakers open to future orders. In South Africa’s case of “why aren’t they using nuclear power again?”, due to horrific mismanagement, the nuclear facilities fell into disrepair and have mostly been replaced with greenhouse-gas emitting, inefficient coal plants that have resulted in economically devastating effects on their power grid. Go figure.
Waxis are among dozens of different types of desert boots and even South African desert boots, too. But believe us when we say they’re unlike anything else you’ll put on your feet. We’re the only place on the internet you’ll find the one true Waxis imported directly from South Africa to the USA. Especially the kind with that insane looking, flat-as-a-pancake-in-Florida anti-tracking sole…(more on that later) Regular imports of ‘half combat’ and ‘full combat’ boots keep this little slice of history alive, along with the same family business who made them during the Bush and Border Wars.
On the fence? Check out the nearly 500 reviews they’ve all gotten over the years. TL;DR, as long as you follow the size guide, it’s hard to go wrong with Waxis on your feet. But backing up once again, what’s a Waxi anyways? Why make them with super flat soles? Why would you wear a leather boot in arid climates anyways?The Short answer is that Waxis are a deceptively lightweight piece of footwear originally developed for the most elite special forces in all of Africa. They feature a wide toe box, a retro-style buckled upper, and the weirdest optional outsole you’ve ever seen…Take A Hike Through History “What if I want the long answer, Ivan?”Well, in that case, Let’s start from the top…LACE UP.Let’s start with the boot-camp basics: ‘Half combat’ Waxis were the brainchild of the SADF’s “Recces”, whom desired footwear capable of supreme athleticism & mobility. They’re breathable, lightweight, and flexible like a pair of tennis shoes, but with the robust leather of a proper combat boot. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. A “Grey’s Scout” in the Rhodesian Army pictured riding on horseback patrol with his standard-issue boots. No Gasoline, no problem apparently.
The Rhodesian bush War saw a lot of boots on the ground action. We have an entire write-up you can read here on exactly what lead up to the Rhodesian Bush War. It’s just about the furthest thing from a clear-cut conflict that there is, and we do our best to give you the most accurate background possible. During the logistical nightmare that was their counter-insurgency, Rhodies used whatever equipment they could get their hands on. And an important piece was their trademark double-buckled combat boots, made by none other than “Bata”, the country’s specialists in footwear of all kinds. The lace guard’s design was passed down by WW2 combat boot forefathers, which worked pretty great in the terrain & ecology European soldiers saw.But Sub-Saharan Africa is much, much harsher.
The terrain in South Africa, Angola, and Namibia proved extremely challenging for the SADF, and all their equipment had to be built to hold up to it. From Sand dunes to rocky mountainsides, whatever you wore was put through the gauntlet. Africa’s savannahs and deserts made for an entirely different kind of warfare, so entirely different equipment was needed to match.
Rhodesian Selous Scouts and SADF Recces were almost always on the move, frequently rucking marathons. With so much ground to cover, mobility was their top priority. Traditional leather boots were too hot, too stiff, and too heavy. Many soldiers resorted to wearing hi-top trainer shoes made primarily by “Bata” nicknamed “takkies.” A Rhodesian “Selous Scout” With his trusty takkies. From the dirt on his legs and the mismatching socks you can tell it was probably an eventful patrol.
A cartoony guide about Rhodesian footwear. You can see the double-buckled army boots and takkies made by ‘Bata’ — another piece of South African footwear Kommando brought back late last year…Takkies tend to do the trick in a pinch. Kommando are working with Bata directly to continue making these legends to their original specs and bring them to Canada and the USA. Both the hi-tops and low-tops are seen all over historical photos of Rhodesian Light Infantrymen, and they have an entire historical rabbit hole on their own if you want to read more… about the Hockey Sneakers.
South African Bata ‘Takkie’ Hockey Sneakers “It Works In A Pinch” just wasn’t enough for the South Africans, who faced dire odds in their border conflicts. The trusty “Takkies” more than delivered on mobility, but they were essentially Converse high-tops from the 60’s. Soles delaminated, laces tore, and uppers ripped clean open. Soldiers needed an intermediate solution. A flexible, breathable boot that ran like a sneaker, but was durable enough for war. The answer to that? — The Waxi Boot. Made of thin leather, the Waxi Boot was flexible and fast. But unlike takkies, it offered more protection and a truly rugged outsole. …A boot that takes everything you know about stiff & stuffy combat boots and throws it right out the window.It was an instant hit with the Recces. They did inform the design after all.
A SADF group is seen discussing an operation, with the two lads in front notably sporting tan anti-track Waxi Boots. Judging by the frustrated fellow on the right, this photo was likely candid. The Waxi’s extra-wide toe box was another important departure from orthodox combat boots. Feet naturally swell over the course of long hikes, and extra room in front prevents chafing, discomfort, and assists airflow.
Looks can be deceiving. From this angle, you can really see the width of the Waxi. I’m not joking when I say the toe box is quite roomy! Make sure to check the sizing chart before you place an order with Kommando
Another famed feature of these boots is the optional flat ‘anti-track’ sole — Like the rest of the boot’s design, that feature came from a very specific set of needs. The open terrain, soft soil, and exposed ground of the African Bush is a tracker’s dream. The Recces needed a way to conceal troop movement. Originally a popular field modification, the anti-track sole was created by sanding the tread off boots and sneakers. The original iterations were crude and unreliable. But you can see how the Waxi boot filled a perfect “happy medium” between custom-sole jungle boots and sanded down sneakers.
This shoddy field modification had severe downsides. Original rudimentary anti-track shoes only lasted a few sorties before the soles wore through completely. And many wearers disliked the ergonomics of a ‘heel-less’ boot. Eventually word got back to our manufacturer, and custom molds were made.
This allowed the sneakily-soled boot to be produced and fielded in much greater numbers. An early example of one of the one-off Anti-Track Boots the Recces commissioned. These weren’t ever produced in large numbers, and aren’t quite up to par with Waxis. The factory anti-track sole uses a gummy low-durometer* rubber to increase traction and incorporates a sloping ‘heel rise’ for comfort.*The easiest way to define durometer is the “softness” of the rubber. Low durometer, softer rubber is stickier and still allows for normal use without the world becoming a slip-n-slide. Not recommended for winter, but still grippy enough in the other 3 seasons. While certainly not as popular as the ‘lugged’ logger-style sole, all Waxis have the option of anti-track soles if you’re feeling adventurous…Order your Boots With all the weirdness that puts these apart, what really makes these more special than the typical combat boot is the love & passion that goes into them. These come all the way from South Africa, made by one of the original businesses who made them back in the bush war, keeping this narrow slice of history alive and well. And the more time goes on, the harder it is for us to get these made for you. The indefinite future of Waxis makes them all the more “rare”. Now’s your last shot at getting them with a little bit off the top and without the extra cortisol rush to your monkey DNA when everyone’s trying to get a pair on “Ready To Ship” day. With just a little bit of transit time to wait now, I promise they’ll be worth it. (just read the hundreds of reviews)
There are an insane variety of camouflage patterns. From subtle and understated but effective (solid polar white for snowy battlefields) to ostentatious and loud but surprisingly battle proven (the Belgian jigsaw pattern anyone?).
Main camo patterns of the world.
A Few Interesting Examples. Be Sure To Click On The B/W Images To View In Color.
You get the idea. But what is the best camouflage pattern? That is an objective question and no doubt everyone has a personal favorite. Our friends at the kommandostore.com make a pretty solid case for the Rhodesian brushstroke pattern. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the Rhodesian Army and the buildup towards the Bush War where said pattern was dutifully employed.
Rhodesia Leading Up To The Bush War: An Overview
What we now know as Zimbabwe was Southern Rhodesia was one of three states merged in 1953 to form the British-administered Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (also known as the Central African Federation). This union was largely a marriage of convenience, as the British protectorates of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland were significantly less developed than self-governing Southern Rhodesia.
However, the Federation balkanized and dissolved in 1963 amid ethnic tensions, political instability, and deep cultural divides. Simultaneously, changing political winds in London favored a policy of rapid decolonization and majority rule. The collapse of the Central African Federation was viewed as proof positive that failing to quickly implement majority rule would result in the collapse of European-lead African governments.
An early type brushstroke pattern.
The reality was more complex. Western-style democratic republics require a certain level of social infrastructure in order to function as intended. While the white population of the Central African Federation carried western traditions with them from Europe, the myriads of African ethnic groups had long traditions of tribal organization along ethnic lines, with their own rivalries and blood feuds.
To address this, Southern Rhodesia had created the best educational system in Africa, spending enormous sums on literacy programs, primary and secondary schools, vocational education, technical colleges, and universities. On a GDP adjusted basis, Southern Rhodesia’s expenditures on education were not just the best in Africa, they were world leading. By 1959 this approach yielded incredible results with roughly 85% native children enrolled in school, a trend that would only accelerate through the 60s. Similar initiatives had developed road and rail networks, the best healthcare system in Africa, modern water purification, and cheap, plentiful electricity.
The British governed protectorates of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland enjoyed little of this economic or social development. In these areas western ideas held no hope for the future and only served to destabilize traditional power structures. These communities, dominated by subsistence farming and rural poverty, contrasted sharply with the economic miracle happening just across the border.
Fresh from the bloody partition of India, English politicians failed to appreciate the likelihood of a similarly violent outcome in the push for immediate majority rule in their African colonies.
Amid intense pressure to solve Britain’s problems at home, the UK’s rush to divest its colonies created a power vacuum that China and the USSR were more than happy to exploit by funding, training, and arming the Marxist-nationalist ZANU and ZAPU groups in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
Southern Rhodesia unilaterally declared independence (known as “UDI”), from Britain, forming the state of Rhodesia in 1965. And almost in unison, the Bush War began.
Formed around a small cadre of 10,000 highly experienced WWII combat soldiers and airmen, the Rhodesian military benefited from extensive counter-insurgency experience serving alongside British forces in the Malayan Emergency of the 1950s. Due to the stability, security, and prosperity in Rhodesia, the military had no problem recruiting a racially-integrated and majority native fighting force. The 60s and 70s would also see an influx of adventure seeking British and American expats, including many Vietnam veterans…
Cool Camouflage. Where Can I Get Some?
I thought you’d never ask. Made in South Africa, this legendary camo has been brought back to life by kommandostore and it is epic.
A Blank Canvas
Rhodesian camouflage, often referred to as “Rhodesian Brushstroke” or simply “Rhodie camo” is a distinct and highly effective pattern created during the height of the Cold War. Its development was driven by the unique circumstances of the Rhodesian Bush War (1964-1979), a conflict characterized by high tempo counterinsurgency operations and great power proxy warfare.
Prior to the widespread adoption of Rhodesian Brushstroke, the Rhodesian military primarily used camouflage patterns from allied British and Belgian forces. Specifically, the British WWII Denison, Belgian Moon and Ball, and Belgian Brushstroke patterns. Looking at these camouflages it’s easy to see how they influenced the development of Rhodesia’s indigenous camouflage.
Cut Off
Sanctions after ‘UDI’ aimed to isolate Rhodesia economically and politically, but paradoxically spurred swift industrial and economic development in Rhodesia, including production lines for vital military equipment. Without these sanctions, Rhodesian manufacturer David Whitehead Textiles Ltd, would not have been contracted to develop and manufacture a uniform for the nascent Rhodesian military.
2nd Time’s the Charm
The print itself was Designed by Dianana ‘Di’ Cameron, an young print designer at David Whitehead in Salisbury. Di hand painted different patterns and presented her canvases directly to senior military officials. This rapid iteration allowed Rhodesian camo to be put into production quickly, and changes continued to be made over several years.
Di’s ultimate ‘2nd pattern’ design was distinctly organic, with large, high-contrast of light and dark. Together these elements create a layered three-dimensional effect which was more effective than previous British and Belgian designs. Sadly, Di passed away in South Africa due to a stroke around 1995.
Pictured: Our remix of 2nd pattern brushstroke with a few minor differences.
Design Details
The fabric used in original Rhodesian uniforms was a 100% cotton twill available in two weights: a heavy denim-like fabric for use in hats, smocks, and some pants, and a lighter twill for shirts, trousers, shorts, and the like.
Throughout the Bush war, a half dozen local producers manufactured ‘official’ uniforms in these two David Whitehead fabrics. However, due to the ad-hoc nature of military procurement in Rhodesia, a handful of smaller companies and cottage producers also made their own copies and derivatives in various forms. The quality of these original uniforms varied widely; for example, early ‘1st pattern’ Rhodesian camo was infamous for totally washing out in the sun, and throughout the war fabric quality varied significantly.
Rhodesian uniforms were constructed in a variety of styles with different finishing, and trims. However most garments shared the same generous cut which prioritized range of motion, user comfort, and airflow in the hot African climate. Although some ‘arid’ versions of the Rhodesian uniforms were prototyped and trialed, the vast majority of Rhodesian forces simply used fresh uniforms with vibrant colors in the rainy season, and switched to their ‘salty’ sun-faded uniforms during the dry season.
A Stroke Of Genius?
Over the course of the Bush war, Rhodesian Security Forces became known for their military prowess. So much so that their distinctive camouflage acquired a certain prestige in Southern Africa. This association was so strong that the pattern was retained by Robert Mugabe after his successful conquest of the country. While attempts to field other camouflages were made, a variant of Rhodesian Brushstroke remains the current standard uniform to this day, presumably to lend credibility to the Zimbabwe Defense Forces.
Outside of Rhodesia, elite South African units adopted the print for clandestine cross border raids during Border War years. Due to its popularity, commercial manufacture of the print continued in South Africa after the fall of Rhodesia.
Among the most famous post-war manufacturers was Adder (aka. Adro), a company founded by Johan Niemoller in 1981 after he finished service as a SADF Recce. Known for his legendary contributions to innovative SADF webbing systems, Niemoller became an established military outfitter in the 1980s, supplying both the SADF and ‘other interested parties’ like Executive Outcomes. Niemoller’s businesses also enjoyed substantial commercial sales, with Adder Brushstroke appearing in stores and on the pages of Soldier of Fortune in the late 80s and early 90s.
All-Over-The-Globe
Outside of Africa, Rhodesian Brushstroke also made a notable appearance in the year 2000 during the USMC camouflage trials (which would culminate in the development of the MARPAT family of patterns.) Brushstroke was deemed one of the world’s most effective patterns and was evaluated alongside CADPAT and a modified US Tiger Stripe print.
In the US, Brushstroke can also be credited with inspiring the ‘All-Over Brush’ pattern featured in the US Army’s universal camouflage trials which took place between 2002 and 2004.
North Equipment
The dawn of the ANC government in 1994 shuttered most of South Africa’s defense industrial base, including Niemoller’s textile businesses. At this time all of Niemoller’s manufacturing equipment was moved to his property for storage.
Years later Niemoller’s neighbor, a former SADF Parabat with a keen interest in sewing, approached him with a proposal to restart textile manufacturing work in South Africa for the commercial and private security industry. In short order, all of Niemoller’s equipment was moved just across the road.
Our History With Brushstroke
‘Brushstroke’ camo has been in high demand with survivalists, outdoorsmen, and even militaries worldwide since it’s inception — we even had some of our own made in the early days of our business.
Nowadays, an average Google search brings up a minefield of low-quality, Chinese, drop-shipped casualwear — a minefield for anyone who hasn’t properly done their homework.
On the contrast, we can appreciate the passion that goes into actual high-quality reproduction equipment on the market, but it’s certainly scarce.
Our main aim was to do something a little different than everyone else. When it was finally our turn to try our hand at making ‘Brushstroke’, we wanted to make it in Africa, just like it was in its heyday.
Giving It Our Best Shot.
With the aid of local contacts in South Africa, we stumbled across this local business in 2021 while sourcing manufacturers for South African webbing and clothing.
It would take several years, but this working relationship would eventually evolve into the North Equipment brand and our exclusive, locally made 2nd-pattern-inspired Rhodesian Brushstroke using much of the same equipment and staff used by Adder in the 1980s.
Due to the nature of the production of these boots taking a little while (and being worth every second) it’s now time to reserve yours ahead of the inevitable rush. It just occurred to me that there’s some of you who might not be familiar with these legendary boots. Fear not- read on…..
Well, in that case, Let’s start from the top… LACE UP.
