Ripperkon-Wolf Bolero

The tactical bolero from Ripperkon-Wolf is exclusively available at HCS Ausrüstungs GmbH.

It is offered in the following colors in sizes M, L, and XL:

Flecktarn (65% cotton, 35% polyester)
Tropentarn (65% cotton, 35% polyester)
Olive (50% cotton, 50% polyester)
Multicam (52% polyester, 48% cotton)
Greenzone (50% cotton, 50% polyamide)
Black (50% cotton, 50% polyester)

The bolero is produced by a manufacturer. The materials used and the craftsmanship are therefore of high quality.

The bolero consists only of the shoulder and arm area. These are not sewn to the T-shirt, which gives this product a special practical use and high modularity.

A continuous elastic band runs around the chest, ensuring a proper fit. The wearing experience is somewhat reminiscent of tight-fitting sportswear—initially a bit unusual, but neither uncomfortable nor annoying.

Since there is no fixed connection to the T-shirt, the bolero can be worn over any functional underwear, weather protection clothing, or the service undershirt. The front zipper is separable, allowing for quick removal and changing of wet or sweaty undergarments. In the photo, you can clearly see that a cold weather jacket can also be worn underneath the bolero. This eliminates the hassle of repacking or covering the upper arm pockets. You can take off and put on both the bolero and jacket together.

The upper arm pockets offer plenty of space and are securely closed by a concealed zipper. Velcro is provided on both sides for attaching rank insignia, unit identification, or other patches. Above the Velcro is a small opening that serves as a cable pass-through.

The collar is high-closing, providing good protection from the sun, dust, and wind. Of course, the zipper is also concealed here.

At the back, the collar can be tightened with a drawstring.

There is some mesh sewn into the armpits for ventilation, ensuring a comfortable climate in the sleeves.

The elbows are reinforced with a second layer of fabric, but pads cannot be inserted here.

The idea behind the bolero is that you can easily change a sweaty T-shirt for a fresh one. This way, you only buy one bolero and use multiple T-shirts that you can swap out as needed—even while on the go.
Of course, the bolero still needs to be washed from time to time, especially in the armpit area. But this can be done with a quick hand wash.
In this picture, you can see a G36 magazine, an issued German Army shirt, the bolero, and a commercially available combat shirt for size comparison.

Now, you no longer need to carry a second combat shirt in your daypack or vehicle to maintain hygiene or prevent cooling down at night. The number of T-shirts you want can be carried in your backpack or vehicle. When it’s time for a change, you simply reach for the shirts in your backpack, while the wet shirt dries in the meantime. This saves valuable volume and weight.

The bolero is primarily designed to be worn under body armor, but it also works well under a chest rig. In this case, it is worn over a Gore-Tex rain jacket.

Conclusion

I am very convinced of the bolero. I have been wearing various versions of this product for over three years now. I have sweat through it countless times or slid through the undergrowth with it.
The ability to change a wet or sweaty T-shirt has proven itself countless times.

Almost all of my comrades and acquaintances are very satisfied with the bolero and use the product regularly. Occasionally, I hear about the unusual feeling caused by the elastic band around the chest. In some cases, the beginning of the zipper or the elastic band has caused some discomfort.
But even the simplest field jacket can create a fold that presses, so always pay attention to the proper fit 😉

After a long time of testing and experimenting, my comrade and I decided to bring this product to market under our brand Ripperkon-Wolf. But is’s a specialized product and is sold out. Maybe it will return.

One more example: The Bolero in Pencott Greenzone wirth a Gore-Tex rain jacket.