The Woobie Jacket V2.0 from German, veteran-owned company Forward Patch Control is a reversible, stylish update to the U.S. poncho liner, affectionately known by service members and regular guys alike as “the woobie.”
Most of us have either seen a woobie hoodie or jacket for sale online at some point, if not woobies themselves. I’ve personally owned several of each type that came from a handful of different makers. While a woobie is always a woobie, the quality of the garment woobies are made into can vary wildly in my experience. FPC’s Woobie Jacket V2.0 is the best of the bunch in my opinion, and not just because it’s made well.
It’s Made Of Woobie
Constructed primarily of durable polyester, the Woobie Jacket provides everything you’d expect from a jacket made out of a poncho liner. It’s lightweight yet surprisingly warm, with soft quilting throughout that delivers comfort and visual texture. Perhaps the standout feature though, is that the jacket is reversible. It offers two distinct camouflage patterns per garment. For instance, “Desert Night Camo” on one side and “Tigerstripe Black” on the reverse. Having two of the “current hotness” patterns on one well-made jacket is a unique and impressive value proposition.
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How It Wears: The Woobie Jacket V2.0’s Trim
The Woobie Jacket V2.0’s cut is intentionally big, because it is designed for layering. Yes, this is actually built with practical outdoor use in mind. No, no one will laugh at you for only wearing it to take out the trash. Those who are seeking a more precise and athletic fit are best going down one size. Even Patch Control helpfully makes that suggestion on its website. I like that the Woobie Jacket V2.0 gives you an oversize hood, elastic cuffs, and big, chunky YKK zippers throughout. I really like this because its accouterments take this jacket from fieldwear to something that wouldn’t look out of place in a downtown coffee shop.
Its standout feature is its inclusion of functional zippered pockets on both sides of the jacket. The wearer can rely on secure storage no matter which side they are wearing.
Appearances
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Woobie Jacket V2.0s excel in blending military and streetwear influences. Whether you’re drawn to Eastern German style Raindrop patterns, US/NATO patterns from WW2, Cold War to the present-day or even Patch Control’s proprietary Coven Camo, the variety of combinations offers something for everyone.
The stitching is uniform, and no loose threads or poorly finished seams were evident in the six different units I’ve purchased for myself or to hand out as gifts. The quilted construction maintains shape over time without sagging or clumping. It’s exactly as durable as any military-issued woobie you’ve ever encountered.
Woobie Jacket V2.0 Longevity
In terms of wear and tear, the Woobie Jacket holds up well under light rain, brisk wind and repeated wash cycles. Although this jacket isn’t waterproof, it does dry up rather quickly and maintains loft even when damp–much like the original liner. Just like the woobie, it can be easily rolled and stowed in a backpack without taking up much space.
Avoiding thick brush, particularly anything with thorns, will extend the life of this jacket. (Or an actual woobie) Its soft texture does not inherently stand up to prickly or thorny matter. Just wear a canvas or hardshell layer on top. Or maybe just take the long way around the briars, that way it will last a lot longer.
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Pricing & Value
At approximately $88, the Woobie Jacket V2.0 is one of the more expensive iterations of this garment style. However, it does deliver outstanding value. The Woobie Jacket V2.0 combines form, function and nostalgia into a single garment that’s dependable.
Compared to other woobie-turned-into-clothing options on the market, the Forward Patch Control version stands apart due to its reversible construction, uncommon pattern choices, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
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Also, keep in mind that these are imported from Germany. If you buy one, you’ll have to make sure you check shipping costs and times. After a half dozen orders from FPC in Germany over to the West Coast between the last 18 months or so, it usually costs me $30. The wait for shipping takes a little over a week. Let’s call it between seven to ten days, on average.
Is It Worth It?
Patch-Control’s Woobie Jacket V2.0 is a standout for anyone who appreciates a military vibe with a modern twist. It’s well built, stylish, functional and while I can’t call it cheap, it offers good quality for the price.
If you love the woobie or are used to other brands’ woobie hoodies/jackets, this one feels like a step up. Whether you’re a veteran seeking a touch of nostalgia, or just someone wanting a rugged yet stylish outer layer, it provides a surprising amount of warmth, and never skimps on the drip.
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