Pre-war gas capes were a light coloured rubberised canvas but the outbreak of war mean that demand could not be met and an oil-cloth version made of linseed oil impregnated cotton was introduced. Gas cape colour threads are like oil threads - they go on and on but there is some indication that the early versions were also 'tan' before changing to green, sometimes with a disruptive pattern.

Early-war these were worn rolled. There was also a ground sheet / rain cape of rubberised canvas and this was carried folded under the flap of the small pack.

Frank Brown who makes the replica pannier bags makes probably the most authentic copy gas capes and he'll make in whichever colour you prefer.

The ground sheet / rain capes are available from 'What Price Glory'.