Capes & Tartes Alpin

The Chasseurs Alpins too, used a hooded cape as a traditional outer garment. This was introduced around the 1930s (c. 1935) in a khaki cloth version, intended as a practical overgarment for use over other layers when in the mountains or on walking-out duties. It was similar in function to other military rain/outer cloaks but tailored for alpine service.

During the 1939–40 campaign, Chasseurs Alpins increasingly relied on a layered system of clothing for mountain warfare. Traditional garments such as the navy hooded cape continued to be worn over modern layers for warmth and weather protection when moving in severe mountain conditions.

In uniform displays (e.g., in military museums), Chasseurs Alpins officer uniforms typically include a hooded cape as part of the ensemble along with the distinctive tarte beret and other mountain gear — this underscores the cape’s association with mountain troop dress even if it later fell out of widespread service.