How to Put On and Use the GP-5 Gas Mask Step by Step
Imagine it’s the Cold War again.
Sirens are screaming, everyone is running… and you’re standing there with a GP-5 in your hands thinking: “Okay… how does this thing actually work?”
Good news – it’s much simpler than it looks.
This guide will show you how to use a GP-5 gas mask fast, correctly, and without panic – just like people were trained back in the USSR.
More interesting articles:
History of Soviet Gas Masks: Development, Models and Use
Telnyashka: History of the Russian Navy and VDV Striped Shirt
Top Soviet WW2 Equipment Used by Soldiers: RKKA Uniform Guide
What is the GP-5 Gas Mask
The GP-5 is a Soviet filter gas mask made from 1962 to 1989.
Unlike older models, it doesn’t use a hose – the filter screws directly into the mask, which makes it simpler and faster to use.
1 – GP-5 filter canister
2 – Facepiece (ShM-62U or ShM-62)
3 – Box with anti-fog films
4 – Carry bag
How the GP-5 Filter Works
The GP-5 filter has two main parts inside:
- Particle filter – cleans the air from dust, radioactive particles, and harmful aerosols
- Activated carbon – absorbs toxic gases and chemical vapors
So basically: one part stops particles, the other deals with gases.
Check the Filter Before Use
Make sure the filter is in good condition:
- no dents, rust, or holes
- threads are not damaged
- nothing is loose inside (you shouldn’t hear particles moving)
If something feels off – don’t use it.
GP-5 Sizes and Markings
The GP-5 comes in 5 sizes: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4
(ShM-62U versions are marked as 0u–4u)
You can find the size and info stamped on the mask (usually near the chin):
- size number
- year of production (last two digits)
- production quarter (dots)
- factory mark
- mold number
How to Read the Markings
Markings on the mask tell you basic info.
For example:
“F 775” – mold number
“C 87” – factory “C”, made in 1987 (first quarter)
How to Choose the Right Size
To find your size, measure your head in a full loop:
over the top, along the cheeks, and under the chin.
Round to the nearest 0.5 cm.
- up to 63 cm → size 0
- 63.5–65.5 cm → size 1
- 66–68 cm → size 2
- 68.5–70.5 cm → size 3
- 71 cm and more → size 4
Make sure the mask fits tight — this is critical.
Check the Mask Before Use
- Gas mask carrying bag
- Anti-fog films
- Eyepieces (lenses)
- Helmet-mask
- Valve box
- Gas mask filter (canister)
Look over the facepiece carefully:
- no cracks or holes in the rubber
- no rust on metal parts
- valves are present and working
- retaining rings are in place
Before and After Use
Before using a new mask:
- wipe it inside and outside with a clean damp cloth
- blow through the valves
After use:
- wipe it dry inside
- let it air dry
Anti-Fog Films (Important)
These small films keep the lenses from fogging.
How to use:
- Remove the retaining ring
- Clean the lens
- Insert the film (anti-fog side facing the glass)
- Put the ring back
Tip: you can check the correct side by breathing on it – the side that doesn’t fog goes toward the glass.
Storage Tips
- Each box has 6 films
- Keep the box closed
- Seal it to protect from moisture
Extra Tip
Anti-fog films also help in cold weather – they prevent the lenses from freezing down to about -10°C.
Anti-Fog Tips
If the anti-fog film becomes cloudy – replace it. It no longer works.
You can also use a special anti-fog pencil:
- clean the lenses
- draw 5–6 light lines (like a grid)
- spread it with your finger until the glass is clear
Carry Bag
The bag is used to store and carry the mask.
It has:
- shoulder strap
- one flat pocket
- two larger pockets (for extra gear)
What to Do If the Mask Is Damaged
If the mask is slightly torn – press the damaged spot with your hand.
If it’s badly damaged or the lenses break:
- hold your breath
- close your eyes
- remove the mask
- unscrew the filter
- breathe through the filter directly (through the opening)
Storage Rules (Important)
- don’t store it in damp places
- don’t keep it in a wet bag
- don’t dry it near fire or heaters
Cold Weather Use
In winter, special lens covers (insulating cuffs) are used.
They create a double layer with air between the lenses, which helps prevent freezing.
- use them below -10°C
- combine with anti-fog films for best effect
If it’s very cold and safe air, you can warm the mask under your jacket.
Ice Problems
If valves or threads freeze – remove the ice carefully before use.
Choosing the Right GP-5 Size
Before using the mask, you need the correct size. This is very important.
Measure your head in a full loop:
over the top, along the cheeks, and under the chin.
Round the result to the nearest 0.5 cm.
Size Chart
- up to 63 cm → size 0
- 63.5–65.5 cm → size 1
- 66–68 cm → size 2
- 68.5–70.5 cm → size 3
- 71 cm and more → size 4
Tip:
The mask should fit tight, without gaps. If it’s too loose – it won’t protect you properly.
Head Fit and Preparation
The mask must fit tight on your face.
No air should get inside without passing through the filter.
Before First Use
If the mask is new:
- wipe it inside and outside with a clean damp cloth
- blow through the exhale valves
If the Mask Was Used Before
If someone else used it:
- wipe it with alcohol or disinfectant
- make sure it’s clean before putting it on
Tip:
A good fit = real protection. If air leaks in, the mask won’t do its job.
Check the GP-5 Before Use
Take the mask out and check everything:
- no holes or cracks in the rubber
- lenses are not broken
- valves are clean and working
- filter has no dents or rust
- bag and parts are complete
Quick Leak Test
Put the mask on.
Cover the filter opening with your hand and try to inhale.
- if you can’t breathe → mask is OK
- if air comes in → mask is faulty
If Something Is Wrong
- check the rubber seal inside
- reassemble and test again
- if it still leaks → replace the mask or filter
How to Assemble
- remove caps from the filter
- insert anti-fog films
- screw the filter tightly into the mask
How to Pack It
- fold the mask carefully
- put filter down, mask on top
- close the bag properly
Fogging Problem
Lenses may fog because of breathing.
- above 0°C → fogging
- below 0°C → may freeze
Use:
- anti-fog films
- anti-fog pencil
- lens covers (below -10°C)
Anti-Fog Films
- insert with the correct side toward the glass
- fix with retaining ring
- can be reused (dry after use)
Final Check
A proper test should be done in a controlled environment.
If the mask is damaged or incomplete – replace it.
Anti-Fog Films (How to Use and Store)
Keep the film box closed and dry.
After opening, seal it to protect from moisture.
Don’t take films out unless you need them.
No Film? Use Anti-Fog Pencil
If you don’t have films:
- clean the lenses
- draw 5–6 light lines (grid style)
- breathe on the glass
- spread with your finger until clear
If it still fogs – repeat.
Extra Anti-Fog Protection
The mask also has airflow inside to reduce fogging.
In winter, use lens covers (insulating cuffs):
- put them over the lenses
- they create a double layer
- helps prevent freezing
Using the GP-5 Gas Mask
Protection depends not just on the mask – but on how you use it.
You need to learn to put it on fast and correctly.
3 Positions of the Mask
The GP-5 can be in three positions:
- Marching (stored in bag)
- Ready (quick access)
- Combat (on your face)
How to Carry It (Marching Position)
- wear the bag over your right shoulder
- keep it on your left side
- adjust straps so it sits at belt level
- keep the flap facing away from you
Before packing:
- check lenses and valves
- clean if needed
- replace anti-fog films if unclear
Then:
- fold the mask
- put it in the bag
- close it properly
Move the bag slightly back so it doesn’t block your movement.
Ready Position (Before Danger)
If there’s a real threat, move the mask to ready position.
- pull the bag forward
- open it
- make sure you can grab the mask fast
Also, prepare your head:
- loosen or remove your hat
- make it easy to take off quickly
Left: ready to use
Right: fully on (combat mode)
Combat Position (Put It On Fast)
If there’s danger – act immediately.
- hold your breath
- close your eyes
- remove your hat
Then:
- grab the mask with both hands
- place it under your chin
- pull it up fast over your head
Make sure:
- no folds
- lenses line up with your eyes
Then:
- exhale fully
- open your eyes
- start breathing
Put your hat back and secure the bag.
While Wearing the Mask
- breathe slow and deep
- don’t panic
If breathing gets hard:
- slow down
- take deep breaths
- exhale strongly
How to Remove the Mask
- lift your hat
- grab the front (valve area)
- pull the mask off
After that:
- wipe it inside
- let it dry
- fold and pack it back
Winter Use (Cold Weather Tips)
Cold = problems.
Rubber gets stiff, lenses freeze, valves can stick.
What to do:
- use anti-fog films + winter eye covers
- warm the mask under your jacket if needed
- breathe out sharply sometimes to keep valves working
- remove ice gently (tap or warm with hands)
Crossing Water
If water is clean (no danger):
- seal the filter
- close all openings with caps/plugs
After crossing:
- wipe everything dry
- open the filter again
Care & Maintenance
Treat it like important gear:
- don’t drop it
- keep it dry
- don’t store in wet bag
- don’t dry near fire or heaters
Cleaning:
- wash with warm water + soap
- dry well (especially valves)
If Contaminated
- wipe chemical drops immediately
- for radiation → clean outside with wet cloth
- disinfect if needed
If Mask is Damaged
Small tear:
- press it with your hand
Big damage:
- hold breath
- remove mask
- unscrew filter
- breathe through filter directly (mouth only)
If Filter is Damaged
- cover hole with hand or improvise (cloth, dirt, etc.)
- if possible → replace quickly
To replace in danger:
- hold breath
- swap fast
- exhale sharply
- continue breathing
Storage Rules
- keep in dry place
- no chemicals nearby
- store assembled in bag
- not on floor
- not near heat
Important
- keep mask ready at all times
- don’t put random stuff in the bag
- check it regularly
Simple idea:
This thing works – but only if you treat it right.
More interesting articles:
History of Soviet Gas Masks: Development, Models and Use
Telnyashka: History of the Russian Navy and VDV Striped Shirt
Top Soviet WW2 Equipment Used by Soldiers: RKKA Uniform Guide
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