M-65 Field Jackets

D

dullone

Joined
Aug 27, 2002
Messages
860
I'm intrested in buying a new (not surplus) M-65 field jacket, with optional winter liner.
What I'd like is some feed back on which are the better brands.
How warm, durable and functional are these jackets??
Any help would be most appreciated.:)
 
Not exactly sure what brand of M-65 is best. The issued ones didn't have any brand tags on them, as least none that I could find easily. The jacket was just as durable as the regular BDUs, IMHO. You'll need the liner if you want some warmth in winter. Not much water and wind resistance either. These days, I go for Goretex. Just my 2 cents.
 
The M65 is HEAVY, especially when it gets wet. You'll be better off getting a milspec goretex shell and layering with down or polarfleece, hollowfill or such.
 
Agree with all so far. Alpha Industries produces good stuff. And has a fine reputation for their products. Just recently was another variation of the M65 made available by Alpha. I' m not sure if it has the same designation. But it is made of what appears to be ripstop nylon. And has all the familiar features of the original M65. Just may be the ticket.

Nakano
 
I got an M-65 with the button-in liner from Shomer-Tec last winter. Since then, it's been my regular cold weather coat. I tend to layer, with a sweater or quilted flannel shirt instead of the liner -- using the liner with the temperature above 10 degrees F is too hot.

It's not a bad windbreaker and wards off a light rain just fine, but I don't know if that will last. I was surprised how waterproof it is, since that's not what I got it for.

The pockets each have their own designated gear, which has saved me from having to carry a backpack :D

I wish I'd gotten one years ago!
 
Ed, Ed, Ed, you need a vest man! I, like yourself and probably many others require a never ending demand for pockets on my person. Mini lights, knives, writing utensils, cell phone, candy, spare mag reload(!), keys, checkbook wallet, etc.

Dullone, you may want to research that ripstop nylon version. It happens to be on my want list for now. But it is pricey, at least $150 if I recall correctly. Perhaps Alpha Industries has a web site. And they probably can be found for a substantial discount on line.

N.
 
10-4 on your vest comment. I've got a Royal Robbins 5.11 tactical vest and I love it. A place for everything, everything in it's place.

Can't seem to find any info on Alpha ripstop version. They do have a website, but didn't see anything on this version.
 
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