Solid review I personally would say you should size up to a medium as the M65 should fit more generously and the small looks a bit too snug on you. I would also say if you wanted an 'authentic' M65 at a cheaper price, and didn't want to buy vintage, then maybe go for the Alpha Industries version.
That is a very nice reproduction. I'd buy that jacket if there wasnt any surplus. Just visited a Military Surplus store in Oklahoma and they had plenty of USGI Medium sized jackets. I left with a Large-long for one of my boys and a XL-long for me. Winter is coming, might as well look cool and be warm.
When the alert bell chimes letting you know the Devon Reviewer is back with a new video, it is a fantastic day!! Thank you for sharing ... best channel on TH-cam.
I believe the eyelets at 4:40 are not for the optional liner but for an optional hood (typically seen attached to the M-65 Parka). The liner has eyelets only and connects to buttons on the jacket. It also connects to the body of the jacket, below the collar so these eyelets are too high. This is an M-65 field jacket, the same design as the M-65 Parka and because it is mil spec the parts are interchangeable. For this reason I was able to attach an M-51 Parka hood to my M-65 Parka.
I wear an original 71 dated M65 quite a bit in the wintertime. It is quite warm with the liner, and relatively water resistant. The construction on the Rickson in the video looks spot on, but the color looks more like the brownish OD7 found on M43/M51, rather than the greener OD107. It could just be the screen I’m watching it on, or Rickson may have copied a really early M65.
@@DevonReviewer Only the first one is really good. After that they became trashy Action movies. The first one got a message and was kind of an political statement one the Vietnam war
Thanks, there seems to be a lack of info on the cuff and also the button on the front (general thinking is that is for a additional cold weather hood).. did you get instruction manuals for kit when you were in basic training?
No idea if it’s correct, but I imagine that the bottom is not attached to keep the rain off the body. Similar to how an inner tent is not directly in contact with the outer. The same feature is the case with my Vintage raincoat.
Thanks for this info....makes sense. .i treat mine with silicone spray which helps make them reasonably water resistant...fine for most urban uses where your not going to be wearing it for days on end in our door constantly raining situations....ive walked to work (1 hour 20 minutes) in reasonably heavy rain and been more or less dry...apart from sweat lol...and..I've got 3 alpha industries ones late 70s early 80s...and they pretty good condition considering the age..so very hard wearing...although I never liked the left hand zip and on mine one has frayed due to me fiddling with it to fastion due to been right handed...I will get a new zipper fitted one day...nice review
Think the button for a separate more substantial hood to attach. I know there is one in the collar. But I think it's for one like that of the parka. The button hole's on the collar are also for the hood, not the liner. The liner is collarless. I'd have sized up, at least 1 size. It looks good for a tailored fit, but like you mentioned, with a liner, or thick jumper, it would be very snug.
Polycotton liner is for ease of movement. Cotton and cotton would drag. Why do sleeves have nylon? Ease of movement. Button for rank. Liner is nylon for ease of movement. The triangle connects to gloves. And covers back of hand , protects from wind.
I own two genuine vintage M-65 jackets made by Cherokee Industries (1975), late Vietnam War era and Sew Sew Styles (1989) made under a USAF contract . The Buzz Ruckson is the most faithful reproduction of an early original. The short zipper is correct and is intended for ease of movement. Today's Alpha Industries M-65s are fashion jackets made of stiffer material, with redesigned front pockets, plus inside pockets not on the original. Their shade of olive green used on the latest versions is inaccurate, as it's not OG-107. But rather it is sage green. Period vintage M-65s in OG-107 and good condition are now very rare and extremely expensive, even in the United States. However, originals in M-81 woodland camouflage are plentiful in vintage clothes shops throughout London, often just lightly used. They cost only around £45. If you purchase the quilted liner and wear a wool jumper underneath, plus a wool US military watch cap under the hood, then the M-65 becomes easily warm enough to cope with the UK's frozen weather. But the jacket will be much tighter, so do take care not to size down, if it's bought for that intention. For budget buyers, a great alternative is the Austrian Army's own similar M-65 jacket, which is made of superb quality materials and shows superior workmanship. It's a bit smarter looking. I own two of these, but they don't accept a quilted liner and have button fastening, not snaps. It is, however, a rather heavier jacket.
I believe Alpha Industries current offerings are actually one of, if not the closest reproductions available... the jackets that came with brass zippers were made out of 50 % nylon 50 % cotton, which would have softened with time and wear (as it would on the reproductions). you are correct about the inside pockets not being present on the originals, but i'm not sure that they redesigned front pockets. as for the colour, it will probably even out with wear, as all the old jackets have been worn and faded from the sun, whereas the new jackets haven't faded, yet. the original m65s had aluminium zippers, which was changed to brass, then eventually a plastic zipper until they ceased production of the m65s. the current alpha industries jackets are not 100% accurate, but they are damn close, and i wouldn't call them a fashion jacket, they would be just as durable and useful as the originals. they are overpriced, considering their manufacturing location, but they are less than half the price of the real mccoys / buzz rickson, which are extremely overpriced.
Or get a Helikon-Tex m65 , They are Awesome HIGH QUALITY - a remake but made to 100% true original MILITARY specs and affordable - Highly recommended ! Buzz ricksons are a bit OVERPRICED !
Hi mate I no it’s off topic with this review. I’m looking at getting some urban shepherd boots I’m a 9.5 g in a loake what would you recommend pal. Thanks in advance
If you purchase the button-in quilted liner, then it will definitely be warm enough. It's a light weight nylon inner jacket filled with polyester wadding, and will greatly improve the M-65's usefulness. I've worn a genuine US-issue M-65 as such in frozen weather; it's very effective insulation. You can buy original GI issue liners off eBay. Do try to buy a later issue liner, as they have front buttons that allow you to wear them as a separate jacket.
I have 2 M65 jackets by Brandit and they are excellent quality. They are as i remembered them years ago and seem a bit better. I got them on Amazon for €120 each, brand new. I looked up the one you have and its very expensive and seems a lesser quality then mine. 👍
I think that is down to the individual, all BR jackets I have had are extremely well made and look like they will last a lifetime... but if you dont put value in reproduction details like period appropriate urea buttons then there are probably better "value" modern jackets
Chest pockets are too big and the colour is too brown. I have an original NOS Vietnam era M-65 and it's a tank. Plus, I would never pay that much for a Japanese knock off when you can get a Propper M-65 for a fraction of the cost.
Solid review I personally would say you should size up to a medium as the M65 should fit more generously and the small looks a bit too snug on you. I would also say if you wanted an 'authentic' M65 at a cheaper price, and didn't want to buy vintage, then maybe go for the Alpha Industries version.
The helikon tex seems a better option at a much lower price for me
That is a very nice reproduction. I'd buy that jacket if there wasnt any surplus. Just visited a Military Surplus store in Oklahoma and they had plenty of USGI Medium sized jackets. I left with a Large-long for one of my boys and a XL-long for me. Winter is coming, might as well look cool and be warm.
When the alert bell chimes letting you know the Devon Reviewer is back with a new video, it is a fantastic day!! Thank you for sharing ... best channel on TH-cam.
Thanks Bryce!
The liner is not attached at the bottom to allow the wearer to pack leaves or similar into the cavity for added insulation in the field of action.
Love the ginger moggy!
Orange mountain lion on the hunt for wild mices.
The reason the lower lining hem is not stitched to the outer is to stop the jacket filling with water and dangerously weighing you down in water
Ah, good point, I had not thought of that, thanks for sharing
I believe the eyelets at 4:40 are not for the optional liner but for an optional hood (typically seen attached to the M-65 Parka). The liner has eyelets only and connects to buttons on the jacket. It also connects to the body of the jacket, below the collar so these eyelets are too high. This is an M-65 field jacket, the same design as the M-65 Parka and because it is mil spec the parts are interchangeable. For this reason I was able to attach an M-51 Parka hood to my M-65 Parka.
Thanks for the info, lots of interesting features on this jacket!
I wear an original 71 dated M65 quite a bit in the wintertime. It is quite warm with the liner, and relatively water resistant. The construction on the Rickson in the video looks spot on, but the color looks more like the brownish OD7 found on M43/M51, rather than the greener OD107. It could just be the screen I’m watching it on, or Rickson may have copied a really early M65.
Nice I have the olive green alpha industries version I love it.
Another iconic movie appearance worth mentioning, First Blood John Rambo US Army Commando Sylvester Stallone M65 Cotton Jacket
Thanks, I feel a little ashamed to admit I have never seen any of the Rambo series... I will add it to my watch list
@@DevonReviewer Only the first one is really good. After that they became trashy Action movies. The first one got a message and was kind of an political statement one the Vietnam war
We never wore the cuff out . I don’t believe it attaches to glove . The Gloves worn with the M65 were black leather gloves with wool inserts .
Thanks, there seems to be a lack of info on the cuff and also the button on the front (general thinking is that is for a additional cold weather hood).. did you get instruction manuals for kit when you were in basic training?
No idea if it’s correct, but I imagine that the bottom is not attached to keep the rain off the body. Similar to how an inner tent is not directly in contact with the outer. The same feature is the case with my Vintage raincoat.
Thanks for the info, interesting that it sounds like this is the design of the era
Thanks for this info....makes sense. .i treat mine with silicone spray which helps make them reasonably water resistant...fine for most urban uses where your not going to be wearing it for days on end in our door constantly raining situations....ive walked to work (1 hour 20 minutes) in reasonably heavy rain and been more or less dry...apart from sweat lol...and..I've got 3 alpha industries ones late 70s early 80s...and they pretty good condition considering the age..so very hard wearing...although I never liked the left hand zip and on mine one has frayed due to me fiddling with it to fastion due to been right handed...I will get a new zipper fitted one day...nice review
They last forever, I’ve been wearing mine since 81
Think the button for a separate more substantial hood to attach. I know there is one in the collar. But I think it's for one like that of the parka. The button hole's on the collar are also for the hood, not the liner. The liner is collarless. I'd have sized up, at least 1 size. It looks good for a tailored fit, but like you mentioned, with a liner, or thick jumper, it would be very snug.
Thanks for the info, and I think I agree on the fit, will try and get hold of a "Medium"!
My field jacket was my favorite jacket,I wore it regularly for years ,til became a bit thread bear.
Its a really nice jacket, I remain undecided on fit, did you where yours "fitted" like mine or a little more roomy?
@@DevonReviewer Mine was rather roomy,US army issue.
Great jacket!
Polycotton liner is for ease of movement. Cotton and cotton would drag. Why do sleeves have nylon? Ease of movement. Button for rank. Liner is nylon for ease of movement. The triangle connects to gloves. And covers back of hand , protects from wind.
In the first Terminator movie, the T800 wore a M65.
I own two genuine vintage M-65 jackets made by Cherokee Industries (1975), late Vietnam War era and Sew Sew Styles (1989) made under a USAF contract . The Buzz Ruckson is the most faithful reproduction of an early original. The short zipper is correct and is intended for ease of movement. Today's Alpha Industries M-65s are fashion jackets made of stiffer material, with redesigned front pockets, plus inside pockets not on the original. Their shade of olive green used on the latest versions is inaccurate, as it's not OG-107. But rather it is sage green.
Period vintage M-65s in OG-107 and good condition are now very rare and extremely expensive, even in the United States. However, originals in M-81 woodland camouflage are plentiful in vintage clothes shops throughout London, often just lightly used. They cost only around £45.
If you purchase the quilted liner and wear a wool jumper underneath, plus a wool US military watch cap under the hood, then the M-65 becomes easily warm enough to cope with the UK's frozen weather. But the jacket will be much tighter, so do take care not to size down, if it's bought for that intention. For budget buyers, a great alternative is the Austrian Army's own similar M-65 jacket, which is made of superb quality materials and shows superior workmanship. It's a bit smarter looking. I own two of these, but they don't accept a quilted liner and have button fastening, not snaps. It is, however, a rather heavier jacket.
I believe Alpha Industries current offerings are actually one of, if not the closest reproductions available... the jackets that came with brass zippers were made out of 50 % nylon 50 % cotton, which would have softened with time and wear (as it would on the reproductions).
you are correct about the inside pockets not being present on the originals, but i'm not sure that they redesigned front pockets.
as for the colour, it will probably even out with wear, as all the old jackets have been worn and faded from the sun, whereas the new jackets haven't faded, yet.
the original m65s had aluminium zippers, which was changed to brass, then eventually a plastic zipper until they ceased production of the m65s.
the current alpha industries jackets are not 100% accurate, but they are damn close, and i wouldn't call them a fashion jacket, they would be just as durable and useful as the originals. they are overpriced, considering their manufacturing location, but they are less than half the price of the real mccoys / buzz rickson, which are extremely overpriced.
I have M65 from basic training in 1981 , the zipper is short originally like your coat .
Strange design feature when the jacket is designed to keep troops warm, I guess its a trade off for flexibility?
Here in Canada you wouldn’t even wear this in the fall. Late spring at most.
Popular culture - M65? I wore one nearly everyday as a member of the US Air Force. Did you get the liner too?
I need size XL long
More parics for ordering, please! hese ex Japan?
i would size up, give yourself a bit more layer and wriggle room
Or get a Helikon-Tex m65 , They are Awesome HIGH QUALITY - a remake but made to 100% true original MILITARY specs and affordable - Highly recommended ! Buzz ricksons are a bit OVERPRICED !
hows your onis, tanuki jackets????
Hi mate I no it’s off topic with this review. I’m looking at getting some urban shepherd boots I’m a 9.5 g in a loake what would you recommend pal. Thanks in advance
i would 1 size up
Will this be sufficient for UK winter? Otherwise is there any similar buzz rickson alternative ?
If you purchase the button-in quilted liner, then it will definitely be warm enough. It's a light weight nylon inner jacket filled with polyester wadding, and will greatly improve the M-65's usefulness. I've worn a genuine US-issue M-65 as such in frozen weather; it's very effective insulation. You can buy original GI issue liners off eBay. Do try to buy a later issue liner, as they have front buttons that allow you to wear them as a separate jacket.
I have 2 M65 jackets by Brandit and they are excellent quality. They are as i remembered them years ago and seem a bit better. I got them on Amazon for €120 each, brand new. I looked up the one you have and its very expensive and seems a lesser quality then mine. 👍
Have a Brandit giant too , top quality, highly recommended 👍
Hey Devon. You still liking the sz S? How are you liking the jacket overall?
The jacket is excellent, I swapped it for a Medium in the end... perfect!
Worth the price?
I think that is down to the individual, all BR jackets I have had are extremely well made and look like they will last a lifetime... but if you dont put value in reproduction details like period appropriate urea buttons then there are probably better "value" modern jackets
Hey dude, it is too small for you. One size up should look better
Chest pockets are too big and the colour is too brown. I have an original NOS Vietnam era M-65 and it's a tank.
Plus, I would never pay that much for a Japanese knock off when you can get a Propper M-65 for a fraction of the cost.
They got the color completely wrong unless you ment to purchase a brown one
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