Yes sir me to hands 🙌🏻 down. You can’t beat um. And if you do beat um up. get out little thread 🧵 or cut a patch off them old army pants that’s plum slap wore out. And go to town. Lol. Back in my day you had field jacket when got cold. And hunting season. If you was a rock an roller you also had ur Levi blue denim jacket. With ur rock-n-roll patches. Oh ps on ur field jacket you had dads,uncles.or grandpa’s name there patches and pins. Rank and stuff. Or u would buy um when got ur jacket at surplus store. Always had few extra pins and patches to trade or give ur buddies at school some. It was like we had are own platoon in school . Hell Yeah. Oops but man brings back good memories of great times not this 💩. Shoot 9th and 12th grade I was captain of our platoon. lol. I had 4,5 good men grunt’s under my command. I had dads 1977 caddy. We go McDonald’s in morning for breakfast discuss the days mission. Which usually was where to meet up at break time. Lockers or vending machines or back patio. Yeah kids when I was in school you could smoke cigarettes 🚬 out on patio. Sometimes little something else would fill the air. Like a skunk 🦨 ran past. Or brush pile on fire 🔥 smell 👃🏻. Yeah good times. Oh kids they had soda 🥤 to in bottles. Yeah we discuss who’s got lunch detention what we’re going do when get home. Talk to few girls but that was mostly Friday or Saturday night cruise time flirting and stuff. Lol. Yes sir we wear are field jackets 🧥 and loved um. Few of um loved them so much they joined up after graduation 👨🎓 2 or 4 years to keep on wearing them year round lol. Thanks guys for your service. Well I’m starting to ramble on again so I’ll leave y’all on this note to stay safe hit that like and subscribe for our ole buddy. If you haven’t already. Keep a eye on Russia. Prayers to them over there fighting for there lives ,homes,and our troops there close and ones going to stay safe. I don’t know any more. Not like it was back n good ole days. But everything changes. Everything changes. Hope it’s not for worst. peace and love to my friends and family. To all of yalls to. Watch out for the cove crap 💩 back here. Blackie tell ya. It’s Not good. So far I’ve been ok I guess. Took the one and done shot which ever one that is. Might booster up idk. Just living L-I-V-I-N From ur ole talking to much hillbilly buddy.
I went to Walmart earlier today and I wore my M65. I’ve had it probably 30 years and it remains one of my favorite hunting coats. You taught me some things about the M65 that I didn’t know! Thanks for sharing this with us.
This is why I love this channel! It is a 19 minute and 42 second video on a field coat I've already watched it once and I'm watching it a second time! This is hands down my favorite TH-cam channel!
Tho I thought that your favorite channel was mine! 😉😂😊 I couldn’t agree more with ya…and about time Blackie gets his sub count up! He has the BEST channel!
When my grandad passed away, I inherited his M65. It’s been my favorite coat for almost thirty years. Many people over the years have admired it and even offered to buy it more than once, but I’ll never part with it. Someday I hope to pass it down to my son. It’s one piece of gear that the military got right from the beginning. I’ll never understand why they stopped making them.
I'm 53 and been wearing the M65 since I was about 12. On my second one now. I'm a city boy now and the M65 does double duty as a piece of outdoor equipment and a stylish jacket for the city. I've always said if you can only own one coat, make it the M65. Another technique for making a pillow is to stuff the entire jacket into one sleeve. My dad was career Air force and always wore just the liner all the time. Consider a black one.
The first jacket I ever bought myself,at 17 yo was a M65. I grew outta that jacket. I still wear them today at 54. I'd like to see what people have done to modify their jackets. Special liners, secret pockets, Patches? I also have the Fishtail parka. a 1951? Great over coat kinda jacket. I wish the M65 had warm hand pockets like the M51.
Bought mine from a guy who loved them so much he bought 20 or 30 of em, after telling stories of the men who wore it and he himself. I've worn it everytime the weather gets a bit chilly and any time I need a hardy jacket. One of the best purchases I ever made. My wife agrees and before she was my wife was the person who fully convinced me to buy one.
I totally agree, Blackie. I've loved the M65 and have had one (or sometimes two) ever since I got out of the Army in the early '70s. Really learned to appreciate it in Northern German winters on guard duty. In my opinion it is by far the best-designed garment (with options) of its type ever fielded. I've always had a liner handy, but only last year I finally got the Arctic hood option, and it did come in handy, with its faux-fur ruff on frigid, windy days. Plus, the pockets are roomy enough for all sorts of EDC, food, etc.
I wear a woodland M65 and I got mine for about 4 bucks at a local Goodwill a couple of years ago. I really like the lower pockets, you can fit something as large as a 2 liter of soda in a pinch. I bought a cold weather liner for it too, and I think that was a good addition for colder weather, it keeps me pretty warm.
Thanks Blackie you reminded me of things I hadn't thought of for 25 years. I wss issued 2 one of them was O.D. Green the other was woodland camo. The o.d green was the last one in green issued on Fort Jackson circa 09/1983. Damn ! I must be ancient. They do one more thing you didn't mention , grow legs and walk off if you turn your back.
Got one in .o.d. beginning 84 in basic at Ft.Benning along with the woodland camo one. We used Vietnam dated jungle uniforms for hot weather uniforms up until I ets in 88. Funny all the left over item's the army was using up back then. Cheers brother
Thanks Blackie, these are my favorite coat. I have had 4 stolen from me that were issued to me in 79 and 81. still have one from then but outgrew it. I have 2 newer ones now and they are worth every penny of the 100 bucks I paid for them (came with the liners) . You forgot to mention the bottom draw string. Also, there is a field pants over garment with liner for really cold conditions. I use the liners top and bottoms for cold weather sleeping too. Great jackets and mandatory for my kit.
I gotta say i love my swiss Alpenflage it has an attachable rucksack but there is a stand alone swiss rucksack its good too and the red camo suprisingly blends in to river bottoms in winters here in tx dad laughed when in bought it but when i got in woods he changed tune and got a set 🤣
Yep, still one of my ABSOLUTELY favorite coats of all time !!! I do make some modifications to some of them...using material from others, I extend the tail to that of the Fishtail Parkas. Some I have added zippers along the inside edge of the upper pockets and along the outside edges of the lower pockets for flat pockets BEHIND the original, now outer, pockets. I have added Bicep pockets to a couple of those as well. WORKS AWESOME for my purposes.
On one of mine a made a wide pocket inside with a zipper access from the outside of the lower back of the jacket.I keep a large plastic bag in it. I use it to carry squirrels and rabbits when I go hunting.
That pillow trick is pretty neat! I bought my first M65 in 2016 when I was in college. Now that I moved to Montana, it's my everyday companion all-seasons. O.G. military gear is the best! Thanks for this great video!
My 2 favorite jackets are the OD M65 my dad brought back from Iraq, and the woodland M65 he was issued. Being in Kansas, I've found it's far more practical to line it with a hoodie instead of the liner (easier to shed a layer). I also have an OD knock off from the Sportsmans Guide, and it's actually pretty decent. It's almost impossible to find an original U.S issue one anymore, probably for the reasons you mentioned.
Over in Korea every major city has a flea market with a military surplus section and you can find tons of original OD, woodland and dessert M65s. I once even found an original M43 field jacket and I kick myself to this day for not buying it.
Look at big gear round flea markets. Usually there’s an army navy store in them. In central jersey around freehold Howell general area there’s a few. Aside from that Gun shows always seam to have them. Lastly ebay. Best jacket out there by far
I still have mine from Gulf war....Sand camo...Bought a black w/liner...Love the Heck out off it...My go too winter jacket and warm with liner...Army / Navy surplus...$ 85.00 brand new...Be my life time winter jacket....Best investment since peanut butter...LoL..
My cousin served in Korea and had a modification or two that were very cool . 😎 #1- He had some wool army blankets made into liners that stayed warm even when wet . #2- He had some ov those waterproof bags (army issue) , made into a rain jacket that was also lined with wool blanket material. I had his rain jacket for many years and it was amazing. Field experience at it's best !
Great video...My M65 has a heavy duty "SCOVILL" 18" zipper (which has broken, by the way...Anyone know where I can find a replacement?)...not a "YKK"...
I was first given my grandads M65 fishtail parka as a boyscout was issued an M65 jacket while in the Army when I transfered and stationed in Alaska in 93 wash issued another M65 fishtail and issued the arctic hood that had a real coyote fur trim always been my favorite in very cold wet weather to this day the new military crap just doesn't hold a candle to the old M65 series
The GI field jacket went away (thankfully) when the U.S. Military switched to Gore-Tex parkas in the early 1980s. The GI field jacket is all cotton and sponge. Get soaking wet it takes forever to dry and robs you of your internal core. It's basically a heavy cotton work jacket. Easy to launder, cheap to replace. This fellow was never a GI himself or he'd have a different opinion of the jacket after the Gore-Tex jackets and pants were issued. In a dry-cold environment with a liner it works somewhat but the fishtail parka is a lot better. It's longer, it's attached parka hood works better. A field jacket will work in a pinch. Today, like everything else old GI stuff commands a premium price for whatever reasons. And I base the opinions on my service in both Korea and Alaska.
As a 53 year old guy, I'd guess that any jacket taken from a punk that only heard about how owie blister can be might bit perfect. Old people are stewpid like that.
What memories your bringing back! My 1st m65 was when I was 16, my mom bought for my birthday 1976. That lasted till I was 26 and at 27 I bought my 2nd m65 and I still have it. 😆👍
The m-65 liner was hand to wear by itself under my uniform blouse when the weather wasn’t too terribly cold. I bought an extra liner to use this way. I owned two m65 field jackets when I was in the army. Eventually we were issued Gore-Tex around 1992. It was a pretty good kit as well. What waterproof yet breathable. It had a very warm liner like the M 65.
Wore them all of my life. Dad was a lifer. I still have mine issued to me in the 70s and three liners. With layers to go between the three and the jacket you can go from slightly cold to full blown freeze and all three of them compressed in a bag weigh nothing in my pack. Learning to shuck or add layers at the correct time is the key.
Found one in a thrift store 4 years ago, it quickly replaced my Carhartt. Even without the liner, it's extremely want yet no where near as bulky as other jackets.
I have two coats i use a lot in the fields here. The M-65 replica for the winter and a smock parka for the summer. I need to use the replica because they didn't make the original in my size, I'm 6 foot 8. As a kid i had the original on but unfortunately i grew out of it.
When I was in Deck Div on board USS Greenling, ssn-614, back in the early 80s I was allowed to wear M-65 inliue of Navy foul weather jacket because it was simply better gear. Being in Groton CT in dry dock in the winter it was extremely cold but with the attachable hood it was tolerable. I replaced the jacket a time or two but still have my original hood.
when i drove a 18wheeler and i drove up into the cold country i carried one of those hoods it was a big help trying to tarp a flat bed in 20 below temps
I am ex-Navy too and never could understand why the Pea Coat was invented. It was worthless so I always wore an Army Jacket. Back in the 70s a lot of us did. I still wear an Army Jacket to this day. A lot of practical thought went into their design!
Oh I'm using that pillow trick I can't believe I didn't know that , Ok admittedly I have German parka but very similar designs except doesn't fold into collar , I had a NATO m65 back in 90s used to go fishing go to work in or just grab to walk the dog go to shop it just worked . Trick we use on sticky zips is to rub the graphite from a normal pencil on the zip It acts like a lubricant but sticks to the metal longer than oil or grease based lube and it's less messy 👍
I've had several of these, right now I have two Golden MFG model 65s mil surp unissued. One is woodland camo and the other is tri-color desert pattern that I dyed a darker shade of brown to blend better with the environment around here in Northern Nevada. Have a liner that a switch out with whichever jacket I'm taking out. I also used a couple of plastic cord locks on the inside waist ties, that way I have my exact fit and never need to tie the strings, just sinch down the cord locks based on what I'm wearing under the jacket. Fantastic go-to bushcraft/camping, working jacket. There's really nothing to improve on. Don't know why the military got rid of it, better quality and construction than any modern issue field jackets
I bought mine at a flea market in Jacksonville, Florida. The guy had it on a hanger with a price tag of $15, because he said it was a defective " seconds" with incomplete pockets, as they were sewn shut. Well, I knew why they were " sewn shut ". It's so when new deliveries were shipped they were stacked on pallets, and this was to keep the pocket flaps down, so they wouldn't be wrinkled or crumpled upon delivery to the military. When they were issued, you simply released the tacked down pockets and you went on your merry way. At the time, my brother told me that they were going for $45 up on base. I'm still using mine many years later and I count on it every winter. BTW, where did you get that hat ? I WANT ONE !
very true i saw some new surplus ones back i n the late 70,s with sew shut pockets often those jackets were used for formal inspection the dirty used ones they took to the field for maneuvers
@@BLACKIETHOMAS Hey, Blackie ! The one I got was obviously brand spanking new and hadn't been worn by anyone. I went back the following week to see if he had any more hanging at his booth, but he said it was the only one had. So I was lucky to get it. I guess I'll have to leave town to get a hat like yours, because places that sell them are few and far between around here.
I also appreciate the M65 FJ. I still have the Large-Long M65 the Corps issued to me. I have always thought the military would make a perfect jacket by changing the outer material to Gortex, even using the nylon liner; KISS. They told us it was water resistant but it is not wool on the inside so when it got wet, "cotton is a killer." I would also appreciate it if they made a pocket in the back, like a game pocket to carry stuff. They also made trouser nylon liners by the way. Good video. Thanks.
The Austrian army used a jacket based on the M65. A darker green with different zips and pocket closures. No liner. Also cut a bit longer. The later versions had a GoreTex layer under the outer. You can get them surplus and occasionally unissued. I bough an unissued one for €50. I’ve never fused it in sustained rain to see how well it works without a traditional outer shell but it’s a fantastic jacket otherwise.
@@michaelfitzell2741 I had a student deferment but my draft lottery number came up #4. I was a sophomore. Seeing I would now get drafted the minute I graduated from college, I gave up my student deferment and went 1A (fully draftable), thinking I'd finish school on the GI Bill and save myself some money, that is if I didn't get killed in Vietnam. For some reason they didn't draft for 3+ months after I went 1A and there was this strange rule that if you were 1A and didn't get drafted within 90 days you couldn't be drafted. So I TOTALLY LUCKED OUT. No bone spurs or any other shenanigans, just plain old dumb luck. Another guy in the Dorm got a draft lottery #1 and won the $450 pool (450 guys, $1 a head) we ran for the draft lottery drawing that night. My room mate got a number in the 300s, he was clear. We all got pretty F'd up that night, some celebrating like my room mate and some just thinking about going to Vietnam, like me. Was not a fun night. My older brother Peter and bunch of my HS friends all went to Vietnam. My HS friends (and my brother) who luckily all survived Vietnam came home F'd up with Addictions, PTSD, etc. Most had a hard time adjusting to being home, some never did (my brother for one). He was hooked on drugs and alcohol, lost his wife, kids, house, jobs, etc. and died alone in a rented room on a Thanks Giving Weekend about 15 years after coming home. If you want to know what the hell was like for Vietnam Veterans, watch the Tom Cruise movie "Born On the 4th of July". My father (Army Air Force), mother (Wave), and 2 uncles (Navy & Army) all served in WW2. On the 50th anniversary of D-Day I talked to the ones still living wanting to hear their war experiences. My Uncle Hugo's eyes filled up with tears and he couldn't/refused to talked about it. My Aunt said "Hugo was in the Battle of the Bulge, we don't talk about the War". This was literally 50 years after the war was over and it still brought tears to his eyes, WOW! 'I GOT LUCKY' is an understatement.
@@BLACKIETHOMAS LOL, weren't they. And now the freaking violence is getting crazy, feels a lot like the 60s/70s. This is like "Deja vous all over again". I just might go looking for one of those coats, still a good look, and a smart piece of gear. Loved that liner. Hey, I enjoy your channel, like your style, there's no BS, no commercials, Thx!!!! .......... If something works, don't fix it! And 'Keep It Simple'.
I like my m65. I like the button in liner .even by itself on not cold but chilly days. I also have the newer field jacket. I modded it so I could button in a m65 liner into it. I like it as well. Much more water resistant than the m65 but not as stylish.
I am retired Marine (1973-94 ). I never heard the number M65 applied to field jackets, so now I feel the need to go look at mine for number. In the early years we had the plain sateen as shown here. Later on we were issued the same design but camouflage. I still have 3 now.
I grew up wearing a surplus m65 too. That thing was indestructible. And about a month ago I saw that Sportsman’s guide sells a new reproduction for $53…in an XL…I wear it everyday now. Great jacket and everyone should own one once in their life. Good video.
I got my M65 field jacket from my army sergice in 1983-1986. Still wear it with my old rank on the shoulder straps and name and US Army tape. Just bought a liner to attach to the jacket from an army surplus store. Now it will be much warmer come winter.
I got a black M65 in my early twenties. I still wear it 40 years later! The labels are gone and the drop lining is shredded round the bottom and at the arm pits but it is still serviceable. Great channel Blackie, all the best from Exeter in the UK.
I've got a jeans west knock off that i got very cheap on sale amd even though it is missing some features, it has been a great jacket for 5 years already.
That was my primary hunting jacket for 20 years before I grew out of it. I had a couple that were military issued from my Air Force days including the liners. They were perfect for anything Arizona sent my way. My top pockets held lots of "mountain money" (TP), Zippo and a Chapstick. They are probably still in those pockets along with some vintage protein bars and pinion nuts gathered while waiting for deer to pass. Tip: Pinion nuts and deer poop looks the same in the shade. Just saying! Never knew about the pillow trick. Although the field jacket is nostalgic as hell, Carhartt's Arctic Coat with the hood works very well but a lot heavier....and comes in my size. Sure would love to fit in those jackets again.
@@huntclanhunt9697 The original fidget. When I got bored waiting for deer I resorted to the classic Twilight Zone episode of seeing it she would light 10 times in a row.
Was given one by a friend years ago and still wear it all the time. It is forest camouflaged and has the navy seabee embroidered on the pocket. It has all the features you described except the liner has no buttons for stand alone. Wish I knew about the pillow trick. Far more comfortable than an air pillow.
Got a new one in M- 81 camo with the liner, wore one in the mil down to -30 F°, with the proper PPE, gloves, long johns, helmet liner, wool socks, definetly kept me warm, but the new one is strictly for hunting. The epaulet will also keep your sling on a rifle from falling off your shoulder, just hook the sling behind the button so you can retrieve the rifle without messing with button, worked for me on a M16-A1
What kind of hat is that? That looks like a hat that I am looking for. It has a nice wide brim shading all around your head, looks like it can be formed to fold up or down, and looks thick to keep in heat and protect from branches and brush. Where do I get a nice hat like that? I don't think a ball cap is that useful. Now the m65 jacket. Is it really that great? It seems rather old and hard to get now. Is there a similar/more recent option, that is easier to get, for today - 2024? There are no surplus stores near me anymore and I just started getting into this type of stuff now. Living in Cleveland Ohio, I don't see any surplus stores or other options where I can go in and try on and actually see gear. It seems most are on-line, and I don't know what I am doing so not sure I should trust just ordering from a random website. Love your videos, I learn a lot from them. I still have a lot more to learn so please keep making them and educating me and others that want to learn. Thanks!
Great jacket. Only rime in high school I was the cool kid. But the 100% cotton doesn't work in the PNW, except as a sponge. The gortex version is much better up here.
I swear Brother, I used this Coat as my Original Hunting Staple and wore an orange Road Flagger Vest over top.I also used a military style Belt with canteen and Fanny Pack for my lunch ,rope and knife way ahead of Any hunting gear was made by Cabella's.I only wish I was bright enough to market the idea!! the year was 1978
A Seabee gave the one I have , Vietnam period . Did not have a liner . Had two , but one sprouted legs and walked off . Young lady that delivered my pizza was wearing a M 65 , I told her that I liked her jacket . She said it was her uncle's , Vietnam vet . 🇺🇸
I have a chinese repop that has a few differences but I only paid 5 bucks at a sale for it a few years back.. I love it! I don't wear it much here in Florida but it comes in handy about a month of the year.. I actually put the liner back in it this year.. I think I have a hood for it somewhere even.. I wasn't going to buy it at the time, the guy at the sale kinda pushed it on me, I figured I would never wear it and didn't know what it was but it looked well made so I said for the price, I should probably get it.. I am glad that I did. I wear it when it rains in the summer to run to get something outside or whatever and it's not bad with the liner out and breathing loosely.. Even the chinese one I have is really nice quality... I wouldn't be afraid to buy a new Chinese one if you don't have one.. Mine is a Rothco Ultra Force... I really like it. Great video, thanks for posting!
Was issued mine in 72. Didn't get really comfortable until 15-20 years later. After that she was soft as cotton balls. The only article of military clothing I have left.
The good Thing about zipper and Buttons is also that you can leave the zipper open and just close the Buttons or only every second or third Button to prevent overheating if you dress too warm, especially with the liner button in
Nice video. Ive been wearing these jackets for decades. I got the m81 woodland one and the OD green. I got an Alpha Industries m65 and they shortened the upper pockets which I didint like it. They are still my favirite jackets. I weat them in Brazil as well in Europe.
Trying to find an actual military M 65 jacket for a big size older guy with a little extra muscle is hard to find. There's so many companies that make crappy products these days.
Here’s a little tidbit I picked up. Being curious I researched it. Found on some collector forums that my old 65 without epaulets was a first year issue. 1966. Second issue ‘67 and beyond had the epaulets. Huh how about that ?? 😃😃
Now I have to check out liners. I remember back then some liners were a real knappy material in a cream color. Friend back then had a GI parka with it. 🤔🤔😏
The epaulets are used for taking or pulling your mate buddy out of the line of fire if he has been shot injured the buttons should be able to take the weight of a fully loaded for War soldier
Always loved the look of this jacket since I was a kid growing up in the early 1990s. Finally just bought one and I love it. Only thing I would wish if it were made in America. Thank you for this great educational video!
If you want a cheap one made in America there's army surplus ones that're around the 1-200$ range, however I have a really expensive 1:1 impeccable quality reproduction from Cockpit USA up in New York, and they give you a liner for free with the jacket, but Cockpit's is really high end expensive, next to the rest of the top end manufacturers like Japanese made Buzz Rickson which is even a few hundred higher than Cockpit, but I wanted to get made in USA, so you have to pay the 'Made in USA tax' and Cockpit's costs 495$, but I know that it's gonna be miles tougher than the surplus versions.
I liked the jacket too. I was issued mine in 1972. I would also like to mention the black boots. I may be a fluke but I thiught they were pretty good to. I bought them at the Army/Navy store when I needed another pair.
please comment below if you have enjoyed your m-65 the best field jacket i have ever had
Blackie wow great bit of kit great content as always greetings from the uk 🇬🇧 glade your better after the Covid crap 👍🦊🐾🇮🇹
Yes sir me to hands 🙌🏻 down.
You can’t beat um. And if you do beat um up. get out little thread 🧵 or cut a patch off them old army pants that’s plum slap wore out. And go to town. Lol.
Back in my day you had field jacket when got cold. And hunting season.
If you was a rock an roller you also had ur Levi blue denim jacket. With ur rock-n-roll patches.
Oh ps on ur field jacket you had dads,uncles.or grandpa’s name there patches and pins. Rank and stuff. Or u would buy um when got ur jacket at surplus store. Always had few extra pins and patches to trade or give ur buddies at school some. It was like we had are own platoon in school . Hell Yeah. Oops but man brings back good memories of great times not this 💩. Shoot 9th and 12th grade I was captain of our platoon. lol. I had
4,5 good men grunt’s under my command. I had dads 1977 caddy. We go McDonald’s in morning for breakfast discuss the days mission.
Which usually was where to meet up at break time. Lockers or vending machines or back patio. Yeah kids when I was in school you could smoke cigarettes 🚬 out on patio. Sometimes little something else would fill the air. Like a skunk 🦨 ran past. Or brush pile on fire 🔥 smell 👃🏻. Yeah good times. Oh kids they had soda 🥤 to in bottles.
Yeah we discuss who’s got lunch detention what we’re going do when get home. Talk to few girls but that was mostly Friday or Saturday night cruise time flirting and stuff. Lol.
Yes sir we wear are field jackets 🧥 and loved um. Few of um loved them so much they joined up after graduation 👨🎓 2 or 4 years to keep on wearing them year round lol. Thanks guys for your service.
Well I’m starting to ramble on again so I’ll leave y’all on this note to stay safe hit that like and subscribe for our ole buddy. If you haven’t already. Keep a eye on Russia. Prayers to them over there fighting for there lives ,homes,and our troops there close and ones going to stay safe. I don’t know any more.
Not like it was back n good ole days. But everything changes. Everything changes. Hope it’s not for worst. peace and love to my friends and family. To all of yalls to.
Watch out for the cove crap 💩 back here. Blackie tell ya. It’s Not good. So far I’ve been ok I guess. Took the one and done shot which ever one that is. Might booster up idk. Just living
L-I-V-I-N
From ur ole talking to much hillbilly buddy.
MY GO TO JACKET , I actually look forward to foul weather just so I can wear it again!
I have 2 from my air force days, unfortunately, they seem to have drastically shrunk.
@@Hoggy1963 LOL! I know right!?
I went to Walmart earlier today and I wore my M65. I’ve had it probably 30 years and it remains one of my favorite hunting coats. You taught me some things about the M65 that I didn’t know! Thanks for sharing this with us.
my pleasure
I’ve had my M65 for about 15 years. It still looks great, and is probably the warmest jacket I have ever owned.
This is why I love this channel! It is a 19 minute and 42 second video on a field coat I've already watched it once and I'm watching it a second time! This is hands down my favorite TH-cam channel!
You rock!
Tho I thought that your favorite channel was mine! 😉😂😊 I couldn’t agree more with ya…and about time Blackie gets his sub count up! He has the BEST channel!
When my grandad passed away, I inherited his M65. It’s been my favorite coat for almost thirty years. Many people over the years have admired it and even offered to buy it more than once, but I’ll never part with it. Someday I hope to pass it down to my son. It’s one piece of gear that the military got right from the beginning. I’ll never understand why they stopped making them.
i knew families that when the grandfather passed his old field coat went to a grand son as a hunting coat as a sort of homage to the grandfather
Why they stopped making it.??
One word...
*LOBBYISTS.*
I also inherited my grandfather's when he passed,best coat I've ever had.
I'm 53 and been wearing the M65 since I was about 12. On my second one now. I'm a city boy now and the M65 does double duty as a piece of outdoor equipment and a stylish jacket for the city. I've always said if you can only own one coat, make it the M65. Another technique for making a pillow is to stuff the entire jacket into one sleeve. My dad was career Air force and always wore just the liner all the time. Consider a black one.
it is cool that in the city the field jacket is a fashion item
@@BLACKIETHOMAS I'm in Springfield, IL. and I've been known to wear mine to church.
Wow~ Is this the 2nd generation version? The silver zip-up is brilliant👍🏻
The first jacket I ever bought myself,at 17 yo was a M65. I grew outta that jacket. I still wear them today at 54. I'd like to see what people have done to modify their jackets. Special liners, secret pockets, Patches? I also have the Fishtail parka. a 1951? Great over coat kinda jacket. I wish the M65 had warm hand pockets like the M51.
had to pick one up yesterday ions finally classic m65- camelfluage jacket love it
Bought mine from a guy who loved them so much he bought 20 or 30 of em, after telling stories of the men who wore it and he himself. I've worn it everytime the weather gets a bit chilly and any time I need a hardy jacket. One of the best purchases I ever made. My wife agrees and before she was my wife was the person who fully convinced me to buy one.
Ok Blackie great video. What do you recommend for pants, socks and boots for cold weather. Your the greatest. Have a great day Blackie!!!
hmmm let me think on that and i will do a video on it
I totally agree, Blackie. I've loved the M65 and have had one (or sometimes two) ever since I got out of the Army in the early '70s. Really learned to appreciate it in Northern German winters on guard duty. In my opinion it is by far the best-designed garment (with options) of its type ever fielded. I've always had a liner handy, but only last year I finally got the Arctic hood option, and it did come in handy, with its faux-fur ruff on frigid, windy days. Plus, the pockets are roomy enough for all sorts of EDC, food, etc.
Brass zipper, that elevates it to man's jacket hands down. Accept no substitute
right on
I wear a woodland M65 and I got mine for about 4 bucks at a local Goodwill a couple of years ago. I really like the lower pockets, you can fit something as large as a 2 liter of soda in a pinch. I bought a cold weather liner for it too, and I think that was a good addition for colder weather, it keeps me pretty warm.
Right on i have carried food gear tones of quick grab stuff in these pockets
Thanks Blackie you reminded me of things I hadn't thought of for 25 years. I wss issued 2 one of them was O.D. Green the other was woodland camo. The o.d green was the last one in green issued on Fort Jackson circa 09/1983. Damn ! I must be ancient. They do one more thing you didn't mention , grow legs and walk off if you turn your back.
thats a fact lol
Got one in .o.d. beginning 84 in basic at Ft.Benning along with the woodland camo one. We used Vietnam dated jungle uniforms for hot weather uniforms up until I ets in 88. Funny all the left over item's the army was using up back then.
Cheers brother
Thanks Blackie, these are my favorite coat. I have had 4 stolen from me that were issued to me in 79 and 81. still have one from then but outgrew it. I have 2 newer ones now and they are worth every penny of the 100 bucks I paid for them (came with the liners) . You forgot to mention the bottom draw string. Also, there is a field pants over garment with liner for really cold conditions. I use the liners top and bottoms for cold weather sleeping too. Great jackets and mandatory for my kit.
those liners are a big help in a cold camp
I gotta say i love my swiss Alpenflage it has an attachable rucksack but there is a stand alone swiss rucksack its good too and the red camo suprisingly blends in to river bottoms in winters here in tx dad laughed when in bought it but when i got in woods he changed tune and got a set 🤣
Leibertarnmuster der WH / WSS von 1945. Deutschland, Tschechoslowakei, Polen, Schweiz alle hatten in den 1950 er Jahren dieses Tarnmuster.
God bless the person or people that created the M65 field jacket! I love mine!
Yep, still one of my ABSOLUTELY favorite coats of all time !!!
I do make some modifications to some of them...using material from others, I extend the tail to that of the Fishtail Parkas. Some I have added zippers along the inside edge of the upper pockets and along the outside edges of the lower pockets for flat pockets BEHIND the original, now outer, pockets. I have added Bicep pockets to a couple of those as well.
WORKS AWESOME for my purposes.
That is awesome!
On one of mine a made a wide pocket inside with a zipper access from the outside of the lower back of the jacket.I keep a large plastic bag in it. I use it to carry squirrels and rabbits when I go hunting.
That pillow trick is pretty neat! I bought my first M65 in 2016 when I was in college. Now that I moved to Montana, it's my everyday companion all-seasons. O.G. military gear is the best! Thanks for this great video!
my pleasure
We looked at some today but passed on them because they were made in China!
My 2 favorite jackets are the OD M65 my dad brought back from Iraq, and the woodland M65 he was issued. Being in Kansas, I've found it's far more practical to line it with a hoodie instead of the liner (easier to shed a layer). I also have an OD knock off from the Sportsmans Guide, and it's actually pretty decent. It's almost impossible to find an original U.S issue one anymore, probably for the reasons you mentioned.
they last for ever and are a great coat for everyday use love mine
I’m currently stationed in Kansas and I’m looking for one because these cold winds don’t play
Over in Korea every major city has a flea market with a military surplus section and you can find tons of original OD, woodland and dessert M65s. I once even found an original M43 field jacket and I kick myself to this day for not buying it.
Look at big gear round flea markets. Usually there’s an army navy store in them. In central jersey around freehold Howell general area there’s a few. Aside from that Gun shows always seam to have them. Lastly ebay. Best jacket out there by far
@@ultimatetrex1999ebay
I still have mine from Gulf war....Sand camo...Bought a black w/liner...Love the Heck out off it...My go too winter jacket and warm with liner...Army / Navy surplus...$ 85.00 brand new...Be my life time winter jacket....Best investment since peanut butter...LoL..
My cousin served in Korea and had a modification or two that were very cool . 😎 #1- He had some wool army blankets made into liners that stayed warm even when wet . #2- He had some ov those waterproof bags (army issue) , made into a rain jacket that was also lined with wool blanket material. I had his rain jacket for many years and it was amazing. Field experience at it's best !
i have seen a few of those made
Great video...My M65 has a heavy duty "SCOVILL" 18" zipper (which has broken, by the way...Anyone know where I can find a replacement?)...not a "YKK"...
I was first given my grandads M65 fishtail parka as a boyscout was issued an M65 jacket while in the Army when I transfered and stationed in Alaska in 93 wash issued another M65 fishtail and issued the arctic hood that had a real coyote fur trim always been my favorite in very cold wet weather to this day the new military crap just doesn't hold a candle to the old M65 series
Thx … good video 🔥🍀✌️😁👍🍀🔥 …. Please … do you know … if a M65 fieldjacket from BRANDIT is ok to buy … ? … thx
The GI field jacket went away (thankfully) when the U.S. Military switched to Gore-Tex parkas in the early 1980s. The GI field jacket is all cotton and sponge. Get soaking wet it takes forever to dry and robs you of your internal core. It's basically a heavy cotton work jacket. Easy to launder, cheap to replace. This fellow was never a GI himself or he'd have a different opinion of the jacket after the Gore-Tex jackets and pants were issued. In a dry-cold environment with a liner it works somewhat but the fishtail parka is a lot better. It's longer, it's attached parka hood works better. A field jacket will work in a pinch. Today, like everything else old GI stuff commands a premium price for whatever reasons. And I base the opinions on my service in both Korea and Alaska.
Thoughts on the N-3b Parka?
As a 53 year old guy, I'd guess that any jacket taken from a punk that only heard about how owie blister can be might bit perfect.
Old people are stewpid like that.
I've had my current M-65 for 25+ years. worn then since I was 15. I've tried many different type jackets, but I keep coming back to the M-65
me too
Used to where I'm working in the parking lot love those jackets you can still pick it up in the Army and Navy Store with the lining
yep they are good work jackets
What memories your bringing back! My 1st m65 was when I was 16, my mom bought for my birthday 1976. That lasted till I was 26 and at 27 I bought my 2nd m65 and I still have it. 😆👍
Right on!
I have a real USGI Tiger Stripe M65 that I have owned since 1987 and still wear it. The zipper is busted but I still wear it.
The m-65 liner was hand to wear by itself under my uniform blouse when the weather wasn’t too terribly cold. I bought an extra liner to use this way. I owned two m65 field jackets when I was in the army. Eventually we were issued Gore-Tex around 1992. It was a pretty good kit as well. What waterproof yet breathable. It had a very warm liner like the M 65.
thanks for watching
Wore them all of my life. Dad was a lifer. I still have mine issued to me in the 70s and three liners. With layers to go between the three and the jacket you can go from slightly cold to full blown freeze and all three of them compressed in a bag weigh nothing in my pack. Learning to shuck or add layers at the correct time is the key.
Found one in a thrift store 4 years ago, it quickly replaced my Carhartt. Even without the liner, it's extremely want yet no where near as bulky as other jackets.
true its just right
I have two coats i use a lot in the fields here. The M-65 replica for the winter and a smock parka for the summer. I need to use the replica because they didn't make the original in my size, I'm 6 foot 8. As a kid i had the original on but unfortunately i grew out of it.
When I was in Deck Div on board USS Greenling, ssn-614, back in the early 80s I was allowed to wear M-65 inliue of Navy foul weather jacket because it was simply better gear. Being in Groton CT in dry dock in the winter it was extremely cold but with the attachable hood it was tolerable. I replaced the jacket a time or two but still have my original hood.
when i drove a 18wheeler and i drove up into the cold country i carried one of those hoods it was a big help trying to tarp a flat bed in 20 below temps
I am ex-Navy too and never could understand why the Pea Coat was invented. It was worthless so I always wore an Army Jacket. Back in the 70s a lot of us did. I still wear an Army Jacket to this day. A lot of practical thought went into their design!
Oh I'm using that pillow trick I can't believe I didn't know that ,
Ok admittedly I have German parka but very similar designs except doesn't fold into collar ,
I had a NATO m65 back in 90s used to go fishing go to work in or just grab to walk the dog go to shop it just worked .
Trick we use on sticky zips is to rub the graphite from a normal pencil on the zip
It acts like a lubricant but sticks to the metal longer than oil or grease based lube and it's less messy 👍
Interesting!
When I was a kid I wore my dad's M-65 all the time. Wish I still had it.
they are great
Over and above that Jacket for Cold 🥶 wheather was a parka style jacket with liner I still have mine and liner it shrunk It used to be so big on me
I've had several of these, right now I have two Golden MFG model 65s mil surp unissued. One is woodland camo and the other is tri-color desert pattern that I dyed a darker shade of brown to blend better with the environment around here in Northern Nevada. Have a liner that a switch out with whichever jacket I'm taking out. I also used a couple of plastic cord locks on the inside waist ties, that way I have my exact fit and never need to tie the strings, just sinch down the cord locks based on what I'm wearing under the jacket. Fantastic go-to bushcraft/camping, working jacket. There's really nothing to improve on. Don't know why the military got rid of it, better quality and construction than any modern issue field jackets
good info thanks for the comment
Awesome...i would like to have one...but no knock offs...✌️
I bought mine at a flea market in Jacksonville, Florida. The guy had it on a hanger with a price tag of $15, because he said it was a defective " seconds" with incomplete pockets, as they were sewn shut. Well, I knew why they were " sewn shut ". It's so when new deliveries were shipped they were stacked on pallets, and this was to keep the pocket flaps down, so they wouldn't be wrinkled or crumpled upon delivery to the military. When they were issued, you simply released the tacked down pockets and you went on your merry way. At the time, my brother told me that they were going for $45 up on base. I'm still using mine many years later and I count on it every winter. BTW, where did you get that hat ? I WANT ONE !
very true i saw some new surplus ones back i n the late 70,s with sew shut pockets often those jackets were used for formal inspection the dirty used ones they took to the field for maneuvers
@@BLACKIETHOMAS Hey, Blackie ! The one I got was obviously brand spanking new and hadn't been worn by anyone. I went back the following week to see if he had any more hanging at his booth, but he said it was the only one had. So I was lucky to get it. I guess I'll have to leave town to get a hat like yours, because places that sell them are few and far between around here.
I also appreciate the M65 FJ. I still have the Large-Long M65 the Corps issued to me. I have always thought the military would make a perfect jacket by changing the outer material to Gortex, even using the nylon liner; KISS. They told us it was water resistant but it is not wool on the inside so when it got wet, "cotton is a killer." I would also appreciate it if they made a pocket in the back, like a game pocket to carry stuff. They also made trouser nylon liners by the way. Good video. Thanks.
The Austrian army used a jacket based on the M65. A darker green with different zips and pocket closures. No liner. Also cut a bit longer. The later versions had a GoreTex layer under the outer. You can get them surplus and occasionally unissued. I bough an unissued one for €50. I’ve never fused it in sustained rain to see how well it works without a traditional outer shell but it’s a fantastic jacket otherwise.
i have a liner with pants very warm
Can you still buy these older m-65 jackets. The ones on Amazon don't have all the cool stuff.
Great jacket. Had one myself back in the day and I was a hippy, lol. Lots of hippies wore them back in the 70s, plastered with peace symbols.
Where's your draft card?
@@michaelfitzell2741 I had a student deferment but my draft lottery number came up #4. I was a sophomore. Seeing I would now get drafted the minute I graduated from college, I gave up my student deferment and went 1A (fully draftable), thinking I'd finish school on the GI Bill and save myself some money, that is if I didn't get killed in Vietnam. For some reason they didn't draft for 3+ months after I went 1A and there was this strange rule that if you were 1A and didn't get drafted within 90 days you couldn't be drafted. So I TOTALLY LUCKED OUT. No bone spurs or any other shenanigans, just plain old dumb luck.
Another guy in the Dorm got a draft lottery #1 and won the $450 pool (450 guys, $1 a head) we ran for the draft lottery drawing that night. My room mate got a number in the 300s, he was clear. We all got pretty F'd up that night, some celebrating like my room mate and some just thinking about going to Vietnam, like me. Was not a fun night.
My older brother Peter and bunch of my HS friends all went to Vietnam. My HS friends (and my brother) who luckily all survived Vietnam came home F'd up with Addictions, PTSD, etc. Most had a hard time adjusting to being home, some never did (my brother for one). He was hooked on drugs and alcohol, lost his wife, kids, house, jobs, etc. and died alone in a rented room on a Thanks Giving Weekend about 15 years after coming home. If you want to know what the hell was like for Vietnam Veterans, watch the Tom Cruise movie "Born On the 4th of July".
My father (Army Air Force), mother (Wave), and 2 uncles (Navy & Army) all served in WW2. On the 50th anniversary of D-Day I talked to the ones still living wanting to hear their war experiences. My Uncle Hugo's eyes filled up with tears and he couldn't/refused to talked about it. My Aunt said "Hugo was in the Battle of the Bulge, we don't talk about the War". This was literally 50 years after the war was over and it still brought tears to his eyes, WOW! 'I GOT LUCKY' is an understatement.
these jackets were an icon of those times
@@BLACKIETHOMAS LOL, weren't they. And now the freaking violence is getting crazy, feels a lot like the 60s/70s. This is like "Deja vous all over again". I just might go looking for one of those coats, still a good look, and a smart piece of gear. Loved that liner. Hey, I enjoy your channel, like your style, there's no BS, no commercials, Thx!!!! .......... If something works, don't fix it! And 'Keep It Simple'.
@@michaelfitzell2741 where was yours ?
I like my m65. I like the button in liner .even by itself on not cold but chilly days. I also have the newer field jacket. I modded it so I could button in a m65 liner into it. I like it as well. Much more water resistant than the m65 but not as stylish.
I am retired Marine (1973-94 ). I never heard the number M65 applied to field jackets, so now I feel the need to go look at mine for number. In the early years we had the plain sateen as shown here. Later on we were issued the same design but camouflage. I still have 3 now.
Had several myself in the 70’s from the Army Surplus store. In the day they had a lot of gear.
I grew up wearing a surplus m65 too. That thing was indestructible. And about a month ago I saw that Sportsman’s guide sells a new reproduction for $53…in an XL…I wear it everyday now. Great jacket and everyone should own one once in their life. Good video.
glad you got one
I got my M65 field jacket from my army sergice in 1983-1986. Still wear it with my old rank on the shoulder straps and name and US Army tape. Just bought a liner to attach to the jacket from an army surplus store. Now it will be much warmer come winter.
I got a black M65 in my early twenties. I still wear it 40 years later! The labels are gone and the drop lining is shredded round the bottom and at the arm pits but it is still serviceable. Great channel Blackie, all the best from Exeter in the UK.
thank you for your comment
I've got a jeans west knock off that i got very cheap on sale amd even though it is missing some features, it has been a great jacket for 5 years already.
That was my primary hunting jacket for 20 years before I grew out of it. I had a couple that were military issued from my Air Force days including the liners. They were perfect for anything Arizona sent my way. My top pockets held lots of "mountain money" (TP), Zippo and a Chapstick. They are probably still in those pockets along with some vintage protein bars and pinion nuts gathered while waiting for deer to pass. Tip: Pinion nuts and deer poop looks the same in the shade. Just saying! Never knew about the pillow trick. Although the field jacket is nostalgic as hell, Carhartt's Arctic Coat with the hood works very well but a lot heavier....and comes in my size. Sure would love to fit in those jackets again.
thanks for the info
I carry a zippo in mine too!
@@huntclanhunt9697 The original fidget. When I got bored waiting for deer I resorted to the classic Twilight Zone episode of seeing it she would light 10 times in a row.
Sure wouldn't want to chomp into some deer turd. Been wanting to come out that way I'll smell it first!
My field jacket would be my favorite if i could still fit in it ... 20 years in the Military so i have worn a few of them out ..
Was given one by a friend years ago and still wear it all the time. It is forest camouflaged and has the navy seabee embroidered on the pocket. It has all the features you described except the liner has no buttons for stand alone. Wish I knew about the pillow trick. Far more comfortable than an air pillow.
that trick was worth a lot to me on several trips i got stuck in the airport in texas one time and had to sleep on the floor that pillow was awesome
I also had a m43 from my grand pa I inherited . but it long since fell apart . I always liked the collar on it.
Got a new one in M- 81 camo with the liner, wore one in the mil down to -30 F°, with the proper PPE, gloves, long johns, helmet liner, wool socks, definetly kept me warm, but the new one is strictly for hunting. The epaulet will also keep your sling on a rifle from falling off your shoulder, just hook the sling behind the button so you can retrieve the rifle without messing with button, worked for me on a M16-A1
they do well down into the low temps and they are quiet lots of modern coats make too much noise in the cold for my liking
Do you suggest to spray it with a water base waterproofing product or leave as it is? Thank you
The best M65 is the one you find at the bottom of a bargain bucket and pay peanuts for and it fits like it was tailored for you
Mine is the newer version multicam. And it is the best jacket ive ever worn and will wear. I currently own one.
Same Jacket was used for Korea and WW2 Vietnam as yousaid
So how to buy a decent one alpha industries OR mil-tec Etc. Most army navy stores don’t have many of the vintage ones left Ebay is A CRAP SHOOT
true i often look at estate sales / garage sales / thrift stores and some surplus places
TBH when going to an army surplus, this is the first thing to get love mine
What size is that? I want to buy one but I am only 15. So I dont know what size I should take
What kind of hat is that? That looks like a hat that I am looking for. It has a nice wide brim shading all around your head, looks like it can be formed to fold up or down, and looks thick to keep in heat and protect from branches and brush. Where do I get a nice hat like that? I don't think a ball cap is that useful.
Now the m65 jacket. Is it really that great? It seems rather old and hard to get now. Is there a similar/more recent option, that is easier to get, for today - 2024? There are no surplus stores near me anymore and I just started getting into this type of stuff now. Living in Cleveland Ohio, I don't see any surplus stores or other options where I can go in and try on and actually see gear. It seems most are on-line, and I don't know what I am doing so not sure I should trust just ordering from a random website.
Love your videos, I learn a lot from them. I still have a lot more to learn so please keep making them and educating me and others that want to learn. Thanks!
you can find a hat like mine from tinkeringcraftsky-etsy
Mine was issued to me in basic in 1972, I'm still wearing it
Great jacket. Only rime in high school I was the cool kid. But the 100% cotton doesn't work in the PNW, except as a sponge. The gortex version is much better up here.
good advice
I bought one at a gun show I'm 50 when I was in jh school I had one. I love them mine has a warm liner
does anyone know what the button in the middle of the two breast pockets is for?
I got my first M65 in 68, and while I've been through a few since then, they have stood the test of time.
I swear Brother, I used this Coat as my Original Hunting Staple and wore an orange Road Flagger Vest over top.I also used a military style Belt with canteen and Fanny Pack for my lunch ,rope and knife way ahead of Any hunting gear was made by Cabella's.I only wish I was bright enough to market the idea!! the year was 1978
awesome
A Seabee gave the one I have , Vietnam period . Did not have a liner . Had two , but one sprouted legs and walked off .
Young lady that delivered my pizza was wearing a M 65 , I told her that I liked her jacket . She said it was her uncle's , Vietnam vet . 🇺🇸
they last for ever
I have a chinese repop that has a few differences but I only paid 5 bucks at a sale for it a few years back.. I love it! I don't wear it much here in Florida but it comes in handy about a month of the year.. I actually put the liner back in it this year.. I think I have a hood for it somewhere even.. I wasn't going to buy it at the time, the guy at the sale kinda pushed it on me, I figured I would never wear it and didn't know what it was but it looked well made so I said for the price, I should probably get it.. I am glad that I did. I wear it when it rains in the summer to run to get something outside or whatever and it's not bad with the liner out and breathing loosely.. Even the chinese one I have is really nice quality... I wouldn't be afraid to buy a new Chinese one if you don't have one.. Mine is a Rothco Ultra Force... I really like it. Great video, thanks for posting!
thanks for watching
Excellent review thanks, now going to order one here in England
Was issued mine in 72. Didn't get really comfortable until 15-20 years later. After that she was soft as cotton balls. The only article of military clothing I have left.
i know many vets that are the same way
You don’t need too use Silicone spray . Just use Nicwax cotton it’s makes it waterproof & breathable just like they were originally
good to know
I just found one of these with the liner at a Salvation Army Thrift store today for $10.
good score
The good Thing about zipper and Buttons is also that you can leave the zipper open and just close the Buttons or only every second or third Button to prevent overheating if you dress too warm, especially with the liner button in
Alpha industries makes the best reproduction but it will cost you. Proper makes a very good reproduction as well.
thanks
That was my military issued jacket in 1988, before we switched to woodland camo
thank you for your service
But i like the modular ability of the m65 😃
Me and my friend wore those in Junior High in the 80s. People thought we were weird. Well, not the punk rockers.
we wore them in my school to we all wanted to look tough well as tough as a 5 foot 85pound guy could look lol
Nice video. Ive been wearing these jackets for decades. I got the m81 woodland one and the OD green. I got an Alpha Industries m65 and they shortened the upper pockets which I didint like it. They are still my favirite jackets. I weat them in Brazil as well in Europe.
Thanks for sharing!
With What’s going on in the world mill surplus products are skyrocketing
yeppers
I have three of them. One Green, one Woodland and one Black. I've not really worn them though so they sit in my Uniform Collection.
if you did i think you would find they are a very good field jacket
That was the thing to have in my younger days. I'd still have it if I didn't put on so much weight.
Trying to find an actual military M 65 jacket for a big size older guy with a little extra muscle is hard to find.
There's so many companies that make crappy products these days.
true like i said only the navy cooks were the big sizes
Just bought one. Surplus. 60 bucks. Great deal.
Enjoy it
Also Robert De Niro in the film Taxi Driver wore this jacket.
Hunting deer here in Md., DNR required hunters. to wear Blaze orange. A cheap Blaze vest buttoned into the epaulets, so it stayed put on the jacket!
very true i did that trick as well in alabama
I don’t know if you were in the military, but I froze in that field jacket in the winter time countless times! Not a fan!
sorry to hear that i wore mine with liners in -40 on job sites in michigan and i was ok cool yes but i had plenty of layers on
I own a lot of jackets, and this is one of the best!
Can you tell us about the pant liners too please?
The Austrian army makes a better than the us version in good German gortex...
nice i saw that but have not held one to look at yet
Any tips where I can find genuine surplus ones? Had mine stolen and all I can find are cheap Chinese copies
thrift stores garage sales and some surplus places are my go to.
Here’s a little tidbit I picked up. Being curious I researched it. Found on some collector forums that my old 65 without epaulets was a first year issue. 1966. Second issue ‘67 and beyond had the epaulets. Huh how about that ?? 😃😃
awesome good to know
Now I have to check out liners. I remember back then some liners were a real knappy material in a cream color. Friend back then had a GI parka with it. 🤔🤔😏
The epaulets are used for taking or pulling your mate buddy out of the line of fire if he has been shot injured the buttons should be able to take the weight of a fully loaded for War soldier
thanks
very very interesting information....thanks for this!
Owned one a long time ago, amazing jacket. Wondering, anyone can tell me where I can get one today.
thanks for watching
Always loved the look of this jacket since I was a kid growing up in the early 1990s. Finally just bought one and I love it. Only thing I would wish if it were made in America. Thank you for this great educational video!
If you want a cheap one made in America there's army surplus ones that're around the 1-200$ range, however I have a really expensive 1:1 impeccable quality reproduction from Cockpit USA up in New York, and they give you a liner for free with the jacket, but Cockpit's is really high end expensive, next to the rest of the top end manufacturers like Japanese made Buzz Rickson which is even a few hundred higher than Cockpit, but I wanted to get made in USA, so you have to pay the 'Made in USA tax' and Cockpit's costs 495$, but I know that it's gonna be miles tougher than the surplus versions.
I liked the jacket too. I was issued mine in 1972. I would also like to mention the black boots. I may be a fluke but I thiught they were pretty good to. I bought them at the Army/Navy store when I needed another pair.