Another idea for a second liner if you’re in a colder climate is, if you are handy with a sewing machine or know someone who is, get a polar fleece blanket and using your liner as a pattern cut the blanket into a second liner. Use the sewing machine to finish the edges and put button holes where you need them to fasten to your M65. You can even put some extra buttons on your fleece liner to make it a separate sweater. In any case, with a polar fleece liner, you’ll notice a big difference in heat retention. Just putting this out there. Thanks Blackie for all your M65 videos, they are really appreciated. You got me to unmothball my M65 after mothballing it for at least 25 years!
Blackie, Thanks for sharing this Great Tips and Tricks on the M-65 Field Jacket, I still have my Field Jacket from 1979 and my BDU Woodland Cammo from 1982 . My son wears my OD Green. Thanks Again giving of your Time, Vast Knowledge, Experience, Wisdom. M-65 are made to last forever. God Bless Y'all You and Mrs. Blackie.
Only combat jacket I’ve ever come across worth any interest in use outside the military is the British SAS wind proof smock , it’s made from a cotton gabardine mix so it’s light as hell , highly wind resistant and when it gets only slightly damp the gabardine expands creating a near waterproof jacket that’ll keep you safe even in the worst of weather conditions . Definitely the best bit of kit you can buy .
Windproof smock is one of the greatest bits of gear ever made. I absolutely love mine. Also worth mentioning the HUGE hood with an adjustable brim that keeps out all wind, rain, and snow from your face.
Thank you again for the very helpful tip of using a second liner. When I went to work yesterday, the temperature was 15°F with a wind chill in the single digits. I was wearing the m65 with two liners, a cotton/polyester hoodie, and a short sleeve t shirt. Just before lunch, they had me shoveling snow in front of the shop and the jacket kept me so warm that I actually got pretty hot while doing so. I also like your other tip on rolling up the hoodie and stuffing it inside the collar of the m65. In combination with my Duluth winter crusher hat, it really kept my neck warm.
Yup, a great improvement. In fact, I've been using the same idea of wearing a dark hoodie under my uniform as well as the M65 jacket during the winters of my military service in the IDF, way back to the late 80's and onward on reserve duty. Still do that today as that same jacket is my fave winter coat (with the liner, of course).
I fell in love with the M-65 during my years in the Air Force. I now have a collection of them in every color as well as every camouflage that they made. The first one I was issued was in OD and the last one I was issued before my retirement was the DCU. It would have to get down to zero for me to need the liner, they are a great jacket. I understand they replaced them after I retired. Love your channel.
I was stationed in Germany during the 80s… You would freeze to death in a M65. I would trade for a German parka and sweater. German equipment was always warmer!
@@tomhowe1510 I didn't say that, but it's far less flammable than linseed oil which is even notorious for self-ignition when drying. Doesn't happen with silicone. Best for cotton is a waxed finish which is also somewhat flammable but messy and more tedious to do properly. Wax both waterproofs superbly and doesn't degrade the cotton fibers like all the oils do to some extent. Linseed oil is excellent for wood gunstocks; everything has it's purpose and places where it doesn't belong.
@@P_RO_There is a place in my city that coats fabric for the military. I can ask but it says flammable all over the place and smells like linseed oil. I'm a local truck driver. I've never had a problem with my issued m65 or pants. They do over and above what they are called to do. Everything has limitations. Why stand by a fire? But I do not see any other product excelling in all areas as well as this stuff. Most military stuff is heavy but works in a total articulated manner. Layers poncho ect.
Great tips Blackie. With a scarf, I first cover the front of the neck with the center of the scarf then cross it in the back before bringing the ends to the front and crossing again in the front and tuck each end into the jacket. No tying needed, indeed I find tying a scarf creates less coverage and leave you open to bare spots.
I don't know if you know this, but the hoodie in the neck of the M- 65 feild jacket was made to fit over your head, an under a old school steel pot helmet, don't ask me how I know, lol. Not to bulky, but it still gave you some protection from wind an blowing snow. I think they had figured this out during/ after the Korean war, but also for troops serving in any cold environment. Thx for the vid Blackie
true and thats a point i look for in a modern hoodie i want it to fit over my hat when i am sitting in a deer stand and that cold wind is coming to my back i will roll it over hat and shield me
I was issued an OD and later a Woodland BDU. Supply was always stingy with the liners. When the BDU wool sweater came out, it was a game changer. The thing with the M65 for me was primarily its pockets. Very versatile. Wish I hadn’t outgrown mine..
Neck protection is important. To make a scarf better, double it, put it around your neck. You will have a U shape in one hand and the loose ends in the other. Put the loose ends through the U end and pull it as tight as you want it then tuck it in. I use them more with my isulated Carhartt vests. Neck gaiters are a handy multi purpose like a wool neck scarf. That all said and done the zip up fleece collars on vests and hoodies is more effective unless you have sub zero windchills. The wool scarf can then protect your mouth and breath from that cold air.
Using a modern material civilian hoodie is a good idea, Blackie. The OG-107 hood ( GI ) is very large because it's designed to fit over your helmet, which makes it too big w/o helmet. When using a hoodie, I use a baseball style hat. That way I have a sun visor, and with the hood up, I have more protection for my ears. Good video sir, thanks.
I spent many younger years doing framing work outside in the SE US winter. A flannel shirt, my M-65 jacket, and a hard-hat liner did me well enough, though on the coldest days a liner would have been nice. Since rain stopped the work, it's minimal waterproofing was adequate and the durability unmatched. I still have one in good condition and a fur-lined helmet liner which is often too warm. The best source for these jackets and a lot of other wilderness gear is yard sales where they're often found cheap. Usually a quick scan while driving by will show you which yard sales to stop at.
Hi Blackie, I got an M65 for a steal at a yard sale this summer. Based on your video, I’ll be on the lookout for a liner as well as a good fleece hoodie . Should be a good cold weather set up. Thanks for all of your informative videos. Best to you and your family from Western Nc
If you're too far north they just don't cut in the cold for any kind of extended time. They aren't waterproof or windproof. I had a few over decades and I'm running the USGI woodland goretex now, with layers underneath as appropriate. You can grab one of the more affordable puffy jackets and wear it under the goretex.
I have both and I had to spray my gortex parka with silicone spray because I wasn't keeping out the rain like it used to and I'm thinking about spraying my m65 as well to see if it will repell the rain too I really like the m65 it's an amazing peace of gear and I think if it don't repel I'll cram a usgi poncho in it .
I loved my dad's old service M-65. But when I moved to Minnesota I found it wasn't warm enough (even with the liners). Then I found London Fog makes a coat with a liner that is basically a copy of the M65 design made out of very water resistant material. It's perfect for me. You can't beat the design of this field coat. It's why it's been copied by so many militaries.
Yeah M65 had a lot going for it and you can layer under anything if there is enough space. It's OK for 'Cold-Dry" environments like most of Europe but when it starts to rain that thing will turn into a freezing 20lb sponge real quick. Yes I know all the tricks for making it more "water repellant". Yes I know the idea was to wear it under a poncho or 'wet weather" jacket. But I'm telling you when the issue Gore-tex parka started being issued about '82 NOBODY who could get their hands on one was wearing an M65 in the field anymore. It's OK for garrison and makes a comfortable 'truck' coat but if you are seriously in the field where you might get rained on for days on end...you want something that won't soak up water.
@@brimstone33 Agreed. It can be dangerous if it gets wet and then the temp drops. At best it can get really uncomfortable. But the pockets and the back gusset! Great design, just needed a material upgrade.
Thank you for the M-65 field jacket videos I enjoy them and whenever you put one out they earn a lot of views. I also enjoy my OG green M-65 from 1987 with a plastic YKK zipper. I wore it to school almost everyday this semester and it does not disappoint. Thanks for showing me new things that I can do with it from rolling it into the hood to secret storage locations.
I got mine 12 years ago, and I'm still wearing it. But for the liner, I had an old Itallian version of m65, and took out its liner and repositon the buttons and it fits like a glove. Its a wool liner and it is great for cold winters. And I started wearing my m65 only durring the winter
Your right Blackie, keeping the neck and head warm makes a difference. I'm in search for a larger M 65 field jacket, either I got bigger or the jacket shrunk.
Thanks for you vids on the M65, Blackie, been watching your vids for awhile not and appreciate every one of them. I have several M65s but the most recent one is my fave. I got lucky and saw a listing on Facebook Marketplace for an OD green M65. Once I got to the person's house I found it was a Vietnam war era Alpha Industries original circa early 70s for $25 without the liner. It was in great shape, used like new condition. I threw the lady the money and ran. lol I had a liner from an old military surplus box of liners etc. I got several years ago. So no sweat there. Like you I like to use more than one liner when the temps dip down. Thanks again for the vids man, keep them coming.
Hey Blackie, thanks for the neat video. I owned a M-65 US Army Field Jacket when i was in 9th grade in 1973. I had it for a year before I decided to unzip the zipper in the collar and found the Hood, haha. I also had the liner which I used in the winter which could get to single digits in New Rochelle, NY. One thing you forgot to mention that helped keep your hands warm was the fold down glove cover in each sleeve. You un do the velcro at the cuff and you fold out several more inches of sleeve to go over your gloves then velcro the cuff tight again. All this experience with the M-65 helped when I enlisted in the US Army in 1979. I figured I better enlist before I got drafted. The M-65 was great to have when going in the field on exercises in west Germany in the winter.
Those fold down sleeve extensions are almost as good as fingerless gloves. They keep the blood entering your hands warm longer making your digits stay warmer. I keep mine unfolded almost all the time.
Sadly, the two more recent ones I have, in woodland and 3-color desert, don't have that fold-down gauntlet on the sleeves. The OD I had in high school did have them.
@@matthewpittman2481 One has to ask- are they issue or replica. The label on an issue jacket will show a contract number. The first two number specifiy the year of the contract. I have a couple of woodland coats from the 1984 contract. Both have the gauntlet sleeves. I'm not sure I've seen a GI M-65 without them.
I also love the M65 jacket, I’ve currently got four😀 There my go to everyday jacket, for the field though I prefer the SAS smock, modern or WW2 Classic overhead design.
Thank you for letting us know that two liners will fit in the m65 jacket. That will make the jacket great for michigan winters that can hit sub-zero temps at times. After watching some of your previous videos on the m65, I finally tracked down a good m65 about a month back. I also managed to find the matching winter hood for a good deal too. The m65 is definitely much better and more versatile than my old wolverine jacket.
I've never tried two liners either, I usually give up on my M-65 in cold weather. In my old artic infantry scout platoon we wore the five button sweater then wool shirt that we wore under the jacket with liner(no BDU jacket). That would get you to 20°F or so if you weren't staying still. Lucky for me I'm a skinny old man and I still fit into my old field jacket. Scouts Out!
About 30 years ago, a soldier turned in his field gear, and he had a M1951 jacket. I took it in just like usual, but swapped a modern jacket to turn in a depot. The jacket had been worn and washed so long it was a silver green color. Wearing it right now.
I wear my m-65 with long sleeve base layer polo shirt for work and fleece shemagh as face cover and to protect from rain (now snow ) a poncho and it seems to work for me
get a fleece neck gaiter. does the same thing for your neck but a little warmer, can be taken off easily, prevents wind from getting into your neck area, etc
When I was stationed at Ramstein AB Germany, I worked the flightline at night in January all I wore was my M65, hood and Mukluks and was warmer that the new 2 piece parkas that were issued . Of course it was in conjunction with long underwear underwear
I'm a die hard believer in M-65s also - got 3 - a Rothco, an English multicam version and a military surplus UCP ( Super well-made highly durable and best SNOW camo jacket w/o mods ) - wouldn't trade any of em
Still got my m65 that i had for about 30 years. Too fat to wear it now but i got myself the finest Chinese copy that Amazon had to offer. Best jacket i have ever owned.
I wore those jackets up growing up in the Vietnam era when I was a kid back in the 60s and of course I had them once I grew up but I don't see them anymore I don't know where to find one and usually they're too small
Blackie mentioned the M51 hood. The M51 hoods have a real fur ruff-either wolf or coyote depending on the year. They can be used on the M-65 with a little tweeking and not all the buttons in place. There is a later parka hood that has a white fur ruff- I think it's labels hood- cold weather, I'd have to look. It does have button holes to fit the M-65. Like the built in hood, it's sized to fit over the M-1 steel pot. There are a number of comments about the lack of water proofing. Ever read the care label? The M-65 is treated with a water repellent- Quarpel . The washing instructions are to wash the coat and then rinse it several times- perhaps four to restore the repellancy of the Quarpel. Even restored, it's not Gore-tex, but it is water repellent. I've always thought that a Gore-tex M-65 would be the greatest jacket.
👍👍👍 .. good reminders 😊. Good Evening Blackie .. I don't have the M65 but instead, the German Bundeswehr 'Nato' Field Jacket .. a heavy duty, tight-weave Cotton with a Synthetic 'Fur Pile' removable inner Liner. Had it now 30 years and still in use. You're correct, these Military Field Jackets, with a semi-decent Fleece / Wool Jersey (Sweater in your speak 😏) / Hoodie, can see one through quite chilly times and when the Mercury really drops, in goes the liner. Put my liner into my jacket just this afternoon. The temps have been hovering around freezing but are forecasted (🤞) to drop below, with snow, the first of the season, tomorrow. With a British Army 100% Wool 'Genuine Woolley Pully' and the Liner, I can see myself through most sub-zero dry cold conditions. That, together with a Wool / Fleece Neck Scarf, Wool / Fleece Beanie or my Tilley Wool Winter Hat (love it), we are good to go! Always a pleasure reading your posts and the accompanying comments .. and am looking forward to the next. Until then, take care .. Tommy
I miss mine from the good old days of utilities and then BDU's. Do you weatherproof them with a DWR spray/wash or just carry a poncho in case the heavens open up and it is what you chose for the day?
Thank you very much, these videos are very interesting, do you know where I could get an m65, either on the internet or in a store? I am 14 years old and I am very interested in this topic of hunting and everything related to it.
Blackie, practical advice especially for the southern audience not acclimated to the recent weather patterns causing polar air to dip farther south. Up here in yankeeville we grow up with layering our protections from the cold polar winds so this video won't make sense to many. I have met many people that transfer to ohio from alot warmer states, they think they know how to dress for an ohio river valley winter, but they are miserable when outdoors. Plus they can't drive on slick roads, but thats a different topic 🤣
very true down here we dont have too long to adjust to the sudden polar temps also its kind of like up there in snow country when ya ll get a high heat wave we can give you some tips to stay cool like you guys help us to stay warm
Funny thing. Up North here in Ohio, it was common to see a guy wearing an M-65 with a hoodie and a Ball Cap on the streets. What was weird was that you could find the Jacket at most Army Navy stores, but the Liners were rarer than Hens Teeth!
The earlier M-51 wool liner will fit. The M-65 liner was quilted. Brigade Quartermasters use to offer an after quilted version made with Hollofill insulation. One of my M-65s has one.
Thanks, Blackie. I didn't think that you could fit 2 M-65 liners in a jacket. I'll have to try that. I have a cheap fleece pullover hoodie that I usually only use to sleep in on cold nights. I'd like to find a full zip hoodie like yours. I don't see those anywhere. Guess I haven't looked hard enough. When the temps get into the 20's or below I pull out my Alpha N-3B Parka.
I had an M65 jacket and never bought a liner for it. Instead I put a quilted shirt/jacket in it , like the ones you get at Walmart and it was plenty warm for Arkansas winters. If it was really cold I'd add a down vest to it.
I have a recent issue field jacket with a digital camo pattern and no epaulets. Also a Swiss jacket that probably weighs about 6 pounds. I love my camo. Thanks
Bought mine in 1985, still have it. Needs the velcro tabs on the wrists replaced. Has to waterproof. I got a military gore tax jacket and wear that over it. I am comfortable down into single digits
All I know is someone really needs to start making the old 5 button wool sweater for the civilian market. Other than XS, they are as rare as ever anymore and not getting any newer.
I'm wearing one right now. It's just a standard 1990s that is a nice woodland. My other looks better as I commissioned a Taylor to add a specialized water resistant leather collar. The finish is a special water resistant duck wax finish. Not to brag. I'm just grateful that my Airborne spec ops uncle's OD M65 turned out so good. It looks twice as good as the finest online oil cloth/ wax jacket out of Europe. I love my uncle and hope to see him in heaven someday to hang out, fish and talk about old times. Most of all John 3:18
@@hardtrooth1776 I used a different brand, but that might just work. You'd just have to read reviews or try to find out. What I like is that it's still breathable. I'm not skiing in it or doing high intensity work, but the water resistance and breathability are both comfortable.
If there's *one* iconic jacket into the entire world, it's the M65. Not the M41, M43 or M51. It's the M65, simple as that. It was copied quite often, even bei fashion brands, but whatever may be the cost, and we're talkin $$$ here, never catch up with the real deal, original quality. Often copied, never succeeded. Love that jacket since my teenie days. It's absolutely timeless. I love the big pockets to put things into, love the durability, love the simple & clean style.
Love my M65 and pretty much use a hoodie and liner the same way. I'm having issues with the zipper now and was wondering if its possible to find a Zipper to spec and have someone sew it in?
You may just need a new slide on the zipper, they come in a few standard sizes and are very easy to replace. That's what TH-cam videos are for! Fabric/sewing stores probably have replacement slides and the employees are generally very helpful to confused looking dudes in an out of place environment!
Before you do any of that, rub a candle on the zipper teeth and on the tang at the bottom. The candle wax will lubricate the zipper. Lots of times this resolves zipper issues.
what about using a balaclava? M65 is my go to work or woods jacket. Lots of great features. I have wondered about water proofing the m65. What would you suggest.
As an old artic infantry scout we got authorization to wear the issue balaclava as our standard headgear year round, a bit like wearing the beret among the REMFs. They are the same weight as the more familiar Navy watch cap, but in OD green. I don't know if you can still find them or if there's a decent reproduction, but it is an important part of the cold weather kit.
Way ahead of you with the hoodie/jacket combo. Even for someone not as wilderness as me its an excellent comboinarion for when the temperature drops. I even use one of those charcoal brickette handwarmers and snuggle one of those into a inside pocket. You can feel the warmth creeping round the entirety of your torso with that set up even in the coldest conditions my country can throw at me.i do need to find a tutorial on how to make my own fuel sticks though as they can get pretty expensive if youre using on a daily basis. Im not sure if its just moistened' pressed and redried charcoal dust or if something extra such as a small amount of potassium nitrate is aded to help aid the smouldering in a low oxygen enviroment. Might have to experiment over the summer months and build up a surplus winter stick for not a lot of money at all
One guess: Replace the t-shirt by another long-sleeve, and colder days pack less punch, as the arms have one more layer. Also: Hoodies are practical, but also impair hearing! And, while to me that was junkies & muggers, for outdoors it may be wild animals & country bumpkins. Thanks nonetheless, Sir! 🤔
The jacket is only good in dry weather and average temperatures. And when it's not raining. Cult, but mediocre wearing properties. In bad weather, I prefer the Bundeswehr goretex clothing. Greetings from Germany.
I've been using the m65 for 4 decades, had earlier variations from korea and ww2. Its ok in the cold, with layers including wool. But in the rockies in the winter, 20 to 40 below, my ww2 wool swiss military jacket. Leather and wool is best. I stay away from synthetics, as they dont last, and melt and burn readily. I use vintage military wool jackets and pants, oldest is from the 30's, hiking in the mountains hunting elk.
I love the m65. I wish i had the OD green. I have in Woodland and in ACU. the ACU is from my time in the army. I hate the look. I wish there was a way to strip it and die it OD green
Sorry, I disagree. Had the field jacket in woodland camo in the 80's, great piece of gear if you're young, in shape, and in the desert. In wet weather it's junk. Zero water resistance, and heavy. Love the pockets and waist and lower cinch cords but modern gear is far superior.
Got to disagree with you about the water repellent factor on the M65, I spent 2 hours in a steady rain at Ramstein putting 210,000 lbs of fuel on a C-5 and stayed fairly dry in my field jacket
@@raymondhill7636 Interesting! I was in the Army in the 80’s and it was not especially water repellent. Different version perhaps. I gave away a ton of stuff, sold some things. That stuff is worth a fortune now! Oh well.
Field jacket stayed fairly dry but a brand new pair of jump boots didn't fair to well, the stitching on the soles rotted away. Guess it was a combination of water and jet fuel that did them in. As I said it took 2 hours on a normal 45 minute refuel. They had a FNG on the engineers panel filling 1 tank at a time
Another idea for a second liner if you’re in a colder climate is, if you are handy with a sewing machine or know someone who is, get a polar fleece blanket and using your liner as a pattern cut the blanket into a second liner. Use the sewing machine to finish the edges and put button holes where you need them to fasten to your M65. You can even put some extra buttons on your fleece liner to make it a separate sweater.
In any case, with a polar fleece liner, you’ll notice a big difference in heat retention.
Just putting this out there.
Thanks Blackie for all your M65 videos, they are really appreciated. You got me to unmothball my M65 after mothballing it for at least 25 years!
For this application, I have a coveted British DPM field jacket set up this way. Perfection
those are good as well i had the dpm gortex version years ago
I totally agree, but I like the German flecktarn parka better
@@eduardonattesmcgalem7404 if I could only use one pattern forever, it would be flectarn or dpm with a preference for flectarn 👍
Blackie, Thanks for sharing this Great Tips and Tricks on the M-65 Field Jacket, I still have my Field Jacket from 1979 and my BDU Woodland Cammo from 1982 . My son wears my OD Green. Thanks Again giving of your Time, Vast Knowledge, Experience, Wisdom. M-65 are made to last forever. God Bless Y'all You and Mrs. Blackie.
Great video as always Blackie 👍🏻 just love watching them 😄
Love your videos Blackie. I will never forget the the 5 w's of camping you mentioned. Brilliant! Wood, water, weather, wildlife, widow makers!
Glad you enjoyed it
I love the m65 jackets! They're v
durable and very comfortable!!
yes they are
Thank you Sir! I absolutely LOVE my M65s! Great lesson!
I love mine too. I got it in 2003 when I was in the coast guard.
Thank you Blackie, for everything you're willing to share. Appreciate you man!
My pleasure!
Only combat jacket I’ve ever come across worth any interest in use outside the military is the British SAS wind proof smock , it’s made from a cotton gabardine mix so it’s light as hell , highly wind resistant and when it gets only slightly damp the gabardine expands creating a near waterproof jacket that’ll keep you safe even in the worst of weather conditions . Definitely the best bit of kit you can buy .
Windproof smock is one of the greatest bits of gear ever made. I absolutely love mine. Also worth mentioning the HUGE hood with an adjustable brim that keeps out all wind, rain, and snow from your face.
smock that has wire in the hood brim?
@@CrombatRations Yes it does
Thank you again for the very helpful tip of using a second liner.
When I went to work yesterday, the temperature was 15°F with a wind chill in the single digits. I was wearing the m65 with two liners, a cotton/polyester hoodie, and a short sleeve t shirt. Just before lunch, they had me shoveling snow in front of the shop and the jacket kept me so warm that I actually got pretty hot while doing so.
I also like your other tip on rolling up the hoodie and stuffing it inside the collar of the m65. In combination with my Duluth winter crusher hat, it really kept my neck warm.
Yup, a great improvement. In fact, I've been using the same idea of wearing a dark hoodie under my uniform as well as the M65 jacket during the winters of my military service in the IDF, way back to the late 80's and onward on reserve duty. Still do that today as that same jacket is my fave winter coat (with the liner, of course).
Cotton is not the big bad evil its made out to be... use it correctly and its a non issue.
Love my m65's..
Thanks for the video...
I fell in love with the M-65 during my years in the Air Force. I now have a collection of them in every color as well as every camouflage that they made. The first one I was issued was in OD and the last one I was issued before my retirement was the DCU. It would have to get down to zero for me to need the liner, they are a great jacket. I understand they replaced them after I retired. Love your channel.
I always add a scarf, really Seals everything perfectly. Nicely done video, thank you.
You are so welcome!
Great idea on thinner hoody. I coated my m65 with duck back a couple years ago. It will almost float. Lol
Rolling the hood, leaned something new. Thank you sir!!
I was stationed in Germany during the 80s…
You would freeze to death in a M65. I would trade for a German parka and sweater. German equipment was always warmer!
Excelente chamarra!!! 😮
Very nice. I sprayed 3M Scotchgard for tents on my M65 and the liner to help repel moisture.
Linseed oil Soak
@@tomhowe1510 Flammable AF. Not something to use when better alternatives exist.
@@P_RO_ and silicon isnt?
@@tomhowe1510 I didn't say that, but it's far less flammable than linseed oil which is even notorious for self-ignition when drying. Doesn't happen with silicone. Best for cotton is a waxed finish which is also somewhat flammable but messy and more tedious to do properly. Wax both waterproofs superbly and doesn't degrade the cotton fibers like all the oils do to some extent. Linseed oil is excellent for wood gunstocks; everything has it's purpose and places where it doesn't belong.
@@P_RO_There is a place in my city that coats fabric for the military. I can ask but it says flammable all over the place and smells like linseed oil. I'm a local truck driver. I've never had a problem with my issued m65 or pants. They do over and above what they are called to do. Everything has limitations. Why stand by a fire? But I do not see any other product excelling in all areas as well as this stuff. Most military stuff is heavy but works in a total articulated manner. Layers poncho ect.
Hi Blackie ,greeting from Australia 🇦🇺, thank you for your time to make these videos available.
thank you for watching my friend
Great tips Blackie. With a scarf, I first cover the front of the neck with the center of the scarf then cross it in the back before bringing the ends to the front and crossing again in the front and tuck each end into the jacket. No tying needed, indeed I find tying a scarf creates less coverage and leave you open to bare spots.
sounds good thanks for watching
I don't know if you know this, but the hoodie in the neck of the M- 65 feild jacket was made to fit over your head, an under a old school steel pot helmet, don't ask me how I know, lol. Not to bulky, but it still gave you some protection from wind an blowing snow. I think they had figured this out during/ after the Korean war, but also for troops serving in any cold environment. Thx for the vid Blackie
true and thats a point i look for in a modern hoodie i want it to fit over my hat when i am sitting in a deer stand and that cold wind is coming to my back i will roll it over hat and shield me
Thank you for sharing Blackie ,
Asbell wool makes some outstanding wool hoodies. I have a couple of their “Pathfinder” series & they’re awesome.
I'll check it out!
Thanks Blackie! Good advice, well presented. I need a new winter coat - think I'll buy an old one instead.
Great minds think alike, devil dog approved !!
Right on
Good afternoon from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing your information and adventures and details
Ha that’s cool, I’m an hour or so west of you out past little falls/ dolgeville
Ok my friend
thanks for watching
Thank you for sharing brother
I was issued an OD and later a Woodland BDU. Supply was always stingy with the liners. When the BDU wool sweater came out, it was a game changer. The thing with the M65 for me was primarily its pockets. Very versatile. Wish I hadn’t outgrown mine..
Neck protection is important. To make a scarf better, double it, put it around your neck. You will have a U shape in one hand and the loose ends in the other. Put the loose ends through the U end and pull it as tight as you want it then tuck it in. I use them more with my isulated Carhartt vests. Neck gaiters are a handy multi purpose like a wool neck scarf. That all said and done the zip up fleece collars on vests and hoodies is more effective unless you have sub zero windchills. The wool scarf can then protect your mouth and breath from that cold air.
yep i have worm a wool neck scarf like that in really cold temps it helps
Using a modern material civilian hoodie is a good idea, Blackie. The OG-107 hood ( GI ) is very large because it's designed to fit over your helmet, which makes it too big w/o helmet.
When using a hoodie, I use a baseball style hat. That way I have a sun visor, and with the hood up, I have more protection for my ears.
Good video sir, thanks.
thanks for watching
I spent many younger years doing framing work outside in the SE US winter. A flannel shirt, my M-65 jacket, and a hard-hat liner did me well enough, though on the coldest days a liner would have been nice. Since rain stopped the work, it's minimal waterproofing was adequate and the durability unmatched. I still have one in good condition and a fur-lined helmet liner which is often too warm. The best source for these jackets and a lot of other wilderness gear is yard sales where they're often found cheap. Usually a quick scan while driving by will show you which yard sales to stop at.
Hi Blackie, I got an M65 for a steal at a yard sale this summer. Based on your video, I’ll be on the lookout for a liner as well as a good fleece hoodie . Should be a good cold weather set up. Thanks for all of your informative videos. Best to you and your family from Western Nc
glad you found one of your own safe journeys
If you're too far north they just don't cut in the cold for any kind of extended time. They aren't waterproof or windproof. I had a few over decades and I'm running the USGI woodland goretex now, with layers underneath as appropriate. You can grab one of the more affordable puffy jackets and wear it under the goretex.
very true up there you would need it
I have both and I had to spray my gortex parka with silicone spray because I wasn't keeping out the rain like it used to and I'm thinking about spraying my m65 as well to see if it will repell the rain too I really like the m65 it's an amazing peace of gear and I think if it don't repel I'll cram a usgi poncho in it .
Linseed oil.? These are to be used as a cold weather system. Add polypropylene cold weather thermals. You'll be so hot you'll sweat if you move.
I loved my dad's old service M-65. But when I moved to Minnesota I found it wasn't warm enough (even with the liners). Then I found London Fog makes a coat with a liner that is basically a copy of the M65 design made out of very water resistant material. It's perfect for me. You can't beat the design of this field coat. It's why it's been copied by so many militaries.
Yeah M65 had a lot going for it and you can layer under anything if there is enough space. It's OK for 'Cold-Dry" environments like most of Europe but when it starts to rain that thing will turn into a freezing 20lb sponge real quick. Yes I know all the tricks for making it more "water repellant". Yes I know the idea was to wear it under a poncho or 'wet weather" jacket. But I'm telling you when the issue Gore-tex parka started being issued about '82 NOBODY who could get their hands on one was wearing an M65 in the field anymore. It's OK for garrison and makes a comfortable 'truck' coat but if you are seriously in the field where you might get rained on for days on end...you want something that won't soak up water.
@@brimstone33 Agreed. It can be dangerous if it gets wet and then the temp drops. At best it can get really uncomfortable. But the pockets and the back gusset! Great design, just needed a material upgrade.
Ya Buddy love my 65 had it 25 yrs still going I bought a rothco heavy Pinner it double thick works great up here in pa
That's awesome
Thank you for the M-65 field jacket videos I enjoy them and whenever you put one out they earn a lot of views. I also enjoy my OG green M-65 from 1987 with a plastic YKK zipper. I wore it to school almost everyday this semester and it does not disappoint. Thanks for showing me new things that I can do with it from rolling it into the hood to secret storage locations.
Add a balaclava with a nose protrusion and that will add to your neck and upper chest staying warm
I got mine 12 years ago, and I'm still wearing it. But for the liner, I had an old Itallian version of m65, and took out its liner and repositon the buttons and it fits like a glove. Its a wool liner and it is great for cold winters. And I started wearing my m65 only durring the winter
Your right Blackie, keeping the neck and head warm makes a difference. I'm in search for a larger M 65 field jacket, either I got bigger or the jacket shrunk.
best of luck to you
Thanks for you vids on the M65, Blackie, been watching your vids for awhile not and appreciate every one of them. I have several M65s but the most recent one is my fave. I got lucky and saw a listing on Facebook Marketplace for an OD green M65. Once I got to the person's house I found it was a Vietnam war era Alpha Industries original circa early 70s for $25 without the liner. It was in great shape, used like new condition. I threw the lady the money and ran. lol I had a liner from an old military surplus box of liners etc. I got several years ago. So no sweat there. Like you I like to use more than one liner when the temps dip down. Thanks again for the vids man, keep them coming.
Back in the day, without the modified Woobie inside, I used to free my butt off during patrols with that jacket. With the Woobie it was tolerable. 😎
Hey Blackie, thanks for the neat video. I owned a M-65 US Army Field Jacket when i was in 9th grade in 1973.
I had it for a year before I decided to unzip the zipper in the collar and found the Hood, haha.
I also had the liner which I used in the winter which could get to single digits in New Rochelle, NY.
One thing you forgot to mention that helped keep your hands warm was the fold down glove cover in each sleeve.
You un do the velcro at the cuff and you fold out several more inches of sleeve to go over your gloves then velcro the cuff tight again. All this experience with the M-65 helped when I enlisted in the US Army in 1979.
I figured I better enlist before I got drafted. The M-65 was great to have when going in the field on exercises
in west Germany in the winter.
i know i remember showing the hood to a few friend that had jackets but never opened the ripper
Those fold down sleeve extensions are almost as good as fingerless gloves. They keep the blood entering your hands warm longer making your digits stay warmer. I keep mine unfolded almost all the time.
Mine would come down when we hit the teens F.@@jfu5222
Sadly, the two more recent ones I have, in woodland and 3-color desert, don't have that fold-down gauntlet on the sleeves. The OD I had in high school did have them.
@@matthewpittman2481 One has to ask- are they issue or replica. The label on an issue jacket will show a contract number. The first two number specifiy the year of the contract. I have a couple of woodland coats from the 1984 contract. Both have the gauntlet sleeves. I'm not sure I've seen a GI M-65 without them.
I also love the M65 jacket, I’ve currently got four😀
There my go to everyday jacket, for the field though I prefer the SAS smock, modern or WW2 Classic overhead design.
Thank you for letting us know that two liners will fit in the m65 jacket. That will make the jacket great for michigan winters that can hit sub-zero temps at times.
After watching some of your previous videos on the m65, I finally tracked down a good m65 about a month back. I also managed to find the matching winter hood for a good deal too. The m65 is definitely much better and more versatile than my old wolverine jacket.
I've never tried two liners either, I usually give up on my M-65 in cold weather. In my old artic infantry scout platoon we wore the five button sweater then wool shirt that we wore under the jacket with liner(no BDU jacket). That would get you to 20°F or so if you weren't staying still. Lucky for me I'm a skinny old man and I still fit into my old field jacket. Scouts Out!
Unlike synthetics, you can sit near the fire without melting or catching fire.
About 30 years ago, a soldier turned in his field gear, and he had a M1951 jacket. I took it in just like usual, but swapped a modern jacket to turn in a depot. The jacket had been worn and washed so long it was a silver green color. Wearing it right now.
Good video Blackie , thanks for sharing YAH bless !
Thank you too
👍👍👍 Thanks
Welcome 👍
I could listen to you talk about the M65 for hours
lol i got lots of stories with my m-65
@@BLACKIETHOMAS I'm over the moon to hear that
I wear my m-65 with long sleeve base layer polo shirt for work and fleece shemagh as face cover and to protect from rain (now snow ) a poncho and it seems to work for me
I love ❤all your video's Blackie. What long John's do you recomend and do you have a video on that.
i like the military surplus poly pros
@@BLACKIETHOMAS thank you
Thanks Blackie
get a fleece neck gaiter. does the same thing for your neck but a little warmer, can be taken off easily, prevents wind from getting into your neck area, etc
My modern version of this is my orvis field jacket, merino wool sweater, scarf, and wool hat.
good set
When I was stationed at Ramstein AB Germany, I worked the flightline at night in January all I wore was my M65, hood and Mukluks and was warmer that the new 2 piece parkas that were issued . Of course it was in conjunction with long underwear underwear
yep the long underwear is a big plus in cold temps
@@BLACKIETHOMAS just wish I can find the same type that I had back then. It sounds strange that fishnet thermals are very warm
I'm a die hard believer in M-65s also - got 3 - a Rothco, an English multicam version and a military surplus UCP ( Super well-made highly durable and best SNOW camo jacket w/o mods ) - wouldn't trade any of em
Still got my m65 that i had for about 30 years. Too fat to wear it now but i got myself the finest Chinese copy that Amazon had to offer. Best jacket i have ever owned.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
I wore those jackets up growing up in the Vietnam era when I was a kid back in the 60s and of course I had them once I grew up but I don't see them anymore I don't know where to find one and usually they're too small
Blackie mentioned the M51 hood. The M51 hoods have a real fur ruff-either wolf or coyote depending on the year. They can be used on the M-65 with a little tweeking and not all the buttons in place. There is a later parka hood that has a white fur ruff- I think it's labels hood- cold weather, I'd have to look. It does have button holes to fit the M-65. Like the built in hood, it's sized to fit over the M-1 steel pot.
There are a number of comments about the lack of water proofing. Ever read the care label? The M-65 is treated with a water repellent- Quarpel . The washing instructions are to wash the coat and then rinse it several times- perhaps four to restore the repellancy of the Quarpel.
Even restored, it's not Gore-tex, but it is water repellent. I've always thought that a Gore-tex M-65 would be the greatest jacket.
👍👍👍 .. good reminders 😊.
Good Evening Blackie ..
I don't have the M65 but instead, the German Bundeswehr 'Nato' Field Jacket .. a heavy duty, tight-weave Cotton with a Synthetic 'Fur Pile' removable inner Liner. Had it now 30 years and still in use.
You're correct, these Military Field Jackets, with a semi-decent Fleece / Wool Jersey (Sweater in your speak 😏) / Hoodie, can see one through quite chilly times and when the Mercury really drops, in goes the liner. Put my liner into my jacket just this afternoon. The temps have been hovering around freezing but are forecasted (🤞) to drop below, with snow, the first of the season, tomorrow.
With a British Army 100% Wool 'Genuine Woolley Pully' and the Liner, I can see myself through most sub-zero dry cold conditions. That, together with a Wool / Fleece Neck Scarf, Wool / Fleece Beanie or my Tilley Wool Winter Hat (love it), we are good to go!
Always a pleasure reading your posts and the accompanying comments .. and am looking forward to the next.
Until then, take care .. Tommy
thank you for watching
I have a fleece jacket and vest I use with my winter clothing or I wear them alone
I miss mine from the good old days of utilities and then BDU's. Do you weatherproof them with a DWR spray/wash or just carry a poncho in case the heavens open up and it is what you chose for the day?
Thank you very much, these videos are very interesting, do you know where I could get an m65, either on the internet or in a store?
I am 14 years old and I am very interested in this topic of hunting and everything related to it.
thanks for watching love to hear your comments below safe journeys
Blackie, practical advice especially for the southern audience not acclimated to the recent weather patterns causing polar air to dip farther south. Up here in yankeeville we grow up with layering our protections from the cold polar winds so this video won't make sense to many. I have met many people that transfer to ohio from alot warmer states, they think they know how to dress for an ohio river valley winter, but they are miserable when outdoors. Plus they can't drive on slick roads, but thats a different topic 🤣
very true down here we dont have too long to adjust to the sudden polar temps also its kind of like up there in snow country when ya ll get a high heat wave we can give you some tips to stay cool like you guys help us to stay warm
Funny thing. Up North here in Ohio, it was common to see a guy wearing an M-65 with a hoodie and a Ball Cap on the streets. What was weird was that you could find the Jacket at most Army Navy stores, but the Liners were rarer than Hens Teeth!
The earlier M-51 wool liner will fit. The M-65 liner was quilted. Brigade Quartermasters use to offer an after quilted version made with Hollofill insulation. One of my M-65s has one.
Thanks, Blackie. I didn't think that you could fit 2 M-65 liners in a jacket. I'll have to try that. I have a cheap fleece pullover hoodie that I usually only use to sleep in on cold nights. I'd like to find a full zip hoodie like yours. I don't see those anywhere. Guess I haven't looked hard enough. When the temps get into the 20's or below I pull out my Alpha N-3B Parka.
I had an M65 jacket and never bought a liner for it. Instead I put a quilted shirt/jacket in it , like the ones you get at Walmart and it was plenty warm for Arkansas winters. If it was really cold I'd add a down vest to it.
That's a great idea!
I have a recent issue field jacket with a digital camo pattern and no epaulets. Also a Swiss jacket that probably weighs about 6 pounds. I love my camo. Thanks
Thanks buddy! How hard is it to button in a second liner?
I guess I’m gonna have to find another liner to see just how hard it is.
Bought mine in 1985, still have it. Needs the velcro tabs on the wrists replaced. Has to waterproof. I got a military gore tax jacket and wear that over it. I am comfortable down into single digits
I Have M65, and it is short, in co comparison to European jackets. Is IT designed especially for car driving?
All I know is someone really needs to start making the old 5 button wool sweater for the civilian market.
Other than XS, they are as rare as ever anymore and not getting any newer.
i agree
I'm wearing one right now. It's just a standard 1990s that is a nice woodland.
My other looks better as I commissioned a Taylor to add a specialized water resistant leather collar.
The finish is a special water resistant duck wax finish. Not to brag. I'm just grateful that my Airborne spec ops uncle's OD M65 turned out so good. It looks twice as good as the finest online oil cloth/ wax jacket out of Europe. I love my uncle and hope to see him in heaven someday to hang out, fish and talk about old times.
Most of all John 3:18
sounds like you have it worked out awesome
Maybe a fixin wax treatment might be a good idea.
@@BLACKIETHOMAS Thank you.
☕🤠👍
@@hardtrooth1776 I used a different brand, but that might just work. You'd just have to read reviews or try to find out. What I like is that it's still breathable. I'm not skiing in it or doing high intensity work, but the water resistance and breathability are both comfortable.
If there's *one* iconic jacket into the entire world, it's the M65. Not the M41, M43 or M51. It's the M65, simple as that. It was copied quite often, even bei fashion brands, but whatever may be the cost, and we're talkin $$$ here, never catch up with the real deal, original quality. Often copied, never succeeded. Love that jacket since my teenie days. It's absolutely timeless. I love the big pockets to put things into, love the durability, love the simple & clean style.
You were in my dream last night Blackie
Love my M65 and pretty much use a hoodie and liner the same way. I'm having issues with the zipper now and was wondering if its possible to find a Zipper to spec and have someone sew it in?
i am sure it can happen
You may just need a new slide on the zipper, they come in a few standard sizes and are very easy to replace. That's what TH-cam videos are for! Fabric/sewing stores probably have replacement slides and the employees are generally very helpful to confused looking dudes in an out of place environment!
Thanks for the tip. @@jfu5222
Before you do any of that, rub a candle on the zipper teeth and on the tang at the bottom. The candle wax will lubricate the zipper. Lots of times this resolves zipper issues.
What kind of hat is that blackie
I would like a hat like that! Where can I get one.
Who manufactures that Hoodie? It looks much better than anything I have. Looks quality.
i picked it up in walmart last yr it has served me well
what about using a balaclava? M65 is my go to work or woods jacket. Lots of great features. I have wondered about water proofing the m65. What would you suggest.
As an old artic infantry scout we got authorization to wear the issue balaclava as our standard headgear year round, a bit like wearing the beret among the REMFs. They are the same weight as the more familiar Navy watch cap, but in OD green. I don't know if you can still find them or if there's a decent reproduction, but it is an important part of the cold weather kit.
I also like how the hoodie keeps debris and to a limited degree rain and snow from going down the back of your neck and irritating you.
Where can i get that hat?
a dickie is what i wore for years in the cold.
works great, and can e easily removed if you need to cool down.
M65 with an Arktis wind and rainproof under jacket. For down to 30f
Way ahead of you with the hoodie/jacket combo. Even for someone not as wilderness as me its an excellent comboinarion for when the temperature drops. I even use one of those charcoal brickette handwarmers and snuggle one of those into a inside pocket. You can feel the warmth creeping round the entirety of your torso with that set up even in the coldest conditions my country can throw at me.i do need to find a tutorial on how to make my own fuel sticks though as they can get pretty expensive if youre using on a daily basis. Im not sure if its just moistened' pressed and redried charcoal dust or if something extra such as a small amount of potassium nitrate is aded to help aid the smouldering in a low oxygen enviroment. Might have to experiment over the summer months and build up a surplus winter stick for not a lot of money at all
I got an M65 but the previous owner cut out the hood…. No worries tho I also have 1 liner. I can wear a beanie then the hoodie. I always layer up.
thanks for watching ! and stay warm up there
Like other guys have said in the comments, the M65 is a classic. I have a few. But in wet weather, they're worthless.
Who is it made by.
One guess: Replace the t-shirt by another long-sleeve, and colder days pack less punch, as the arms have one more layer. Also: Hoodies are practical, but also impair hearing! And, while to me that was junkies & muggers, for outdoors it may be wild animals & country bumpkins. Thanks nonetheless, Sir! 🤔
That is nothing for us here in Norway😆a little to cold for a jacket of that kind here.
Hermano cual es su costo???
👍👍
durable jacket, are you veteran ?
The jacket is only good in dry weather and average temperatures. And when it's not raining. Cult, but mediocre wearing properties. In bad weather, I prefer the Bundeswehr goretex clothing. Greetings from Germany.
I've been using the m65 for 4 decades, had earlier variations from korea and ww2. Its ok in the cold, with layers including wool. But in the rockies in the winter, 20 to 40 below, my ww2 wool swiss military jacket. Leather and wool is best. I stay away from synthetics, as they dont last, and melt and burn readily. I use vintage military wool jackets and pants, oldest is from the 30's, hiking in the mountains hunting elk.
I love the m65. I wish i had the OD green. I have in Woodland and in ACU. the ACU is from my time in the army. I hate the look. I wish there was a way to strip it and die it OD green
I tell you its comfortable
yes it is
Sorry, I disagree. Had the field jacket in woodland camo in the 80's, great piece of gear if you're young, in shape, and in the desert. In wet weather it's junk. Zero water resistance, and heavy. Love the pockets and waist and lower cinch cords but modern gear is far superior.
I guess in 2023 we can't waterproof it with something like Scotch Guard...
You could make it water resistant but not truly waterproof. I like old school stuff but there are more practical options.
Got to disagree with you about the water repellent factor on the M65, I spent 2 hours in a steady rain at Ramstein putting 210,000 lbs of fuel on a C-5 and stayed fairly dry in my field jacket
@@raymondhill7636 Interesting! I was in the Army in the 80’s and it was not especially water repellent. Different version perhaps. I gave away a ton of stuff, sold some things. That stuff is worth a fortune now! Oh well.
Field jacket stayed fairly dry but a brand new pair of jump boots didn't fair to well, the stitching on the soles rotted away. Guess it was a combination of water and jet fuel that did them in. As I said it took 2 hours on a normal 45 minute refuel. They had a FNG on the engineers panel filling 1 tank at a time
41⁰ and im still in a short sleeve shirt.
Exactly... T shirt weather!
Gortex parka with liner was much more functional. M65 was no match for it or Artic snorkel parka with liner.