The Best Jacket Ever Made
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- čas přidán 17. 09. 2022
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Ive been wearing a surplus m65 since I was 18 (1982 ) . The style and comfort is unbeatable .
Still sporting a m65 for my Autumn/winter jacket at the age of 58 .
52 and I'm in that same club. I did BCT in 1989 in Fort Jackson.
When I was stationed at Rhein Main AB. West Germany. I worked mainly on a flight line on cargo aircraft. No office, inside a step van was our office. The " 65 " with liner was just enough. We were issued parkas, big bulky coats. Warm but was a load to work in. Went back to the field jacket, liner, army button sweater, insulated under wear and a scarf,with a helmet winter cap...not as bulky but it worked to a degree. Really love the M 65. Only complaint was we were issued rubber boots, not insulated, stand in slushy snow for a few hours the feet get numb, could not feel. Went around kicking things trying to get feeling back. Four years of that. I use to laugh how after twelve hour shifts, my feet would be numb, get home, sleep six hours, get up with my feet still ice cold. Get ready for another twelve shift, dress up, boots still ice cold and go another shift. Would I do that again? Yeah...worked with a bunch good guys
Same here. Bought mine in '83 when I was 17 and I can't tell you how much crap that jacket has went through! I've slowly "outgrown" it, but it's still around and I've loaned it to many people over the years! Even my two ex wives wore it a time or two!
@@DrivingWithDon Can't imagine not having mine. Be well brother.
I have both my Green Field Jacket and my Woodlands Field Jacket both in the rotation.
Before I joined the Military I had the OD green version of the M-65 back in the 1980s. It had a built in felt type liner, and it was amazing. On a hunting trip, I fell in a lake. I crawled out and rung out the water. Put the jacket back on and 30 mins later it was dry and warm again.
To me British windproof smock is cut above the m65 for field use. Material is not quite as heavy duty but it makes up for it by having superiour pockets and hood. What I like about the m65 is that you can practically wear it anywhere because it is actually a bit of a fashion icon. M65 passes much better in town than baggy combat smock.
I've got an arktis b310 in m81... it's a hell of a outer layer
I looked for one of those before I broke down and bought a "new" m65 last year. Unfortunately, real, military issue versions of the British smock are not easy to find in the United States.
@@MrBobDobolina One word, Varusteleka...they are from Finland...Excellent prices on Euro Surplus...and great shipping terms...they actually get sizing right.
@@r.gilman4261 Yes some great prices.
Absolutely. Not only are they fantastic bits of kit, but you can also get them in a range of colours. I have one in black and it is a stonking bit if kit. I am just about to add a Dutch army liner to it.
I sprayed mine with water repellent and it has been tried and tested in the pissing Lancashire rain. It performed brilliantly.
Sizes: Whereas British army stuff is currently sized for midgets, that is not the case here. I have a 42 chest and got the Large Regular. It was a good choice. A bit baggy on me, but that's the way I like it.
God doesn't need to wear camo, but when He does, He chooses M81 woodland.
Amen to that !
Well said!
Tiger stripe is cooler though
You mean your white god wears M81 Woodlands???
No Doubt.
Ahhhh! Yes, I agree! I'm an old SeaBee and was issued this jacket in CUU and DCU. As I'm a military pack rat/horder, I literally just passed down 2 brand new never worn WITH liners to my son in law. He's a modern Marine (2nd CEB) and has no idea about our old 782!
I bought my woodland M-65 at a vets garage sale about 7 yrs ago. I believe I paid $15. On the way home I decided to go back a buy the liner. Did so for another $10. So glad I did. Very fine condition and woodland has always been my favorite camo. Hey Grunt! You forgot to show the hood in the collar!!!
I found mine in dumpster when I worked for a trash company. Brand new.
I've had mine since 88-89, and it has been through some abuse. Still seems like new. It is hands down my favorite jacket I have ever had. I lost the liner, a long time ago, but I am thinking about getting a new one.
Before the general issue of the ECWCS, all we had for winter wear were the 50/50 (50% wool 50% cotton) long johns, your issue trousers, issue blouse, wool five button sweater, and the field jacket with liner. Local commands hated letting troops use the M65 parka+liner and field pants+liner "because they didn't look good" (until they started getting a bunch of cold weather injuries one bone chilling winter and commanders were actually getting their asses in a sling over it). Same reason we were never allowed to use the ear flaps in the BDU hat, "that looks like crap".
Still my favorite jacket. Got my first one in 1979, OD green. I wore it working outside in winter. Cruised brush and it never ripped or cut going through briars & thorns. Out grew it and my youngest son still has it. 43 years and going strong! I now own one in Woodland, Three Color Desert and OCP. The newer ones have plastic zippers but they are YKK. No issues with them so far. Love the cut and the fit. With the liner in it handles most cold weather here in Gulf Coast Alabama. Thanks Randall.
Standard jacket in the '70's. Wear your unit patch [or peace sign]. Walk pass the old WWII guys staring at you, like you're doing something wrong. Hey, I earned this.
I just want to thank Brent, Bill, and yourself for bringing back to life my childhood and some of the things I was raised on. I still have two or three of those jackets one is my grandfathers. They're still tough af. 🇺🇲
...by the way, I'll be root yal on the sere challenges. Good luck 👏🙏
thanks! They're good people
I want to thank you. I've been an M-65 fan since 1978. My bottom snap also crapped out. your acceptance of its limitations reminded me of better days - I'm keeping it now indefinitely!
Great review Troop! I got mine in 1995, Regular Army guys got two jackets, Guard and Reserve guys got one. Before Army days during my Civil Air Patrol days I actually got issued a M-1951 Field Jacket… mostly the same as a M65, but the waist draw string tied off in the outside of the jacket.
You’re spot on on eBay prices… I picked up a nice NOS FJ liner for like $20 shipped. Can’t beat that!
Keep up the Fire!
Just scored a 2001 woodland m65 field jacket that was so new it had no stitch patterns anywhere inside or out. $28 at the milsurp. Unbeatable.
Find the liner and you're GTG
"I'm still waiting on that one", my new legendary phrase. Thank you.
I was issued that jacket in 1983 (Army) and after my honorable discharge I gave it to my lil brother and he still uses it today while hunting
I got my first field jacket m65 which was of green in 1974. And yes it’s been around but truly a great piece of gear
Alpha Industries still makes M65s in Woodland. They were original manufacturer contracted by the US government. They have been making them for over 50 years.
Got my M65 jacket and liner (smoking jacket) from Alpha, multiple versions. Their store on Amazon has them. Love it.
I did 4 years of college wearing amy dad's OD M65 in the early 70s. Great jacket except in the Eugene winter rains, but it lasted until I outgrew the sleeves and gave it back to Dad.
I was issued my M65 OD Green Brand New on day one of Basic in January 1984 and I still have it - 40 years old and it will last at least another 10 years .. when I got orders to Korea, I got issued Woodland Camo BDUs, in 1987, switching from OD Green Fatigues, but for some reason I was never issued a Woodland Camo M65 -- but everyone else who got issued Replacement Woodland Camo BDUs got issued a Replacement Woodland Camo M65 at the same time ..
My Commander chewed my ass out for wearing my OD Green M65 with the new Woodland Camo BDUs and I told him 'issue me a Woodland Camo M65 and I'll wear it' - but I refused to buy it, when everyone else got it issued for free .. three years and 2 bases later I was still wearing my OD Green M65 over my Camo BDUs -- and there was nothing they could do about it -- because they wouldn't issue me a Replacement Woodland Camo M65 .. I got the hell out the second my re-enlistment was due ..
its so flame resistant we were trained to fight fires at camp pendleton with it. Marines on line beating the fire line with this jacket actually works to put out the smoldering fires.
Love it Sarge. Thanks for the up front, clear cut communication Grunt style!
👊🏻
Field Jacket liners were alright, but the old Korean war issue cold weather wool shirts were far better under the field jacket.
Because like you said the M65 would get wet the field jacket liner would too and you would freeze your ass off.
With the wool shirt if it got wet even with a protective covering over… ie the field jacket you still stayed warm.
Learned this lesson in Höhenfels back in ‘87.
This was one of the best issue items i had since the mid 80s! My OD green issue jacket and liner from basic training provided excellent protection from bitter cold in Newfoundland. The air force began the switch to BDU uniform but the jacket could be worn for a year or two. It was stolen in the damn chow hall! The replacement was woodland camo and just as great but not as distinctive ( the af loved their unit patches then ). The collars had an integrated hood folded in them which was useful when you weren't prepared with adequate head protection. It was the only issue item you could leave the collar up for a cool look. It's always a mistake to unzip the compartment and unfold it because i could never re stow it neatly so the collar was flat. Also the hood can slip down between the shell and lining and it drove the office weenies crazy when they inspected us from their warm buildings as we walked out into the elements. There was a parka looking hood that was issued that can button on the collar. It was effective but would look a little sloppy. When its a$$ crackin cold who would gaf?
The gortex jacket that replaced it was also a great issue item. I can remember how great it was at keeping dry with the pants.
After that the contractors found it very lucrative to reinvent the uniform wheel.
You can also get a removable winter hood for it too
My dad still has his OD green one issued in the 70's. Winter work jacket for 45+years.
Growing up, I remember my dad always wore his Vietnam Army M65 jacket all the time. I can't remember a time when he didn't wear it in the fall and winter. I bet It's still stored in his house somewhere. Tough as nails!
I've still got my old woodland jacket from late 80's, early 90's.
Hard to beat an M-65 field jacket , tried and true , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Nikwax wash-in waterproofing works great for me. I love my M65. I have two spares in case I ever obliterate mine, and one for my nephew who loves it. Keep up the great work, Randall. Carry on!
Great video as always brother, thank you.
Question of the year: what's the best military surplus jacket out there? Let's hear ya!
My M65 is the best by far when it comes to quietness and stealth. The job does the picking. Very stormy the woodland Gore-Tex Parker. MY under lawyer are M65 liner or the Polar Tech. If it's real cold. I go old school. The bear jacket. I might not be the coolest kid but I'm warm. I have the marshmallow jacket. I don't trust it out in the bush.
@@louiemorris9598 I still have the old black bear suit. Very comfy in dry winter conditions
M65, O.D. or woodland, back in the day you got soaked in it, but now you can buy water repellent underlayment. So 65, works, even wore one hauling steel all over God's green earth for 22 years in all kinds of weather 247.
Still own two original issues hahahaha 😆.
Great topic.
My vote goes to the british PCS smock
The M65 for when you want to be left alone. 🇺🇸
I have and wear an original 1975 m65.. This is probably the toughest all-season jacket on earth!
yes!
You are absolutely spot on. Got my issued OD, a woodland and a desert tricolor one. Love em all.
Still have my father's M-65. I wore out his M-51 (yes, it was his, he served 37 years). Granted, he had the M-51 well broken in before he gave it to me. I wore it all through high school and college, that was 40 years ago.
I thought Alpha was still making true Mil-Spec M-65 jackets?
Get two cans of ScotchGaurd.
Spray outdoors.
Spray shoulders and seams heavily.
It will brighten up the old faded camo a little bit also. Dry it for two days.
Test it with a hose. Lol
Picked up a couple of thinsulate liners for my m65 at brigade quartermaster back in the day..hands down I LOVE this jacket!
Biggy is finding size that fit and fit over gear. I have 3 search areas and hit and miss finding xxl/xxxl jackets and pants. Its out there but takes time to find. Most of my winter gear is surplus, Including the ICS tent you recommended(that is a BEER to you ) I can play in the woods and be warm and dry. Thanks Grunt Proof.
I have my grandfathers from WWII. And mine from the 80’s
My issue M65 Field Jacket was just OD (Olive Drab) Green, no camouflage. 1962 Fort Jackson SC. One of the greatest field jackets ever made! It lasted me thru my enlistment and for years of riding my motorcycle in all weather conditions. One great design! In the winter just insert the liner and it’s pretty warm! Loved that jacket!
When I was in the Corps in the mid '80's we still had the OD green M65 - I was issued a new woodland in '86 that I never even wore. I gave that to my nephew a few years ago, he loves it. I still have my OD green M65 but rarely wear it these days. I put the iron-on USMC and EGA on both of them way back then, as well.... Fun to stumble upon this video
I still have the german Bundeswehr Parka (Red Cross/Technisches Hilfswerk grey version) of my father from the 70s. My little brother had it, i still have it and its not dead. It has seen copious amounts of woods, festivals, been trampled on, vomited on, my cat used it as a scratch tree, you just cant kill that thing. Nowadays i prefer the Leo Köhler KSK Smock, very tactical, robust Parka on steroids, highly reccomend it.
Can't beat the pants either. I've got a pair used during camping and around the house outdoor work, I'm going to guess they are 25 years old (yeah, they still fit but maxed out LOL). Great gear. The liner is a nice addition.
Thank you for this video! I am going to keep an eye peeled for one of those!
Outstanding! LOVE the field jacket liner/woobie with arms. Great stuff man, thanks!
Still have mine when they went to woodland pattern.
I also still have my Gortex Jacket and pants.
I was not a grunt I was a 13B20R3 RedLeg.
78-81, 62J20 Heavy Equipment Operator.
Was at Ft.Lewis Was.81-82 9 Inf.Div
2ndBde 2Bn 15 Cbt Eng. ( Test Bed ).
We were a 300 man Combat Engineer Company. I was the backhoe operator in 3rd Plt. and provided direct support 2nd Brigade 2n Battalion. When the grunts went out I went out. The 9 Infantry Division was the last straight leg division.
After watching the grunts hump a 90 mm a Ma Duce they earned my respect big time and would help them out in every way that I could. Our barracks were across the parade field from 2/75 Ranger Battalion.
I have found with mine that if you fold it up like you are trying to ranger roll it, but leave the hood out, then tucks the whole thing into the hood, you can fold it up quite small. I have one of the old sleep system carriers for the Vietnam Era web gear that carries it quite well, suspended under my buttpack, that sandwiches my poncho between the jacket and buttpack
Just tried on my 1982 issue woodland camo jacket with liner. I had to turn in my OD green one issued in 1977. Wish I could have kept it. It still looks brand new. Was a large then still fits but an XL would be better now. I've slept in it, hunted in it. Shoveled snow in it, Only thig I never liked about it was the lack of slash pockets. I know in military not supposed to put your hands in your pockets but i loved the slash pockets in military issue parkas when it got really nippy out.
I used to have an M-65 field jacket years ago. Loved it. I have a reproduction M-41 field jacket it's a good one too cause I can wear it without looking military. The M-43 which came after it, is the field jacket that started the modern field jackets for the army.
Been looking for a channel like this I'm glad that I found this man
I have my fathers m65 with liner. I live in upstate NY and it saved my butt when i wrecked my car in a snowstorm. Great piece of gear in my book.
My Uncle gave me his navy peacoat he was issued in 1967 last year. It has some cigarette burns and signs of wear but still solid. Knowing the history of the man who wore it before adds the real value. I camp up in WV near Davis in the winter. It’s the best standing around the campfire in the snow coat for me yet.
awesome
Grunt proof AF, love the subtlety!
Got mine for 8 bucks at Goodwill... used silicone waterproofing spray and boom perfect midrange jacket.
awesome
Hi from France.
Yesssssssss ! M65 is really nice.
Since more than 35 years i am wearing M 65.
I have no more the original one US woodland, but i have Croatian copy black, green, and 2 woodland. I wear the black in town, like yesterday.
Actually in Europe many Army don't have anymore pockets on the jackets, because of the bullet-proof-vest. The now French Army camo is like the multicam from US and GB, really efective camo.
Nice to see you again on CZcams.
I have two M-65 field jacket, an olive drab and woodland camo, after years of service I still use them. The liners together with my fjallraven Greenland jacket make a perfect match when i wear them in the city.
You cannot beat military surplus...notta! I have the woodland and the OD green M 65 and liner, and that's what I roll in. Great video brother. 👍😎🇺🇸
Yep. M-65 just rock. I agree about the comfort level. Like wearing your old favorite sweatshirt.
I know a lot of SFers that service in Vietnam on the S.O.G teams use to have ponchos sew in to the jacket, Fatigue shirt, pants, and other equipment that need to stay dry. And the reason for it was to keep it from giving off noise. And it works I still have my father gear including my gear which i did the same then to include my Alice pack which I still have.
You can buy an original brand new Alpha Industies M65 Field Jacket online. They invented the M65 field jacket in 1965 and had the government contract from 1965 - 2012. And they still make them today. Alpha Industies never stopped making the original M65 Jacket. It costs $185 and the liner cost $100. Made in the USA.
cool
I still have mine issued in the early 80's and wear it around the farm in the late fall and winter. It's still in good shape.
M65 Jackets and their derivatives are great. They are really easy to use with other clothing layers.
I just got a replica M65 made by Helikon-Tex. It was about €88 and came with the removable lining. As far as I can tell it's as good as the military issue, it's a BEAST of a coat, I absolutely ADORE it! 👍😃
cool. Rothcos military clothing is also great
I agree helikon is really very close to original
I use an M65 with synthetic liner when Im camping.
Its robust, warm and retains warmth when wet.
If you combine it with a poncho or an umbrella its its superb.
Yep! Still have mine that I was issued. Still use it as a work jacket. Damn tough.
The wood land camouflage was the best cameo we ever had. I own 2 M-65 jackets in different colors, because they work. I agree. I own ed several in the Corps. The liners are magic as well and they are a must in order to stay warm.
yup!
My initial issue one was issued in 1988. I had it up through the 1990s. Didnt fit anymore (imagine that), got rid of it.
Two years ago, I found an OD green one that did fit, for $20, and grabbed it. Its now my outdoor cool weather jacket. For cold, winter jackets, I much prefer the no longer issued canadian forces parka. Its quiet, and the pockets are actually more functional. And it goretex lined...
Yep, still wear my ODG M65 issued in 1979. Tough as nails. Somebody will still be wearing it long after I’ve gone to my reward.
I've got one made by Propper in black. I got mine on an Amazon deal for $50 or so. I hit it with a few layers of Greenland wax and it's now waterproof. The only thing I don't like is the hood. Varusteleka makes a pretty solid smock that looks superior but it's tough to say if it is. That thing plus the liner is my winter coat here in Illinois, I keep my poncho on hand if things get too weird.
I turned mine in in 1985, lol. But, you got me thinking I might have to get one. I spent many nights in the bush with the same field jacket as a Marine Grunt. Got it soaking wet a few times as well, including in S.Korea in winter for Mountain Warfare Training with the ROC Marines. I slept using it as a pillow a lot also and that liner was just right when I needed it to be.
Good video, thanks Army!
Rothco has some great knockoffs
Been wearing the field jacket since the mid 70’s, I have four of them can’t be beat.
Was issued my field jacket [just like yours] by the US Army in 1987 or so...
Just tried it on yesterday, to make sure everything is still good to go for another winter-- and it is...
It's an awesome piece of gear that's better quality than the new kit they're issuing, and the cammo is even still effective
I will say that I've owned a couple of these (had to size up because workout growth) and it's just amazing. The durability, flexibility, insulation with a liner; there's just no contest. I managed to score NOS Woodland M65 from the late 1980s for I think it was 45 bucks and I can just tell it's going to be with me for years to come (if I don't size up to a large, that is).
Best jacket ever...i remember when they were everywhere for went for around $10 a pop at the local surplus store. Ive seen guys actually stuff these things into the concealed hood and make this thing into an improvised pillow!
I was issued mine in 2002 and it is still AWESOME! I love mine and still wear it in the winter.
Old school, the best, M65 in woodland, excellent jacket, my son has had one for years, thanks for your videos, they are excellent.
I joined the army in 1984 and still have 3 of those m65 coats . I would add 2 or 3 liners for cold weather and I'd be good to go. I love that m65 field jacket.
Just picked one up at a Goodwill for $10 😮 I couldn’t believe it was there. It was practically brand new in unused condition.
I got mine in 1992...abused a lot (mostly from ignorance) ... Frayed the cuffs to threads, repaired...but its still wearable and I do. Outstanding indeed
I still have some of my dads gear from the military and when he was in Nam, I love his M65 gear and honestly cant get enough of it.
There is nothing better than the M-65. Not only does it have a bottom draw string but it has a waist string as well. Not withstanding it also has those four deep outside pockets it also came with an integral hood in the collar. With the liner either in wool or the nylon (poncho liner) material it was warm as can be.
Got mine in basic training in 1999. I miss our old uniforms and boots with a mirror polish.
WOW! Can't believe you got one with the liner!
I Still have BDU's from the 70's when I was active-duty USMC.
The M65 can be had new. Alpha Industries makes them in modern fit and USGI fit.
Also, the hood for the M51 fits on the M65. It's thick and has a fur lining on the opening.
Hey just a minute I have the O. D. Version of the I can still fit into it from the,, 1976. Great jacket. Just don't eat so much to and keep exercising more. The kit will fit.
I earned mine from 3 years in the army. 1983-1986. Still have it in my storage bin. I spray water repellant on it to make it slightly rain resistant. Wish it was made with GoreTex. Still have my Alice Pack, medium. Soft no frame.
I had one in my student days. It was great for winter and crawling out of clubs. A bit heavy for warmer seasons. My liner was fleece so perhaps it was a British version.
I have two M-65's one is a new never issued the other is a well loved one that I use all winter if it gets cold I put the liner in.
I have owned the M65 in OD, Woodland and 3 color Desert Camo... had the OD before I raised my hand and gave my Oath of Service to the Green Machine in 1986. Gave most of them away to friends and family because they didn't have field ready gear.
I was issued my M-65 in 1983 (two of them actually) and I still have them. My daughter has tried to steal one of them on several occasions, but I’ve successfully thwarted her every time. I’ll be buried with my M-65 in Woodland Camo. The second one….well, my daughter can have it when I’m gone. They still have my 8th ID patches on the shoulder.
When I was an infantry grunt, we wore the liner with our regular field shirt far more than we wore that field jacket. We wore the field jacket more in garrison or formation than in the field.
Great content, was issued mine brand new in 1996, lasted for years. Been partial to that jacket ever since. Since I grew up in Montana, maybe acclimated to colder weather, but have found with liner that jacket is good to below freezing,say 20°. With a wool sweater good to 0° for me. Stationary though can be a little cool.
Bought a new M65 in woodland pattern when I was 18. I'm now 54 and it's still one of my primary winter jackets.
We (0311s) used to (back in the 80s) skip the M-65 a lot of times and just wear the filed jacket liner under the cammie blouse.
Spot on brother! I love mine , love to sleep in it with liner, when camping. Thanks for bringing up all the great memories.
👊🏻
I still have mine issued to me in 1987 basic training at FT Benning. Still wear it occasionally.
Yeah, I like my jacket too. When I went to turn mine in they didn't want it so I kept it. I still wear it 13 years later.
I love these jackets. I have an OD that was my dad's when he was in the army from 1966 to 1970, plus I have a woodland dated 1989. These things really are wind proof and definitely warm with the liner. I have wool liners dated from the 1950s and green liners dating from the 1970s to 2003. The woodland jacket has a plastic zipper with some of the teeth missing, but it still zips up. As Grunt Proof pointed out, they are heavy. My shoulder muscles get fatigued wearing these all day with the liner in really cold weather. The velcro on the cuffs weren't the best idea as they wear out quickly.