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I lost my beloved field jacket

Pandemic

One Too Many
Messages
1,503
Location
In The Flat Field
Irrelevant old guy anecdote alert:

I borrowed my dad’s green M65 he brought back from Viet Nam a few times in the 1980s, as a teen. The liner was newer - a fleecy thing that made it very warm.

They were never issued in the Australian army but some units would turn a blind eye to privately purchased kit in the field, as long as it didn’t look out of place. In the mid 1990s I bought an M65 in regulation DPCU camo made in Hong Kong and had a local tailor make-up a wool liner for it. Never got to wear it because I was sent to a unit that enforced uniform standards very strictly before the next Winter.
 

Seb Lucas

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,562
Location
Australia
Irrelevant old guy anecdote alert:

I borrowed my dad’s green M65 he brought back from Viet Nam a few times in the 1980s, as a teen. The liner was newer - a fleecy thing that made it very warm.

They were never issued in the Australian army but some units would turn a blind eye to privately purchased kit in the field, as long as it didn’t look out of place. In the mid 1990s I bought an M65 in regulation DPCU camo made in Hong Kong and had a local tailor make-up a wool liner for it. Never got to wear it because I was sent to a unit that enforced uniform standards very strictly before the next Winter.

I've owned around 3 Australian army M65's, I wonder what year they were issued. Used to be able to get them for $20.
 

Pandemic

One Too Many
Messages
1,503
Location
In The Flat Field
I've owned around 3 Australian army M65's, I wonder what year they were issued. Used to be able to get them for $20.

If you ever see an M65 with broad arrow stamp and an NSN, I'd love to see a pic. As far as I know, they were never official issue. There were some legit smocks (based on the Brit model) that were sort of similar and only issues to para and commando units.
 

Seb Lucas

I'll Lock Up
Messages
7,562
Location
Australia
If you ever see an M65 with broad arrow stamp and an NSN, I'd love to see a pic. As far as I know, they were never official issue. There were some legit smocks (based on the Brit model) that were sort of similar and only issues to para and commando units.

I wish I kept them. Don't recall the white labels details except that it was in English was called a field jacket and I am pretty sure it said the jacket was made in Australia. Love to know more because I was under the impression we didn't use these here too. Mitchell's Disposals had dozens of them in large cardboard boxes for sale cheap in around 2000.
 

TwistedOtter

New in Town
Messages
3
Hi everyone,

I desperately require some help please in finding a replacement for a green Alpha Industries M65 jacket I lost over 2 years ago (I cannot get over the loss). I have attached pictures to help with ID.

I have spent hours searching all over the internet but cannot find the same item anywhere, so I may have to settle for something that is almost the same. I have no idea which AI M65 this was. Heck, I didn’t even take note of what brand it was until owning it for a few years and took a look when I was bored on a train.

I bought the jacket in a high street store - Urban Outfitters (UK) around 2014/15 and think it must have been a limited run (could have been a collaboration but cannot be certain). I loved this jacket so much that I still think about it 2 years after losing it.

It was slim fitting, so not as loose as most field jackets I’ve seen but I could still easily fit a hoody / sweater underneath. The size I believe may have been medium. There was no removable liner (which meant less bulk). The thin lining was orange. It was very light and less rugged finish (more smooth) so I think at least 50% nylon.

Does anyone know which AI model this jacket was and also if there are any available that are similar? The slimmer fit is most important because I’m 5ft 9 and very slim. As I’m struggling to replace with an identical jacket, I’m open to other finishes / materials but not keen on patches or extra details. Finding a jacket I will love the same or a nicer jacket that I love even more is my goal.

I’m also happy to consider other brands, as long as the jackets are similar.

I’ve waffled a bit so in summary:

- which style AI M65 was my jacket?
- slim fit, nylon mix/light material, no thick detachable lining. Built in thin lining was orange. Poppers (no buttons), built in hood, adjustable cuffs.
- what are suitable AI replacements?
- any styles from other brands worth considering?

I’m never getting that jacket back but a suitable replacement would make me a very happy man.

Hey there. I think the model you’re looking for is the Alpha Industries M65 CW. I think it’s the “CW” that makes the difference.

Here’s one I found, but there also seems to be one available in Germany (saw the store last night, so I could probably find it again).
https://www.bennevisclothing.com/product/vintage-m-65-cw-olive/
 

TwistedOtter

New in Town
Messages
3

Rickyrich

New in Town
Messages
8
Thanks Twisted Otter.

That looks almost identical to my jacket and the fit is absolutely spot on.

Such a shame it’s out of stock. I was ready to pull the trigger on sight
 

TwistedOtter

New in Town
Messages
3
Thanks Twisted Otter.

That looks almost identical to my jacket and the fit is absolutely spot on.

Such a shame it’s out of stock. I was ready to pull the trigger on sight

The sucks. I didn’t check to see if they were truly in stock or not. At least I think you’ve got a positive ID on the jacket. It’s an Alpha Industries M-65 CW. The model number is 178114-142. That might be enough to continue the search.

Good luck!
 

Doctor Damage

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,263
Location
Ontario
Hey there. I think the model you’re looking for is the Alpha Industries M65 CW. I think it’s the “CW” that makes the difference.

Here’s one I found, but there also seems to be one available in Germany (saw the store last night, so I could probably find it again).
https://www.bennevisclothing.com/product/vintage-m-65-cw-olive/
The CW must matter because that Alpha jacket is 100% cotton while Alpha's "normal" M65 jacket is 50% cotton 50% nylon.
 

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