M-65 Field Jacket

[Doctor Damage]

A few months ago, I picked up a Chinese made Rothco for cheap. The seller had washed it with those scent crystals. I do not care for strong laundry smells, so this was awful. I ran it through a couple front-loader delicate cycles, and that pretty much did the trick. Here's the thing: though the fabric feels stiff and tough, I have concluded it is not very durable. I noticed two small tears after the washing that were not there before. Probably a sharp part of the brass zipper was the culprit. I've washed my jackets in this manner hundreds of times, and I've never had any fabric have a new tear like this. I've felt around the zipper a few times, and I could not find anything particularly sharp. No metal burrs found. Just your standard brass zipper. I have these same size metal zippers on a number of other jackets, all of which have gone through the wash. I can't help but conclude the Rothco material is not nearly as tough as it seems it would be. I have several M-65s from various makers, and two of those are vintage from the 60s and 70s. No material has torn/been cut like this.

That explains the flowery smell on a few used jackets I got recently!!

About the Rothco, I got one back in 2020 and wore it each winter during the worst of covid. All the pockets were useful for masks, etc, junk, random stuff. It was made of a medium weight poplin, which held up well. It wasn't windproof though, which was a prob. I thrifted it last summer. It did it's job for the 4 years I wore it. I've posted about it in this thread. Not a bad choice if you're budget constrained, it will do the job, but yeah it's the low-tier M65 option and probably best interpreted as a heavy duty safari jacket rather than a utility jacket for bad weather.

 

[Trenchfriend]

From the weight perspective, the Brandit would be okay to me, with it's 80% polyester shell. But if someday I might see an "army store" anywhere, offering the Helikon, I will grab it. I just would wear it without the liner as EDC jacket.

 

[MrProper]

From the weight perspective, the Brandit would be okay to me, with it's 80% polyester shell. But if someday I might see an "army store" store anywhere, offering the Helikon, I will grab it. I just would wear it without the liner as EDC jacket.

I have tried Helikon, Brandit, Mil-Tec, Rothco and Propper in addition to my original from 40 years ago and I have to say that Helikon is the best in terms of price/performance and closest to the original.
Ordering in Europe directly from Helikon works wonderfully, including returning wrong sizes. Black Friday and so on, there is up to 50%.

 

[Trenchfriend]

You know, what's funny?
In Germany, the wildlife/outdoor chain stores in the bigger cities currently offer the M51 Parka, althought I believe the M51 jacket to be much more popular. I don't see people in the classic parka style, these days, but there are a lot fieldjacket friends in Europe, I tell you!
I wonder, if anyone here really wants to prefer the Parka?

Sure, the versatility, but as far as I know us Germans, the majority loves classic fieldjacket's flap pockets.

 

[Preppy Climber]

Navigating the Surf City USA jungle in an appropriate ensemble.

Vintage U.S. military issue M-65 field jacket*; RL Polo OCBD, tie, and chinos; Clarks Wallabees; Fox River wool socks.

*This is the smallest size in the M-65: Extra small, extra short. I'm 5'1", 102 lbs. A bit oversized on me, but I love it!

 

[PeterRocco]

Navigating the Surf City USA jungle in an appropriate ensemble.

Vintage U.S. military issue M-65 field jacket*; RL Polo OCBD, tie, and chinos; Clarks Wallabees; Fox River wool socks.

*This is the smallest size in the M-65: Extra small, extra short. I'm 5'1", 102 lbs. A bit oversized on me, but I love it!

View attachment 687440 View attachment 687441

You have the Hole Look Going On. Very Nice. Thanks for Posting.

 

[Preppy Climber]

You have the Hole Look Going On. Very Nice. Thanks for Posting.

Thank you, @PeterRocco! I would love to see others rocking their military field jackets!

 

[Trenchfriend]

You have the Hole Look Going On.

I wanted to write the same!

 

[Preppy Climber]

I wanted to write the same!

I need to be more active on this forum. You are all so friendly and pleasant!

 

[agrocrag]

Is there an easy way to tell if your m65 is nylon/cotton or 100% cotton? It's not marked on the label

 

[CatsCan]

Is there an easy way to tell if your m65 is nylon/cotton or 100% cotton? It's not marked on the label

If it is original US military issue, and if I am correct, only the one without epaulettes (not cut off but didn't have 'em in the first place) from 1965 to early 1966 were 100% cotton. So: no epaulettes, additional piece of triangular cloth sewn into the sleeve cuffs, "aluminum" zippers, and it's realistic to assume that it is 100% cotton. 1966 to late 1970 or very early '71: NYCO, aluminum zippers, epaulettes, triangular piece at cuffs. 1971 and later: NYCO, epaulettes, brass zippers, no additional triangular piece of cloth at cuffs.

 

[windrunner]

Hello! Very new to the forum but this place seemed like the safest bet in terms of help trying to get an m65 jacket. Used to have a nice and sturdy jacket back in high school, though I've now since outgrown it quite a bit. Tried a friend's m65 and it seemed like the perfect every day go to jacket that I could wear. Possibly interested in reproductions like the one from Helikon Tex, but would prefer an original if possible, need one that'll really last forever. I looked a bit on eBay and raregearusa but they don't seem to have any in large. Most surplus stores near me sell cheap Chinese junk from what I've seen at a glance, so I'm wary of going in and buying anything. Any help or recommendations would be welcome!

 

[Justsomedude]

Does it need to be vintage? If reproductions are okay, there are plenty to choose from

 

[windrunner]

Does it need to be vintage? If reproductions are okay, there are plenty to choose from

Repos are fine, I just want ones that will truly last.

 

[Peacoat]

Original field jackets have been readily available in the past. That's what I would look for.

 

[windrunner]

Original field jackets have been readily available in the past. That's what I would look for.

Funnily enough I actually found a jacket in the last hour that's not too expensive and looks legit! No liner though..and looks quite worn...

 

[Peacoat]

They were issued without the liner in warm climates. There are two types of liners available. Should be available on eBay. I think that's where I got mine.

 

[Preppy Climber]

Funnily enough I actually found a jacket in the last hour that's not too expensive and looks legit! No liner though..and looks quite worn... View attachment 701734 View attachment 701735

If the jacket doesn't have major rips or stains, I would suggest going for it. @Peacoat is spot on re. getting the real thing. I have several military issue M65 jackets and am very happy with them.

Peacoat is also correct re. liners on eBay. That's where I got mine. Shouldn't be difficult to find one in your size.

 

[dr greg]

I'm considering getting one to keep warm this winter. Does anyone have one? What are the pros &cons of it? I know that it's not vintage nor is it vintage-styled but I need something that can keep me warm & not be too concerned if it gets dirty.

Thanx!!!
Charlie

I have a NATO version from Norway...keeps you dry...in the 70's i hitched all over Europe in an og alpha M-65...stood up to most weathers you wouldn't perish in