M65 Jacket

[karhu21]

Decided to get an M65 Jacket with a lining. Any opinions on who makes the best version eg. Schott, Alpha?

 

[FAFOO68]

Hello,
I have a Alpha Industries in Tan (made in USA), a very strong and practical jacket, the sizing is generous. With the liner it's warm for cold weather (minus 5° Celcius with a sweater). Those from Vietnam War era are fine (in OD). I don't know SCHOTT but PROPPER made some very good M65. The best way is to check the Bay...
Cheers,
F68

 

[wdw]

I had an Alpha, which I liked and wore a lot because of it's toughness and all the pockets. The downside was it soaked up rain like a sponge and the pocket lining wore through because of coins. They're probably all like that though.

I also had a Ralph Lauren clone which was as delicate as a flower, but did look nice, although definitely not worth the money.

 

[simonc]

Here is a bargain in black http://www.ironheart.co.uk/jackets/ihm-02.html

 

[andyfalzon]

You can get a NOS Alpha (Made in USA) on ebay for a fair price.
If you want the good stuff the label should have one line across, (that's the issued version) not three lines (that is the civilian version that is not mil-spec).
The shell of M-65 is specially treated so it is water repellent.

 

[jack miranda]

I have a black M-65 by Alpha, with liner I bought in a surplus store for less than $100 US. A great all purpose jacket.

 

[Dave E]

Here is a bargain in black http://www.ironheart.co.uk/jackets/ihm-02.html

Why the heck have they added handwarmer pockets to that?

I've got a couple of Alpha M-65s that I've had for a few years. They're durable and easy to wear, although do remember to size down as they're designed to be worn over uniforms. Mine have always been reasonably rain resistant as well.

 

[Zombie_61]

My current M65 was made by Propper in accordance with the Mil-Spec. Durable, very water resistant, generous sizing (though, admittedly, I have to go up a size or the sleeves are too short), warm enough (for me, anyway) in 50°F weather without the liner. I'd recommend sticking with a Mil-Spec version even if you have to pay a little more, as the non-Mil-Spec versions are lesser quality.

 

[Grayland]

I received mine in 1982. It was free and they threw in a haircut as well. I still have it, although it fits tight now.

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

I own an olive drab M65 and an M1943 that I wear in the fall. No zipper and it's a 1940's style:

http://www.atthefrontshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=USUJM43

Later

 

[MillersCrossing]

I have an Alpha M65 in the sage green. It is very well made and was very reasonably priced (around $100 if I remember correctly). I should perhaps have bought a size smaller as the sizing is generous but the plus side is I can wear a thick jumper underneath if I have to. But the weather around here doesn't often permit that, so its a bit looser than I like a jacket to be with just a t-shirt underneath.

Mine is a Large Regular and it has three lines on the label. I bought it from an online military surplus store.

 

[dilbert123]

From what I understand the earliest versions of the M65 were all cotton and, while comfortable, will soak with water in the rain. The later jackets (no date on this) are a polyester blend that will shed water and can be used as a rain garment. I have a late Alpha, the sizes tend to be okay but the arms are long. My arms are a bit short and I prefer to buy dress shirts as I can get the specific length and the M65's sleeves are very long on me. It is very comfortable and you can add a liner that buttons in to make it warmer. I live in central Texas and temps here are seldom cold enough for the liner. You can find liners on eBay for less than $10 (brand new). I am a Navy veteran and the Navy didn't issue these jackets so I never wore the real thing but I am very happy with my Alpha. In my experience Alpha's (I was a pilot and have a few Alpha flight jackets) are very well made and hold up well. You can find these jackets new from numerous sources so shop around for the best deal.

 

[Tito]

I have a M-65 Winfield year 1976. Is a fantastic jacket and completely water repellent.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I have an Alpha 1 year old. It's warm and strong. Water runs off it but it will soak if you stay out too long. They run large. I normally wear large or extra large upper garments. I wear a Medium in the M65 and it's still roomy.

 

[alec0226]

I have a M-65 Winfield year 1976. Is a fantastic jacket and completely water repellent.

Looks great! Is it an issued one?
I got a Winfiled M65 made in1982, shell fabric is 50% cotton 50% nylon, but it feels softer than the issued version. I also have a few issued M65s made by Alpha and Cherokee in 1970's, I think it's a lot better than the M65 made by Alpha for civilian market nowadays.

 

[sewer election]

Decided to get an M65 Jacket with a lining. Any opinions on who makes the best version eg. Schott, Alpha?

The Ten C Field jacket is a good shout for that.
http://www.ten-c.it/collection/field.php

They do shearling, down and quilted polyester linings for them..