Orvis Military Parka - Update Of Classic N3B Parka

[normanf]

Every one is familiar with the classic N3B parka issued to troops serving in extreme cold weather spots on the planet. The problem with it is its just too damned warm to wear most of the time! :eusa_doh: It would be overkill for most people.

Orvis has come out with a civilian update to a classic - made in America, a stripped down civilian version of the N3B without the added weight or bulk of the extreme cold weather version:

It looks done right in a very neutral, stated khaki color. It may be this years' sought after outerwear!

 

[Phantomfixer]

Looks longer than a parka, but I do like the concept.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Alpha also makes a lighter weight N3-B:

http://www.alphaindustries.com/Mens-Flight-Jackets/Alpha-Industries-Softshell-N-3B-Parka.asp

 

[Phantomfixer]

The alhpa looks very nice!

 

[normanf]

After much consideration, I bought Patagonia's take on the classic nylon parka - with fleece lined piling. Its an economical alternative to those looking at a leather B-3 shearling jacket. I've been looking for something like this in a practical parka for a long time - something lighter than down and yet warmer and easier to movie around in than a leather shearling jacket:

More here:

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-isthmus-parka?p=27020-0-644

 

[budrichard]

Nice Patagonia! I have been using their stuff since the middle 1970's and most has preformed extremely well.
The Alhpa stuff looks very nice. will have to peruse it more.
The Orvis site can be detrimental to your wallet. Orvis has some very nice shearling made in the USA!-Dick

 

[normanf]

Orvis makes some nice high end USA made jackets. If you can afford to splurge, go for one!

 

[Flipped Lid]

I've bought a fair amount of Orvis clothing on sale through their website and at their Indianapolis area store as well. Unfortunately, about all my budget will allow me to do when it comes to their coats is to drool over them. I've tried on a few Barbour coats in the store and really like them a lot. I just can't make myself hand over the plastic when I have a closet full of perfectly good coats at home. I also like the coat pictured in the thread. I'm almost afraid to look at the price. I could actually justify owning that coat as it would fill in a bit of a niche for me.