US issue M65 parka

[Twodogs]

For some reason I dont know why I fancy a M65 Parka looks to be an ideal winter big coat .
It amazes me that there seems to be so many about all listed as genuine how can i check?
There cant be that many still about the US Army must of had them in store for every GI in service during the cold war by the look of it ,

I allready have a US issue parka in US night cam Gulf War one issue

Any info would help
Cheers
Twodogs

 

[santaman2000]

It all depends on how severe your winters are. It's good for most of us but it's not really an extrene weather coat. Mind you, it is designed to be loose fitting enough to allow layering (sweaters, thermals, thicker wool shirts,etc.)

As to how to tell if it's genuine issue, look for the NSN on the inside just below the collar. Also if it's previously issued surplus it will likely have sewing marks where the unit patches and rank insignia were removed.

OOPS!! Sorry. I misread your question. I was referring to the M65 Field Jacket rather than the parka. However the identification as genuine will be the same for either.

 

[vizsla]

i think alpha make the legit one have a look at there web site mate

 

[launditch1]

Do you mean the type with a fishtail?(not the old school mod type)Parka, extreme cold weather.I have no idea if there are aftermarket version being made but it wouldnt surprise me as alot of us army gear has repro versions.
On mine the label has :Chest from 33 to 37 inches
Stock no:8414-00-782-3217
Nato size: 7080/8494
PARKA,EXTREME COLD WEATHER.
Dsa100-76-c-0830 (the 76 is the year it was made 1976)
outershell 70% cotton 30%nylon.
So sew styles inc.
The liner and the hood all have different makers on mine.Ive seen them in alot of surplus shops..usually in near mint condition.Some info here: http://olive-drab.com/od_soldiers_clothing_m65_parka.php
Hope this helps.

 

[chutes]

Two Dogs, go here and look at the pictures of the labels - http://www.vintagetrends.com/milita...e&CA=Men&SC=Jackets/Coats&ST=M-65&SS=&Page=1&

Sewn on patches are the best indicator - US army or US Air Force. Also, if it has nickel zips, and a ventile type lining then it's an original 60s or 70s piece - the type you should be looking for.

Note that although Alpha was contracted by the US gov to make M65s, its original military contact production and its civilian pieces differ in materials. An Alpha M65 will be fine if you don't know any better.

 

[santaman2000]

Two Dogs, go here and look at the pictures of the labels - http://www.vintagetrends.com/milita...e&CA=Men&SC=Jackets/Coats&ST=M-65&SS=&Page=1&

Sewn on patches are the best indicator - US army or US Air Force. Also, if it has nickel zips, and a ventile type lining then it's an original 60s or 70s piece - the type you should be looking for.

Note that although Alpha was contracted by the US gov to make M65s, its original military contact production and its civilian pieces differ in materials. An Alpha M65 will be fine if you don't know any better.

You made the same mistake I did. Your link is to the M65 Field Jacket rather than the M65 Parka. Unless the OP really did mean the Field Jacket?

 

[chutes]

You made the same mistake I did. Your link is to the M65 Field Jacket rather than the M65 Parka. Unless the OP really did mean the Field Jacket?

I did too. I know nothing about the M1965 parka of which you speak except that the same site has photos of the labels http://www.vintagetrends.com/Milita...tary+Vintage&CA=Men&SC=Jackets/Coats&ST=Parka

 

[santaman2000]

I did too. I know nothing about the M1965 parka of which you speak except that the same site has photos of the labels http://www.vintagetrends.com/Milita...tary+Vintage&CA=Men&SC=Jackets/Coats&ST=Parka

I don't know much about it eiher. The first time I ever heard of an M65 Parka was less than a year ago on this forum. I was issued several M65 Field Jackets over the course of my career and even one Parka (but it was the Air Force Arctic Parka which is a different animal) This link shows it www.premiersurplus.co.uk/more/on/details/0451 It (the Air Force Parka) was all one piece (the hood and lining were/are permanent) whereas the M65 is a 3 piece garment and cut a bit differently.

Apparently the M65 was mostly an Army thing and possibly some use by the Marines. I must admit that I do like the looks of it.

 

[Twodogs]

Thanks for all the Information Gents

Yes I do mean the parka and not the jacket loads of layers underneath nice and long ideal for mid winter ,,

The USAF parka looks very tasty but its a lot harder to get hold of me thinks


Twodogs