M65

[Squidders]

I recently picked up a few pairs of combats in drab and black and a few t-shirts from a dark and dingy little surplus clothing store down the road and they had an M65 jacket for sale for £40... Bargain, I thought so I treated myself.

I've just got back from a nice few days in Brighton with Eloise and was shocked at how warm it actually was whilst wandering around and walking on the sea front. I admit, it's not really arctic outside but it was pretty windy.

It spat with rain for most of the weekend and the water looked like it beaded on the fabric but I doubt it's waterproof... or is it?

I have a few big cans of nikwax spray and I was thinking of giving it a blast.

Over all I think it's a brilliant jacket and for the money, I think it will be worn to death... the only thing that's narked me is the lack of loop to hang it on.

Any advice on waterproofing vs breathability or anything would be most welcome.

Cheers

Joe

 

[Gary]

Squidders they arent waterproof but the fabric is treated to make them light shower proof of course this goes first wash.

Welcome to the M65 club btw!

 

[jakunen]

I used the Nikwax in-wash for cotton (Adi, what was the name again?) and after ironing to remove the white bits, I have a breathable, waterproof jacket.

Great piece of kit.

 

[Squidders]

Cheers Gary! for the advice and welcome

Do you treat yours or just carry a poncho or something?

I was going to get one from you but my paypal account is maxed out and my bank haven't registered the paypal thingys so I can get verified or whatever... it's knocked loads of online shopping on the head for the time being

I have a bit of a list for you though... I may get a cheque out in the post and start calling you santa :You_Rock_

 

[Adi007]

Nikwax CottonProof is the best thing to use on polycotton ... give it a wash with their TechWash first to remove detergents. A proofing with CottonProof with last for several washes if you use a detergent free wash like TechWash ... it's not as cheap as washing powerder but I find it effective.

 

[jakunen]

New you'd know Adi!

 

[Adi007]

It's great on trousers too ... it's doesn't make them waterproof but they do become showerproof. Another added advantage is that they seem to dry out a lot easier when treated and also seem to repel dirt better.

 

[Adi007]

CottonProof - http://www.nikwax.co.uk/uk/cottonproof.asp
TechWash - http://www.nikwax.co.uk/uk/techwash.asp
PolarProof - http://www.nikwax.co.uk/uk/polarproof.asp

Find out the right product to use here: http://www.nikwax.co.uk/uk/choosea.asp

 

[Squidders]

Cheers Adi/jakunen, much appreciated!

I'll go out forraging for some nikwax techwash and cottonproof next weekend )

Joe

 

[SquirrelBoy]

I'll go out forraging for some nikwax techwash and cottonproof next weekend )

Or put this link http://www.nikwax.net/quiz/quizwelcome.asp?lang=en in your Favs and check it out every now and then - win yourself a free sample of whatever is going...

Ive won a bottle of TX-Direct wash in and a bottle of Nubuck & Suede waterproofing :biggthump

 

[TheViking]

I have modified mine a little. A string that goes from the button on the right shoulder strap and down into the right pocket. Great for securing kit.

I'm planning to attach one to the left also.
There's also 2 rubber bands around a button inside the jacket. Anyone got any further modefications? :roll:

The best I like about it is the big, sturdy pockets. ): And of course the thing that it's warm! ack:

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

there was another M65 thread a short while ago it's worth tracking it down!

 

[PC2K]

i saw a immitation m65 with button in liner. it's priced € 60. I went to a online auction i saw a dutch airforce jacket, for € 15 and bought that one instead. It also has a button in liner, but this one is made of artificial fure. This unused dutch airforce parka is great ! It's already proofed, so no washing and proofing. It has 2 chest pockets, 2 lower once's and one pocket inside. All of the 4 pockets on the outside are devided in 2 smaller pockets and one big, thus giving you a total of 12 pockets on the outside alone ! This jacket had expended my horizon on quality items even more than it already was, it doesn't have to be a thing that everyone has talked about. Just go shop around and find that beautiful bargain !

 

[Squidders]

The M65 (as Gary pointed out) is proofed for light showers out of the shop... They did have a dutch (Or was it German) one in the shop that looked good and had loads of pockets but I didn't get on with the lining. I'm not saying it didn't work or wasn't good but just not what I was after... I agree though, there are some great bargains around. mainly because everyone's after M65s

 

[CLEM]

Top quality jacket the m65,ive had a few over the years the first just because i liked the look of them.Reckon i will allways have at least one in my wardrobe.