Yes sir me to hands 🙌🏻 down. You can’t beat um. And if you do beat um up. get out little thread 🧵 or cut a patch off them old army pants that’s plum slap wore out. And go to town. Lol. Back in my day you had field jacket when got cold. And hunting season. If you was a rock an roller you also had ur Levi blue denim jacket. With ur rock-n-roll patches. Oh ps on ur field jacket you had dads,uncles.or grandpa’s name there patches and pins. Rank and stuff. Or u would buy um when got ur jacket at surplus store. Always had few extra pins and patches to trade or give ur buddies at school some. It was like we had are own platoon in school . Hell Yeah. Oops but man brings back good memories of great times not this 💩. Shoot 9th and 12th grade I was captain of our platoon. lol. I had 4,5 good men grunt’s under my command. I had dads 1977 caddy. We go McDonald’s in morning for breakfast discuss the days mission. Which usually was where to meet up at break time. Lockers or vending machines or back patio. Yeah kids when I was in school you could smoke cigarettes 🚬 out on patio. Sometimes little something else would fill the air. Like a skunk 🦨 ran past. Or brush pile on fire 🔥 smell 👃🏻. Yeah good times. Oh kids they had soda 🥤 to in bottles. Yeah we discuss who’s got lunch detention what we’re going do when get home. Talk to few girls but that was mostly Friday or Saturday night cruise time flirting and stuff. Lol. Yes sir we wear are field jackets 🧥 and loved um. Few of um loved them so much they joined up after graduation 👨🎓 2 or 4 years to keep on wearing them year round lol. Thanks guys for your service. Well I’m starting to ramble on again so I’ll leave y’all on this note to stay safe hit that like and subscribe for our ole buddy. If you haven’t already. Keep a eye on Russia. Prayers to them over there fighting for there lives ,homes,and our troops there close and ones going to stay safe. I don’t know any more. Not like it was back n good ole days. But everything changes. Everything changes. Hope it’s not for worst. peace and love to my friends and family. To all of yalls to. Watch out for the cove crap 💩 back here. Blackie tell ya. It’s Not good. So far I’ve been ok I guess. Took the one and done shot which ever one that is. Might booster up idk. Just living L-I-V-I-N From ur ole talking to much hillbilly buddy.
I went to Walmart earlier today and I wore my M65. I’ve had it probably 30 years and it remains one of my favorite hunting coats. You taught me some things about the M65 that I didn’t know! Thanks for sharing this with us.
This is why I love this channel! It is a 19 minute and 42 second video on a field coat I've already watched it once and I'm watching it a second time! This is hands down my favorite UA-cam channel!
Tho I thought that your favorite channel was mine! 😉😂😊 I couldn’t agree more with ya…and about time Blackie gets his sub count up! He has the BEST channel!
When my grandad passed away, I inherited his M65. It’s been my favorite coat for almost thirty years. Many people over the years have admired it and even offered to buy it more than once, but I’ll never part with it. Someday I hope to pass it down to my son. It’s one piece of gear that the military got right from the beginning. I’ll never understand why they stopped making them.
Bought mine from a guy who loved them so much he bought 20 or 30 of em, after telling stories of the men who wore it and he himself. I've worn it everytime the weather gets a bit chilly and any time I need a hardy jacket. One of the best purchases I ever made. My wife agrees and before she was my wife was the person who fully convinced me to buy one.
I'm 53 and been wearing the M65 since I was about 12. On my second one now. I'm a city boy now and the M65 does double duty as a piece of outdoor equipment and a stylish jacket for the city. I've always said if you can only own one coat, make it the M65. Another technique for making a pillow is to stuff the entire jacket into one sleeve. My dad was career Air force and always wore just the liner all the time. Consider a black one.
Oh I'm using that pillow trick I can't believe I didn't know that , Ok admittedly I have German parka but very similar designs except doesn't fold into collar , I had a NATO m65 back in 90s used to go fishing go to work in or just grab to walk the dog go to shop it just worked . Trick we use on sticky zips is to rub the graphite from a normal pencil on the zip It acts like a lubricant but sticks to the metal longer than oil or grease based lube and it's less messy 👍
I gotta say i love my swiss Alpenflage it has an attachable rucksack but there is a stand alone swiss rucksack its good too and the red camo suprisingly blends in to river bottoms in winters here in tx dad laughed when in bought it but when i got in woods he changed tune and got a set 🤣
That pillow trick is pretty neat! I bought my first M65 in 2016 when I was in college. Now that I moved to Montana, it's my everyday companion all-seasons. O.G. military gear is the best! Thanks for this great video!
I wear a woodland M65 and I got mine for about 4 bucks at a local Goodwill a couple of years ago. I really like the lower pockets, you can fit something as large as a 2 liter of soda in a pinch. I bought a cold weather liner for it too, and I think that was a good addition for colder weather, it keeps me pretty warm.
What memories your bringing back! My 1st m65 was when I was 16, my mom bought for my birthday 1976. That lasted till I was 26 and at 27 I bought my 2nd m65 and I still have it. 😆👍
Thanks Blackie, these are my favorite coat. I have had 4 stolen from me that were issued to me in 79 and 81. still have one from then but outgrew it. I have 2 newer ones now and they are worth every penny of the 100 bucks I paid for them (came with the liners) . You forgot to mention the bottom draw string. Also, there is a field pants over garment with liner for really cold conditions. I use the liners top and bottoms for cold weather sleeping too. Great jackets and mandatory for my kit.
bought one of these when i was a teenager, 20 yrs later still serving me well. i wear a thin fleece type hoodie underneath during the winters and its always kept me warm enough up here in canada. i cut the original hood out because it always bunched up on me. i put it in the dryer alot when i was younger, so the velcro wrist cuffs have worn out, i hang dry it now, but even after all these years, i only recently mended some minor holes that were forming from loose stitching in the pockets. cool to see others with similar love. m65ers unite! lol.
I totally agree, Blackie. I've loved the M65 and have had one (or sometimes two) ever since I got out of the Army in the early '70s. Really learned to appreciate it in Northern German winters on guard duty. In my opinion it is by far the best-designed garment (with options) of its type ever fielded. I've always had a liner handy, but only last year I finally got the Arctic hood option, and it did come in handy, with its faux-fur ruff on frigid, windy days. Plus, the pockets are roomy enough for all sorts of EDC, food, etc.
Always loved the look of this jacket since I was a kid growing up in the early 1990s. Finally just bought one and I love it. Only thing I would wish if it were made in America. Thank you for this great educational video!
If you want a cheap one made in America there's army surplus ones that're around the 1-200$ range, however I have a really expensive 1:1 impeccable quality reproduction from Cockpit USA up in New York, and they give you a liner for free with the jacket, but Cockpit's is really high end expensive, next to the rest of the top end manufacturers like Japanese made Buzz Rickson which is even a few hundred higher than Cockpit, but I wanted to get made in USA, so you have to pay the 'Made in USA tax' and Cockpit's costs 495$, but I know that it's gonna be miles tougher than the surplus versions.
I grew up wearing a surplus m65 too. That thing was indestructible. And about a month ago I saw that Sportsman’s guide sells a new reproduction for $53…in an XL…I wear it everyday now. Great jacket and everyone should own one once in their life. Good video.
I got a black M65 in my early twenties. I still wear it 40 years later! The labels are gone and the drop lining is shredded round the bottom and at the arm pits but it is still serviceable. Great channel Blackie, all the best from Exeter in the UK.
Yep, still one of my ABSOLUTELY favorite coats of all time !!! I do make some modifications to some of them...using material from others, I extend the tail to that of the Fishtail Parkas. Some I have added zippers along the inside edge of the upper pockets and along the outside edges of the lower pockets for flat pockets BEHIND the original, now outer, pockets. I have added Bicep pockets to a couple of those as well. WORKS AWESOME for my purposes.
On one of mine a made a wide pocket inside with a zipper access from the outside of the lower back of the jacket.I keep a large plastic bag in it. I use it to carry squirrels and rabbits when I go hunting.
Great vid on a great piece of equipment. Funny we used to cut the hood out for a flattened military appearance on base,hahah. We were issued two, one o.d. green (my fave) and one woodland camouflage in basic training in 1984. The o.d. could still be worn up until 86 or 87 if you had one and it was approved. Still have that one, wore out one woodland in the field. I replaced my o.d. one with a larger one years ago, proudly wear my screaming eagle on it. We also wore the m65 fishtail parkas with liner for colder weather training, another useful field item. Great vid,great jacket that is still readily available at surplus stores,militaria shows,ebay,Facebook marketplace.
thank you for your service and yea the smart guys would have a full set of gear to keep brand new for inspections and turn in and have a second set of dirty gear for use in the field i have seen m-65 with all pockets hot glued shut to look fresh pressed for inspections
My cousin served in Korea and had a modification or two that were very cool . 😎 #1- He had some wool army blankets made into liners that stayed warm even when wet . #2- He had some ov those waterproof bags (army issue) , made into a rain jacket that was also lined with wool blanket material. I had his rain jacket for many years and it was amazing. Field experience at it's best !
I got my 1st while in the Civil Air Patrol. 1969. Wore it until I joined the Air Force in1976. I took a liner with me to basic training. When asked by the T I if it was an issue item . I simply answered ' yes sgt' . It came in handy down in the 30s. Six later I took it to the Bering Stright, 1982, glued in a mylar survival blanket to the liner. I used it to ride 2500 ft open box tram up to the radar antennas. Fast fwd 2022 I still have the liner, though the m-65 stitches gave out in the sleeves years ago . Yep, good piece of kit.
@@BLACKIETHOMAS ha...just got back from a surplus store. They had tons of liners but no m-65 shell. So we settled on two used (in great shape) poncho liners.
I am retired Marine (1973-94 ). I never heard the number M65 applied to field jackets, so now I feel the need to go look at mine for number. In the early years we had the plain sateen as shown here. Later on we were issued the same design but camouflage. I still have 3 now.
@@michaelfitzell2741 I had a student deferment but my draft lottery number came up #4. I was a sophomore. Seeing I would now get drafted the minute I graduated from college, I gave up my student deferment and went 1A (fully draftable), thinking I'd finish school on the GI Bill and save myself some money, that is if I didn't get killed in Vietnam. For some reason they didn't draft for 3+ months after I went 1A and there was this strange rule that if you were 1A and didn't get drafted within 90 days you couldn't be drafted. So I TOTALLY LUCKED OUT. No bone spurs or any other shenanigans, just plain old dumb luck. Another guy in the Dorm got a draft lottery #1 and won the $450 pool (450 guys, $1 a head) we ran for the draft lottery drawing that night. My room mate got a number in the 300s, he was clear. We all got pretty F'd up that night, some celebrating like my room mate and some just thinking about going to Vietnam, like me. Was not a fun night. My older brother Peter and bunch of my HS friends all went to Vietnam. My HS friends (and my brother) who luckily all survived Vietnam came home F'd up with Addictions, PTSD, etc. Most had a hard time adjusting to being home, some never did (my brother for one). He was hooked on drugs and alcohol, lost his wife, kids, house, jobs, etc. and died alone in a rented room on a Thanks Giving Weekend about 15 years after coming home. If you want to know what the hell was like for Vietnam Veterans, watch the Tom Cruise movie "Born On the 4th of July". My father (Army Air Force), mother (Wave), and 2 uncles (Navy & Army) all served in WW2. On the 50th anniversary of D-Day I talked to the ones still living wanting to hear their war experiences. My Uncle Hugo's eyes filled up with tears and he couldn't/refused to talked about it. My Aunt said "Hugo was in the Battle of the Bulge, we don't talk about the War". This was literally 50 years after the war was over and it still brought tears to his eyes, WOW! 'I GOT LUCKY' is an understatement.
@@BLACKIETHOMAS LOL, weren't they. And now the freaking violence is getting crazy, feels a lot like the 60s/70s. This is like "Deja vous all over again". I just might go looking for one of those coats, still a good look, and a smart piece of gear. Loved that liner. Hey, I enjoy your channel, like your style, there's no BS, no commercials, Thx!!!! .......... If something works, don't fix it! And 'Keep It Simple'.
The first jacket I ever bought myself,at 17 yo was a M65. I grew outta that jacket. I still wear them today at 54. I'd like to see what people have done to modify their jackets. Special liners, secret pockets, Patches? I also have the Fishtail parka. a 1951? Great over coat kinda jacket. I wish the M65 had warm hand pockets like the M51.
In my teens I wore my fathers M-65 he had in WWII. It was a sad day when I finally wore it out. I found it was such a useful jacket that I purchased a replacement from a surplus store.
The m-65 liner was hand to wear by itself under my uniform blouse when the weather wasn’t too terribly cold. I bought an extra liner to use this way. I owned two m65 field jackets when I was in the army. Eventually we were issued Gore-Tex around 1992. It was a pretty good kit as well. What waterproof yet breathable. It had a very warm liner like the M 65.
A VERY excellent video! I have had M-65 Field jackets since the early 1980 and LOVE them! I have never felt the need for the liner, but now that I am older might need to get some for my old age. Thank you for making me feel like I chose wisely in my 2 jackets!
When I was in Deck Div on board USS Greenling, ssn-614, back in the early 80s I was allowed to wear M-65 inliue of Navy foul weather jacket because it was simply better gear. Being in Groton CT in dry dock in the winter it was extremely cold but with the attachable hood it was tolerable. I replaced the jacket a time or two but still have my original hood.
when i drove a 18wheeler and i drove up into the cold country i carried one of those hoods it was a big help trying to tarp a flat bed in 20 below temps
I am ex-Navy too and never could understand why the Pea Coat was invented. It was worthless so I always wore an Army Jacket. Back in the 70s a lot of us did. I still wear an Army Jacket to this day. A lot of practical thought went into their design!
I've had several of these, right now I have two Golden MFG model 65s mil surp unissued. One is woodland camo and the other is tri-color desert pattern that I dyed a darker shade of brown to blend better with the environment around here in Northern Nevada. Have a liner that a switch out with whichever jacket I'm taking out. I also used a couple of plastic cord locks on the inside waist ties, that way I have my exact fit and never need to tie the strings, just sinch down the cord locks based on what I'm wearing under the jacket. Fantastic go-to bushcraft/camping, working jacket. There's really nothing to improve on. Don't know why the military got rid of it, better quality and construction than any modern issue field jackets
I also appreciate the M65 FJ. I still have the Large-Long M65 the Corps issued to me. I have always thought the military would make a perfect jacket by changing the outer material to Gortex, even using the nylon liner; KISS. They told us it was water resistant but it is not wool on the inside so when it got wet, "cotton is a killer." I would also appreciate it if they made a pocket in the back, like a game pocket to carry stuff. They also made trouser nylon liners by the way. Good video. Thanks.
The Austrian army used a jacket based on the M65. A darker green with different zips and pocket closures. No liner. Also cut a bit longer. The later versions had a GoreTex layer under the outer. You can get them surplus and occasionally unissued. I bough an unissued one for €50. I’ve never fused it in sustained rain to see how well it works without a traditional outer shell but it’s a fantastic jacket otherwise.
I had one back in the eighties and wore it right out, because I LOVED it! You ALWAYS know so many more tips and uses for these type things, and it’s awesome that you share them. Now I’ve gotta get another one, with the liner. The sleep jacket and the pillow are such great ideas!!! You just plain rock!
Was given one by a friend years ago and still wear it all the time. It is forest camouflaged and has the navy seabee embroidered on the pocket. It has all the features you described except the liner has no buttons for stand alone. Wish I knew about the pillow trick. Far more comfortable than an air pillow.
I was issued the M65 field coat and liner in 1976. But it had two big weaknesses. It didn’t stop wind, or even a light rain as it was untreated. And it was actually heavy. Going with the later issue Gortex top with liner was a better choice if you could only bring one or the other. The field coat like an old pair of Jeans was comfortable and handy but like most garments has pros and cons and limitations. That’s been my experience anyways. Around town and camping in mild or good weather it’s great. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the video, This video made me get mine out of the closet and launder it up, I think I am going to start using it again. These were made when they made gear to cover multi functions. Thanks again
My 2 favorite jackets are the OD M65 my dad brought back from Iraq, and the woodland M65 he was issued. Being in Kansas, I've found it's far more practical to line it with a hoodie instead of the liner (easier to shed a layer). I also have an OD knock off from the Sportsmans Guide, and it's actually pretty decent. It's almost impossible to find an original U.S issue one anymore, probably for the reasons you mentioned.
Over in Korea every major city has a flea market with a military surplus section and you can find tons of original OD, woodland and dessert M65s. I once even found an original M43 field jacket and I kick myself to this day for not buying it.
Look at big gear round flea markets. Usually there’s an army navy store in them. In central jersey around freehold Howell general area there’s a few. Aside from that Gun shows always seam to have them. Lastly ebay. Best jacket out there by far
I have had a woodland since 1985,still wear it although has a lot of wear on it.Got it off a USA serviceman stationed in my home town,I have few more now in sand,black,olive,blue.A very versatile jacket and still my favorites. One I have made more resistant to rain by using a candle and a hairdryer. Works well unless it's torrential rain. Nice video on these awesome jackets,timeless.
Thanks Blackie you reminded me of things I hadn't thought of for 25 years. I wss issued 2 one of them was O.D. Green the other was woodland camo. The o.d green was the last one in green issued on Fort Jackson circa 09/1983. Damn ! I must be ancient. They do one more thing you didn't mention , grow legs and walk off if you turn your back.
Got one in .o.d. beginning 84 in basic at Ft.Benning along with the woodland camo one. We used Vietnam dated jungle uniforms for hot weather uniforms up until I ets in 88. Funny all the left over item's the army was using up back then. Cheers brother
I got my M65 field jacket from my army sergice in 1983-1986. Still wear it with my old rank on the shoulder straps and name and US Army tape. Just bought a liner to attach to the jacket from an army surplus store. Now it will be much warmer come winter.
That was my primary hunting jacket for 20 years before I grew out of it. I had a couple that were military issued from my Air Force days including the liners. They were perfect for anything Arizona sent my way. My top pockets held lots of "mountain money" (TP), Zippo and a Chapstick. They are probably still in those pockets along with some vintage protein bars and pinion nuts gathered while waiting for deer to pass. Tip: Pinion nuts and deer poop looks the same in the shade. Just saying! Never knew about the pillow trick. Although the field jacket is nostalgic as hell, Carhartt's Arctic Coat with the hood works very well but a lot heavier....and comes in my size. Sure would love to fit in those jackets again.
@@huntclanhunt9697 The original fidget. When I got bored waiting for deer I resorted to the classic Twilight Zone episode of seeing it she would light 10 times in a row.
I got my first m65 as a teenager but wasn't able to get the liner, instead, I would wear a sweatshirt under it. I loved it. Was issued one when I joined the Army and loved it. The only thing I didn't like about it was the liner. The ones we were issued didn't have the buttons on it to button it up if wearing alone (probably because we weren't aloud to wear it alone). Sometimes I wished the liner would have zipped in instead of the buttons. It was and still is my favorite mid to heavy jacket for anything from splitting firewood to chasing bushy tails and cotton tails and anything in between.
I was first given my grandads M65 fishtail parka as a boyscout was issued an M65 jacket while in the Army when I transfered and stationed in Alaska in 93 wash issued another M65 fishtail and issued the arctic hood that had a real coyote fur trim always been my favorite in very cold wet weather to this day the new military crap just doesn't hold a candle to the old M65 series
Best wood/bushcraft jacket design ever. Still have mine issued to me in Air Force & then my later BDU issued. I have the liner & the hood you mention issued to me while in Germany.
Found one in a thrift store 4 years ago, it quickly replaced my Carhartt. Even without the liner, it's extremely want yet no where near as bulky as other jackets.
Great info, I have wore the M-65 since 1971 when issued to me by USAF. I couldn't believe what I didn't know about it considering I have been wearing it for fifty years. WOW. For the last twenty years I have been buying Tru-Spec brand. The coat from them is an exact match to the issued one. Comes in many difference colors and as a bonus the lining is included, which a lot of brands will charge extra for the lining.
Got a new one in M- 81 camo with the liner, wore one in the mil down to -30 F°, with the proper PPE, gloves, long johns, helmet liner, wool socks, definetly kept me warm, but the new one is strictly for hunting. The epaulet will also keep your sling on a rifle from falling off your shoulder, just hook the sling behind the button so you can retrieve the rifle without messing with button, worked for me on a M16-A1
That is my EDC jacket ( woodland camo) in the Minesota cold. I have my chef coat on to go to work, liner, then an old flannel hoodie with a broken zipper, then the M65. With the hoodie between the coat and liner I can button up the liner to the coat and it holds the hoodie in place. -22 the other morning and I was warm. Even snow blowed after work in it, keeps me dry too. Thanks Blackie, never thought you could add liners to it. I will have to hunt down another one or maybe 2.
if the buttons are a little tight ya may need to resew them a bit lose to fit the extra ones my first m-65 could take three lines and me still get in it
The GI field jacket went away (thankfully) when the U.S. Military switched to Gore-Tex parkas in the early 1980s. The GI field jacket is all cotton and sponge. Get soaking wet it takes forever to dry and robs you of your internal core. It's basically a heavy cotton work jacket. Easy to launder, cheap to replace. This fellow was never a GI himself or he'd have a different opinion of the jacket after the Gore-Tex jackets and pants were issued. In a dry-cold environment with a liner it works somewhat but the fishtail parka is a lot better. It's longer, it's attached parka hood works better. A field jacket will work in a pinch. Today, like everything else old GI stuff commands a premium price for whatever reasons. And I base the opinions on my service in both Korea and Alaska.
Uncle Sugar gave me one of those in 1969. Ft. Campbell was cold. Years later someone walked passed my old MG and must have needed it more than I. Few years later my youngest daughter took its replacement. I still have the woodlands camo version that replaced that one. It’s a true rifleman’s coat. It’s seen a lot of venison go from field to kitchen.
Wore them all of my life. Dad was a lifer. I still have mine issued to me in the 70s and three liners. With layers to go between the three and the jacket you can go from slightly cold to full blown freeze and all three of them compressed in a bag weigh nothing in my pack. Learning to shuck or add layers at the correct time is the key.
I recently purchased a modern repro of this for the exact same reasons. Hunting, camping etc. I live in “cold country” way up north near the Canadian border of New England. It has been the absolute best field coat I’ve ever had. Tough as nails, easy to keep organized (not 400 pockets like modern gear), and is super warm when adjusted correctly. I really like the pillow function, -1+lbs out of my bag, and the liner sleep jacket I never thought of. Outstanding tip! This $50 jacket w simulated MARPAT cammo is one of the best gear purchases I’ve made. I plan on having it for years. Thanks for the video.
I'm 56 yrs old, and I'm on my 4th '65 field jacket. I also had my first one when I was 17, and still wear a camo version today. I love this coat, I use the liner in conjunction with an O.D. hoodie to make a coat that keeps me plenty warm in Chicago's coldest winters.
I've had M 65 field jackets and the liners for about 50 years. I'll confess that I didn't know some of the things you showed even after all that time. Interesting and useful video. Thanks.
Nice informative video..👍👍👍When I went through basic training in 85 we were issued 1 OD color and 2 Woodland Camo jackets. They were phasing out OD ones, so to they were just getting rid of them. The OD one, as you have in your video is much more popular. An interesting note, when I was stationed in Germany, a popular garment we wore in the field during fall, winter and early spring was the plastic rain jacket with a old blanket or poncho liner sewn inside. Extremely warm and comfortable in the cold winds of the Grafenwohr training area. I gave two of my field jackets to friend when I got out. He especially loved the OD one. I have a camo one in a closet. Still has unit patches on it.
Enjoyed the video. Got mine from the 80,s out and gave it a good check over. One of my early hunting coats. I found that adding a wool sweater under liner helped in cold Appalachian winter weather.
Retired Canadian army type here...I LOVE my M65 jacket liner...It was common practice in the day 80's and 90's to ditch the Canadian Army issued heavy horse blanket combat jacket liner for the M65 liner. lighter and warmer. we suplimented lots of Americian kit..ranger blanket, rain gear, poncho..lot better than our crappy issued stuff.. I still use mine for fishing and hunting..sewed buttons on my german army gortex rain jacket and fit one in.. very versitile piece of kit...thanks Blackie for the great vids...
I have one of these without the liner in the desert camo version. After watching your video I found a green one on Ebay with the liner in my size and ordered it. Thank you always for your thorough reviews on items.
Great video! I have been using my M65 for 35 years, until I was issued with a Windproof smock, with a solid hood and handwarmer pockets. That was a game changer. It has everything I missed in the M65, more pockets and armpit ventilation. The perfect configuration for me up here in Northern Europe is a windproof smock with a M65 liner for all season use.
I have a few versions of these. All were from my active duty days. One is olive drab as the one you displayed and has a faux fur rimmed winter hood that zips on the collor it’s in great shape. I also have a camp versio one, I was last handed out, it still has my rank etc on it too. Thanks for the memories.
Great vid Bought mine back in 1985 from a surplus store 7 uk pounds ,was a little big ,but fits perfectly now,had the liner with it ,40 years on its still great although the velcro is quite worn and edges got some wear on. Favorite jacket of all time. Before now I have rubbed a candle on the shoulders and outside arms,used a hair dryer to melt in. Doesn't need much,still breathable and water runs of enough to normally get back home dry.
Thank You for the video i realy enjoyed it was chuckling a bit in places as I use my very similar German Army parka exackly as you use your M 65 field jacket. I bought my first parka from Seargent Peppers Military Surplus store in 1985 in Johannesburg South Africa with the proceeds of my first pay working part time in a restaurant I was 16. In '88 I was standing guard wearing my South African uniform with a German army parka in the middle of winter and no one said a word. Last year my Dad gave my younger sister a box photos from that era and in most of them I was wearing this old beat up parka and visited my sister she had a gift for me. The most wonderfull gift, a brand new parka. I will look for a M 65 here in South Africa but they might not be avalible here. Thanks for the video.
I had one given to me in 1973. Yep, a long long time ago. Back in the day when a red-dot was a pimple on your face. Enjoyed your video and thanks for the memory.
I have a woodland m65 made in the 90s under contract by American Apparel. Picked it up unused for $25. It's by far my favorite and most worn jacket. I always look forward to cooler weather cause I know it's coming out. I suggest running a wiggys jacket liner over the standard liner.
Great video mate, thankyou. The pillow hack is genius. The older liners don't have the ability to button up alone as they have no buttons, but the new ones are worth the money and as you say, good for sleep. I've got 2 - one oversized I use in colder months (it's also from 1968- massive sleeves), and a 90s one from John Ownbey contract which is smaller for street wear. I got lucky with both in a second hand shop in Australia (where I live) both were ten bucks Australian (that's about 5 bucks US!)
Somehow, I managed to get my dad to buy me an M65 when I was in 9th grade in the early 80's. I loved it, especially after I got the liner for it. My parents didn't like me wearing it to school. Of course, I thought they were just being typical mom and dad. It never occurred to me that they were thinking about how it might make it look like they couldn't clothe their child "better". I currently have one of the woodland pattern Gortex field jackets. Love it, too. Great video.
That is one of the things I've always liked about your channel, you advocate for the advantages of tried, tested and true. I've pushed my luck on occasion and had to pay the consequences, that familiarity and muscle memory, knowing what your item is truly capable of gives you a little peace of mind at these times. It is British army smocks instead of M65s for me, lost my 83 pat to building work but the 95 pat is a good piece of kit.
Veteran, got mine issued in 1966. They’re popular enough that the price has gone up and some “surplus” stores don’t have them. Also they were slightly different depending on what branch you were in. They are worth having and if you can find them it’s a worthy purchase.
In 1985 I was issued two of them. I still have them, although they're too small now (I think they shrink when you hang them up, LOL). I have a larger one I wear now for everyday use. I love 'em. FYI, there have been a few changes over the years. In later years, they stopped adding that extra hand cover flap (I miss those). They also went with plastic zippers. And in the last version made, the digital ACU pattern, they have no epaulets. No matter the version, however, they can't be beat! Love my field jacket!
Blackie, I bought one of these here in UK. Its an Austrian cold weather version of the M65. I believe its gore tex but much thicker than I am used to seeing -like what is used on arctic parkas. The coat is very baggy especially in the arms so I guess that I'm supposed to wear a thick fleece or even a puffa jacket underneath? PS it doesnt seem to have buttons for a liner.. The best part is there are matching pants -being both padded and waterproof. They're quilted inside and have braces to keep them up given the weight of them. At the bottom is a system with buttons connected to straps so as to fit around boots. I am looking forward to try it out this winter. The pair cost like $80 which, for well made heavy goretex is a good price these days as I see it. God Bless you brother.
I bought one off of ebay and got it today. It's in nearly mint condition. Whoever wore it took excellent care of it. I wanted a different type of jacket after the one I had finally wore out. While I was searching the internet I came across the M-65 and the more I checked it out the more convinced that this was a jacket I had to have. After watching this video I was sold on it. I live here in Georgia and whenever we have those cold nights and days, this is what you'll find me wearing.
This is my first bushcraft jacket, my dad got for me a year or so ago. I had no idea it had a liner, or turned into a pillow. Always learning something new with Blackie.
I bought my 1987 M-65 in the late 1990's at a garage sale for $5. This is the best spring/summer jacket out there. The brass zipper is still original, the pockets are the best designed for field work. (Snaps are far better than zippers on modern jackets.) It's tough as nails. I didn't realize that a liner was available until this year, doh! I missed out. It's not designed for heavy rain or extreme cold, but outside that, it's the best. Great video, thank you!
Everybody knows about the Field Jacket, but the US Military also made Field Pants with sepaerate liner set up for suspenders. I got a set when I was stationed on Adak, AK. Not quite as good as a set of insulated overalls, but they weren't bad.
@ed Ed, I went to look in truck I thought they were in, no luck. I'm not sure of the Model number, mine were Woodland Camo but they did use the M51 style suspenders. Definitely better to wear them while standing around in a blizzard than just BDU's and long johns.
i love this video, ive always loved m65s and i knew they were so cool. but lord what a well presented and eye opening video.✝ blackie you are keepin the religion.. god bless you sir.✝
please comment below if you have enjoyed your m-65 the best field jacket i have ever had
Blackie wow great bit of kit great content as always greetings from the uk 🇬🇧 glade your better after the Covid crap 👍🦊🐾🇮🇹
Yes sir me to hands 🙌🏻 down.
You can’t beat um. And if you do beat um up. get out little thread 🧵 or cut a patch off them old army pants that’s plum slap wore out. And go to town. Lol.
Back in my day you had field jacket when got cold. And hunting season.
If you was a rock an roller you also had ur Levi blue denim jacket. With ur rock-n-roll patches.
Oh ps on ur field jacket you had dads,uncles.or grandpa’s name there patches and pins. Rank and stuff. Or u would buy um when got ur jacket at surplus store. Always had few extra pins and patches to trade or give ur buddies at school some. It was like we had are own platoon in school . Hell Yeah. Oops but man brings back good memories of great times not this 💩. Shoot 9th and 12th grade I was captain of our platoon. lol. I had
4,5 good men grunt’s under my command. I had dads 1977 caddy. We go McDonald’s in morning for breakfast discuss the days mission.
Which usually was where to meet up at break time. Lockers or vending machines or back patio. Yeah kids when I was in school you could smoke cigarettes 🚬 out on patio. Sometimes little something else would fill the air. Like a skunk 🦨 ran past. Or brush pile on fire 🔥 smell 👃🏻. Yeah good times. Oh kids they had soda 🥤 to in bottles.
Yeah we discuss who’s got lunch detention what we’re going do when get home. Talk to few girls but that was mostly Friday or Saturday night cruise time flirting and stuff. Lol.
Yes sir we wear are field jackets 🧥 and loved um. Few of um loved them so much they joined up after graduation 👨🎓 2 or 4 years to keep on wearing them year round lol. Thanks guys for your service.
Well I’m starting to ramble on again so I’ll leave y’all on this note to stay safe hit that like and subscribe for our ole buddy. If you haven’t already. Keep a eye on Russia. Prayers to them over there fighting for there lives ,homes,and our troops there close and ones going to stay safe. I don’t know any more.
Not like it was back n good ole days. But everything changes. Everything changes. Hope it’s not for worst. peace and love to my friends and family. To all of yalls to.
Watch out for the cove crap 💩 back here. Blackie tell ya. It’s Not good. So far I’ve been ok I guess. Took the one and done shot which ever one that is. Might booster up idk. Just living
L-I-V-I-N
From ur ole talking to much hillbilly buddy.
I have 2 from my air force days, unfortunately, they seem to have drastically shrunk.
@@Hoggy1963 Mine too! What's with that?
@@Hoggy1963 Washed in hot water, obviously 🙄 😜
I went to Walmart earlier today and I wore my M65. I’ve had it probably 30 years and it remains one of my favorite hunting coats. You taught me some things about the M65 that I didn’t know! Thanks for sharing this with us.
my pleasure
I’ve had my M65 for about 15 years. It still looks great, and is probably the warmest jacket I have ever owned.
This is why I love this channel! It is a 19 minute and 42 second video on a field coat I've already watched it once and I'm watching it a second time! This is hands down my favorite UA-cam channel!
You rock!
Tho I thought that your favorite channel was mine! 😉😂😊 I couldn’t agree more with ya…and about time Blackie gets his sub count up! He has the BEST channel!
Yes I’ve watched it a couple of times to it’s very interesting & informative 👍🏻
I had no intention on watching a 20 minute video about the M-65 jacket... But it was so informative with a charismatic host to boot. Thanks!
When my grandad passed away, I inherited his M65. It’s been my favorite coat for almost thirty years. Many people over the years have admired it and even offered to buy it more than once, but I’ll never part with it. Someday I hope to pass it down to my son. It’s one piece of gear that the military got right from the beginning. I’ll never understand why they stopped making them.
i knew families that when the grandfather passed his old field coat went to a grand son as a hunting coat as a sort of homage to the grandfather
Why they stopped making it.??
One word...
*LOBBYISTS.*
I also inherited my grandfather's when he passed,best coat I've ever had.
God bless the person or people that created the M65 field jacket! I love mine!
Bought mine from a guy who loved them so much he bought 20 or 30 of em, after telling stories of the men who wore it and he himself. I've worn it everytime the weather gets a bit chilly and any time I need a hardy jacket. One of the best purchases I ever made. My wife agrees and before she was my wife was the person who fully convinced me to buy one.
I'm 53 and been wearing the M65 since I was about 12. On my second one now. I'm a city boy now and the M65 does double duty as a piece of outdoor equipment and a stylish jacket for the city. I've always said if you can only own one coat, make it the M65. Another technique for making a pillow is to stuff the entire jacket into one sleeve. My dad was career Air force and always wore just the liner all the time. Consider a black one.
it is cool that in the city the field jacket is a fashion item
@@BLACKIETHOMAS I'm in Springfield, IL. and I've been known to wear mine to church.
Oh I'm using that pillow trick I can't believe I didn't know that ,
Ok admittedly I have German parka but very similar designs except doesn't fold into collar ,
I had a NATO m65 back in 90s used to go fishing go to work in or just grab to walk the dog go to shop it just worked .
Trick we use on sticky zips is to rub the graphite from a normal pencil on the zip
It acts like a lubricant but sticks to the metal longer than oil or grease based lube and it's less messy 👍
Interesting!
I gotta say i love my swiss Alpenflage it has an attachable rucksack but there is a stand alone swiss rucksack its good too and the red camo suprisingly blends in to river bottoms in winters here in tx dad laughed when in bought it but when i got in woods he changed tune and got a set 🤣
Leibertarnmuster der WH / WSS von 1945. Deutschland, Tschechoslowakei, Polen, Schweiz alle hatten in den 1950 er Jahren dieses Tarnmuster.
That pillow trick is pretty neat! I bought my first M65 in 2016 when I was in college. Now that I moved to Montana, it's my everyday companion all-seasons. O.G. military gear is the best! Thanks for this great video!
my pleasure
Thanks again, Blackie! I've had an M65 field Jacket and liner for years. Never knew the pillow trick or some of these other tips. Now I do, thanks!!
Glad to help
@@BLACKIETHOMAS Thank you, Blackie!!
I wear a woodland M65 and I got mine for about 4 bucks at a local Goodwill a couple of years ago. I really like the lower pockets, you can fit something as large as a 2 liter of soda in a pinch. I bought a cold weather liner for it too, and I think that was a good addition for colder weather, it keeps me pretty warm.
Right on i have carried food gear tones of quick grab stuff in these pockets
What memories your bringing back! My 1st m65 was when I was 16, my mom bought for my birthday 1976. That lasted till I was 26 and at 27 I bought my 2nd m65 and I still have it. 😆👍
Right on!
Thanks Blackie, these are my favorite coat. I have had 4 stolen from me that were issued to me in 79 and 81. still have one from then but outgrew it. I have 2 newer ones now and they are worth every penny of the 100 bucks I paid for them (came with the liners) . You forgot to mention the bottom draw string. Also, there is a field pants over garment with liner for really cold conditions. I use the liners top and bottoms for cold weather sleeping too. Great jackets and mandatory for my kit.
those liners are a big help in a cold camp
bought one of these when i was a teenager, 20 yrs later still serving me well. i wear a thin fleece type hoodie underneath during the winters and its always kept me warm enough up here in canada. i cut the original hood out because it always bunched up on me. i put it in the dryer alot when i was younger, so the velcro wrist cuffs have worn out, i hang dry it now, but even after all these years, i only recently mended some minor holes that were forming from loose stitching in the pockets. cool to see others with similar love. m65ers unite! lol.
thanks for watching
I totally agree, Blackie. I've loved the M65 and have had one (or sometimes two) ever since I got out of the Army in the early '70s. Really learned to appreciate it in Northern German winters on guard duty. In my opinion it is by far the best-designed garment (with options) of its type ever fielded. I've always had a liner handy, but only last year I finally got the Arctic hood option, and it did come in handy, with its faux-fur ruff on frigid, windy days. Plus, the pockets are roomy enough for all sorts of EDC, food, etc.
I got my first M65 in 68, and while I've been through a few since then, they have stood the test of time.
Dude we look the same age, when we were kids that was Rambo's jacket
yes it was and all us kids in school had one
Always loved the look of this jacket since I was a kid growing up in the early 1990s. Finally just bought one and I love it. Only thing I would wish if it were made in America. Thank you for this great educational video!
If you want a cheap one made in America there's army surplus ones that're around the 1-200$ range, however I have a really expensive 1:1 impeccable quality reproduction from Cockpit USA up in New York, and they give you a liner for free with the jacket, but Cockpit's is really high end expensive, next to the rest of the top end manufacturers like Japanese made Buzz Rickson which is even a few hundred higher than Cockpit, but I wanted to get made in USA, so you have to pay the 'Made in USA tax' and Cockpit's costs 495$, but I know that it's gonna be miles tougher than the surplus versions.
I grew up wearing a surplus m65 too. That thing was indestructible. And about a month ago I saw that Sportsman’s guide sells a new reproduction for $53…in an XL…I wear it everyday now. Great jacket and everyone should own one once in their life. Good video.
glad you got one
Had one in the 60's & 70's love that coat. Kept me warm in the winter. Going to have to get me another one. Awesome video thank you. 👍
I got a black M65 in my early twenties. I still wear it 40 years later! The labels are gone and the drop lining is shredded round the bottom and at the arm pits but it is still serviceable. Great channel Blackie, all the best from Exeter in the UK.
thank you for your comment
I've had my M65 with liner a number of years now, and you showed me about half a dozen things I didn't know. Thanks for the video!
Right on
Yep, still one of my ABSOLUTELY favorite coats of all time !!!
I do make some modifications to some of them...using material from others, I extend the tail to that of the Fishtail Parkas. Some I have added zippers along the inside edge of the upper pockets and along the outside edges of the lower pockets for flat pockets BEHIND the original, now outer, pockets. I have added Bicep pockets to a couple of those as well.
WORKS AWESOME for my purposes.
That is awesome!
On one of mine a made a wide pocket inside with a zipper access from the outside of the lower back of the jacket.I keep a large plastic bag in it. I use it to carry squirrels and rabbits when I go hunting.
Great vid on a great piece of equipment. Funny we used to cut the hood out for a flattened military appearance on base,hahah.
We were issued two, one o.d. green (my fave) and one woodland camouflage in basic training in 1984. The o.d. could still be worn up until 86 or 87 if you had one and it was approved.
Still have that one, wore out one woodland in the field. I replaced my o.d. one with a larger one years ago, proudly wear my screaming eagle on it.
We also wore the m65 fishtail parkas with liner for colder weather training, another useful field item.
Great vid,great jacket that is still readily available at surplus stores,militaria shows,ebay,Facebook marketplace.
thank you for your service and yea the smart guys would have a full set of gear to keep brand new for inspections and turn in and have a second set of dirty gear for use in the field i have seen m-65 with all pockets hot glued shut to look fresh pressed for inspections
My cousin served in Korea and had a modification or two that were very cool . 😎 #1- He had some wool army blankets made into liners that stayed warm even when wet . #2- He had some ov those waterproof bags (army issue) , made into a rain jacket that was also lined with wool blanket material. I had his rain jacket for many years and it was amazing. Field experience at it's best !
i have seen a few of those made
I got my 1st while in the Civil Air Patrol. 1969. Wore it until I joined the Air Force in1976. I took a liner with me to basic training. When asked by the T I if it was an issue item . I simply answered ' yes sgt' . It came in handy down in the 30s. Six later I took it to the Bering Stright, 1982, glued in a mylar survival blanket to the liner. I used it to ride 2500 ft open box tram up to the radar antennas. Fast fwd 2022 I still have the liner, though the m-65 stitches gave out in the sleeves years ago .
Yep, good piece of kit.
time for a new one
@@BLACKIETHOMAS ha...just got back from a surplus store. They had tons of liners but no m-65 shell.
So we settled on two used (in great shape) poncho liners.
I am retired Marine (1973-94 ). I never heard the number M65 applied to field jackets, so now I feel the need to go look at mine for number. In the early years we had the plain sateen as shown here. Later on we were issued the same design but camouflage. I still have 3 now.
Blackie , great video and review of a timeless classic , thanks for sharing ,God bless !
my pleasure
Great jacket. Had one myself back in the day and I was a hippy, lol. Lots of hippies wore them back in the 70s, plastered with peace symbols.
Where's your draft card?
@@michaelfitzell2741 I had a student deferment but my draft lottery number came up #4. I was a sophomore. Seeing I would now get drafted the minute I graduated from college, I gave up my student deferment and went 1A (fully draftable), thinking I'd finish school on the GI Bill and save myself some money, that is if I didn't get killed in Vietnam. For some reason they didn't draft for 3+ months after I went 1A and there was this strange rule that if you were 1A and didn't get drafted within 90 days you couldn't be drafted. So I TOTALLY LUCKED OUT. No bone spurs or any other shenanigans, just plain old dumb luck.
Another guy in the Dorm got a draft lottery #1 and won the $450 pool (450 guys, $1 a head) we ran for the draft lottery drawing that night. My room mate got a number in the 300s, he was clear. We all got pretty F'd up that night, some celebrating like my room mate and some just thinking about going to Vietnam, like me. Was not a fun night.
My older brother Peter and bunch of my HS friends all went to Vietnam. My HS friends (and my brother) who luckily all survived Vietnam came home F'd up with Addictions, PTSD, etc. Most had a hard time adjusting to being home, some never did (my brother for one). He was hooked on drugs and alcohol, lost his wife, kids, house, jobs, etc. and died alone in a rented room on a Thanks Giving Weekend about 15 years after coming home. If you want to know what the hell was like for Vietnam Veterans, watch the Tom Cruise movie "Born On the 4th of July".
My father (Army Air Force), mother (Wave), and 2 uncles (Navy & Army) all served in WW2. On the 50th anniversary of D-Day I talked to the ones still living wanting to hear their war experiences. My Uncle Hugo's eyes filled up with tears and he couldn't/refused to talked about it. My Aunt said "Hugo was in the Battle of the Bulge, we don't talk about the War". This was literally 50 years after the war was over and it still brought tears to his eyes, WOW! 'I GOT LUCKY' is an understatement.
these jackets were an icon of those times
@@BLACKIETHOMAS LOL, weren't they. And now the freaking violence is getting crazy, feels a lot like the 60s/70s. This is like "Deja vous all over again". I just might go looking for one of those coats, still a good look, and a smart piece of gear. Loved that liner. Hey, I enjoy your channel, like your style, there's no BS, no commercials, Thx!!!! .......... If something works, don't fix it! And 'Keep It Simple'.
@@michaelfitzell2741 where was yours ?
Gotta say ....what a truly wonderful and inspirational video...thank you so much.
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@BLACKIETHOMAS Blackie, is there anywhere left you can buy one that you know?
The first jacket I ever bought myself,at 17 yo was a M65. I grew outta that jacket. I still wear them today at 54. I'd like to see what people have done to modify their jackets. Special liners, secret pockets, Patches? I also have the Fishtail parka. a 1951? Great over coat kinda jacket. I wish the M65 had warm hand pockets like the M51.
In my teens I wore my fathers M-65 he had in WWII. It was a sad day when I finally wore it out. I found it was such a useful jacket that I purchased a replacement from a surplus store.
i was sad when i outgrew my first one
The m-65 liner was hand to wear by itself under my uniform blouse when the weather wasn’t too terribly cold. I bought an extra liner to use this way. I owned two m65 field jackets when I was in the army. Eventually we were issued Gore-Tex around 1992. It was a pretty good kit as well. What waterproof yet breathable. It had a very warm liner like the M 65.
thanks for watching
A VERY excellent video! I have had M-65 Field jackets since the early 1980 and LOVE them! I have never felt the need for the liner, but now that I am older might need to get some for my old age. Thank you for making me feel like I chose wisely in my 2 jackets!
Thanks for sharing!
When I was in Deck Div on board USS Greenling, ssn-614, back in the early 80s I was allowed to wear M-65 inliue of Navy foul weather jacket because it was simply better gear. Being in Groton CT in dry dock in the winter it was extremely cold but with the attachable hood it was tolerable. I replaced the jacket a time or two but still have my original hood.
when i drove a 18wheeler and i drove up into the cold country i carried one of those hoods it was a big help trying to tarp a flat bed in 20 below temps
I am ex-Navy too and never could understand why the Pea Coat was invented. It was worthless so I always wore an Army Jacket. Back in the 70s a lot of us did. I still wear an Army Jacket to this day. A lot of practical thought went into their design!
The most handy and detailed guide on the classic M-65 jacket I've ever seen. Thank you for the tips, sir.
I've had several of these, right now I have two Golden MFG model 65s mil surp unissued. One is woodland camo and the other is tri-color desert pattern that I dyed a darker shade of brown to blend better with the environment around here in Northern Nevada. Have a liner that a switch out with whichever jacket I'm taking out. I also used a couple of plastic cord locks on the inside waist ties, that way I have my exact fit and never need to tie the strings, just sinch down the cord locks based on what I'm wearing under the jacket. Fantastic go-to bushcraft/camping, working jacket. There's really nothing to improve on. Don't know why the military got rid of it, better quality and construction than any modern issue field jackets
good info thanks for the comment
Awesome...i would like to have one...but no knock offs...✌️
I fully agree! I love my M65 lined jackets for three season comfort. I'm built like you and find it to be practical and durable.💯👍
I also appreciate the M65 FJ. I still have the Large-Long M65 the Corps issued to me. I have always thought the military would make a perfect jacket by changing the outer material to Gortex, even using the nylon liner; KISS. They told us it was water resistant but it is not wool on the inside so when it got wet, "cotton is a killer." I would also appreciate it if they made a pocket in the back, like a game pocket to carry stuff. They also made trouser nylon liners by the way. Good video. Thanks.
The Austrian army used a jacket based on the M65. A darker green with different zips and pocket closures. No liner. Also cut a bit longer. The later versions had a GoreTex layer under the outer. You can get them surplus and occasionally unissued. I bough an unissued one for €50. I’ve never fused it in sustained rain to see how well it works without a traditional outer shell but it’s a fantastic jacket otherwise.
i have a liner with pants very warm
I had one back in the eighties and wore it right out, because I LOVED it! You ALWAYS know so many more tips and uses for these type things, and it’s awesome that you share them. Now I’ve gotta get another one, with the liner. The sleep jacket and the pillow are such great ideas!!! You just plain rock!
I bought a m65 coat for 100dollars from sportsman guild. Popper was the brand there made in China. But it s a nice coat.
@@marvinbrewer8637 Excellent! Thanks!
@@marvinbrewer8637 Excellent! Thanks!
You are so welcome!
@@smoothvern165 there reproductions , the one I bought is nice had it for 5 months now keeps me warm in the woods
Was given one by a friend years ago and still wear it all the time. It is forest camouflaged and has the navy seabee embroidered on the pocket. It has all the features you described except the liner has no buttons for stand alone. Wish I knew about the pillow trick. Far more comfortable than an air pillow.
that trick was worth a lot to me on several trips i got stuck in the airport in texas one time and had to sleep on the floor that pillow was awesome
I was issued the M65 field coat and liner in 1976. But it had two big weaknesses. It didn’t stop wind, or even a light rain as it was untreated. And it was actually heavy. Going with the later issue Gortex top with liner was a better choice if you could only bring one or the other. The field coat like an old pair of Jeans was comfortable and handy but like most garments has pros and cons and limitations. That’s been my experience anyways. Around town and camping in mild or good weather it’s great. Thanks for the video.
I've had my current M-65 for 25+ years. worn then since I was 15. I've tried many different type jackets, but I keep coming back to the M-65
me too
Thanks for the video, This video made me get mine out of the closet and launder it up, I think I am going to start using it again. These were made when they made gear to cover multi functions. Thanks again
thats so true they adapt better than any coat i have ever had
My 2 favorite jackets are the OD M65 my dad brought back from Iraq, and the woodland M65 he was issued. Being in Kansas, I've found it's far more practical to line it with a hoodie instead of the liner (easier to shed a layer). I also have an OD knock off from the Sportsmans Guide, and it's actually pretty decent. It's almost impossible to find an original U.S issue one anymore, probably for the reasons you mentioned.
they last for ever and are a great coat for everyday use love mine
I’m currently stationed in Kansas and I’m looking for one because these cold winds don’t play
Over in Korea every major city has a flea market with a military surplus section and you can find tons of original OD, woodland and dessert M65s. I once even found an original M43 field jacket and I kick myself to this day for not buying it.
Look at big gear round flea markets. Usually there’s an army navy store in them. In central jersey around freehold Howell general area there’s a few. Aside from that Gun shows always seam to have them. Lastly ebay. Best jacket out there by far
@@ultimatetrex1999ebay
I have been wearing one for about twenty five years and have just learned a couple of great tips I didn't know from this video. great video. cheers.
glad to be of use safe journeys to you
When I was a kid I wore my dad's M-65 all the time. Wish I still had it.
they are great
I have had a woodland since 1985,still wear it although has a lot of wear on it.Got it off a USA serviceman stationed in my home town,I have few more now in sand,black,olive,blue.A very versatile jacket and still my favorites. One I have made more resistant to rain by using a candle and a hairdryer. Works well unless it's torrential rain.
Nice video on these awesome jackets,timeless.
THANKS
Wow~ Is this the 2nd generation version? The silver zip-up is brilliant👍🏻
awsome Blackie had one for many years as well loved it
thanks for watching
Thanks Blackie you reminded me of things I hadn't thought of for 25 years. I wss issued 2 one of them was O.D. Green the other was woodland camo. The o.d green was the last one in green issued on Fort Jackson circa 09/1983. Damn ! I must be ancient. They do one more thing you didn't mention , grow legs and walk off if you turn your back.
thats a fact lol
Got one in .o.d. beginning 84 in basic at Ft.Benning along with the woodland camo one. We used Vietnam dated jungle uniforms for hot weather uniforms up until I ets in 88. Funny all the left over item's the army was using up back then.
Cheers brother
I got my M65 field jacket from my army sergice in 1983-1986. Still wear it with my old rank on the shoulder straps and name and US Army tape. Just bought a liner to attach to the jacket from an army surplus store. Now it will be much warmer come winter.
That was my primary hunting jacket for 20 years before I grew out of it. I had a couple that were military issued from my Air Force days including the liners. They were perfect for anything Arizona sent my way. My top pockets held lots of "mountain money" (TP), Zippo and a Chapstick. They are probably still in those pockets along with some vintage protein bars and pinion nuts gathered while waiting for deer to pass. Tip: Pinion nuts and deer poop looks the same in the shade. Just saying! Never knew about the pillow trick. Although the field jacket is nostalgic as hell, Carhartt's Arctic Coat with the hood works very well but a lot heavier....and comes in my size. Sure would love to fit in those jackets again.
thanks for the info
I carry a zippo in mine too!
@@huntclanhunt9697 The original fidget. When I got bored waiting for deer I resorted to the classic Twilight Zone episode of seeing it she would light 10 times in a row.
Sure wouldn't want to chomp into some deer turd. Been wanting to come out that way I'll smell it first!
I got my first m65 as a teenager but wasn't able to get the liner, instead, I would wear a sweatshirt under it. I loved it. Was issued one when I joined the Army and loved it. The only thing I didn't like about it was the liner. The ones we were issued didn't have the buttons on it to button it up if wearing alone (probably because we weren't aloud to wear it alone). Sometimes I wished the liner would have zipped in instead of the buttons. It was and still is my favorite mid to heavy jacket for anything from splitting firewood to chasing bushy tails and cotton tails and anything in between.
thanks for watching
I was first given my grandads M65 fishtail parka as a boyscout was issued an M65 jacket while in the Army when I transfered and stationed in Alaska in 93 wash issued another M65 fishtail and issued the arctic hood that had a real coyote fur trim always been my favorite in very cold wet weather to this day the new military crap just doesn't hold a candle to the old M65 series
Best wood/bushcraft jacket design ever. Still have mine issued to me in Air Force & then my later BDU issued. I have the liner & the hood you mention issued to me while in Germany.
thank you for your service
Found one in a thrift store 4 years ago, it quickly replaced my Carhartt. Even without the liner, it's extremely want yet no where near as bulky as other jackets.
true its just right
Great info, I have wore the M-65 since 1971 when issued to me by USAF. I couldn't believe what I didn't know about it considering I have been wearing it for fifty years. WOW. For the last twenty years I have been buying Tru-Spec brand. The coat from them is an exact match to the issued one. Comes in many difference colors and as a bonus the lining is included, which a lot of brands will charge extra for the lining.
thank you for your service and the info
Got a new one in M- 81 camo with the liner, wore one in the mil down to -30 F°, with the proper PPE, gloves, long johns, helmet liner, wool socks, definetly kept me warm, but the new one is strictly for hunting. The epaulet will also keep your sling on a rifle from falling off your shoulder, just hook the sling behind the button so you can retrieve the rifle without messing with button, worked for me on a M16-A1
they do well down into the low temps and they are quiet lots of modern coats make too much noise in the cold for my liking
That is my EDC jacket ( woodland camo) in the Minesota cold. I have my chef coat on to go to work, liner, then an old flannel hoodie with a broken zipper, then the M65. With the hoodie between the coat and liner I can button up the liner to the coat and it holds the hoodie in place. -22 the other morning and I was warm. Even snow blowed after work in it, keeps me dry too.
Thanks Blackie, never thought you could add liners to it. I will have to hunt down another one or maybe 2.
if the buttons are a little tight ya may need to resew them a bit lose to fit the extra ones my first m-65 could take three lines and me still get in it
The GI field jacket went away (thankfully) when the U.S. Military switched to Gore-Tex parkas in the early 1980s. The GI field jacket is all cotton and sponge. Get soaking wet it takes forever to dry and robs you of your internal core. It's basically a heavy cotton work jacket. Easy to launder, cheap to replace. This fellow was never a GI himself or he'd have a different opinion of the jacket after the Gore-Tex jackets and pants were issued. In a dry-cold environment with a liner it works somewhat but the fishtail parka is a lot better. It's longer, it's attached parka hood works better. A field jacket will work in a pinch. Today, like everything else old GI stuff commands a premium price for whatever reasons. And I base the opinions on my service in both Korea and Alaska.
Thoughts on the N-3b Parka?
Uncle Sugar gave me one of those in 1969. Ft. Campbell was cold. Years later someone walked passed my old MG and must have needed it more than I. Few years later my youngest daughter took its replacement. I still have the woodlands camo version that replaced that one. It’s a true rifleman’s coat. It’s seen a lot of venison go from field to kitchen.
oh and the stories an old coat could tell
Wore them all of my life. Dad was a lifer. I still have mine issued to me in the 70s and three liners. With layers to go between the three and the jacket you can go from slightly cold to full blown freeze and all three of them compressed in a bag weigh nothing in my pack. Learning to shuck or add layers at the correct time is the key.
I recently purchased a modern repro of this for the exact same reasons. Hunting, camping etc. I live in “cold country” way up north near the Canadian border of New England. It has been the absolute best field coat I’ve ever had. Tough as nails, easy to keep organized (not 400 pockets like modern gear), and is super warm when adjusted correctly. I really like the pillow function, -1+lbs out of my bag, and the liner sleep jacket I never thought of. Outstanding tip! This $50 jacket w simulated MARPAT cammo is one of the best gear purchases I’ve made. I plan on having it for years. Thanks for the video.
glad to help
I'm 56 yrs old, and I'm on my 4th '65 field jacket. I also had my first one when I was 17, and still wear a camo version today. I love this coat, I use the liner in conjunction with an O.D. hoodie to make a coat that keeps me plenty warm in Chicago's coldest winters.
nice thanks for watching
I've had M 65 field jackets and the liners for about 50 years. I'll confess that I didn't know some of the things you showed even after all that time. Interesting and useful video. Thanks.
my pleasure
I bought an old 1982 M65 from a surplus store and have been wearing it for the last 3-4 months. Love it so much. Great jacket.
Right on!
Nice informative video..👍👍👍When I went through basic training in 85 we were issued 1 OD color and 2 Woodland Camo jackets. They were phasing out OD ones, so to they were just getting rid of them. The OD one, as you have in your video is much more popular.
An interesting note, when I was stationed in Germany, a popular garment we wore in the field during fall, winter and early spring was the plastic rain jacket with a old blanket or poncho liner sewn inside. Extremely warm and comfortable in the cold winds of the Grafenwohr training area.
I gave two of my field jackets to friend when I got out. He especially loved the OD one. I have a camo one in a closet. Still has unit patches on it.
i have always had the green i might pick up a woodland as a back up thanks for posting
Enjoyed the video. Got mine from the 80,s out and gave it a good check over. One of my early hunting coats. I found that adding a wool sweater under liner helped in cold Appalachian winter weather.
i have worn the 5 button brown issue that way many times
Retired Canadian army type here...I LOVE my M65 jacket liner...It was common practice in the day 80's and 90's to ditch the Canadian
Army issued heavy horse blanket combat jacket liner for the M65 liner. lighter and warmer. we suplimented lots of Americian kit..ranger blanket, rain gear, poncho..lot better than our crappy issued stuff.. I still use mine for fishing and hunting..sewed buttons on my german army gortex rain jacket and fit one in.. very versitile piece of kit...thanks Blackie for the great vids...
thanks for watching
I have one of these without the liner in the desert camo version. After watching your video I found a green one on Ebay with the liner in my size and ordered it. Thank you always for your thorough reviews on items.
Very nice!
Great video! I have been using my M65 for 35 years, until I was issued with a Windproof smock, with a solid hood and handwarmer pockets. That was a game changer. It has everything I missed in the M65, more pockets and armpit ventilation. The perfect configuration for me up here in Northern Europe is a windproof smock with a M65 liner for all season use.
Thanks for sharing!
I have a few versions of these. All were from my active duty days. One is olive drab as the one you displayed and has a faux fur rimmed winter hood that zips on the collor it’s in great shape. I also have a camp versio one, I was last handed out, it still has my rank etc on it too. Thanks for the memories.
thank you for your service
I used to have one of these jackets in camo. Loved the thing. I need to go get another one. Thanks Blackie.
i was sold on buying a tiger stripe jacket within the first few minutes of your video, thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Great vid
Bought mine back in 1985 from a surplus store 7 uk pounds ,was a little big ,but fits perfectly now,had the liner with it ,40 years on its still great although the velcro is quite worn and edges got some wear on.
Favorite jacket of all time.
Before now I have rubbed a candle on the shoulders and outside arms,used a hair dryer to melt in.
Doesn't need much,still breathable and water runs of enough to normally get back home dry.
great video. The pillow thing blew my mind haha, so handy.
i did that and was with a 20 yr vet and it blew his mind as well he never knew that trick
You are such a pro because you actually do this stuff. Excellent advice as always.
I appreciate that!
Thank You for the video i realy enjoyed it was chuckling a bit in places as I use my very similar German Army parka exackly as you use your M 65 field jacket. I bought my first parka from Seargent Peppers Military Surplus store in 1985 in Johannesburg South Africa with the proceeds of my first pay working part time in a restaurant I was 16. In '88 I was standing guard wearing my South African uniform with a German army parka in the middle of winter and no one said a word. Last year my Dad gave my younger sister a box photos from that era and in most of them I was wearing this old beat up parka and visited my sister she had a gift for me. The most wonderfull gift, a brand new parka. I will look for a M 65 here in South Africa but they might not be avalible here. Thanks for the video.
I had one given to me in 1973. Yep, a long long time ago. Back in the day when a red-dot was a pimple on your face. Enjoyed your video and thanks for the memory.
thanks for watching
I have a woodland m65 made in the 90s under contract by American Apparel. Picked it up unused for $25. It's by far my favorite and most worn jacket. I always look forward to cooler weather cause I know it's coming out. I suggest running a wiggys jacket liner over the standard liner.
nice thanks for the comment
Thank you for the info! My girlfriend says you are a great teacher and a very charming gentleman.
Wow, thank you!
Great jacket. Was issued mine in 1987, Have a couple to use as work jackets, today.
i know lots of construction guys who wear them on cold days you can work with it on
Great video mate, thankyou. The pillow hack is genius. The older liners don't have the ability to button up alone as they have no buttons, but the new ones are worth the money and as you say, good for sleep. I've got 2 - one oversized I use in colder months (it's also from 1968- massive sleeves), and a 90s one from John Ownbey contract which is smaller for street wear. I got lucky with both in a second hand shop in Australia (where I live) both were ten bucks Australian (that's about 5 bucks US!)
Somehow, I managed to get my dad to buy me an M65 when I was in 9th grade in the early 80's. I loved it, especially after I got the liner for it. My parents didn't like me wearing it to school. Of course, I thought they were just being typical mom and dad. It never occurred to me that they were thinking about how it might make it look like they couldn't clothe their child "better". I currently have one of the woodland pattern Gortex field jackets. Love it, too. Great video.
That's cool! it was the cool jacket to have in highschool in the 80's
@@BLACKIETHOMAS yes it was...and the woodland pattern BDU pants.
That is one of the things I've always liked about your channel, you advocate for the advantages of tried, tested and true. I've pushed my luck on occasion and had to pay the consequences, that familiarity and muscle memory, knowing what your item is truly capable of gives you a little peace of mind at these times. It is British army smocks instead of M65s for me, lost my 83 pat to building work but the 95 pat is a good piece of kit.
thanks for the info
Veteran, got mine issued in 1966. They’re popular enough that the price has gone up and some “surplus” stores don’t have them. Also they were slightly different depending on what branch you were in. They are worth having and if you can find them it’s a worthy purchase.
thank you for your service
In 1985 I was issued two of them. I still have them, although they're too small now (I think they shrink when you hang them up, LOL). I have a larger one I wear now for everyday use. I love 'em. FYI, there have been a few changes over the years. In later years, they stopped adding that extra hand cover flap (I miss those). They also went with plastic zippers. And in the last version made, the digital ACU pattern, they have no epaulets. No matter the version, however, they can't be beat! Love my field jacket!
they do tend to draw up over time dont they lol
Blackie, I bought one of these here in UK. Its an Austrian cold weather version of the M65.
I believe its gore tex but much thicker than I am used to seeing -like what is used on arctic parkas.
The coat is very baggy especially in the arms so I guess that I'm supposed to wear a thick fleece or even a puffa jacket underneath? PS it doesnt seem to have buttons for a liner..
The best part is there are matching pants -being both padded and waterproof. They're quilted inside and have braces to keep them up given the weight of them. At the bottom is a system with buttons connected to straps so as to fit around boots.
I am looking forward to try it out this winter. The pair cost like $80 which, for well made heavy goretex is a good price these days as I see it. God Bless you brother.
I bought one off of ebay and got it today. It's in nearly mint condition. Whoever wore it took excellent care of it. I wanted a different type of jacket after the one I had finally wore out. While I was searching the internet I came across the M-65 and the more I checked it out the more convinced that this was a jacket I had to have. After watching this video I was sold on it. I live here in Georgia and whenever we have those cold nights and days, this is what you'll find me wearing.
I own a few of these and love them. I put string locks on the waist string so it's quick to adjust with no knots needed.
thanks for watching
This is my first bushcraft jacket, my dad got for me a year or so ago. I had no idea it had a liner, or turned into a pillow. Always learning something new with Blackie.
Glad I could help!
got mine in 1967 when I was drafted, still have if and the liner. In excellent condition, it's my go to jacket when it gets really cold.
Awesome 😎 content. I learned too many things to mention. Was really surprised more than one liner can fit. 👍
Glad it was helpful!
I bought my 1987 M-65 in the late 1990's at a garage sale for $5. This is the best spring/summer jacket out there. The brass zipper is still original, the pockets are the best designed for field work. (Snaps are far better than zippers on modern jackets.) It's tough as nails. I didn't realize that a liner was available until this year, doh! I missed out. It's not designed for heavy rain or extreme cold, but outside that, it's the best.
Great video, thank you!
thanks for watching
Everybody knows about the Field Jacket, but the US Military also made Field Pants with sepaerate liner set up for suspenders. I got a set when I was stationed on Adak, AK. Not quite as good as a set of insulated overalls, but they weren't bad.
i have several fields pants for cold weather include wool pants from germany
@@BLACKIETHOMAS Blackie, the ones I'm talking about were complementary to the Field jacket, with removable button in liner.
@ed Ed, I went to look in truck I thought they were in, no luck. I'm not sure of the Model number, mine were Woodland Camo but they did use the M51 style suspenders. Definitely better to wear them while standing around in a blizzard than just BDU's and long johns.
Had several myself in the 70’s from the Army Surplus store. In the day they had a lot of gear.
i love this video, ive always loved m65s and i knew they were so cool.
but lord what a well presented and eye opening video.✝
blackie you are keepin the religion..
god bless you sir.✝