Field Jacket, Warm, Cozy

[AustinTX]

This is not aficionado territory, but LLBean has a "Sherpa-lined" jacket marked down on their website. I actually bought two when they were going for $79. They are good-fitting, somewhat heavy, and quite warm. I guess they only have L and XL in stock. I got Mediums when they were available. I am 5'10.5", 170 lbs., 42" chest. The mediums fits very well in sleeve length (I have slightly long arms), in chest/torso, and only a little short in the overall length. If you are a bit larger than I am, these might suit you. Just saying, because I'm really satisfied with mine. Thought I'd pass it along.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/70610?feat=sherpa lined coat-SR0&page=bean-s-sherpa-lined-coat&attrValue_0=Dark Mushroom&productId=1083674

 

[AustinTX]

Look for the "coat" not the "cruiser." Also, it's khaki tan with brown Sherpa lining. Dark mushroom is ad-speak.

 

[Vespizzare]

I just found out about Alpha Industries http://www.alphaindustries.com/Mens-Flight-Jackets/Mens-Flight-Jackets.asp

I looks like they have some interesting stuff: field jackets, flight jackets, the works. Most of their clothes were designed for service under harsh conditions. I think LL Bean stuff has really gone downhill. Everything used to be made in the USA, now everything is not made in the USA. At their price point, they have to cut corners. In fact, I just returned something today; a $59 rugby shirt where the cuffs were fraying after just a few washings. I'd rather spend a little more and get a lot more.

 

[AustinTX]

I just found out about Alpha Industries http://www.alphaindustries.com/Mens-Flight-Jackets/Mens-Flight-Jackets.asp

I looks like they have some interesting stuff: field jackets, flight jackets, the works. Most of their clothes were designed for service under harsh conditions. I think LL Bean stuff has really gone downhill. Everything used to be made in the USA, now everything is not made in the USA. At their price point, they have to cut corners. In fact, I just returned something today; a $59 rugby shirt where the cuffs were fraying after just a few washings. I'd rather spend a little more and get a lot more.

You may be right about LLBean. Reading dozens of the customer reviews on their site suggests some slippage in quality, or it may the normal grousing among frequent buyers. Most of their products are made in China, just like almost everything else we buy. I know that means a lot to some, especially the militaria aficionado, but I'm not sure it by definition is a bad thing, as far as quality. (One time my wife and I challenged each other to find something made in the USA in our apartment. After an hour's search, we found a lamp made in Thailand and a baby rattle made, oddly, in Israel. All the rest were made in China). I simply bring up the aforementioned coat at LLBean because I've been really happy with it. It fits well and is warm, like throwing on a blanket that looks like a field jacket. So far, its quality seems first-rate.

It's funny you should bring up Alpha Industries. I just started a thread the other day titled, "Alpha B-15--What a waste of time, effort, and money." (Under "Outerwear"). I had a big issue literally with their sizing and sent a jacket back. Their coats and jackets are made in China. You might be able to find their field jackets at a military surplus store near you for trying-on. Don't know what you're in the market for, actually, but Cockpit USA has Made in the USA field jackets in M-43 and M-65. You will definitely pay more for it ($225 and $250, respectively).

 

[Doctor Strange]

If you're in the market for new field jackets, you might consider going for a quality reproduction from re-enactor manufacturers like What Price Glory and At The Front instead of a modern knockoff. (And sure, Alpha has always made M65s... but I somehow doubt that their current ones match the quality of their older ones. In my own case, I know that their B-15 I bought a decade ago was definitely better made and sized than their MA-1 I got just a couple of years ago.)

Just this week, I ordered a repro Ike jacket from What Price Glory - real wool, a steal at $95! (If it turns out to be as well-made as I hope and fits me well.)

http://onlinemilitaria.com/shopexd.asp?id=107

 

[Vespizzare]

If you're in the market for new field jackets, you might consider going for a quality reproduction from re-enactor manufacturers like What Price Glory and At The Front instead of a modern knockoff. (And sure, Alpha has always made M65s... but I somehow doubt that their current ones match the quality of their older ones. In my own case, I know that their B-15 I bought a decade ago was definitely better made and sized than their MA-1 I got just a couple of years ago.)
Just this week, I ordered a repro Ike jacket from What Price Glory - real wool, a steal at $95! (If it turns out to be as well-made as I hope and fits me well.)

http://onlinemilitaria.com/shopexd.asp?id=107

Thanks for the "heads up." Like I said I just discovered Alpha and was probably commenting more on what they were as opposed to how they were made. I'll check out those other places you mentioned. I've pretty much filled every ecological niche in my jacket collection except for something sort of light duty to replace an LLBean warm-up jacket from 20 years ago which is still nice, but I'm just ready for a change.

(Before I discovered this board, that was my best and warmest jacket.)

 

[Seb Lucas]

Alpha make street fashion items these days, trading on their military history. I have a recent M65, it's pretty well made. Much better than any mall jacket. Their MA1 is fairly ordinary and the quality of the 6-6 nylon is not as good as it was even 10 years ago. It's still better than a mall bought item. Their older stuff was better quality and not made in Asia as it is now. Ironic to get an MA1 made in Vietnam.

 

[AustinTX]

"Ironic to get an MA1 made in Vietnam."

That means we won, right?

 

[Doctor Strange]

Great info on WWII Army field jackets

This labor-of-love site features excellent detailed information on the WWII Army M-41 field jacket:

http://www.usww2uniforms.com/20B.html

and its successor, the M-43 field jacket:

http://www.usww2uniforms.com/370E.html

Also the Ike jacket:

http://www.usww2uniforms.com/437.html

And an informative essay about the evolution of WWII Army uniforms:

http://www.usww2uniforms.com/photoessay1.html

This great site has lots of info on other Army, Navy, and Marine uniforms. It's worth bookmarking! Main page:

http://www.usww2uniforms.com/index.html

 

[Plumbline]

Have to say the two Alpha M-65's I have ( one green - one black) are excellent and compare very favoutably to a 1960's vintage original. The green one shows slight pilling on high traffic areas ( elbow) but nothing major .. funilly the black one is not showing any of this ( the label suggests they are both made from identical composition poly / cotton blend).

Fit true to size and snug and cozy with the liners fitted ( not very water repellent though )

Picked both up on ebay for less than £30 in early the noughties ... they're plentiful and readilly available in most surplus stores as well .... tried the Austrian ones before these and it was a very different beast ( read - not a patch on the Alpha).

WPG do a good budget replicaof the M43 ( albeit not as warm and a little big re. size) if you are looking for a more vintage look .....


HTH

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

I bought an M1965 Field Jacket from Barre Surplus in Vermont (internet) with a liner and it's great. I've been wearing it all week in the 15 degree Fahrenheit weather we're having. I also own an M1943 Field Jacket from At The Front that is much better for warmer weather.

Later

 

[Doctor Strange]

Does anyone have experience with Cockpit's M-43 field jackets?

I have become interested in M-43s, and was thinking of getting myself a repro from What Price Glory or At The Front... But I've hesitated because olive drab just isn't a color I wear. (I removed all the green from my wardrobe years ago, and have very little in the brown/tan/khaki family.) So I was excited to see that Cockpit also offers theirs in "desert tan":

http://www.cockpitusa.com/men/textile-outerwear/m-43

But I'm curious about the material and construction quality, and especially the fit. (I'm probably right between an XL and 2XL, but with me it's all about fitting my big waist/gut - the 2XL is no doubt wider in the chest/shoulders and longer in the sleeves than I need... But if I can't button an XL, I have little choice.)

Anyway, if anyone has handled or owned the Cockpit M-43, or can speak to their XL vs. 2XL sizing in general, I'd appreciate any input.

 

[EmergencyIan]

I don't have experience with the civilian or repro M-1965 field jackets, but I do have a 1972 M-1965 with liner manufactured by Alpha Industries. When worn with the liner, it's very warm. on top of that, it's such a practical and adaptable jacket. I purchased mine in NOS condition several months ago. It's become my go to jacket.

- Ian