New budget M-65 Field Jacket?

[Peacoat]

@QueenFreyja would you have any interest in an unissued, mint late production (1964) M-1951? I have an XS regular on hand that just might work if you are interested and live in CONUS.

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Those are hard to find, and that one looks new.

 

[coolhandluke_7]

Those are hard to find, and that one looks new.

Yes they are. This one was deadstock mint when I originally purchased it 10+ years ago. It's been handwashed once with Woolite and cold water and hang dried while I've owned it. Only worn a couple times. I think it would be difficult to find a nicer example. Unfortunately, it's just too small for me nowadays.

I know the OP has already vetoed an original jacket, but I've had great luck finding surplus USGI field jackets in nice, wearable condition. Typically one wash is all it takes to get them clean and smelling great. There's honestly no way that I would ever purchase a repro M-65 unless I was looking for a commercial version where the pattern had been altered to a more modern (or smaller) fit.

 

[Trenchfriend]

@MrProper

How could I forget this point!!
What about the ominous water-repellence of M65? Could the Helikon resist a drizzle of maybe 30 minutes?

 

[Aloysius]

@MrProper

How could I forget this point!!
What about the ominous water-repellence of M65? Could the Helikon resist a drizzle of maybe 30 minutes?

I don't know about the polyblend versions (although I expect there's a similar solution) but Nikwax Cotton Proof does the trick for my cotton field jackets.

 

[MrProper]

@MrProper

How could I forget this point!!
What about the ominous water-repellence of M65? Could the Helikon resist a drizzle of maybe 30 minutes?

Unfortunately, no idea (yet). I haven't been able to try it out yet. But I have to say that I usually avoid walking for 30 minutes in the drizzle without an umbrella.
The fabric is 50% cotton, 50% nylon. I think it will work for a certain amount of time, but it's probably not a rain jacket. You can probably waterproof the fabric though.

 

[mumpy]

@MrProper

How could I forget this point!!
What about the ominous water-repellence of M65? Could the Helikon resist a drizzle of maybe 30 minutes?

I have been caught in the rain multiple times with the Helikon and didn’t soak through (unlike an original I have). It might be treated with something, not sure.