USAF N-2B vs 70s/80s civilian line

[eas98]

Hi guys! Wishing all of your are great.

I am a Korean War / Vietnam Era US military collector.

I do have several flight / nylon jackets. Among them, a near mint condition 1972 contract N-2B parka with wool insulation and real fur on hood.

In order to keep it at home for avoiding damaging them and to stay there as a collection piece, I have the chance to:

1. Buy on the cheap a NOS 70s / early 80s civilian Alpha Industries one (Made in Usa with Ideal zippers). (Pics attached)

2. Buy a little bit expensive a NOS genuine one by Alpha from '86. (Pics attached).

Both are polyfilled and fake fur.

My question is if the early civilian Alpha ones are the same quality and give the same warmth as the military ones from the same era, post 1972 (with polyfill and fake fur).

Thank you very much for the answers you could give me.

 

[Peacoat]

While I don't have the N2-B, I do have the N3-B with the original wool insulation. The N3-B is a longer version of the N2-B––a parka instead of a jacket. Mine is pristine, and I, too, worry about causing damage to it.

I'm not a fan of the polyester insulation. The N3-B with the wool insulation is a warm parka. Old technology and heavy, but I like it. I imagine the N2-B is the same.

I don't know the availability of the original N2-B jackets, but I know the N3-B parkas are available, maybe not in pristine condition, but they are available. I imagine the same is true for the N2-B jackets.

For your purposes you are looking for a daily wearer without worry about causing damage to it. I would hold out For an original N2-B that is already well worn.

Welcome to TFL. PC

 

[eas98]

While I don't have the N2-B, I do have the N3-B with the original wool insulation. The N3-B is a longer version of the N2-B––a parka instead of a jacket. Mine is pristine, and I, too, worry about causing damage to it.

I'm not a fan of the polyester insulation. The N3-B with the wool insulation is a warm parka. Old technology and heavy, but I like it. I imagine the N2-B is the same.

I don't know the availability of the original N2-B jackets, but I know the N3-B parkas are available, maybe not in pristine condition, but they are available. I imagine the same is true for the N2-B jackets.

For your purposes you are looking for a daily wearer without worry about causing damage to it. I would hold out For an original N2-B that is already well worn.

Welcome to TFL. PC

Yes, it would be the better choice. I have also read that military ones had a plastic in the hood to avoid the hood getting wet because of rain or wet weather, while civilian ones, at least the ones from the 70/80s did not have. Don't know if actually those chinese Alpha models do have it.