November 2, 2012

M-65 Field Jacket

Tru-Spec Multicam M-65 Field Jacket

The M-65 is a classic military jacket that has made its way into popular civilian use. It was first issued in 1965 (hence M-65) for use in Vietnam. There, it kept American troops warm in the cooler weather that followed monsoon rains. It wasn�t waterproof, but it was water resistant and had a good liner. It was an improvement on the M-1951 because it had an attached, stowable hood rather than a detachable one that could get lost. The M-65 hood rolls into a zipper pouch in the neck of the jacket when you don�t want to use it. The M-65 also has Velcro cuffs and a storm flap for the zipper to keep as much water out as possible, and a drawstring waist to keep it close to your body. And it has four huge pockets, two on the chest and two on the hip, so the jacket alone will hold most of what you need.

The M-65 is kind of a favorite field jacket and lots of people still use them. You don�t have to take my word for it, though. The guys on survivalistboards.com love the M65, and I promise I have nothing to do with them. You�ll note all the entries there are prior to this blog�s initiation. I�m told that if you ask any Vietnam vet, he�ll say the same thing. (While you�re talking to him, thank him for his service.)

Probably the best one out there right now is the Tru-Spec Multicam M-65 field jacket. It is manufactured to Milspec MIL-DTL-43455K and has Velcro patches for attaching name tape, rank patches, and insignia. It�s made from 50/50 Nylon/Cotton Ripstop water resistant treated cloth, so even if you try to tear it (which sometimes I feel like I�m about to do when opening the super secure buttons), it will stay intact. And who doesn�t love multicam? I don�t see any hands up.  Be sure to check out our other multicam jackets and clothing!

I should note, though, that this one doesn�t come with the liner. There isn�t enough Multicam made to fulfill the still very high demand for it, so it�s pricier than older patterns. If you want the liner, you can get the Tru-Spec M-65 Field Jacket in six other colors or patterns, or the Alpha M-65 Field Coat has a liner you can buy separately.