Temperature ratings on the M65

Discussion in 'General Survival and Preparedness' started by robfindlay, Sep 27, 2008.


  1. robfindlay

    robfindlay Monkey++

    I have an M65 field jacket circa 1970's issue, gift from my brother and I'm wondering what the temperature ratings are on these jackets.

    Now I know this is variable depending what insert you buy --I assume the come in different sorts, I've only seen the vest type at the surplus store.


    Thoughts?


    -Rob
     
  2. RouteClearance

    RouteClearance Monkey+++

    I would not wear a M65 with a liner in temps of 20's or lower. If you can, buy the Extreme Cold weather parka and liner.
     
  3. TenGrit

    TenGrit Monkey++

    Having worn the M65 when it was an issue item I would say that the low 30's is the lowest temp. Below that you'll want to be layering it with thermal underwear, wool shirt, and sweater.

    You can find the field jacket liners at :

    http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=194069

    Or just go to a local gun show.
     
  4. robfindlay

    robfindlay Monkey++

    Because Utah has such INSANE tempature change, 20F at sun up and 60+F by noon and feels like 70+ in the sun.

    Or

    Salt Lake can be 35F and 10 20 miles north starts the day a -15F

    So I'll be in layers if its extreme cold thermal longjohns wool commando sweater then field jacket with modern hood :)
     
  5. Seawolf1090

    Seawolf1090 Retired Curmudgeonly IT Monkey Founding Member

    My black M65 served me as my only winter coat fro many years here in Florida (thru many winters into the twenties) - It has a black liner that really makes it comfy.
    It is fraying now, and has been replaced for wear out in 'public'.
    I use the liner, modified with a zipper on each edge, as the winter liner for my MC riding jacket.
    I really need a new M65 - in camo for 'woods duty'.

    If I were up 'nawth', I would definitely get the winter parka though.
     
  6. gunbunny

    gunbunny Never Trust A Bunny

    N2B flight crew jacket. My uncle had one when he was stationed in Alaska. So I bought one, with the synthetic fur hood. Works well in driving snow and freaking blizzard winds. The onlt problem is that you can get overheated very easily so you have to open it up a little or sweat. If you sweat, you will have a hard time getting warm and dry again.

    Combine that with a set of flight crew overpants (made of the same flight satin material, I don't remember what the tag had labled on it) and a good set of mukluks and you're good overnight in the snow. Not the most fun thing to do, but I've done it a couple of times.
     
  7. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    I could get really interested in an N3B setup for the bliz that come up around here now and then. Said bliz would take out power pretty readily, and at least I could keep warm while moving drifts.

    (The stuff the NSF issued in McMurdo would be way too warm.)
     
  8. robfindlay

    robfindlay Monkey++

    Okay does anyone know the temperature rating on a standard Navy all wool P-coat? I've got a mil-spec one from Alpha.


    -Rob
     
  9. ghrit

    ghrit Bad company Administrator Founding Member

    Speaking from experience some time back, I about froze the small parts in light breeze at 35 deg F. They were not wind proof in those days, wool melton just is not tight enough. They are good down to 30 out of the wind. No idea what the new ones can do, but cannot imagine them much different.

    [coffee2]
     
  10. robfindlay

    robfindlay Monkey++

    Pretty sure you're supposed to do the layered thing with a P-coat, however the more I think about it, I'm just going to spend the money and get a sub-zero rated parka.
     
  11. andy

    andy Monkey+++

    i 2nd what grit says i was issued a pea coat and yes i think they look good. how ever my last duty station was in RI and it didn't keep me warm worth a darn. you right Rob there suppost to be layers underneath but i could never put on enough stuff on under my uniform to stay warm go with the parka...trust me
     
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