I lost my beloved field jacket

[Pandemic]

Irrelevant old guy anecdote alert:

I borrowed my dad’s green M65 he brought back from Viet Nam a few times in the 1980s, as a teen. The liner was newer - a fleecy thing that made it very warm.

They were never issued in the Australian army but some units would turn a blind eye to privately purchased kit in the field, as long as it didn’t look out of place. In the mid 1990s I bought an M65 in regulation DPCU camo made in Hong Kong and had a local tailor make-up a wool liner for it. Never got to wear it because I was sent to a unit that enforced uniform standards very strictly before the next Winter.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Irrelevant old guy anecdote alert:

I borrowed my dad’s green M65 he brought back from Viet Nam a few times in the 1980s, as a teen. The liner was newer - a fleecy thing that made it very warm.

They were never issued in the Australian army but some units would turn a blind eye to privately purchased kit in the field, as long as it didn’t look out of place. In the mid 1990s I bought an M65 in regulation DPCU camo made in Hong Kong and had a local tailor make-up a wool liner for it. Never got to wear it because I was sent to a unit that enforced uniform standards very strictly before the next Winter.

I've owned around 3 Australian army M65's, I wonder what year they were issued. Used to be able to get them for $20.

 

[Pandemic]

I've owned around 3 Australian army M65's, I wonder what year they were issued. Used to be able to get them for $20.

If you ever see an M65 with broad arrow stamp and an NSN, I'd love to see a pic. As far as I know, they were never official issue. There were some legit smocks (based on the Brit model) that were sort of similar and only issues to para and commando units.

 

[Seb Lucas]

If you ever see an M65 with broad arrow stamp and an NSN, I'd love to see a pic. As far as I know, they were never official issue. There were some legit smocks (based on the Brit model) that were sort of similar and only issues to para and commando units.

I wish I kept them. Don't recall the white labels details except that it was in English was called a field jacket and I am pretty sure it said the jacket was made in Australia. Love to know more because I was under the impression we didn't use these here too. Mitchell's Disposals had dozens of them in large cardboard boxes for sale cheap in around 2000.

 

[Pandemic]

Dunno. I’m no expert, which is why I’m curious. Might have been for school cadets, but then the sizes would be smaller.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Dunno. I’m no expert, which is why I’m curious. Might have been for school cadets, but then the sizes would be smaller.

Yep - they were all tall, big sizes.

 

[TwistedOtter]

Hi everyone,

I desperately require some help please in finding a replacement for a green Alpha Industries M65 jacket I lost over 2 years ago (I cannot get over the loss). I have attached pictures to help with ID.

I have spent hours searching all over the internet but cannot find the same item anywhere, so I may have to settle for something that is almost the same. I have no idea which AI M65 this was. Heck, I didn’t even take note of what brand it was until owning it for a few years and took a look when I was bored on a train.

I bought the jacket in a high street store - Urban Outfitters (UK) around 2014/15 and think it must have been a limited run (could have been a collaboration but cannot be certain). I loved this jacket so much that I still think about it 2 years after losing it.

It was slim fitting, so not as loose as most field jackets I’ve seen but I could still easily fit a hoody / sweater underneath. The size I believe may have been medium. There was no removable liner (which meant less bulk). The thin lining was orange. It was very light and less rugged finish (more smooth) so I think at least 50% nylon.

Does anyone know which AI model this jacket was and also if there are any available that are similar? The slimmer fit is most important because I’m 5ft 9 and very slim. As I’m struggling to replace with an identical jacket, I’m open to other finishes / materials but not keen on patches or extra details. Finding a jacket I will love the same or a nicer jacket that I love even more is my goal.

I’m also happy to consider other brands, as long as the jackets are similar.

I’ve waffled a bit so in summary:

- which style AI M65 was my jacket?
- slim fit, nylon mix/light material, no thick detachable lining. Built in thin lining was orange. Poppers (no buttons), built in hood, adjustable cuffs.
- what are suitable AI replacements?
- any styles from other brands worth considering?

I’m never getting that jacket back but a suitable replacement would make me a very happy man.

Hey there. I think the model you’re looking for is the Alpha Industries M65 CW. I think it’s the “CW” that makes the difference.

Here’s one I found, but there also seems to be one available in Germany (saw the store last night, so I could probably find it again).
https://www.bennevisclothing.com/product/vintage-m-65-cw-olive/

 

[TwistedOtter]

Hey there. I think the model you’re looking for is the Alpha Industries M65 CW. I think it’s the “CW” that makes the difference.

Here’s one I found, but there also seems to be one available in Germany (saw the store last night, so I could probably find it again).
https://www.bennevisclothing.com/product/vintage-m-65-cw-olive/

Ah, here’s the one in Germany.
https://www.stylefile.de/en/alpha-i...r_P.KJ13L09101_color=01&cgid=1040010040020000

 

[Rickyrich]

Thanks Twisted Otter.

That looks almost identical to my jacket and the fit is absolutely spot on.

Such a shame it’s out of stock. I was ready to pull the trigger on sight

 

[TwistedOtter]

Thanks Twisted Otter.

That looks almost identical to my jacket and the fit is absolutely spot on.

Such a shame it’s out of stock. I was ready to pull the trigger on sight

The sucks. I didn’t check to see if they were truly in stock or not. At least I think you’ve got a positive ID on the jacket. It’s an Alpha Industries M-65 CW. The model number is 178114-142. That might be enough to continue the search.

Good luck!

 

[Doctor Damage]

Hey there. I think the model you’re looking for is the Alpha Industries M65 CW. I think it’s the “CW” that makes the difference.

Here’s one I found, but there also seems to be one available in Germany (saw the store last night, so I could probably find it again).
https://www.bennevisclothing.com/product/vintage-m-65-cw-olive/

The CW must matter because that Alpha jacket is 100% cotton while Alpha's "normal" M65 jacket is 50% cotton 50% nylon.