USAF N-3B parkas - Let's talk about them!!

[Jim B.]

I've got two Greenbriers, one has 80/20 cotton poly mix, the other 100% cotton. Both are a lot less 'sweaty' feeling than 100% nylon. Wouldn't want to wear even a nylon one in heavy rain though.

When it's cold enough to wear an N3B it's not going to rain!

 

[mr_lits]

^^^^^^^ So True ^^^^^^^

 

[Deacon211]

I can't see any of the pictures, but the short length is probably a design feature.

I see that these are called "aircrew" jackets, but I would say that that term was a probably a little broadly defined. Having a big wind funnel around your waist when you are strapped in an ejection seat would likely not end well and so I suspect the few ejection seat aircrews that fly in the extreme cold, like the Alaska F-15 guys, would be issued the shorter N-2, if they were issued something other than the CWU at all.

The N-3 I would think would be issued to the transport guys and the load masters. You still wouldn't want a lot of generous extra cloth hanging around, but you could afford to have a little behind covering that the fighter guys wouldn't get.


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[Sloan1874]

I picked up an Alpha N-3 on the 'Bay for a song, and it's a brilliant stand-by for blizzard conditions.

 

[Big J]

I picked up an Alpha N-3 on the 'Bay for a song, and it's a brilliant stand-by for blizzard conditions.

Love mine in the snow when I'm too exhausted to haul the B-3 around.

 

[Sloan1874]

It's a lot like wearing a sleeping bag, but still a cool item.

 

[ingineer]

The snorkel parka was designed to work in conjunction with the USA F-1B AIR Force Extreme COLD Weather FLIGHT PANTS ECW SNOW trousers. Therefore not needed to be long but more like a car coat when in the back of a military flight. a great circle route fly's you over bitter cold even if you destination may be desert
I had a hard time finding a good version
Finally found a NOS Spiewak USA made N-3b/F , which is almost too warm if you are doing any physical work, but it is the same as i remember from the 70's including the coyote ruff.

 

[handymike]

I have one. Too big and too warm for California. Size 48 if anyone is interested.....

 

[bn1966]

I've got a 50's Masland N-3A which I have yet to experience weather cold enough to wear it in

 

[breezer]

Ashamed to say I have a Polo jacket in an N-3B style - warm as hell though!

 

[Doctor Damage]

Ashamed to say I have a Polo jacket in an N-3B style - warm as hell though!

Don't be ashamed; it's probably better made than any of the mil-spec coats.

 

[Big J]

The snorkel parka was designed to work in conjunction with the USA F-1B AIR Force Extreme COLD Weather FLIGHT PANTS ECW SNOW trousers. Therefore not needed to be long but more like a car coat when in the back of a military flight. a great circle route fly's you over bitter cold even if you destination may be desert
I had a hard time finding a good version
Finally found a NOS Spiewak USA made N-3b/F , which is almost too warm if you are doing any physical work, but it is the same as i remember from the 70's including the coyote ruff.

Where can I get me some o' those pants?!

 

[Dumpster Diver]

Saw one the other day downtown Toronto in the back of a vintage clothing shop in Kensington market..nice but I shopped around a little more until I found what I couldnt pass up:

a practically NOS..Early Early issue N-2B with Wolfs fur around the hood and label and everything...its the heavier Version with wool liner and its simply MINT! Just couldnt leave it there for the punks to goober up and destroy.

Actually I should post some pics of that one.

 

[bn1966]

I'd like to see those pictures DD

 

[Grayland]

I picked up a Spiewak Golden Fleece model at the beginning of summer. Black with real coyote/fox hood trim (although the hood trim isn't removable). I got it for $29.95 shipped. Excellent condition and I look forward to breaking it out in a few months.

 

[Worf]

I scored a Viet Nam era surplus late last winter. It's downstairs waiting for the inevitable Polar Vortices later this year and into next. Real Coyote fur around the opening. It'll be interesting.

Worf

 

[bn1966]

Here's my winter warmer

 

[bn1966]

And another

 

[bn1966]

Interesting earlier N-2B

 

[Sloan1874]

Your wardrobe must be groaning by now, sir! Great stuff.