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

[Raul]

Got it back from the laundry, it came out well, clean and no damage to the roundel, cheap price too, €15 (about $15)

 

[ECWCS]

It's got nothing to do with wanting a fitted garment. If you have too much room between your body and the coat it doesn't keep you warm. No amount of layering will fix that. In fact, too much layering is bad because it means the coat never warms up and stays cold, thus acting as a heat sink, which is bad.

I have had a 1950s N3B go through my hands, and now own an Alpha USA N3B (which has the same measurements as the vintage parka), and I can assure you these parkas are not good for anyone who's tall and thin... and most young airmen are thin. Both parks are size Large. The vintage one had a 28" chest and the Alpha 29" chest. I had a Greenbrier 1990 military N3B in size Medium which I flipped since it was too short for me: the chest on that one was 26.5". The Medium was the proper chest for me and would have still allowed layering; the Large chests are ridiculously huge and I could literallly wear an MA-1 jacket underneath without problems. And raglan shoulders, which the N3B has, are not ideal for arm movement since because of how they are shaped they pull up the coat when you put your arms up. I know we've had this discussion before, but trust me, the N3B design is simply not suitable for Tall/Long people, which is I'm sure why it's been dumped and replaced by the modern winter gear which comes in a variety of lengths. When the N3 series was originally designed I'm sure it was fine for the average sized airman of the time... it's worth remember that time was the late 1940s, a million years ago in terms of average body sizes, etc. Also, the zipper and windflap on the N3B model are too short which means they don't actually close up around the bottom of the parka but the parka's skirts flap open in the wind; you need to wear insulated overalls with the N3B for proper protection.

I know we like to idolize classic USAF clothing, but it was never that awesome, although it was the best they had at the time. These days it's obsolete. Sad but true.

Since my last visit I have added another Alpha In Rep Blue and 2 New 100% Cotton N-3B's with the White Fur Ruff by DJ Industries, and a Couple of Days ago I bought another New one by DJ Industries and One by GreenBriar that is 50% Cotton and 50% Nylon which feels very much like Canvas to touch and the shell feels thicker than the DJI 100% Cotton version, I bought both of them brand New in size Large and across the chest the measure around 28/28.5" the Back seem is correct and the Arms measure a fraction over 19",

The Greenbriar is a lighter Sage Green Which I don't mind because it's not dark enough to show through when wearing Over Whites, The only Downside to the Greenbriar is a moth got in and chewed a few holes in one of the wool Cuffs which I have sort of Darnned because they were only very small holes but at least it is wearable again, The DJI version feels softer to touch and because of the 100% cotton outer it make the coat feel thinner than the Greenbriar but it is Not and they are both very warm, And I would rather wear either of these than my Canada Goose LE/Mill version of the SnowMantra, It's just too much coat and the Zipper is so long you have to bend down to reach it to Zip it up,

I have 3 Alphas the first one I bought was back around 98/99/00 which is the Alpha ALASKA In Size XL which has a Shell blend of Nylon and PVC and is the stiff-ist and most waterproof Alpha they have ever made and it a fraction lighter in colour to the Greenbriar which is also a proper shade of Sage Green, I have worn the ALASKA when the windchill has been below -24*c blowing up to 80mph without doing it up and standing side On or with my back to the wind I never knew how cold it was, I never felt a thing, The Alaska Is 100% waterproof which makes it great for cold Rainy days or when it's snowing but again it is way too warm to wear above 0*c, When I first bought it I phoned Alpha in the US and they told me that all their N-3B's wear tempreture rated down to -20*f / _ 28.88*c according to Alpha's Specs but I am sure if you wore the proper military Kit underneath I would bet they would be just as warm as the Ones the Military Rated down to -60*f /-51*c,

Then about 2/3 years ago I bought the Alpha N-3B in Herritage ( Sage Green ) Rep Green which is the current issue with the brownish faux fur which is a very warm coat and too hot if the weather is above 0*c with a 10mph wind chill, And at the end of last year I bought another Alpha N-3B in Rep BLue which is a classy looking Coat and is best suited when Sage / ODG is not suitable.

If it comes down to Finish and Build Quality I would have to say that Alpha N-3B's And the ALASKA if you can find One Secondhand are extremely High where as my DJ Industries is pretty Awesome and all but perfect but the Greenbriar is a lovely Coat but the accuracy of the stitching is not a patch on the DJ Ind or the Alpha, The Only downside to the Alpha's is if a person buys one then make sure you Sew the Buttons On properly before you wear it, Like I said I have worn the Alpha ALASKA in 80mph wind with a windchill without the coat done up and it was still warm and the Best part about the ALASKA is because the material is a lot stiffer than all the others It does not need a Wire in the Hood Rim to keep its shape when the wind is blowing a storm or Blizzard, And due to the weight it Makes for a good over Blanket for those cold nights in bed or a sleeping Bag,

The Alpha ALASKA is rightly named because it can handle any rain or Blizzard the State of Alaska can throw at it, Apart from the Shell the other Features it has are Square Cut Pocket Flaps and Deep Chest Pockets with the Nylon Lining which works well with the N-4B Flyers Mitts and it is about 2 to 3" longer than an N-3B and If Alpha ever built a Bombproof Civillian Version of an N-3B then it would be the ALASKA,

Another Differance Between the Alpha N-3B and the Alpha ALASKA compared to the DJ Industries and the Greenbriar N-3B's is when you lay the coats on their side and measure the Hoods from front to back The Alphas measure around 13.5" and the DJ Ind and the Greenbriar measure 15 to 16" +/-, But the DJ Industries and the Greenbriar are much more difficult to do up fully to the end of the Hood because they don't have enough room inside to go around your Chin where the Alpha's have a bit more space making them easy to do up and fully close out the Storm,

As I said If the Alpha's are worn with the Correct Military Kit then I think they would also work well down to -60*f / -51*c, My final thoughts are if I had to pick Just One Parka then it would be the Alpha ALASKA, If it was for feel good factor alone then I would pick the DJ Industries 100% Cotton Version which is soft to the touch which is also called Sage Green but Like all of the known Brands it is more like OD Green, It is just a very nice Coat and one of the Better Brands when it comes to Fit and Finsih of Genuine N-3B's and the pockets are fully lined with flight nylon closest to the body and a White Wadding type material towards the outer skin of the Coat and having the White Fur Ruff just completes the Picture,

The Greenbriar is a much lighter Green than the DJ Industries but not as light as the Alpha ALASKA and it looks more like the colour of the N-3B's you see in the Movies where it looks more like a frosty green, The Outer Shell is 50% Cotton and 50% Nylon yet it feels like Canvas and more rugged that the 100% Cotton DJ Industries version but not as stiff as the Alpha ALASKA, That said the Greenbriar shell is thicker than the DJ Ind version which would make it the better version to have in the Great outdoors and because of the thicker shell it make the coat feel thicker too,

As I like them all I would list them like this,

For Heavy Rain, Blzzards and extreme Cold I would pick the ALASKA as the Do It All N-3B Type Parka,

For Blizzards and Extreme Cold and Pure Fit Finish and Feel Good WOW Factor I would Pick the DJ Industries Version,

For Blizzards and Extreme Cold with a Tough industrial feel to it then you can't get better than the Greenbriar, It's just a Beast of a Coat and It is very hard not to like it and the fact that they are built to handle temps of -60*f and below According to the DOD Video's and every time my eyes catch a glimps of it it is hard not to smile knowing what these coats are made to handle, they kind of make a mockery of all the fashion wanna Be brands.

it's plain to see that the N-3B was the the Coat that Companies like Canada Goose and North face to name a few were / are basing their products On, My TNF is a warm coat but the Hood has so many design faults I just won't wear it and at 3X the Cost of the Alpha's it's junk and I could of bought 4 Greenbriars or DJ Industries Parka's for what the TNF cost, And as for my Canada Goose LE / Mil Version of the Snow Mantra It is a Bear of a Coat But things like the extended Wool Cuffs Catch in the Velcro and within the first week I folded them back and Tacked them up to half the Length they were along with the fact I have to bend down to Zip it up really annoys me, Because I bought the size they said but the next size down would of been the right size, and because of all the above I have never worn it,

Here is a Picture of the Alpha ALASKA and the Dark Blue Coat is the Canada Goose LE / Mil version of the Snow Mantra Called ( The Peacekeeper ) without CG Patch slapped all over it and Yes it is a Genuine CG.

Hope that helps.

 

[bn1966]

Thanks for taking the time to do the above review which is very thorough and useful. I’m two years in, trying to find an N-3B for the brief UK winters. Early ones were too warm and an Alpha 90’s Civvy version I’ve just picked up is so thin as to be a waste of time and looks like a ‘Cosplay’ item. Thinking Greenbrier or Propper Industries with the poly fill type lining. My 50’s N-3A was so warm that even standing still in winter I overheated.

 

[Harris HTM]

Thanks for taking the time to do the above review which is very thorough and useful. I’m two years in, trying to find an N-3B for the brief UK winters. Early ones were too warm and an Alpha 90’s Civvy version I’ve just picked up is so thin as to be a waste of time and looks like a ‘Cosplay’ item. Thinking Greenbrier or Propper Industries with the poly fill type lining. My 50’s N-3A was so warm that even standing still in winter I overheated.

If only you were my size!
I will be selling my 1982 Greenbrier soon, bought it as a deadstock item in 2018, removed the synthetic fur as it was really dried out, worn it a couple of times but it seems too thick for the winters here.

 

[ECWCS]

Thanks for taking the time to do the above review which is very thorough and useful. I’m two years in, trying to find an N-3B for the brief UK winters. Early ones were too warm and an Alpha 90’s Civvy version I’ve just picked up is so thin as to be a waste of time and looks like a ‘Cosplay’ item. Thinking Greenbrier or Propper Industries with the poly fill type lining. My 50’s N-3A was so warm that even standing still in winter I overheated.

Silvermans in London have DJ Industries N-3B's and they might have some Greenbriar ones left in stock, In size medium and small, I bought their last 2 in size Large, but they did say they will order another Batch at some point

Also Silvermans are charging £125.00 each for these 2 parkas, But as of monday just gone they only have Small and Mediums in stock

If you wanted one that can handle the Rain then the Alpha ALASKA is the one to have, Also it has all the Rows of stitching down the front Placket just like the Original N-3B's have, but please note the outer shell is not as soft as all the other models out there and the Storm Flaps are the same size as on the Originals, If you want one of these ones do a google search and any that are forsale will pop up with an ebay link Ok.

As I said before the ALASKA version is best suited to UK and Alaskan type weather where you can get rain sleet and snow all in one day, But both this one and the Modern Alpha N-3B's are not Fat Puffy Coats but the lining is pretty dense and No N-3B ever was Fat and puffy,

One thing for sure you can Bank On, is I measured the Outer Shell of the Alpha N-3B's ( Newest Versions ) and the Flight Nylon is exactly the same thickness as the flight nylon used back in 1979/1980 because I used a micrometer to measure The old material and the New N-3B's and they are as accurate as 0.001" or less, So out of the Flight Nylon Parkas they are as perfect as they were back in the day,

If it was for everyday wear I would be going Alpha, Unless I lived where it didn't rain much, As I said I have 3 Alphas in total because once I found out how accurate the materials were I bought more of them,

Also if you do end up buying any brand of N-3B, Buy your self an pair or 2 of the N-4B Flyers Mitts with the wool lining pictured below because they were designed to wear with the N-3B, These are not the USGI Square Cuff Mitts, and with the N-4B Mitts you can order a couple of pairs of Black wool/Thinsulate gloves from Go Outdoor made by Hi-Gear for a couple of quid because the US Green woolen finger gloves are not available in the UK so the Hi-Gear ones will do the Job only better because of the thinsulate lining in them, These Mitts with normal wool finger gloves are rated down to -60*f or -51*c, Anyways I hope that helps, Heres a pic of the N-4B Mitts and the Wool Liners also please note that the Brown Fur on the backs of them is Not fake fur or Lambs wool it is Actually Alpaca Wool which is softer and Tougher than Lambs wool Ok,

Because of how these Mitts look the N-4Bs got nicknamed Bear Paws, which became their common name.

 

[Aloysius]

Also if you do end up buying any brand of N-3B, Buy your self an pair or 2 of the N-4B Flyers Mitts with the wool lining pictured below because they were designed to wear with the N-3B, These are not the USGI Square Cuff Mitts, and with the N-4B Mitts you can order a couple of pairs of Black wool/Thinsulate gloves from Go Outdoor made by Hi-Gear for a couple of quid because the US Green woolen finger gloves are not available in the UK so the Hi-Gear ones will do the Job only better because of the thinsulate lining in them, These Mitts with normal wool finger gloves are rated down to -60*f or -51*c, Anyways I hope that helps, Heres a pic of the N-4B Mitts and the Wool Liners also please note that the Brown Fur on the backs of them is Not fake fur or Lambs wool it is Actually Alpaca Wool which is softer and Tougher than Labs wool Ok,

I have a pair of these in medium and even with my medium-large hands they're so big as to be almost unusable. What do you recommend wearing underneath?

 

[ECWCS]

I have a pair of these in medium and even with my medium-large hands they're so big as to be almost unusable. What do you recommend wearing underneath?

With the Liners they come with In the picture below, Crews were also issued a Green wool finger glove, But something like these Thinsulate Lined gloves should work even better than the Issued gloves because the thinsulate gloves have 3 layers where as the issued gloves only had one layer, Using these thinsulate wool gloves they have a fleece type lining so they will Not Itch and Your N-4B Mitts will be the warmest and most comfortable Mitt's / Gloves you will ever wear and they will keep your hands warm down to -60*f and Below because the Military rate them down to -60* but with the Thinsulate Layers as well will boost that even more and if you put the mitts laying on the Fur side and slide in one of those throw away hand warmers as well you have extremely warm hands, The N-4B Mitts were meant to be worn with woolen type finger gloves so by wearing just the outer and the Grey/Green lining you are missing the important part, Get some of those type thinsulate Gloves and you will not believe the results.

Get you self something like these and your Mitts will fit you properly Ok,

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CLEARANCE-Thermal-Knitted-Winter-Gloves/dp/B0038JSBEW/ref=asc_df_B0038JSBEW/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=345299218994&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5437078770202742864&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-491046718786&th=1&psc=1

 

[bn1966]

I need an XL to be comfortable in the N-3B, TBH as far as rain goes, I have a waxed Barbour Border to deal with that

 

[ECWCS]

I need an XL to be comfortable in the N-3B, TBH as far as rain goes, I have a waxed Barbour Border to deal with that

I wear an XL in the Alpha's and I prefer the extra Neck room of an XL, the 2 Canvas ones are Large, The reason I have both is because I am right on the cusp of a Large and the XL,

for civillian wear I would prefer the Alpha's because they have longer Zippers and an extra Button, Where as the Alpha has 5 the Canvas ones have 4 buttons And the Zippers on the Canvas N-3B's are only one way with doesn't matter, where as the Alpha's have a 2 way Zipper being longer,

I might even buy a couple more yet, If I could not buy the Canvas N-3B's I am more than happy to buy the Alpha's because they were one of the original Contractors and the fiinshed product is better than the Originals with the Origin DJ Industries Version being the best Quality when it comes to the canvas N-3B's, I really like the Greenbriar N-3B but the finish is no where near as good as the Alpha's are and they are made over seas,

Another I noticed is the Nylon N-3B's are easy to slip on and Off because if you wear a fleece top or a Wool / Synthetic Knitted Sweater they sort of stick to the Cotton Lining in the Canvas Parka's.

All Three are really Good but for everyday Life I would pick the Alpha every time and as urban wear the Alpha Factory rated them down to -20*f / -28.88*c but if you wore the original Kit that was worn under the Canvas N-3B's they would easily handle -60*f just like the Originals.

 

[bn1966]

I too am on the L / XL cusp, general torso fit and arm length on a Large is better but my swimmers shoulders prefer the XL. Approaching Spring over here now so the perfect time for discounted N-3Bs. Missed out on a NOS Propper version last year…eyes peeled time

 

[Doctor Damage]

Thanks for taking the time to do the above review which is very thorough and useful. I’m two years in, trying to find an N-3B for the brief UK winters. Early ones were too warm and an Alpha 90’s Civvy version I’ve just picked up is so thin as to be a waste of time and looks like a ‘Cosplay’ item. Thinking Greenbrier or Propper Industries with the poly fill type lining. My 50’s N-3A was so warm that even standing still in winter I overheated.

Those were military issue and are just as heavy (arguably heavier) than the vintage parkas. You will overheat.

 

[ECWCS]

Those were military issue and are just as heavy (arguably heavier) than the vintage parkas. You will overheat.

That Alpha ALASKA is about twice the weight of the military N-3B's and The Canada Goose LE/ MIl is even heavier again, I really Like the Two Military N-3B's The DJ Manufauring one is a work of art, but the Greenbriar is rustic but it is an awesome Coat just the same,

I just saw a video of back in 1987 when the UK got his by big Snow and freezing weather and about 1 in 7 people were wearing the Civilian versions, they were not as shinney as the Alpha N-3B's but they had plenty of padding to keep you warm,

Like I posted in one of my early posts I have been wearing the Civillian N-3B's since 1974 / 75 and I never got cold in them, and over the years I have bought a lot of Coats but still nothing comes close to an average quality Civillian version and the MIlitary versions are in a class of their own if you can find a New one,

People often say the Military ones are warmer well they are because all the Military ones have Quilted Pocket linings on top of the normal Wadding / Padding so it makes the front of the Coat extremely warm, The only downside is the Throat area needs to be bigger so you can do the Hood up easier,

The Darker Green ones with the White Fake Fur Ruffs are a Stunning looking thing, And if it is a DJ Manufacturing version it will be all it can be and as I said the Alpha N-3B's really are in a league of their own when it comes to Quality and Accuracy of the Sticthing with the DJ Manufacturing being an extremely close second, I would rather have an Alpha compared to a Canada Goose and Alpha and DJ Manufacturing have a real History, and I am not just saying that because I actually own All 3, but the DJ Manfacturing version is my pride and joy,

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

I just want to be clear on this. It's DJ Manufacturing and not DJ Industries?

 

[ECWCS]

I just want to be clear on this. It's DJ Manufacturing and not DJ Industries?

Sorry my mistake DJ Manufacturing is the Correct Company Name,

 

[Peacoat]

I have been interested to see how the N3-B compares to my Canada Goose in warmth, so back in the winter I did a little unscientific experiment. My N3-B is a 1970 Skyline with the 100% wool interlining, the mouton hood with coyote ruff. A very nice coat. Thank you Regius.

The first day was 35° to 36°. I sat outside wearing my CG while I smoked my cigar. Under it I wore a cotton T-shirt and a long sleeve cotton shirt. Wanted to see how the jacket performed with no layering. After 1 1/2 hours, my trunk was still warm. My legs were, however, cold.

The next day was a little colder at 32° to 33°. I wore my N3-B. After 1 1/2 hours, same result. Trunk was warm, but my legs were cold.

My conclusion was that the old technology works well in keeping us warm, but the new technology is much lighter and more comfortable to wear.

On cold days I will wear the N3-B around the farm. It is in like new condition, and I don't want to damage it any. So, I will have to be careful with it. But it is a work coat, after all.

On Sunday afternoons I will wear the CG in those always cold NFL stadiums. No problem keeping me warm.

 

[ECWCS]

I have been interested to see how the N3-B compares to my Canada Goose in warmth, so back in the winter I did a little unscientific experiment. My N3-B is a 1970 Skyline with the 100% wool interlining, the mouton hood with coyote ruff. A very nice coat. Thank you Regius.

The first day was 35° to 36°. I sat outside wearing my CG while I smoked my cigar. Under it I wore a cotton T-shirt and a long sleeve cotton shirt. Wanted to see how the jacket performed with no layering. After 1 1/2 hours, my trunk was still warm. My legs were, however, cold.

The next day was a little colder at 32° to 33°. I wore my N3-B. After 1 1/2 hours, same result. Trunk was warm, but my legs were cold.

My conclusion was that the old technology works well in keeping us warm, but the new technology is much lighter and more comfortable to wear.

On cold days I will wear the N3-B around the farm. It is in like new condition, and I don't want to damage it any. So, I will have to be careful with it. But it is a work coat, after all.

On Sunday afternoons I will wear the CG in those always cold NFL stadiums. No problem keeping me warm.

I find my Mil Spec CG just too big and too heavy, It's twice the weight of a Canvas N-3B and about 3X the weight of a Nylon N-3B, I I put either of them on Indoors and just sit still I feel the heat in the N-3B's, I bought the CG coz they were meant to be the best but they have very limited use,

Another thing is the Military N-3B's are rated for colder temps than the CG's, And I paid equal to $155.00 each for the Genuine N-3B's Vs a coat that now costs over $1500.00 and they don't have the wow factor the N-3B has even with the faux fur ruff,

The CG being a much longer Coat is a bonus as is my Alpha ALASKA but I would pick the Alpha over the CG any day and if I had the N-1B pants on I'd wear the N-3B but for weather that is always changing from Rain to Snow and Blizzards and extreme cold the ALASKA would be the better one to wear, It will cook you if you try and walk in it if the weather is above 0 to 3*c and even then I have to open it right up because you over heat in it.

People say that Down lasts longer than synthetics which is just not true, I bought my ALASKA around 1998/99 so it's 24+ years old and these N-3B's are around the same age and I have a sleeping that is synthetic and I bought it around 1994/95 and it is still as good as new.

The worst thing about all CG coats is that they have the sizes cut to Military sizes allowing for layering they are still too big because like the Military N-3B are over sized, alway wear an XL in the Alpha's and every other coat and shirt I have bought But the Genuine N-3B's Large is about equal to XL in an Alpha which is normal with Military Gear so why the Alpha sizes are not the same I don't know because the Military version in a Large and the Alpha in and XL measure the Same,

There's a couple of differances I have noticed and they are the ALASKA and the Original N-3B's both have 26" Zippers, where as the Alpha N-3b has a 29" Zipper.

The ALASKA measures down the Back at over 35" and the Original Measures just North of 34" and the Alpha N-3B measures just under 34",

The ALASKA and the Alpha N-3B have 5 Buttons on them and Both of the Original N-3B's have 4 Buttons on them.

Both the ALASKA and the Alpha N-3b have Two Way Zippers on them where as the Original N-3Bs Do Not.

The ALASKA and the Alpha N-3B both have a longer Rim to the Hood to allow for a wider opening which also makes it easier to Zip right up where as the Military N-3B can be a bit on the tight side to do up from the neck upwards,

Another thing I did notice when I compared the Military N-3B's width compared to my Original Made in the US 1967 Alpha M-65 Jacket when zipped up the N-3B was 5" wider allowing for 10" of extra room inside, and the M-65 was a lot shorter.

Anyway I hope that helps.

 

[Canuck Panda]

I am really interested in a N-3B now. FWIW, I find that synthetic fill or wool fill winter jackets smell a lot less than my down ones. I just put away my winter stuff into storage now and I know when I open the boxes up next fall, I'd have to air out the down pieces.

 

[ECWCS]

I am really interested in a N-3B now. FWIW, I find that synthetic fill or wool fill winter jackets smell a lot less than my down ones. I just put away my winter stuff into storage now and I know when I open the boxes up next fall, I'd have to air out the down pieces.

When you store them beit Down or Synthetic don't compress them because once you loose the Loft they won't keep you as warm, A lot of TV adverts show you those Vacuum bags storing puffa jackets in them but the truth is that is the worst thing you can do to any insulated Coat.

I've got 4 X N-3Bs now being 2 Alpha Nylon ones and the DJ Original Canvas one and the Greenbriar Canvas on plus the Alpha ALASKA version and it is my Go To Parka purely because how it works in all cold weather conditions, My North Face McMurdo Parka I never wear because of the stupid Hood design Plus I have a CG and although they are good they have very limited use.

If anyone buys an Alpha just make sure you Sew the buttons on properly and they will last for years, My ALASKA is over 24 years old, For non Military use the Alpha's work better due to the longer storm flap and the extra Button But you can feel safe in buying your normal size because they have a bit of extra room for layering Unlike the CG which is way way over sized.

 

[Canuck Panda]

When you store them beit Down or Synthetic don't compress them because once you loose the Loft they won't keep you as warm, A lot of TV adverts show you those Vacuum bags storing puffa jackets in them but the truth is that is the worst thing you can do to any insulated Coat.

I've got 4 X N-3Bs now being 2 Alpha Nylon ones and the DJ Original Canvas one and the Greenbriar Canvas on plus the Alpha ALASKA version and it is my Go To Parka purely because how it works in all cold weather conditions, My North Face McMurdo Parka I never wear because of the stupid Hood design Plus I have a CG and although they are good they have very limited use.

If anyone buys an Alpha just make sure you Sew the buttons on properly and they will last for years, My ALASKA is over 24 years old, For non Military use the Alpha's work better due to the longer storm flap and the extra Button But you can feel safe in buying your normal size because they have a bit of extra room for layering Unlike the CG which is way way over sized.

That's good tip thanks. I just fold mine up and put them in the big rubbermaid crate boxes. The down ones I switched things up this year and just use laundry basket. Trying to get some air moving through them. I keep them in the basement so the temp don't change much.

I am gonna look for a mint condition N-3B repro this summer. Usually the prices are better in the off season. And give it a try this coming winter. And if it works out I will move my down coats on. I also find my CG to be a bit bulky and heavy, really not necessary in Vancouver. I think the lighter weight N-3B will do the job, and it will look cooler.

 

[ECWCS]

That's good tip thanks. I just fold mine up and put them in the big rubbermaid crate boxes. The down ones I switched things up this year and just use laundry basket. Trying to get some air moving through them. I keep them in the basement so the temp don't change much.

I am gonna look for a mint condition N-3B repro this summer. Usually the prices are better in the off season. And give it a try this coming winter. And if it works out I will move my down coats on. I also find my CG to be a bit bulky and heavy, really not necessary in Vancouver. I think the lighter weight N-3B will do the job, and it will look cooler.

Sounds like a plan, My CG being their LE / Mil version does not have the round disc patches on it but it is the same as the Snow Mantra, Having worn the Alpha ALASKA in wind chills of -24*c with 80mph winds and below without it done up I just don't see any use of my CG, I bought it because it was the LE / Mil version and that it was a CG but the truths is it is a pointless Item where the ALASKA that I bought 24+ years ago is still the one I always choose in winter.

The lightest and most comfortable Parka's out of the lot are the Alpha Nylon N-3B's and if a person was to wear either the original Military kit under them or a civillian equivalent then they would not get cold regardless of the weather.