M-65 upgrade?

Hello all!

Since it was an invigorating 26 degrees this morning when I was waiting for the train to work, I decided that it was time to break out the warm clothes.

This included my beloved M-65 field jacket. This is my second one, since my original issue one gave up the ghost after 20+ years of useage. As with the original, my only complant is the hood. It is totally inadequate for another New England winter. I must be getting old(er).

Does anyone know of a good replacement/upgrade?

Thanks for your help.

Costco right now is carrying a winter coat with the "Weatherproof" label. I have one of these coats from a couple years ago. Poly shell, but they are quite effective. Mine's been used here in Denver and up at the ski resorts over the winter with good effect. They are essentially waterproof, windproof, with a fair enough layer of insulation that my torso doesn't feel a chill standing on the train platform at 30 degrees, little humidity to speak of, and a north wind averaging 15 mph. I believe the price was somewhere around $50-60.

It's either that, or else upgrade to Carhartt gear. I got one of those too, for when it gets really nasty out and I have to go shovel the walks.

Maybe one of these

Personally, I just wear a hooded sweatshirt under my M-65, instead of the GI button-in liner...

How about the button on insulated hood. I have one that fitts the M-65 I bought at an Army Navy store about 20 years ago. I do not use my M-65 much, I have a Coat from EMS that I started useing 20 years ago and it is still my choice for any heavey winter use.

I use one similar to one of these.

I agree with UT, a good fleece or smart wool balaclava is a cheap very warm alternative to buying a new coat. If those things keep my wife from the tropics warm here then you should be fine. My balaclava is standard carry in my cargo pants for all trips year round.

I went all high tech - fleece lining, nylon shell. LL bean lists their coats by temp range

You might try this: works on my M-65 and it's very old.
http://www.shomer-tec.com/product/m65-field-jacket-winter-hood-216

I just got this jacket, for $60.00. It's from Weatherproof Garment Company.It has lots of pockets on the inside & fleece lined hand warmer pockets... Ya can't go wrong at this price.

I have a decent collection of jackets and coats, but when i need to pull something out that I might wear for cold weather and a variety of conditions, I pull out one of my fleece pullovers or jackets and a windproof shell. If I get too warm or cold, I simply add layers.

I have worn out a couple of MA1's, just gave a like new one to Goodwill (we needed the closet space). I always liked them, but they had a tendency to ride up in the back, giving me a cold spot right over the kidneys, not a good thing. I am kinda long waisted, mine last one was a hard to find "tall" size, it still rode up too much for my comfort...

I second just getting a fleece balaclava or wool watch cap for use under the hood. The M-65 is a great coat, been using one for years although I don't need to use mine too much here in Florida

-Bill Liptak