Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

[Roughneck Jase]

G'day everybody,

I was wondering if the M65 field jackets that are made by Rothco are tough and long-lasting as well as worth the money?

The reason why I'm asking is because I'm currently in the market for a new M65 field jacket and I've been looking at the field jackets that Rothco and Alpha Industries sell to the public (not to mention, how much these jackets and liners cost here in Australia).

Any help in this field would be great

[Herr Walther]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

The Alpha jacket is top of the line and was a contractor for this jacket. They might still be.

The Rothco is several notches down from the Alpha or even any of the other contractors of this jacket.

If you can afford the Alpha, by all means get that one. You'd be better off buying a good condition surplus issue jacket from any contractor than buying a Rothco.

[m92s]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

I would steer right clear of anything Rothco brand. What color of an M-65 jacket are you looking for, issue Woodland jackets off Ebay are very affordable even in like new condition...hell, I should probably by one for the future, I already have a 1990's Alpha made M-65 jacket, well worn but still functional, and one US Issue Woodland, forget which manufacturer, but one of the non-commercial ones like So Sew or some such.

[Herr Walther]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

I think mine is a So Sew but I'd have to check. Good quality though.

[Roughneck Jase]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

I would steer right clear of anything Rothco brand. What color of an M-65 jacket are you looking for, issue Woodland jackets off Ebay are very affordable even in like new condition...hell, I should probably by one for the future, I already have a 1990's Alpha made M-65 jacket, well worn but still functional, and one US Issue Woodland, forget which manufacturer, but one of the non-commercial ones like So Sew or some such.

m92s,

I've been looking at both Rothco and Alpha Industries M65 field jackets from local dealers in recent times and I'm weighing up which brand to go for. As of right now, I'm looking at these two jackets...

http://www.wellingtonsurplus.com.au/...%96-Model-8590

http://www.alphaindustries.net.au/ja...-65-field-coat

http://www.alphaindustries.net.au/ja...ket-mla21019p1

Decisions, decisions, decisions....

[m92s]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

I'd go with the Alpha, no questions asked, it should last you a decade or two (mine has), and even though I have one of those liners I don't find much use for it (in friggin Finland no less) because it's too warm for general use IMO.
So if it's gonna last a decade then the few extra monies you need to dish out for the Alpha won't mean a thing and you'll get a proper Nylon Cotton blend jacket, not poly cotton blend.

[Roughneck Jase]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

m92s,

Are the measurements for Alpha Industries' line of M65 field jackets and liners different from those of other manufacturers e.g. Tru-Spec and Propper? The reason why I'm asking is I measured my chest tonight and it came in at 42-43in (approx. 110cm). I checked out the fitting guide on the Alpha Industries website and I come in between Large and Extra Large in the field jacket and liner department.

Any help from you and the other guys here in re. to sizing would be great.

[Herr Walther]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

The opposite of the Air Force leather A2 jacket which runs small, the M-65 has always run on the large side of fitting. There is an awful lot of room in these jackes if they are truly a mil-spec jacket.

They are made that way on purpose. One, to get the liner in, and two, to fit as many men and women as possible for one size.

[m92s]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

m92s,

Are the measurements for Alpha Industries' line of M65 field jackets and liners different from those of other manufacturers e.g. Tru-Spec and Propper? The reason why I'm asking is I measured my chest tonight and it came in at 42-43in (approx. 110cm). I checked out the fitting guide on the Alpha Industries website and I come in between Large and Extra Large in the field jacket and liner department.

Any help from you and the other guys here in re. to sizing would be great.

I've removed the tags from my Alpha Industries jacket so I'm not sure what size it is. You could email them and ask if their sizing is standard M-65, I'm sure they'll respond promptly.

[RT]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

They are what they are, Rothco is mil spec, but barely. they are more along the lines of law enforcement, security, film costume department and JROTC uniform wear.

If you want really premium stuff that is made in the m65 style but not exactly mil spec on the cut, check out the generic fire hose cloth military field jacket from Duluth Trading. Color selection is a bit limited and there is no camo version yet.

[Roughneck Jase]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

The opposite of the Air Force leather A2 jacket which runs small, the M-65 has always run on the large side of fitting. There is an awful lot of room in these jackes if they are truly a mil-spec jacket.

They are made that way on purpose. One, to get the liner in, and two, to fit as many men and women as possible for one size.

Herr Walther,

Since my chest came in at 43in (110cm), should I aim for an M65 field jacket and liner in Large? I've got two M65 field jackets in XXL that I've had since 1999 and 2001 respectively and I want to go own a size (I've lost a considerable amount of weight and I've kept that weight off for the past 11-12 years). Also, would the Alpha Industries M65 field jackets and liners in Large be alright for me?

P.S. Herr Walther. I tried on a Propper ACU M65 field jacket with liner in Large (Chest: 41-45in) at my local army disposals store earlier this week and it fit me pretty well (and that's with a short-sleeve shirt with a t-shirt underneath on when I tried the jacket). I just want to double check if the Alpha M65 field jackets (with liner) in Large would be suitable for me.

[m92s]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

Herr Walther,

Since my chest came in at 43in (110cm), should I aim for an M65 field jacket and liner in Large? I've got two M65 field jackets in XXL that I've had since 1999 and 2001 respectively and I want to go own a size (I've lost a considerable amount of weight and I've kept that weight off for the past 11-12 years). Also, would the Alpha Industries M65 field jackets and liners in Large be alright for me?

P.S. Herr Walther. I tried on a Propper ACU M65 field jacket with liner in Large (Chest: 41-45in) at my local army disposals store earlier this week and it fit me pretty well (and that's with a short-sleeve shirt with a t-shirt underneath on when I tried the jacket). I just want to double check if the Alpha M65 field jackets (with liner) in Large would be suitable for me.

I'm sure no one can give you a definite answer, but I should think that the different brands make the jackets close to similar specs. If you do buy the wrong size, you can always return it/exchange it for a larger size, no?

[Herr Walther]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

I think a Large would be fine.

[Roughneck Jase]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

I think a Large would be fine.

I'm still tossing up between a Large and a Extra Large Alpha Industries M65 field jacket and liner, Herr Walther. Here are the following sizes (both in Imperial measurement and in Metric) from the Alpha Industries website well as my own measurements.

1) Large (Men's)

Weight: 160-185lbs (72-83kg)
Height: 67-76in (170-193cm)
Chest: 40-42in (102-107cm)

2) Extra Large (Men's)

Weight: 185-210lbs (83-95kg)
Height: 67-76in (170-193cm)
Chest: 44-46in (112-117cm)

Since my chest comes in at 110cm (43 inches) and I'm around 185cm (6ft 2 in) tall (and I'm around 85 to 86 kg), the Alpha Industries fitting guide would land me in either Large or Extra Large (Extra Large if I go by the fitting guide based on my weight and height). Would a Large Alpha M65 jacket and liner be more suitable for me or should I go for Extra Large?

Any advice would be helpful in making my future purchase easier.

[Roughneck Jase]

Re: Rothco M65 field jackets - Yay or Nay?

They are what they are, Rothco is mil spec, but barely. they are more along the lines of law enforcement, security, film costume department and JROTC uniform wear.

If you want really premium stuff that is made in the m65 style but not exactly mil spec on the cut, check out the generic fire hose cloth military field jacket from Duluth Trading. Color selection is a bit limited and there is no camo version yet.

RT,

I talked to a friend of mine about Rothco clothing and he said that the stuff is very mil-spec and lasts for quite a long time. My friend used to work for a paintball company and they ordered a lot of Rothco BDUs for that purpose.

In recent times, I'm beginning to consider getting myself that Rothco Digital Woodland camo M65 field jacket (the Alpha M65 field jacket and liner are getting a little bit pricey) and I've also been doing my homework on the Rothco made M65s. From what I've read, these jackets are a grade above the commercial M65 field jackets that are made by companies like Huss! International and Commando (two very common military clothing/gear companies in Australia. Their M65s are actually made in Pakistan).