Jacket Recommendation

[Execprotec]

Hello all,

Any recommendations on a gore-tex black field jacket/parka?

Thanks

[Tenn-RGR]

What do you plan on doing while wearing this jacket? Do you plan on moving around alot in it, will you be static and lying down, will you be in the snow, rain or are you simply looking for a good all around "jack-of-all-trades master of none jacket"?

[Axe]

Insulated or a non-insulated shell? I tend to think of a field jacket as being non-insulated or minimally insulated and a parka as insulated. Is a military or semi-military appearance OK, or do you want a strictly civilian look?

[B 2/75]

Try either REI or Cabellas.

[RGR.Montcalm]

If you want something other than goretex, you may want to look at a Driza Bone Bushman jacket in black. $149 plus shipping from About Australia

http://about-australia-shop.com/product_info.php/products_id/268

I just got mine and it wind and water proof (tested it out for both this weekend) :D

[SOTB]

Try either REI....Definitely a huge DITTO on REI. My problem with going to REI is it is like my wife going to a Coach store -- I may not need it, but I'm buying it....:D

[Execprotec]

Thanks for everyone's replies thus far!
Purpose: All around Jacket for CONUS and International trips
Removeable insulation would be nice.
That Austraillian coat looks good is it Leather?
REI is great! I love it too, but my local stores inventories are quite thin at the moment in jackets.
I would prefer something to wear casually as well as over business casual clothes, yet is tough!
thanks again

[0699]

LL Bean has some good casual waterproof jackets. I have one very similar to this.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=storm-chaser-rain-jacket&categoryId=53489&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=502809&cat4=502961&shop_method=pp&feat=502809-tn&np=Y

I prefer just an outer shell that can be worn year round to stop wind & rain, then layer underneath as needed for warmth. They also have the same jacket with a removable liner if that's what you'd prefer.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=weather-challenger-jacket&categoryId=44900&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=502791&cat4=502786&shop_method=pp&feat=502791-tn&np=Y

I'm a big fan of their return policy. I've never had a problem returning things, even shoes & clothes that have been worn.

[Execprotec]

I like the look and pocket set up of the old M65 jacket, If there was something like that but waterproof and black that would be great.

[RGR.Montcalm]

Thanks for everyone's replies thus far!
Purpose: All around Jacket for CONUS and International trips
Removeable insulation would be nice.
That Austraillian coat looks good is it Leather?
REI is great! I love it too, but my local stores inventories are quite thin at the moment in jackets.
I would prefer something to wear casually as well as over business casual clothes, yet is tough!
thanks again

The Driza Bone jackets is oil cloth- it comes in brown or black. You can get different types of different lengths and liners to fit into them.

Originally developed for sailors from sailcloth...

I just got tired of wearing spun plastic

[Axe]

You could also do the ECWCS parka in black. I have seen them fairly cheap in closeout sections of the US Cavalry/Ranger Joe's stores from time to time.

There are no upper pockets like the M65, and it isn't lined, but I have had really good wear with one.

REI rocks.

[Execprotec]

Is the coat "oily" to the touch? Would you say it is similar to a carhart in durability?

[RGR.Montcalm]

Is the coat "oily" to the touch? Would you say it is similar to a carhart in durability?


Mine is brand new and does have a 'slightly oily' feel to it. It will dry somewhat in time but the dressing should be applied about every 2 years or if it needs some thorough washing.

there's more info on the website about the jackets- I like the style and feel of the jacket.

another you may want to consider (if you're not looking for a jackets with a hood- you may want to check out Duluth trading company's Fire Hose Jacket with 13 pockets in it made of the same material that fire hoses were once covered with.

http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/department/mens/mens2/mens_presentation/85350.aspx?feature=Product_8

I have one of those as well for 'business casual' and traveling.

[IrishEKU]

You could also do the ECWCS parka in black. I have seen them fairly cheap in closeout sections of the US Cavalry/Ranger Joe's stores from time to time.

There are no upper pockets like the M65, and it isn't lined, but I have had really good wear with one.

REI rocks.Axe, are they diffren't from the issue one's????

My issue one and later a brand new one bought before ETS both had two large pockets at chest level sealed with velcro infront of the main zipper. I've used it from time to time for CCW when I couldnt have a holster on. No one notices either because it's across(side to side) your body and you don't have to unzip or "hike" up to get to your weapon. Although the rip of velcro is not "stealthy" by any means.;)

[Axe]

Mine doesn't have any chest pockets at all, inside or outside. I do wish it had more pockets, but the upside is that it is the best jacket I have ever had for keeping dry in rain and it has worn like iron.

I have never seen an issue jacket up close, so I can't really give a good comparison between mine and issued wear.

[IrishEKU]

Mine doesn't have any chest pockets at all, inside or outside. I do wish it had more pockets, but the upside is that it is the best jacket I have ever had for keeping dry in rain and it has worn like iron.

I have never seen an issue jacket up close, so I can't really give a good comparison between mine and issued wear.


Dude,

I'll find one and send it to you...They are the perfect carry for those rainy yet "formal" situations. IMO they are best for casual and "going to the store" situations. Depending on the local you live in of course. Hell "casual" in my local is Max-4HD...So I can get away with it. A more subdued color may be needed in other locals.

Lemme look around, I'll have to dig through a few duffles and kit bags. I know I have an extra somewhere....;)

[low country]

If you are looking at a more civillian/less military look REI is a great place to look. They have all the major brands North Face, Mountain Hardware. Patagonia etc... Check www.sierratradingpost.com for other great brands at discount prices. If you are looking for a duty/deployment wear check out TAD Gear predator Hardshell or the ArcTeryx LEAF (Law Enforcement Military line).

Tons of companies are now getting into the mix.

[Axe]

Dude,

I'll find one and send it to you...They are the perfect carry for those rainy yet "formal" situations. IMO they are best for casual and "going to the store" situations. Depending on the local you live in of course. Hell "casual" in my local is Max-4HD...So I can get away with it. A more subdued color may be needed in other locals.

Lemme look around, I'll have to dig through a few duffles and kit bags. I know I have an extra somewhere....;)

Well, thanks brother. That is awfully kind of you. I am an XXL in a commercially sized jacket, if you can find it. I'll reimburse you.

[IrishEKU]

Well, thanks brother. That is awfully kind of you. I am an XXL in a commercially sized jacket, if you can find it. I'll reimburse you.

Geesh, took 1/2 the morning and an excuse to the missus to "clean house" in the garage but I got it. I usually wear XL and graduate one size up so I think it will fit. PM me the shipping info and I'll get it out to you first thing next week.

[Execprotec]

Got any in Large?

[IrishEKU]

Got any in Large?

Axe gets dibbs on my second, but my brother may have another. He's out of the AO at the moment but will be back on Sunday so I'll let you know.

This is not the end all be all jacket, but as I took from your handle you would be using it in the way I stated. If you have a decent surplus store nearby they would prolly have one.

I would try there before buying from US Cav:ECWCS (http://www.uscav.com/Productinfo.aspx?productID=9114&TabID=1&CatID=45)

Or Ranger Joes:ECWCS (http://www.rangerjoes.com/clothing-jackets-rainwear-c-100_103.html)

[Axe]

Irish, thank you bro! I'll send a PM in a few hours after I get done playing Scoutmaster.

Damn, those prices are high on the ECWCS parkas, I have seen them for $75-90 in the clearance sections of those sites and other places before. I might do some checking around later when I have time and see if I can find where I saw the deals on them a few months ago. I didn't bookmark them because I just stumbled across them whils looking for something else and I didn't need any. The listed prices are a fair bit of coin for what you are getting.

They are excellent water and windproof jackets, though.

[IrishEKU]

Axe,

The ones you prolly saw were a newer version, it is more of a rain coat than a parka. The one I have is the actual parka with nylon/"canvas" liner and zippered vents under the arms. The newer or rather new a few years ago before the digital stuff, rain gear was gore-tex and replaced that awful plastic stuff we had back then.

[0699]

Axe,

The ones you prolly saw were a newer version, it is more of a rain coat than a parka. The one I have is the actual parka with nylon/"canvas" liner and zippered vents under the arms. The newer or rather new a few years ago before the digital stuff, rain gear was gore-tex and replaced that awful plastic stuff we had back then.

The new digital stuff (at least what the Corps issues) is much lighter weight than the original ECWCS parka. As Irish says, the original ones seem to be much more solidly built than the new ones. I still have my original parka in woodland camoflauge and it's much more water/wind resistant than the new digital one I was issued last year. The new ones (as far as I can tell) are nothing more than an outer shell.