M-65 Field Jacket

Customer Reviews

Great quality M-65 Review by Keith

Quality
Value

This is truly a high-quality jacket, in my view an excellent example of how the M-65 design should be executed. I purchased and returned one of the popular Chinese made M-65s from a large online retailer for a fraction of the price of this coat, but the model I received was not nearly the quality of the Cockpit. The zipper, stitching, snaps, and buttons are flawless.

I'll discuss briefly the color, fit, and sizing.

The color is green but not as drab as most M-65s I have seen. It is certainly lighter than vintage models. If you want that dark, dark olive, you may not be happy with this. I expect there is some color variation from coat to coat, so you may get a darker one than mine. Still, I received compliments the first day I wore this, and probably still do on half the days I wear it. Few garments get this attention.

The fit is boxy, per the original design. The waist can be snugged a bit with the drawstring, but this is not a fitted garment by today's standards. I asked a Chicago tailor if he could alter a large for me, but given the complexity of the design (liner, drawstrings, sleeve complexity, etc.) the cost of alterations would have matched the cost of the coat.

Regarding sizing, I purchased a medium and a large and kept the medium. I am a 5'7" 200# weightlifter with an average 44" chest but perhaps above average shoulder and arm size. The medium fits me without a liner while wearing a dress shirt. I believe I can wear a dress shirt with either a sport coat or a liner under this coat, but not both, and anything more than a dress shirt and sweater will be crowded. However, the large is quite large indeed--in particularly the sleeve length. Sleeves would need to be altered had I kept the large. I find the end of sleeve design obnoxious on the M-65, and excessive length would amplify the annoyance. I'm pretty sure no one ever wants the end of sleeve design and it should be made with a normal rounded cuff immediately. The large fit me loosely in the shoulders, but was baggy in the midsection. (Posted on 6/24/2019)

GREAT, GREAT JACKET! Review by Jim

Quality
Value

The Cockpit USA M-65 Field Jacket is an outstanding jacket. The quality is excellent and the sizing is perfect. The inner liner is much more substantial than similar jackets. This jacket is well worth the price. I highly recommend this jacket and Cockpit USA. (Posted on 5/24/2019)

m65 jacket Review by Assad

Quality
Value

Finally I found one original M65 jacket Made in USA
its good very happy
the only reason i gave 4 stars I thought the original M65 had GOLD color zip not black (Posted on 5/24/2019)

DON’T CHEAP OUT. WILL THE REAL M65 PLEASE STAND UP? Review by Aaron

Quality
Value

To me, theres just something fundamentally wrong about buying US Military apparel (= American symbol) thats made in China or Vietnam, and particularly in this case if you have any idea of when, where, and why the M-1965 field jacket was introduced. Consequently I became interested in Cockpit USA when trying to replace my old Alpha M65 (made in USA - before they, and seemingly all other American manufacturers, outsourced M65 production). Anyways, much to my surprise I received a sizing recommendation from Jacky (who I believe to be the/an owner of Cockpit USA) almost instantly after requesting. I think its safe to say customer service like that is uncommon in this day and age. Ultimately I just ordered my normal size (XL) and from the first second I picked it up I could tell that the quality of this garment is second to none. I absolutely love the fit and find the jacket to be super smart looking. Personally I also like the fact that it covers my butt, oh yeah, and it doesn’t hurt that my wife says it makes me look totally bad ass... But long story short – while I, too, cringed at the price at first, I'm really glad now that I didn't cheap out. This jacket is the real deal - a classic style and a high quality American made product - and I couldn’t be happier with it. Money well spent in my book. So much that I'm even hoping to get their USN Peacoat sometime soon! (Posted on 10/5/2017)

Awesome M65 Review by James

Quality
Value

I'm a bit of an M65 junkie since the 80's. The larger sizes on Mil contract and US made commercial versions 'aint what it used to be.

Received my Cockpit USA M65 this week and knew immediately this was the real deal.

Sizing: Just take not that an XXL Cockpit will fit the same as an XL contract jacket. Just order your normal size. These are not 'slim fit' jackets. My Cockpit XXL fits the closest to my 1969 Sportmaster inc contract jacket. The arms are not too baggy either which I appreciate.

Materials and construction: The nyco shell material is identical to the earlier M65's that I own as is the lining. Good M65's drape nicely on the shoulders and the collar just naturally falls into place. The Cockpit ranks right up there. Construction is excellent.

My only recommendation to cockpit USA is to move the epaulette buttons a bit closer to the collar so they lay flatter and add the elastic waist drawstring.

Summary: Very close if not identical to real deal Viet-Nam era jackets. Keep in mind that the later US made commercial jackets are a bit different to the 'nam era jackets so comparing the cockpit M65 to my later US Alpha's is a bit pointless. Great work on this jacket! (Posted on 12/20/2016)

Happy Customer Great Jacket. Review by Philip

Quality
Value

Owning the Alpha Industries and Rothco versions of this jacket both made in China I was looking for an M65 made in the USA.
This jacket does not disappoint. It's extremely well made. The fit is not as loose as the Alpha or Rothco but fits much better. I was not sure would fit better XL or 2XL. The Alpha / Rothco jackets I have are both XL. Taking the opportunity to visit the show room in NYC I got to try both the XL and 2XL. I chose the 2XL. I am extremely pleased with this jacket and like to say thank you to Harlem at Cockpit for his help and assistance with my purchase. If in NYC I would highly recommend a visit to Cockpits show room as it is an Aladdin's cave of well made garments. Thank you Cockpit USA I am a very happy customer. (Posted on 11/13/2016)

Outstanding Review by carlos

Quality
Value

For a very long time I wanted to replace an original M-65 Field Jacket that my Grandfather gave me as a gift in 1979.
For the past two years I've been searching for a jacket that would resemble the original M-65 with little to no luck.
While browsing the CockpitUSA website searching for a bomber jacket, I found the
M-65 field jacket.
The description, details and pictures led me to place an order for the jacket.
Upon arrival and inspection, I was extremely happy with the quality of workmanship, attention to detail, material and true fit of the jacket.
Thank you CockpitUSA. You have a very happy customer.
(Posted on 9/27/2016)

5 Star Jacket Review by Thiha

Quality
Value

such a amazing jacket (Posted on 8/5/2016)

Excellent stuff! Review by Anatoliy

Quality
Value

I just got my new M65 from Cockpit USA! Excellent stuff - perfect fit, high quality Army specs! Nothing goes better for the cold and wet climate in The Netherlands! The last, but not least - delivery terms and other shipment details perfect as well! Thank you again, dear Cockpit USA people and see you again and my next order! Anatoly, The Hague (Posted on 2/26/2016)

This is something that I can really use for a long time. Excellent quality. Review by RENE

Quality
Value

Exactly what I am looking for in a jacket, like my old M65 (Posted on 2/25/2016)