Looks smart, well made, warm and comfortable
I got an Austrian Army M65 jacket as a Christmas present from my wife. It's in as-new condition. In the left hand pocket I found a sheet of paper written in German and in Slovak, detailing the quality control final inspection and dated August 1994. I suspect it has never been worn before and has been in storage for the past 20 years. I'm extremely pleased with the garment. I'm glad I got a genuine article, not a cheap reproduction.
Because of the lining the jacket is noticeably heavier than the German army flecktarn parka or the UK forces combat smock. It's thickly lined, very warm, and is obviously of high quality. I find it very comfortable and in the Olive Green it doesn't look overtly military. Fabric is 65% polyester, 35% cotton.
Sizing for mine is 104-108 which fits me well... I'm 6'1", 14 stone 5 lb, and I buy civvie shirts in a 17.5" neck, and tops/jackets in XL or a 44-46" chest. There is room for a jumper and thick shirt underneath, but another thick layer would be too much and since this M65 is so warm it would be unnecessary anyway. It fits well, looks smart and is very comfortable.
The fastenings are all button, there are no press studs or velcro anywhere. The five pockets are button fastened and a nice touch is that the button is concealed by the pocket flap.
I'm not sure I'd want to get this jacket soaking wet, it will take a lot longer to dry than the unlined UK style ones.
So this jacket will be more for social wear than for wandering around in the woods, fixing the bike or digging the garden... instead I've got several near-indestructible British combat jackets for using and abusing. I want to keep the M65 looking smart and undamaged. I think it will last me for a great many years, I can imagine me still wearing it in 30 years time. People have a very high regard for these jackets and I can see why.
Pros: Practical, Well made, Comfortable, Warm, Looks good
Cons: Can't really think of any
Sizing: Feels about right
Would recommend: Yes
Reviewed by Danny Robinson in Maidstone, Kent
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