The U. S. Navy developed and used many different styles of cold-weather gear and clothing during the 1940s. A sailor’s duties are very often performed in the most challenging and harsh weather conditions while at sea, thus clothing needed to be durable, warm and functional. Winter jackets, commonly referred to as “Deck Jackets,” became the most cherished clothing articles of sailors during WWII and among collectors today. Most of the deck jackets used in WWII evolved from a blue zip-front design that was very similar in appearance to the U. S. Army’s Winter Combat Jacket (Tanker Jacket). By late 1943, the second version of this Deck Jacket design was being phased out of production and an entirely new design was being brought into use:  the N-1.

This all-new jacket took into account the lessons learned from two hard years of warfare at sea. Though still manufactured with the same dark blue corded-cotton outer shell as on earlier examples, alpaca fur was now used as the lining material and the torso length grew longer for greater protection from the elements. The knit collar was replaced with an alpaca-fur collar, and also gone were the knit waist bands, exposed knit cuffs and patch pockets of the old jackets, all of which tended to snag on various objects or parts of a ship and cause tearing. A new cuff design incorporated the knit cuff hidden up inside the sleeve, thus keeping the knit from snagging while still keeping out the cold wind, and the frontal jacket closure was now facilitated by a zipper as well as buttons. A drawstring at the jacket’s bottom edges kept the wind out more effectively than the old knit band, all the while eliminating the snagging problem associated with knit bands, and gusseted armpit areas with eyelet vents provided greater freedom of movement and rapid drying of built-up perspiration. Produced in very small numbers and but for a brief period, this new design was quickly superceded by a second version manufactured in a light olive drab color (now commonly called khaki) of the same heavy, corded fabric. The fabric color was changed from blue to this shade of olive drab to better enable camouflaging of USN personnel both at sea and on landing operations. This newer-colored version of the winter deck jacket was available in limited numbers by the spring of 1944 and photo documentation clearly reveals some sailors, including Rear Admiral A. D. Struble onboard the command ship USS AUGUSTA, outfitted with this jacket style during the D-Day landings in Normandy, France on 6 June 1944.

The deck jacket was modified again after WWII, with the most notable difference being the change in color from light olive drab to a dark olive green.  Further modifications were made to the design before being completely phased out in the 1960s, thus making the N-1-style deck jacket the longest serving in the U. S. Navy, and possible the best remembered. The N-1-style Deck Jacket is an all-American classic that looks as great today as it did in 1944, and it functions with many different clothing applications - surely this will fast become a favorite item in your wardrobe. Scorn the cookie-cutter look of “mall” jackets and grab a piece of 20th century American history that combines style with durability and utility.

This Buzz Rickson’s USN khaki N-1-style Deck Jacket copy superbly captures all of the nuances and features found on a vintage original example from 1944. Take note of these authentic features:

• Exact copy of original USN contract label design printed on cotton fabric

• Exact duplication of the original black stencil property mark “USN” applied to left chest

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, heavy, corded-cotton outer shell to precisely match USN specs. and dyed a light shade of khaki-like Olive Drab

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct double-faced, grey-hued alpaca fur-and-wool lining to precisely match 1940s USN specs. We cannot say too much about the use of the original, double-faced alpaca, which is what provides the warmth associated with the vintage N-1 Jackets and requires vintage machinery found in Japan; at best, single-faced alpaca is present on cheaper look-alike costume-grade N-1 Jackets and Buzz Rickson's does not make costumes.

• Two external slash pockets

• Vintage-style 1943 brass CONMATIC zipper

• Button-front wind flap protector located in front of zipper closure

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, worsted-wool knit cuffs in Olive Drab, hidden up inside the sleeves to protect from wear

• Gusseted-armpit construction with eyelet vents

• Drawstring cords at jacket bottom to seal out the wind

Sizes:  XS - XXL.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

The U. S. Navy had been requisitioning the iconic U. S. Army's Olive Drab Field Jacket (a. k. a. M-41) from 1942-44, when the Army determined in 1943 that no more would be produced in light of the jacket style's shortcomings and the new M-43 Field Jacket coming into production.  While the Army's Olive Drab Field Jacket was deemed inadequate for the primary combat arms of infantry and artillery and other field units, the needs of U. S. Navy ship and beach personnel were markedly different, and for these personnel the Olive Drab Field Jacket was seen essentially as good, and so the Navy developed its own version of this jacket style that incorporated specific modifications best suited for its needs, while maintaining the same overall style.  

The new USN Field Jacket style was procured as the N-4 in late 1944, though it is yet to be positively determined if any N-4 jackets ever arrived in combat theaters before the end of combat actions of WWII in 1945.  But the N-4 positively was issued stateside before the war's end and it continued to serve well after WWII.  The most noticeable differences between the N-4 and the Amy's Olive Drab Field Jacket is the color, which is dark Olive Drab shade 7 for the N-4, but close inspection also reveals the N-4 lacks the epaulets, bi-swing back, gusseted armpits, and belt adjusters at the hips that are found on the Army's Field Jacket, as well as having "U. S. N." printed in black on the left breast.  

Buzz Rickson's is, for the first time, now offering a masterpiece copy of the U. S. Navy's N-4 Utility Jacket; as usual, they have spared no expense and again recreated a classic jacket style as if it had to pass U. S. Navy standardized testing, which includes custom manufacturing all component parts to the original specs. using now-outdated vintage machinery.  It is Buzz Rickson's attention to detail and historical purity that separates a true uniform item intended to function in adverse, challenging conditions from a costume possessing only basic characteristics of resemblance to the original item:  the U. S. military wears uniforms, while trick-or-treaters wear costumes.

Please note these authentic features found only on a Buzz Rickson's masterpiece and original-issue N-4 Field Jackets of the U. S. Navy:

•Exact copy of contractor label printed on off-white cotton in neck area.

•Correct interlining of collar and lapels for proper shape and durability, with reinforcing stitching on collar back.

•Custom production of the original-style urea buttons, not cheap plastic buttons.

•Custom manufacturing of the correct 5.5-ounce cotton poplin produced on vintage looms of the 1940’s and dyed to a correct shade of Olive Drab 7 using the old-style dyes.

•Custom manufacturing of the correct wool-and-cotton flannel lining produced on vintage looms of the 1940’s and dyed to a typical brownish shade of Olive Drab using the old-style dyes.

•Genuine bar tacks on all major stress points as per the USN spec., not just cheap look-a-like stitching.

•Two slash-style, internally hung pockets correctly lined in the same flannel as the jackets's lining.

•Exacting reproduction of a late-war Conmar brass zipper on cotton HBT zipper tape that is rolled and glued at the base with no plastic heat seal, exactly as done in 1944.

• Correct U. S. N. stamping in black on left breast.

•Precise pattern grading matching the exact measurements employed for production of the original N-4 jackets, including such critical areas as neck drop, shoulder slope, armhole opening, shoulder width, etc.  Because of this uncompromising attention to authenticity in fit and fabrics, this Buzz Rickson’s N-4 will fit, drape, function, protect,  and look exactly as did the original N-4 Jackets.

Due to the original, generous fit of the design, we can comfortably fit up to 46" chest measures.   Please do NOT attempt to guess at sizing; please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

Developed in the prewar era exclusively for the submarine service by the U. S. Navy, these woolen coats were as few as there were submariners at the time and the survival rate for these coats was even lower due, possibly, to being so tasty to munching insects, nicely warm, and not at all military looking, thus enabling them to easily "walk away" when sailors left the service.  Today, such coats are beyond rare and will fetch significant money among collectors, but you now can have a new one in your size to enjoy, thanks to Buzz Rickson's.

The design is very simple, yet it is its functional simplicity that makes it so appealing.  The wool is charcoal in color, which is another surprise for U. S. Navy clothing, and it is a chunky, flecked fabric with a subtle, wide-weave herringbone pattern.  There is no lining in this coat as the intention was for use both on its own and with multiple layers, but all internal seams are fully covered in binding tape as one would expect for quality clothing from the 1930's.  Not excessively heavy, but still robust enough on its own for temperatures in the upper 30's F.; thanks to the full design, it can be worn with significant underclothing for lower temperatures.  

Grab a slice of old-school winter gear from the U. S. Navy's prewar "silent service" in this Buzz Rickson's unique design rarity.  

• Button-front closure
• Custom manufacturing of the correct urea buttons, not plastic
• Custom manufacturing of the correct heavy worsted-wool using vintage machinery
• Assembly using vintage sewing machines
• Pocket flaps and interior cuffs are backed with all-cotton black cotton exactly as found on the original jacket style and interior seams are taped
• Vintage-style label produced on vintage shuttle looms
• DRY CLEAN ONLY

Even sizes 36-44 Regular (these run full and can fit larger than tagged, thus a 46" chest measure can be comfortably accommodated).   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Imported from Japan

The master designers at Buzz Rickson's have recreated a GI classic made famous in the early years of the Vietnam War, commonly called the "jungle jacket."  This is the highly desirable, rare 1st model made of poplin with exposed gloss-finished buttons and outfitted with epaulets as worn during the early days in Nam, though sometimes seen still being worn even at war's end.  This style clearly had its design rooted in the WWII U. S. Army parachutist's jacket, though issue of the "jungle jackets" was to all troops and not specific.  The jacket was made instantly recognizable and famous in the 1967 film "The Green Berets," prominently worn by John Wayne and the rest of the cast portraying members of the 5th Special Forces while "in country."  

The overall design is incredibly practical, stylish, and so very functional in many capacities, thanks to the expandable cargo pockets with drain holes.  Combat attrition, post-service life among the veterans, sales in surplus stores for hunters, fisherman, photographers and the like, plus relatively low production numbers before it was replaced by the 2nd model, rendered the 1st-model jackets scarce not long after the events of the era; today, vintage examples in new condition will fetch a hefty price in the collector market.

No design detail has been missed on this Buzz Rickson's copy, which includes custom manufacturing of the lightweight all-cotton poplin on vintage looms to perfectly match U. S. Army specs., including assembly using vintage industrial sewing machines.  The buttons have also been custom made of genuine urea, not incorrect, cheap plastic, and inside the jacket you'll find all of the authentic labels that appeared on these early jackets, making this the ultimate copy of an all-time classic.  Of course, this Buzz Rickson's jacket copy comes crispy new and unwashed, so if you don't want to look like some FNG who just got in from the World, you'll want to wash it a few times before wearing it.  

The only other 1st-model "jungle jackets" to match the precision of Buzz Rickson's masterpiece are those prized, vintage examples in collections and veteran's attics.  Please note all of these authentic features and details:  

• Four expandable, bellows pockets outfitted with exposed buttons

• Custom manufacturing of genuine, gloss-finished urea buttons precisely matching the buttons of the 1st-Model  Tropical Jacket

• Button-down epaulets

• Two-position adjustment tabs at waist-back area

• Custom manufacturing of the exact weight and weave all-cotton, water-repellant poplin produced on vintage looms

• Custom manufacturing of the exact type of all-cotton labels found on 1st-Model Tropical Jackets

• Pencil slot with separate compartment in each breast pocket with corners correctly bar tacked for extra strength

• Two-position adjustment on sleeve cuffs

• Concealed buttons on frontal closure

• Internal flap with buttons behind frontal closure

Sizes available: Med, Lg, XL &XL. Please see SIZING TIPS to obtain the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s products are imported from Japan

Officially designated on 26 March 1942 by the U. S. Army Quartermaster as JACKET, WINTER, COMBAT, P. Q. D. Spec. No. 26A, this jacket was destined to become one of the most popular articles of clothing used by the G. I. in World War II, and was to gain post-war Hollywood film fame when worn by actor Robert Di Niro in "Taxi Driver."   It was originally configured under P. Q. D. Spec. No. 26 with open-top patch pockets and a double-faced cotton twill wind flap behind the zip closure. This revised Spec. No. 26A featured cotton-lined slash pockets and a wind flap backed with the same wool blanketing as used on the inner lining. The jacket formed part of a three-piece suit, including a matching helmet and bib-front trousers. This set was intended to be a winter suit for the Armored Forces of the U. S. Army, hence the jacket’s nickname that would make it famous – Tanker Jacket. Usage of the Tanker Jacket, however, far transcended the Armored Forces.

The inherent stylish good looks, comfort, practicality and warmth of the Tanker Jacket made it a favorite among all troops. Officers very commonly sought and wore the Tanker Jacket, with senior generals such as: Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, Clark and Ridgeway all being photographed wearing it. Fighter pilots and infantrymen also had great affection for the Tanker Jacket.

The USAAF officially requisitioned the matching jacket and trousers for wear by pilots of P-38 “Lightnings” as the cramped cockpits and poor heat of the P-38’s put these aviators at a great clothing disadvantage when nothing but the bulky sheepskin flying clothing was available for use. Fighter pilots of other aircraft types also took a shine to the Tanker Jacket, finding it provided a better balance of warmth, comfort and flexibility than their leather A-2 Jackets.

Due to the unexpected stalemate in Italy during the harsh winter of 1943-44, standard winter clothing was in very short supply. It was the cold, wet, battle-weary G. I.s of the infantry and elite Airborne and Ranger units who have, perhaps, been most typically personified through the wearing of the Tanker Jacket and its matching trousers. Bill Mauldin, the famed STARS & STRIPES cartoonist, commonly depicted his “Willie & Joe” characters in soiled, patched-up and shredded Tanker Jackets and trousers. And Director John Huston’s award-winning documentary, "The Battle of San Pietro," chronicles combat activities of the 36th “Texas” Division, whose infantrymen slug their way up the rain-swept Italian hills wearing Tanker Jackets.

The basic jacket has been copied many times over in a variety of civilian jacket styles since its original issue to the U. S. Army in 1941 – a true testament to the timeless, classic styling and practicality of the original design. Today, a vintage Tanker Jacket from WWII in new condition will command a four-figure price in the collector market, and sizes large enough to wear are all but impossible to locate. This Buzz Rickson’s Tanker Jacket is the perfect solution for those seeking such a uniquely American historical garment to wear on a daily basis. The Buzz Rickson's Tanker Jacket superbly captures all of the features found on vintage original examples and is even used by museums for displays due to the extreme scarcity and high price of the original jackets from WWII. Take note of these authentic features masterfully crafted into every Buzz Rickson's Tanker Jacket - things you'll only find poorly imitated on lesser "knockoffs":

• Precise copy of original U. S. Army Quartermaster label design

• Custom manufacturing of the correct twelve-ounce, cotton-twill shell to precisely match 1941 US Army specs. and dyed a correct shade of Olive Drab #3

• Cotton-thread construction

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, Olive Drab, blanket-wool lining to precisely match 1941 US Army specs.

• Two slash pockets lined with all-cotton twill

• Vintage-style 1942 brass “Conmatic” zipper.  YES, the zipper commonly found on original WWII Tanker Jackets - an amazing and valuable feature found on no other Tanker Jacket copies on the market today!

• Blanket wool-backed wind flap protector located behind zipper closure

• Custom manufacturing of the correct, two-ply, worsted wool-knit collar, cuffs and waist skirt in Olive Drab

• Double-pleated bi-swing action back

Even-numbered sizes:  36-44 regular.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan

Clearance - Now $150.00 off retail price of $350.00 - get one while they last!!! Special pricing applies only to sizes in stock.  These are first quality with full manufacturer's warranty and may be returned for exchange for any item we offer or to have the credit value applied as non-expiring store credit, but no refunds will be provided on this clearance item.

The designers at Buzz Rickson have added the famous removable liner to their offerings, thus enabling their masterpiece M-65 Field Jacket to be enjoyed with all the versatility the vintage jacket made famous. The Buzz Rickson removable liner is complete with all of the features found on the vintage liners, including the inner batting made of 100% polyester for cold weather and the button holes that allow the liner to be married to the buttons on the inside of the M-65 Field Jacket. But this Buzz Rickson liner goes even further, being made in genuine U. S. Army camouflage and adding a few features sometimes added on an individual basis by the wearer to make the liner even more versatile, such as a frontal zipper with snap-down closure, an interior pocket, and two exterior pockets; these additional features allow the liner to be worn as a jacket on its own!

The liner outer shell is crafted from high-quality, 100% cotton in camouflage, which was not a feature found on the vintage liners but the Buzz Rickson design team thought this would look awesome when worn either as a liner or as an outer jacket.

Whether worn in conjunction with a Buzz Rickson M-65 Field Jacket as part of the military’s time-proven layering system or on its own, this Buzz Rickson M-65 Removable Liner is sure to please on many levels. Please note the following features found on this Buzz Rickson masterpiece: 

• Precision copy of a vintage label design (though the label states that the liner should not be dry cleaned, Buzz Rickson only endorses dry cleaning of their liner, thus the label text is reproduced purely for authenticity)
• Custom manufacturing of the all-cotton fabric using vintage looms, and screen printing of the original U. S. Army camouflage pattern
• Two open-top pockets on liner exterior
• One interior pocket
• Exact copy of a vintage CONMATIC zipper in brass with zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric and not incorrect poly-cotton. The HBT fabric is light olive drab, creating an attractive contrast against the camouflage outer shell.
• Blackened-brass press studs on the liner closure to secure the wind flap over the zipper
• All attachment tabs and buttonholes to provide for securing the liner correctly to the  M-65 Field Jacket
• Assembly using vintage sewing machines

Even sizes XS-XXL Regular.   The fit is generous, thus a 46” chest measure can be comfortably accommodated in size XXL. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan

The U. S. Army M-65 Field Jacket served the U. S. armed forces well for a considerable period of time, though it was the peace movement and those returning service personnel during the Vietnam War years of the 1960's – ‘70's that really galvanized this jacket in the public’s mind as an iconic garment, where it was very often festooned with slogans, artwork and peace patches.  And as is usually the case, Hollywood furthered the legend in a multitude of film and TV productions that featured every form of character in some way, shape or form – both good guy and bad – outfitted in the M-65 Field Jacket, most notably Robert Di Niro in “Taxi Driver” and Sylvester Stallone in “First Blood.”  Today, this style is still produced in various forms and colors by fashion designers and manufacturers of military-style clothing – a testament to the enduring style and functionality of this jacket.

Buzz Rickson’s researchers and designers have done their usual superb work in copying every minute detail of this all-American classic.  Even the original, military-spec. labels can be found on the lining, as well as the wind-blocking drawstrings and the buttons for securing the winter liner sometimes issued with the original M-65s (the removable liners are available separately on this website).  The M-65 is a smart-looking jacket that is a delight to wear, providing a superb balance of weight to warmth (functions from 65 degrees Fahrenheit – 50 degrees Fahrenheit with no layering, and additional layering will allow use in even colder climates), and will glide on your body with no effort at all.  All of the other features of an issue M-65 Field Jacket can be found on this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece, including the capacious pockets, extendable cuffs with Velcro closures, water-repellent all-cotton outer shell and hidden hood that stows easily away behind the collar in a zippered compartment.  And as with all Buzz Rickson’s creations, they are built to function and take on plenty of hard use, just like the original garments they copy and unlike most other copies on the market that are merely costumes or fashion statements with no real function or utility of endurance incorporated in the design. 

This Buzz Rickson’s M-65 looks as great today as it did in the 1960s and ‘70s, and it will soldier on for years to come.  Scorn the cookie-cutter look of “mall” jackets and grab a piece of 20th century American history that combines style with durability and utility.  Buzz Rickson’s M-65 Field Jacket offers all of the following original features and more:  

• Exact copy of the original military labels found in the lining

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave cotton-and-nylon outer shell in OG 107 to precisely match 1965 U. S. military specs.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton lining to precisely match 1965 U. S. military specs.

• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1960's Crown zipper for the frontal closure with cotton pull tab and the #5 size for the hood compartment, both of which have zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• All-cotton drawstring at waist in lining and on bottom hem of jacket to seal out wind

• Bi-swing double-pleated action back for greater range of motion without binding

• Snap-closure wind flap in front of zipper to seal out wind

• Adjustable Velcro closures on throat latch and gusted, two-position, extendable sleeve cuff

• Button-down shoulder epaulets as found on genuine M-65's

• Two pleated, generously expandable chest pockets with snap-down flaps

• Two large “grenade” pockets with snap-down flaps located on hip/thigh region

• Flip-up stand collar with zippered rear compartment that houses stowaway hood with drawstring  

Sizes XS – XXL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Crown is a registered trademark in the USA of History Preservation Associates  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan  

This is the 3rd version of the famous M-65 Field Jacket, which was produced with a lighter-weight cotton-nylon outer shell that has a smoother, harder-wearing finish vs. the earlier M-65 models and a cut that was 1" more narrow in the chest for slightly less bulk.  Buzz Rickson’s researchers and designers have done their usual superb work in copying every minute detail of this all-American classic; even the original, military-spec. labels can be found on the lining, as well as the wind-blocking drawstrings and the buttons for securing the winter liner sometimes issued with the original M-65's.  

The M-65 is a smart-looking jacket that is a delight to wear, providing a superb balance of weight to warmth (functions from 65 degrees Fahrenheit – 50 degrees Fahrenheit with no layering, and additional layering will allow use in even colder climates), and will glide on your body with no effort at all.  All of the other features of an issue M-65 Field Jacket can be found on this Buzz Rickson’s masterpiece, including the capacious pockets, extendable cuffs with Velcro closures, water-repellent all-cotton outer shell and hidden hood that stows easily away behind the collar in a zippered compartment.  And as with all Buzz Rickson’s creations, they are built to function and take on plenty of hard use, just like the original garments they copy and unlike most other copies on the market that are merely costumes or fashion statements with no real function or utility of endurance incorporated in the design. 

This Buzz Rickson’s M-65 looks as great today as it did in the 1960s and ‘70s, and it will soldier on for years to come.  Scorn the cookie-cutter look of “mall” jackets and grab a piece of 20th century American history that combines style with durability and utility.  Buzz Rickson’s M-65 Field Jacket offers all of the following original features and more:  

• Exact copy of the original military labels found in the lining

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave cotton-and-nylon outer shell (70% cotton, 30% nylon) in OG 107 to precisely match U. S. military specs.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave lining to precisely match U. S. military specs.

• Exact copy of the heavy-duty 1960's Crown zipper for the frontal closure with cotton pull tab and the #5 size for the hood compartment, both of which have zip tape made of all-cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton

• All-cotton drawstring at waist in lining and on bottom hem of jacket to seal out wind

• Bi-swing double-pleated action back for greater range of motion without binding

• Snap-closure wind flap in front of zipper to seal out wind

• Adjustable Velcro closures on throat latch and gusted, two-position, extendable sleeve cuff

• Button-down shoulder epaulets as found on genuine M-65's

• Two pleated, generously expandable chest pockets with snap-down flaps

• Two large “grenade” pockets with snap-down flaps located on hip/thigh region

• Flip-up stand collar with zippered rear compartment that houses stowaway hood with drawstring  

Sizes XS – XXL.  Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.  

Crown is a registered trademark in the USA of History Preservation Associates  

Buzz Rickson’s goods are imported from Japan  

At the outset of WWII, the U. S. Army developed highly specialized troops for mountain fighting.  These troops were made up mostly of rugged outdoorsmen with exceptional athletic skills, snowy, cold-weather survival abilities and expertise in skiing, snowshoeing, and marksmanship, and who possessed higher intellect than the average soldier.  These mountain troops required new, specialized clothing and gear to match the nature of the special operations they were being trained to engage in and their basic combat uniform was built around the layering principle, where lighter-weight outer clothing would form the basis under which a variety of warmer layers could be added as the conditions warranted, with various combinations of wool shirts and sweaters of different weights being the mainstay of the layering system for mountain troops; when not being worn they could be stowed in the built-in backpack.  What followed was the most practical, functional, sharp-looking, unique field jacket ever designed at that time for the U. S. Army, and possibly even since that time.

The Mountain Field Jacket of 1942 has largely been ignored by manufacturers who engage in producing such military styles, and on the few occasions it has been made available, the level of historical detailing and true functionality was lacking, but Buzz Rickson's has now changed all of that.  This Mountain Field Jacket presents all of the rugged, unique, utilitarian features of the original design with a heavy emphasis on crafting a garment that would pass the exact same standards found in the 1942-dated U. S. Army spec. 

True, standout features include the following:  two-button closure on cuffs to keep out gusty winds, two chest pockets with zipper closure and storm flap to seal in food rations or other objects, two very large lower pockets with button-down flap for stowing a wide variety of items, storm hood that neatly can be secreted into its own compartment in the back neck area on the shoulder yoke when not in use, bi-swing pleated back for unrestricted movement that doubles as a built-in backpack with zippered side entry, built-in internal, heavyweight, adjustable suspenders to support heavy loads in the built-in back pack, removable canvas web belt to secure jacket front, storm flap over zipper closure on jacket front to keep ice and wind from contacting the zipper, double-thickness, high-density poplin construction that is basically canvas weight and nearly indestructible, and reinforced collar stitching with heavy interlining. Just as per the original design, the jacket is cut large enough for multiple layers to be added and then removed and stowed in the builtin backpack.

This jacket design is a favorite of our founder, with the sum total of all the many parts making this design the ultimate air-traveler's or hiker's coat today:  the many pockets, and especially the built-in backpack, easily provide for stowing two day's worth of food, gloves, shirts, sweaters, vests, socks, pants, underwear, and toiletries or other necessary items for business (USB cables, laptop, tablet, phone, batteries, chargers, etc.) so that one can cutdown on the number of carryon bags for air travel and get away with a FREE carryon in the form of the jacket one is wearing!!!  That's right - this coat holds so much in the pockets and backpack that one can save on extra fees for baggage and travel with peace of mind in the event bags may get delayed because of all the extra gear that can be carried on one's person.

The heavy-duty built-in suspenders are designed to support quite a heavy load in the side-loading, built-in backpack, and the removable, heavyweight web belt can be made as tight as you need to further support the lower back and the load in the backpack; when the backpack is not in use, the belt can still be buckled closed or simply knotted in casual fashion for easy donning and removal of the coat.

This jacket design was ahead of its time in 1942 and among the most costly jackets to be produced for the U. S. Army ground forces; today, it is even more costly to make correctly due to the antiquity of the many parts and machines needed to recreate it exactingly.  Please note these additional features that make this Buzz Rickson's masterpiece Mountain Field Jacket not just the most practical, functional, useful, sharp-looking jacket you are likely to find, but one of superior quality and unprecedented historical accuracy:

• Custom manufacturing of the correct double-thickness, heavyweight, high-density, canvas-like poplin shell on vintage looms to precisely match 1941 U. S. Army specs. and dyed a correct shade of Olive Drab #2.

• Genuine urea buttons to match U. S. Army specs. in fabrication and color, not cheap plastic.

• Custom manufacturing of the correct 8-ounce cotton twill for the lower-pocket linings.

•Exact copy of a 1942-style, nickel-plated Talon zipper with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton:  one on the frontal closure and one on side-entry, built-in backpack.

•Exact copy of a 1942-style, brass-plated Talon zipper with zip tape made of 100% cotton HBT fabric, not incorrect poly-cotton:  one on each of two chest pockets.

•Storm hood with drawstring and triple-button face shield that neatly stows away in its own slotted pouch at the top of the back shoulder yoke under collar.

•Storm flap covering zipper to keep wind from penetrating and ice forming on zipper.

•Adjustment tab on each sleeve end.

•Exact copy of correct 60", heavyweight web belt with oxide-coated metal buckle for securing heavy loads and tightening the coat around the wearer's waist.

•Heavyweight, built-in, adjustable suspenders in lining for supporting heavy loads in the built-in backpack

•Zipper-closure, side-entry built-in backpack with gusseted sides; when backpack is not in use, the bi-swing gussets provide for greater range of motion.

•Exact copy of the original-style 1942 contractor printed label in lower right pocket.

Even sizes 36-44.   Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit in this unique jacket style.

Buzz Rickson goods are imported from Japan