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

Buzz Rickson's has brought back their William Gibson black M-65 Field Jacket after a several-year hiatus and married it with the removable liner (a first for the William Gibson Collection), making this a cold-weather combination that is hard to beat for versatility and sharp looks.

The M-65 Field Jacket packs all of the same authentic detailing, quality, and construction found in the GI-issue Buzz Rickson's M-65 Field Jackets sold on this website, but the color is, of course, black in keeping with the William Gibson Collection, and the fit has been tailored to provide a more sleek, fashionable fit through the body and sleeves. This is a copy of a 1st-model M-65 Field Jacket, and correctly does not have the epaulets found on all subsequent M-65 Field Jacket versions

The Buzz Rickson's William Gibson 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 the removable liner will extend use in even-colder climates) that 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 William Gibson 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. 

The removable liner is also 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 connected to the buttons on the inside of the M-65 Field Jacket. But this Buzz Rickson liner goes even further by having a zipper closure added, an interior pocket, and two exterior pockets; these additional features allow the liner to be worn as a jacket on its own!

Please note all of the features of this jacket and liner:

Buzz Rickson William Gibson M-65 Field Jacket

• This is a copy of a 1st-model M-65 Field Jacket, and correctly does not have the epaulets found on all subsequent M-65 Field Jacket versions

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

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave water-repellent cotton-and-nylon outer shell in black

• Custom manufacturing of the correct weight and weave all-cotton lining in black

• 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

• 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  

• Assembly using all-cotton thread and vintage sewing machines

Buzz Rickson William Gibson M-65 Removable Liner

• 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

• 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. 

• 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

Sizes XS – XL.  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  

"Tiger-Stripe” camouflage uniforms were developed in Southeast Asia in the early 1960’s and issued to military forces, most notably, special forces of the Army of the Republic of Viet-Nam (ARVN). When the U. S. Army began sending military advisors to assist the ARVN and its related government and other military forces, the U. S. Army had no camouflage uniforms of their own, thus they were given permission to wear the camouflage uniforms of the ARVN units they were attached or assigned to but with U. S. insignia attached when deemed necessary.

The style of jacket seen here became known as the "Advisor" pattern due to its early association with these personnel.  This “Advisor” pattern became the typical tiger-stripe camouflage uniform worn by U. S. forces, though the coloring of the camouflage and the shape and density of the camouflage pattern itself led to a multitude of varieties as identified by collectors today, one of the rarest and most desirable being the golden-hued pattern now called “Golden Tiger.”

“Advisor” jackets and trousers have been prominently featured in films depicting the war in Viet-Nam, the most notable include: “The Green Berets” with John Wayne, “The Deer Hunter” with Robert De Niro, and “Apocalypse Now” with Martin Sheen,” naming but a few.  Eventually, the exotic nature of the “Tiger” camouflage and its association with elite Special Forces and personnel of authority, power, and those having seen combat, spawned a huge demand for even more tiger-stripe camo. uniforms, as anyone seen wearing this camo. pattern in “Nam” was considered “hot stuff."  Today, vintage tiger-stripe camo. from the Viet-Nam war is very rare, highly collectible, and very costly to purchase.  

Buzz Rickson’s, a brand highly respected worldwide for its pursuit of fanatical, penultimate authenticity, has recreated the “Advisor” jacket in the coveted “Golden Tiger” coloring. Never before has this camo. pattern been recreated to such a frighteningly authentic degree of precision, including the employment of vintage shuttle looms to generate true selvage fabric as was used to fabricate the vintage sets in the 1960’s and early 1970’s, vintage-type dyes to craft the screen-printed colors and patterns of the camo. pattern, and vintage button dies to make genuine urea buttons that precisely match those typically encountered on the “Advisor” sets.  And to preclude you from looking like some “FNG” who just purchased a set of “Tiger” camo. while in Ben Hoa, Buzz Rickson’s “Golden Tiger” comes in a one-wash finish, giving it a slightly faded vintage appearance that deftly matches the coloring and overall “been-there” look observed on vintage sets.

Please note these authentic features and details found only on a genuine Buzz Rickson’s “Golden Tiger” “Advisor” jacket of this pedigree:

• Two two-button bellows breast pockets

• One flap-closure, expandable pocket on left sleeve as found on all “Advisor” jackets for stowing cigarettes, a lighter, or a compass

• Reinforced collar internally and externally for a crisper appearance and durability, with zig-zag stitching on the backside of the collar perfectly matching that observed on vintage examples

• Double-stitched seams throughout

• One-piece construction of the back panel, as per vintage examples of the “Advisor” jackets

• Two-button cuff with sewn-in gusset, as per vintage examples of “Advisor” jackets

• Custom manufacturing of genuine urea buttons produced on vintage dies that precisely match the size and shape of those observed on vintage “Advisor” jackets

• Custom manufacturing of all-cotton twill selvage fabric produced on the original, narrow shuttle looms of the type employed to produce this fabric in the 1960’s and 1970’s

• Selvage edge on jacket front inner closure

• Hanging loop in neck area of interior that precisely duplicates that observed on vintage examples of “Advisor” jackets

• Base color of the fabric dyed to a shade of golden sand as seen on the jacket interior, precisely matching vintage examples of “Golden Tiger” 

• Screen printing of one of the most typical “Tiger” patterns to a level of precision indistinguishable from vintage examples, using vintage-type dyes to re-create the rare, highly desired “Golden Tiger” color shade, then washed once for a “been-there” look of an “In-Country” veteran

• Exact copy of the original-style printed-on-cotton size label sewn on the inside jacket closure

• Two-button cuff with sewn-in gusset, as per vintage examples of “Advisor” jackets

• “U S” ink stamping in the interior neck area with the size, thus denoting a distinction between jackets of the same size but in a different size grade from those for Asian forces

Sizes available: Sm. - XL 

Buzz Rickson’s products are imported from Japan