M 65 MODS AND POCKET LOADOUT

THE M-65 FIELD JACKSING HAS LOTS OF FEATURES THA MAKES IT A VERY GOOD CHOICE FOR A FIELD JACKET FOR CAMPING /WOODSCRAFT /BUSHCRAFT / SURVIVAL SKILL TRAINING. I WILL SHOW YOU A FEW HACKS WITH THIS JACKET AND HOW I CARRY TOOLS IN MY POCKETS IN A WELL THOUGHT OUT ORDER

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I found one with the liner brand new still folded in the sealed plastic bag made in Golden, Kentucky at a Goodwill store, paid $20 bucks for it.

[@terrancecoard388]

These are priceless and was my primary hunting jacket for twenty years. Along with the liner and proper layering, I was covered for winter in the Southwest.

[@philstyles5384]

Take a soft pot holder folded and sewed in half. Great glasses case.

[@davemc9268]

Mine is an Alpha M65 which I just use for my knocking about coat, not an outdoor/hiking coat. I sewed a brass zip into one of my top pockets so I have one completely secure pocket. Also, you shouldn't keep your phone and compass near each other. Apparently smartphones can demagnetize compasses.

[@user-neo71665]

I replaced all the velcro on my old m65 with buttons and buttonholes. Normally getting rid of velcro is the first thing I do with most all my gear that they include it on.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

very true if it is to be used in combat

[@mickeyphillips6603]

I love my M-65. With the liner attached, it is the warmest jacket I have ever owned. It’s many years old but still looks great.

[@Viva-cristo_rey]

You should check out swis m70s

[@juliancuevas6728]

I just bought one of these. Thanks for the ideas.

[@LShapedAmbush]

I was an archaeologist back in the day and one of my professor's professors had done a lot of work among the Inuit (Eskimo). The military asked him to help design cold weather clothing. He helped design the field jacket along the lines of the Inuit parka, with the hood, mid-thigh length and drawstrings at the waist and the bottom to create an air pocket around the torso.

[@ClintHollingsworth]

Dang it, Blackie! I am entirely too suggestible. When I saw your last M65 vid, I had one jacket in tan from the 80s. Since then, I've bought one in olive, desert, and woodland. You're a bad influence! ;)

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

lol sorry i guess

[@isomer13]

Thanks, Blackie.

[@hardrock1826]

I don't have an M-65 Field Jacket. But what I do have is an SAS Camo Combat Jacket that I got in 78. It's like brand new and because of you I took it out of storage with the intention of wearing it this winter. I put it through the washing machine just the other day. It looks great. I am now in the process of replacing the draw strings, that are really just green shoelaces. I'll probably use Paracord for that. It has a connection available for a hood to be attached around the collar. Unfortunately I don't have the hood. The wrist cuffs on this jacket are elasticated to prevent air movement up the arms but there is some adjustment. All the pockets have two level snap fasteners. There are a couple of pockets with Zippers. I am planning on getting an M-65 liner to wear under this jacket. One thing is for sure this jacket will stop the wind from cutting through you. It's really quite heavy material. I will be using some of your techniques to make this jacket workable. I don't carry my key carabiner in my clothing. I find it too difficult to get to with one hand. So I have a dangler that goes around my belt, that I wear on the left side and my keys that are on a climbing carabiner are snapped on to a dangling carabiner. I can access this with one hand and in the summer months my shirt drapes over it hiding my keys and helps prevent any snagging issues. My right pocket only has one thing in it at all times. And that will be my number one EDC knife. That way there is nothing impeding my access to the knife. For a firestarter kit. I put a small, usually white, mini Bic Lighter in a plastic Tic-Tac container. With it wrapped in Glad Wrap I put those little round cotton pad thingies that women use to wipe make-up off. Put some petroleum jelly over heat till it sort of gets liquidy and dip the pads in. After they sort of dry I put them in the Glad and then they will fit in my Tic-Tac box. I always carry a small flashlight with spare batteries. But I also carry a headlight around my hat or a light that snaps on the peak of my hat. I have carried different things in different hats. I have even carried a knife in a Boonie. Very thin in some Glad Wrap you can carry a few Bandaids in the hat band. Also some wire or Zip Ties. Always looking for new ideas. Thanks so much for your innovative techniques, they inspire me to improve.

[@MarianneTheiss]

Die Beste Jacke von allen.nix Giant oder Reptor.oder die anderen wo es noch gibt..

[@RiverRat1953]

Uncle Sam decided that he needed my m65 jacket more than I did. I had to turn in my jacket to supply in 1974 when my enlistment was up! I had a friend who was serving buy me one on base, but it was the cammo version. I liked the solid od green style better.

[@Flashahol]

That jacket has more features than I imagined.... gotta look into it, now!

[@Tony-zp8xn]

I still have a woodland M-65 from almost 20 years ago. I'm less inclined to just wear it out because it's of the camo pattern. I suppose I could look for a surplus one sometime, or maybe try to get one of the legit black ones. Not really a fan of the "replica" or "M-65 style" versions that will wear out at the first sign of thorns. I'm also a big fan of the commando sweater because it just works. I've been out in snowstorms up north with nothing but a hat, gloves, and my wooly pully. They are worth their weight. I'd recommend keeping the notepad in a 1-quart or 1-gallon Ziploc freezer bag. It will keep it dry in case of a sudden downpour, that way you don't end up with a soggy notepad. I'd also keep an extra freezer bag or two handy for protecting electronics, such as phone, or anything else you might want to keep dry. If you keep a paper map handy, a gallon sized freezer bag makes a good, lightweight map cover. They're decently rugged, inexpensive, lightweight, and easily replaceable when they get worn out.

[@cowboywrench13]

For the thumb loop idea, I'd recommend attaching some thin bungee cord to the sleeves. I'd also use that for the carabiner loop in the pocket if it were me. As for extra cordage in the draw string, which is a good idea, don't overlook the hood pocket as a storage area. A good size hank of line can be sized to run the length of the hood pocket and tucked away there. Jute, fire wire, bank line, and paracord will all sit there virtually unnoticed. Thanks for another great video Blackie.

[@tennesseesmoky9012]

The military surplus field jacket is one of the most versatile outerwear items you can have. Tuff construction and functional in design.Fir my evening head cover in winter, I’ve been using one of those 100% wool “Jeep Caps” for several years. Perfect head cover on a cold night. I found my field jacket at a local Army-Navy surplus store. Very reasonable price. Support your local distributors whenever you can. Be careful when dealing with some of the online surplus equipment dealers. Often their equipment is not made in the USA and it isn’t military issue, instead a cheaper made reproduction from overseas. Blackie thanks so much for this video series! I look forward to more conversations about surplus gear. Enjoy everyday. - Tennessee Smoky

[@mrwdpkr5851]

Single use poncho , mini med kit , bic with mini ferro taped to it with braided jute lanyard , gloves , neck gaiter and watch cap and boonie hat stay in mine .

[@scottzackery3209]

The best coat ever owned, in my youth. Add a flannel shirt to liner for 30 deg . Actually stops wind gusts, . Was a blizzard walker, just can't sit there, too dam pretty . Heavy but warm in the cold. Everyone forgets, (you stop the wind ,you will be warm). Like the key loop idea, and glasses. Forgot to mention arm room to move. They also come in BLK and blue now. 2x 3x . I got a QVC (2003) metel gear ,heavy duty sewing machine , went through light leather and 6 layers of denim like butter ( just change the needle, and wind a bobbin,) for $90 for my Xmas present. Will sew straps together , and can still make curtains , or whatever gear you need or modifications. ( Like my turkey hunting vest that cold be used for deer season or whatever. ( Not a haversack person )Saved a lot on outdoor gear and excellent investment for houseold crafts. Can also be done with normal sewing machines, just need to help it in the rough spots. Could make custom liners for jackets in colder areas, see tooo many folks freezing in their fashion statements. Lived in SC so know winter ain't the same in the northeast. But raised there traveled around. Nothing feels more like home ,Then a field jacket, med Alice pack , comfortable boots. Lighter with duct tape on it , pocket knife. Knowledge is easier to carry . Military surplus outlasted the London fog winter coat ( my mom got me for Xmas ) by a long shot. Liked the hammock series, still have mine. ( City folk look and think " thats a good idea " as they pass by .) Keep spreading the good woods knowledge, lord knows it needs to be remembered and passed on.

[@anthonygomez446]

So it's a Army jacket. What the heck is so impressive about it. I have one with the liner from my army days.

[@rocklickranch2804]

I Love these videos on the M65 field jacket. I have 3 of these one for 30 years, all are in God’s plaid (woodland pattern). A medium a large and an extra large.

[@MichaelR58]

Good video Blackie , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@williammccaslin8527]

Talking about silver wolves, I always wear a pocket T- shirt, an thats wear my glasses always go. But I also have scrip sunglasses, that more than likely I will always be wearing anyway. Wife talked me into those, best idea she ever had, so far, lol. But they always ride on the brim of my hat with a neck lanyard, makes life easy, but I'm in Cen Fla an dang near always the sun is always shining. Gave all of my mil gear away over 40 yrs ago, but bought new woodland fatigues an M- 65 jacket, for hunting here, didn't give away my M -81 harness an belt an pouches or canteens tho, as I knew I could use all that for hunting, an have since 79. Thx for the vid Blackie

[@gregorydamian4802]

Blackie another great video. I had a M65 when I was in the Army. I just recently purchased a new one. It's cool to think of the modifications that you are sharing. Thank You

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thank you for your service

[@youtubechannel11408]

Would you consider a space blanket in one of the pockets? The blanket could reflect the heat from your extensive fire kit

[@jeffrichards5106]

Great ideas for the M-65 jacket Blackie. I love my M65's, I have one OD green and a few woodland camo ones. I wear them most of the time. I like having the big pockets that most regular jackets don't have and being able to carry everything I need. I like your eyeglass pocket on the inside that would be great. I have to use mine to see up close also. 👍

[@A_Meek_lake_Dweller]

In the part of the video when you were talking about keeping your head warm being off topic you can punch the folds out of the top of your wool hat to create more dead air space. Thank you for your informative videos Blackie!

[@corrigan88101]

When I was in and wearing these jackets I placed a piece of thin cardboard in the left top pocket, several types of pens and grease pencils would clip to that. Kept them organized and ready.

[@irmuggle]

That's the greatest thing is taking your equipment and personalizing it I've always added Pockets here Pockets there gluten hook and loop it personalize it you know where things are you know it's amazing how you can upgrade something with a little bit of paracord and some stitching some sewing and just let your imagination go crazy I mean you can take those big bucket pockets and what I've done is Stitch down on to isolate certain things so yeah old Surplus makes great ways of personalizing it making it your own and everything else thanks for the video

[@iliketowatch2011]

Just recently found your channel and I love it. THEN I saw this vid, and noticed when you opened you jacket an inch or so, the Dolphins, and "CAV" which would be Cavala. I was on Birmingham, SS Grayback and Oklahoma City. You and your channel mean more to me now, but i never had an M65, I don't think - I was 79 to 90. So maybe I was too late. Anyway - just to say , Well done Sir!!

[@lifesahobby]

Hello from Ireland

[@keithmoore5306]

hey Blackie, SEW THOSE DOTS!!!! that glue don't hold for all that long!! not only the edges but do an X through the center that's from experience!! i add pockets in coats all the especially fleece ones and i'm thinking about adding a pistol pocket to my 65 since we got constitutional carry this year!!

[@michaelbeams9553]

One of Uncle Sam's better pieces of gear , mine was manufactured in '70 and still going strong . When you consider these were made by the lowest bidder on the Gov. contract , the quality is amazing .( I wonder what the original per unit price was ?) M1911 A-1.......M-16 A-1......M-65.........all over 50yrs old and still doing the job . Great video . Peace , Be Free .

[@davehatfield1456]

Your elastic cord that you mentioned about removing from your jacket is a good fire starter. Leave it.

[@jimssurvival4994]

I love M65 jackets, good modifications. Stay safe

[@HK-qj4im]

To the newbs.. The USGI M65 is superior to the Chinese knock offs. The USGI is getting harder to find. The Chinese ones are pretty good. Little things are done wrong. If you can't find the USGI one get the Chinese one while you keep your eye open for the USGI. I needed the XLL and that took me awhile to find. Worth every penny.

[@stevenladrig9592]

Great ideas Blackie I love the show

[@mannihh5274]

Thanks for showing - another helpful vid on how to organize yourself and add mods to good things to make them even better. Just like you I need eyeglasses and I wear them in a custom made pouch that hangs from my neck. It has two springy pieces of flat steel inside the top hollow seams, which keep it shut, but allow access by squeezing the sides. I can put it under my shirt or even tank-top to keep it from dangling around and getting in the way while working with/without jacket or shirt and it's always at hand and warm. Wish you and your family all the best, enjoy Xmas

[@LShapedAmbush]

When the dog barked at 8:16, my dog barked back.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

lol yep nugget the wonder dog saw a squirrel

[@mr.mojorisin9999]

Thanks for the tips Blackie.

[@trooper2221]

Fine tip, on the bank line sewn in to pocket👍🏻

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad it was helpful

[@smoothvern165]

I get so many great ideas from your videos! Thank you!

[@hagman1077]

Ask anyone who has used the M-65 in the field- yes, it is an awesome jacket. I like the ideas and that thumb hole mod or attaching some sort of bungee cord would be great for glove wearing as you do. Im curious to see how the velcro works with the adhesive sticking to the fabric. Please do an update when you can. Thanks again and you and Mrs Blackie be safe out there-

[@133rip]

Find someone who's handy with a sewing machine. They might be able to whoop a big buttonhole into the sleeves for your thumbs. ROCK ON Blackie and Thanks Again!

[@kirneyc.thibodeaux649]

Enjoyed the video. I guess I will have to get me an m65 jacket. Im in the woods once a week. Grrat job Charles

[@forestgnome55]

Great stuff, thanks! Regards, Pink

[@youtubechannel11408]

your videos inspired me to get one for my EDC this winter. I like that you can take the lining out and it can be used in warmer weather

[@TylerSnyder305]

I have been thinking about putting snaps on my 1977 m65. My dad was issued it at BT in 1978, and most of the velcro is come off. I hate velcro, and would rather add snaps if I could instead of new Velcro.

[@ostekuste3646]

I had one of these as a Christmas gift when I was about 14. Used it till I was an adult and destroyed it on construction sites working in freezing weather. Fast forward to a couple years ago and a good friend found out I didn’t have one. He was in the Air Force around the time woodland camo was being phased out but still issued. Gave me a brand new in the plastic woodland camo m65 with two liners for Christmas. My go to winter jacket, and I will take care of this one and put many miles on it. I do wish I could get an old green one as well, but they are getting rare and VERY expensive. Wonder if Kaufmans has any, Blackie?

[@lifesahobby]

The thumb idea is good . . A fingerless glove out of the sleeve . Just got a black m65 .

[@daghaalsuii]

M65s!!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@reivertim7586]

Just make it up as you go along as usual, how about some sort of signaling device like a whistle or small flare and a first aid kit as a bare minimum, your jacket should be your basic belt kit and with you at all times.

[@deangestner6708]

Bought one from Rothco in olive drab , in my size ( huge) with liner

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

cool hope you enjoy it

[@deangestner6708]

For my next trick, I'm getting an Arctic hood for it

[@SavageVoyageur]

Hi Blackie, I used to have one of these jackets and want to buy another one. What is the brand name I should be looking for so I don’t get some Chinese knock off junk one? Thanks buddy.

[@aaronankney4984]

I just got one of these at a Goodwill for $15 the only problem is it doesn't have the liner I'm going to a surplus store soon to find one but until then I'm definitely going to be layering up I would like to use this as a hunting jacket and possibly do some of my own modifications my only problem is staying warm since I am in Michigan and I've already tried wearing it on 30° days and it's a bit chilly just walking around for a few minutes outside I'm sure if I was too be sitting still I would get colder if you can give me any recommendations to keep warm I know where wool for inner layers but could I possibly put some sort of waterproofing on the coat to help with wind blowing through it? Any recommendations would help thank you, and I love your videos blackie seems like every time I get something "new to me" you end up coming out with a video on it shortly after

[@smd482000]

a glass pocket is a great idea

[@johnjohnson5162]

Yo, I used to have an affair with the field jacket. Thankfully, I discovered carhartt way better winter clothing. The field jacket sucks compared to that.

[@johnjohnson5162]

No inside pockets. Not water resistant. Not even close to being as warm. If carhartt made one with Berber lining perfect. They tried once left out the Berber it failed. Was a copy of paratroopers jacket.

[@wolf1393]

Nice. I also like the Bundeswehr Flecktarn parka 🖤

[@828enigma6]

Just realized why some field jackets chest pockets are angled towards center. Allows easier access to the pockets with the opposite hand, as opposed to vertical.

[@stevencunningham4680]

Hi Blackie , this is a question about the Coleman 425 stove. I have my brothers old Coleman from the 80's and I cleaned it up very well , I took the pump out , cleaned it and pressure tested the tank. That all went well but I bought new fuel and tried to light it and it lit the first time but went out just as quick. Any idea why that happened ? Any help is appreciated.

[@ChacoteOutdoorRecreation]

Put denatured alcohol in the tank and pump it, then let it empty out under pressure, check the seals if they are leather or rubber plastic, I would say get new seals but in reality, you can get a whole pump for the same money, use plumbers' tape on all the screw threads to get a tight seal. Also take the burner assemblies out and give them a good cleaning. The pump repair kit is about 25.00 but the valve assembly is 70.00, check closely the cap for the tank, they are small and get dropped and dinged or the threads overnighted and misshapen, try some plumbers tape. The 425 will last forever, unless it is not cleaned and wiped down with wd40 and the tank is not completely emptied and dry before storage.

[@TexasSheepdawg21]

Color me ignorant, but what is a Guitar pick for?

[@gpclipner]

Where do you find your M65. Ive got one that I got in 68 when I was a handsome youth but at 70 it doesn’t fit anymore. All the interior tags are gone and I don’t know what size it is. (I think it shrunk 🤣).

[@peterolsen4397]

What’s the guitar pick for?

[@davegoodridge8352]

Are the new jackets on the market any good.

[@willyjilly9684]

I hope you are having a wonderful day 💙

[@jonathanalarid12345]

Do you have a po box

[@robertevans8126]

Still have mine

[@kostasnikolopoulos8226]

What is your opinion about black leather DMS combat boots post Vietnam era. The one with chevron soles. Your reply will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance