I Wore The Warmest Coat The US Military Ever Made.*

[@TheIronSnail]

*Hello everyone! Sorry for blasting you with warm jacket videos -- I'm just a bit obsessed!* I'm mixing it up soon...but does anyone want a grand finale..............

[@Sandipan_Naskar]

YESS

[@nikwithaque]

me me me! i want a grand finale!!

[@Stealther]

Only if it comes with a Mammoth reissue announcement

[@slug..]

Sure do!!

[@nathanfisher1512]

Woot

[@rexmundi8154]

I had one of these coats as a teen in rural Kentucky that I bought at an army surplus store. Due to a horrible home life and extreme poverty, I basically lived in the woods as much as possible. The coat was a literal life saver for me .

[@NickiRusin]

damn that sounds fucking horrible hope you're doing better

[@BrandonLeeBrown]

I did too. Back in the 1970's. I think I was told that the fur around the hood was fox fur.

[@CynHicks]

Here in Alabama it was too heavy to make sense for me* and fully zipped, buttoned, hooded ect... it's way too hot for even our coldest nights. The one my uncle had that he essentially let me have had prickly seal whiskers around the hood along with some type of fur and was stuffed with duck down if I remember correctly. *Most of the time. I wore it anyway because I thought it was so cool. Pun intended. 😅

[@rexmundi8154]

@@CynHicks in the Ohio river valley of Western Ky in the 1970’s it actually got pretty cold. A lot of straight line winds.

[@Sum-kj8jo]

Good coat

[@ningayeti]

My 1977 parka from the USAF had the fur lined snorkel. It was incredibly warm. One day I spent several hours standing outside on a Minuteman missile site while stationed in South Dakota at -20F and -60 windchill with no discomfort at all. Of course I was wearing the matching pants and the arctic issue boots. I believe that even 90 below would not have defeated this winter ensemble.

[@EIBBOR2654]

I was in SAC at Loring AFB, 42 FMS winter of 76 - 77. I was issued a set of these parka jackets & pants. Along with a nice set of rabbit fur lined gloves, thermal undies, night shirt, wool sweater and a military issued OD green Jayson Ski face mask. I also had the choice of either those Bunny/Moon boots or Mukluks. I took the Mukluks, I think those are the same as the Arctic boots. We had 3 nights of -100° wind chill that winter and snow an drifts so deep we literally had to dig tunnels or trenches to get into the shop doors. Without the wind it was anywhere between -50° to -75°. I never want to see snow or cold like that again! But you are 100% right, those parka jackets, pants and Mukluks were warm. The only thing was that it was near impossible to work on the B-52's and KC-135's in places with the parka jack and pants on. Thank God Loring had hundreds of those gas powered heater carts. The only place that they didn't keep me warm was if I had to work on the inside of the aircraft outside. Especially the B-52 if they didn't have heat blowing in them. All that aluminum would just suck the heat out of you even with that gear on. It was worse than being in a freezer. I was lucky though, The 68th BW at Seymour Johnson AFB NC lost manning because of a command change and wound up with an emergency manning situation. I wound up with orders there. My last duty assignment was at DMAFB AZ, That is where I live now, as far away from cold and snow as I can get. A big plus no mosquitos where I live. Y'all stay safe and warm!

[@BlissBatch]

Didn't your lungs burn from inhaling -20F air?

[@bloodleader5]

​@@BlissBatchHe probably had a scarf or mask on.

[@dawidjozwiak9502]

What kind of pants did you use? Did you remember? I'm asking beacuse I collect american uniforms and gears and I'm thinking to buy this parka

[@ningayeti]

@@dawidjozwiak9502 pants were the same as the parka.. greenish (nylon?) type exterior

[@ZoogaZig]

I used to work in the fashion industry--now I'm more on the legal side of things--but I still keep my eye out on talent, and honestly, I've been following you for a while and have to say I'm so impressed as you have refined your presentation to match your style and voice. You're doing great and I hope you keep it up.

[@bertroost1675]

I like his videos too and the topics but the quick cuts ending on jokes or whimsy is getting a bit too much these days. Not just him.

[@TheIronSnail]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@TheIronSnail]

I'm working on slowing down a bit!

[@barrycraig]

@@TheIronSnail I come for the fashion, stay for the whimsy. Dont change!

[@bertroost1675]

@@barrycraig Nice!

[@barbarasmith7432]

Snorkel mode makes you look like Kenny from South Park.

[@nightrider5109]

LMFAO ! I was wondering how far down I'd have to scroll before someone made a Kenny comment 😅

[@geigertec5921]

Kenny from South Park wore this, so it makes sense since he was poor and used a millitary surplus coat because it was cheaper and warmer than normal coats, but this also blocked his mouth so he couldn't talk.

[@johndavid8815]

Those bastards, they killed Kenny😂

[@swami15]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@patrickgriffitt6551]

From the inside you feel like a gynecologist for a grizzly bear. By the way the best ones have wolf fur on the hood and nylon outer .

[@lagueuxrobert]

Did my army winter survival training with Canadian Army equipment. The biggest problem in artic temperature is overheating . You need to make sure you don't perspire, this will turn your inner clothing into ice, when you rest or sleep. Good ventilation and awareness is a must.

[@boldontarian]

The most important thing I learned in the army to this effect was to be cold. If you're warm at rest, you'll overheat and sweat when you move - leading to you freezing. If you're cold at rest, you'll warm up as you move while being far less likely to sweat. Too many people are preoccupied with being comfortable while standing outside, not knowing the desire for comfort can kill them.

[@chriscordray8572]

I had that same parka. My was stolen from my moms house by some friend of hers daughter. She Saw it hanging in there a decided she needed it more than the owner. I had worked for the forestry service up in Montana. The only coat that kept us warm during the winter in the late 70s. I wish I still had my coat.

[@wolfmaan]

"This is how the US Forestry Service keeps warm in winter" ~Wranglerstar

[@Brave_Sir_Robin]

You can find em online. Not exactly cheap but you should get one

[@brandonchism6960]

I have a later version of this system. It was issued to me as an Airman in Minot, ND and was part of my emergency kit that stayed in my car. The one time that I wore it, (-20F) I had on 1000G Thinsulate boots, shorts, and a tee and began sweating while outside. It really is next level warmth in cold conditions.

[@jimwells4240]

Testify !!!

[@Nirrrina]

I'm very cold sensitive because of fibromyalgia. Usually I just avoid the cold. But when forced outside in the cold I thoroughly bundle up. But this sounds even worse than my kitty ear winter hat. That hat is generally too warm even for me. I think this might be worse. Honestly I prefer to just bundle in a lot of layers I can take off as needed when moving from outside bus waiting to riding a warm bus to shopping.

[@brandonchism6960]

@@Nirrrinait’s not for “regular”winters or cold. This is appropriate for sustained sub zero climates or sub zero windchills. Minot, ND and further north winters. I thought it was overkill until I felt how cold it could get there. I rarely wore it for anything other than to test its effectiveness, but I kept it in my car in the event I ended up stranded and needed a way to stay warm.

[@ashe1.070]

Cadaverine can also be synthetic, but it’s known for being produced during decomposition of flesh (that’s why it’s called cadaverine of course). It’s chemical name is 1,5-diaminopentane. It’s made synthetically by decarboxylation of the amino acid lysine, reaction of ammonia with 1,5-dichloropentane, and catalytic hydrogenation of glutaronitrile (pentanedinitrile). It’s not used to make any type of Nylon even though it can be used. Nylons are made by polymerization of equal amounts of a dicarboxylic acid, and a diamine. Polymerization of lactams like caprolactam is also used like in nylon-6. Nylon-6,6 uses adipic acid, and 1,6-diaminohexane (hexamethylenediamine). Nylon-4,6 is made with adipic acid, and 1,4-diaminobutane (also called putrescine which is very similar to cadaverine). Nylon-6,10 is made with 1,6-diaminohexane, and sebacic acid. There’s also Nylon-6,9, Nylon-6,12, Nylon-11, and Nylon-12.

[@fixman88]

I have a SeaToSummit camping utensil set made of Nylon 66 (it's something they brag about for some reason).

[@comfortablydumb2137]

​@@fixman88 I have a Remington Nylon 66, the stock of which is made entirely out of it. I also have a pack of Nylon 66 zipties. The zipties, somehow, make a bigger deal out of it on the packaging than the rifle literally named after it.

[@__Ted]

Never apologize for making these warm coat videos. I'm gonna need them, living up in Canada.😂

[@dteun]

That jacket is going to serve you well greetings from Sweden

[@hmmmhmmm6917]

Sweden aint even that cold​@@dteun

[@dteun]

@@hmmmhmmm6917 no a week ago just min 22 degrees

[@hmmmhmmm6917]

@@dteun whats that in celsius

[@dteun]

@@hmmmhmmm6917 -22 degrees celcius

[@dchall8]

My dad was an Air Force pilot back in 1950-1952 flying cargo planes from our home in Canada to Thule, Greenland. He wore the M-3 (the blue one). When I asked him why the snorkel hood closed down like that, he never mentioned cold or snow. He said it was to keep the mosquitoes off your face. So while it might have been designed for the cold and snow, in practical application in northern Greenland, it was used for insect protection.

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

The bases are still visible up there. Radar installations etc. Went on work trip.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Mosquitoes would freeze to death in temps cold enough for this jacket.

[@dchall8]

@@wizardofahhhs759 That's what I thought, and yet I have pictures of people in Thule, Greenland wearing this coat with mosquitoes on their face.

[@8x8johan]

​@@wizardofahhhs759Greenland is full of mosquitoes during summer. Common knowledge here in Denmark. It's horrible, says my friend who had the unfortune to experience it

[@thomastessin1663]

Still have my N-3B. It saved my life in a Minnesota blizzard, -70c wind chill.

[@irish5359]

Had the N-3A in below zero weather, it was like standing in an oven.

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

The N3B parka is the best winter parka ever. I bought mine 37 years ago and it is still warm as all hell.

[@maxscott3349]

Nice phrasing

[@jgrenwod]

I liked the one I was issued so much that I forgot to turn it in to supply. 😊

[@blackrifle6736]

@@jgrenwod*Ha!, ha! Uncle Sam's Gift Shop...*

[@RobinThePaladin]

Where can I buy one from?

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

Go on line and find a reputable surplus dealer who has genuine US surplus.@@RobinThePaladin

[@ElricX]

Memories unlocked! I remember being a kid in the 70's and everyone I knew had a knock-off snorkel jacket.

[@christianpedersen9531]

I found a XXL N3-B parka made by Greenbrier with a coyote fur ruff on eBay a couple months ago. When I received it, I discovered that the two dump pockets were also lined with fur (seemingly a DIY job). It wasn’t even mentioned in the listing! So rad.

[@TheIronSnail]

That's SWEET! I thought wool batting was cool never mind fur

[@hughgrection3052]

I have a greenbrier one also. Mine says it's poly filled. What's the value on these now?

[@RedArrow808]

@@hughgrection3052 only about $100 better to hold on to it

[@BrandonLeeBrown]

I always thought the fur was fox fur.

[@d.burdett2232]

Our basic issue in ROTC and 1/225 INF MIARNG in Michigan in the 80s included this cold weather system, including TF mittens and Mickey Mouse boots. Many miles patrolled under combat load on snowshoes at Camp Grayling. The lake effect snow there was measured in inches per hour. The system kept us warm and dry!

[@ellijahsmith4445]

I have an actual issued N-3B and I use it where I’m stationed over seas. The coldest I’ve used it is around 25 degrees Fahrenheit and all I wore underneath it was a t shirt along with my cap and gloves. One of the warmest and coziest jackets I’ve owned. I will say it’s a pretty bulky jacket especially when driving but you can still purchase these from surplus shops online. Americana Pipe Dream sells a lot of cool surplus and got a huge shipment of these in.

[@robertdonnell8114]

I have, er, had one of these and wore it in -70F (counting windchill), loved it, gave it to my daughter because I love her very much.

[@etubrutus3501]

When I was in the military in Alaska we were issued these, and only office workers wore them to and from work. Everyone who actually worked outside wore Carhart insulated coveralls.

[@ecleveland1]

The Eskimo got it right thousands of years ago. They use oiled seal hides turned inside out with the seal fur on the inside and old leather on the outside. They use thicker fur on the edges and hood. Some even use polar bear hides to make their parkas . The hollow hairs on the polar bear is excellent insulation. They also use mittens instead of gloves because they are far warmer.

[@dennislyons3095]

I still have & occasionally wear my N-3B parka. I bought mine from the clothing store the day before I signed out of my last Army assignment in 1973. There was also a short waisted version with a zippered hood. It worked well for aviators. It wasn't as nice as the N-3B. Cheers!

[@MrAvenger1975]

I own both, but I tend to wear the aviation parka more nowadays.

[@johnfowler6189]

The N3B is a truly remarkable coat Was PCS at McClellan AFB 1967-69 and had to do TDYs to Shemya Alaska. We were issued N3Bs and mickey mouse boots out of BEMO at McClellan to take with us. Always felt warm in these coats. Best of all, they were very lightweight and allowed free range of motion. Once a month on a Saturday they had surplus sales on base and after my first TDY I bought an N3B for about $10 . The coat served me well in civilian life for about 50 years.

[@ianovenden984]

If u want to really treat urself to the most fashionable version (and imo the best version) of this jacket, alpha industries produced an even heavier version directly based on the original n3b shell. It’s made exactly the same down to the sewn in pen caps on the cig pocket but weighs 2x as much bc it has extra insulation and the fact it’s outer shell is made of the most satisfyingly chonky and velvet-soft corduroy I’ve ever felt. I got mine direct from factory as a sample years ago but they retailed them at urban outfitters of all places for a mere $250 in like 2019 (worth every penny and then some). Idk how hard they r to find anymore but they’re worth looking into for anyone into the n3 shell, I get compliments and questions every time I wear it out. Regardless of which version u get u really can’t go wrong with an n3, truly a magnificent jacket

[@СевернаяЗвезда-в9м]

How is that version called ?

[@fuxkag3908]

I need a lighter version Our Winters aren't as cold

[@ianovenden984]

@@СевернаяЗвезда-в9м srry for the slow response, it is called the alpha industries n3b n corduroy. they still make other versions new out of the traditional nylon material but the brown corduroy version is truly worth tracking down if u can.

[@ianovenden984]

@fuxkag3908 they kinda do, it’s not exactly the same but they make hooded bomber jacket versions that r lighter but share most of the design cues with the n3b. I actually used to have one that was made of shiny peach nylon with the same snorkel hood but sadly my ex made away with it as a post-breakup war spoil🥲

[@СевернаяЗвезда-в9м]

@@ianovenden984 Thanks for response

[@life_with_bernie]

I bought my N3B at the base exchange aboard Great Lakes Naval Training Center in November of 1974 and that coat was my go-to coat for snow and winter winds in NY state for the next 25 years. From the frozen beauty of the Adirondack State Park over the winter of '76-'77, to hunting trips in the Catskills, to the windy canyons of NYC, that was always my outer layer. I loved that coat, and I mourn the day it succumbed to a devastating house fire in 1999 that left me homeless with just the clothes I was wearing (sadly it was too warm a day to wear the coat). Awesome, awesome coats!

[@salemite]

So I’ve got my dads nam era n3b from his time in the airforce. I only can wear it maybe two weeks total over the winter. Any day over freezing and it’s too much. 😂 Great vid as always, love all the history. Also side note my favorite milsurp jacket is still my 80s era m65. It works great for the PNW, layers well, and I can pretend I am Rambo in First Blood.

[@whereswaldo5740]

I too have an extreme cold weather parka. And just like you said if it isn’t -20 you will over heat in it. Great coat. I have two huge oversize parkas that are from foreign military I think that actually are made to go over your light back pack. Super nice. I wore one to the store one time and got some looks and even laughs. But it was like -20 and then in the refrigerator section they were eyeing it up like smart.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

I grew up in Buffalo. The snorkel was amazing. The air in front of your face stayed warm. It eliminated the cold air on your neck and face. You could stay out forever as long as you had good boots. The “moon” boots of their day were a miracle as well.

[@dougbotimer8005]

As a grunt and mountain warfare instructor, spent a lot of time wearing the fishtail parka, and other M51 layers. Layering is essential when you are going back and forth between intense activities and being completely sedentary.

[@donching4520]

This is some high quality menswear journalism. Props

[@TheIronSnail]

Thank you!!

[@TheJosephhomere13]

I love the warm coat content. I teach survival classes and students are always asking for coat recommendations

[@TheIronSnail]

Thank you!

[@MontanaCamp]

Found one of these in an old storage unit a few years ago. Never wore it until a couple weeks ago when it was -50 in north dakota. Now its my go to cold weather jacket. Had no idea how great it was...

[@fzbob2473]

I was a teen in the early '70's in Masachussetts, and the knockoffs were popular. I was comfortable for hours below zero (F) with good gloves, boots, etc. I loved that jacket. At the school bus stop kids would sometimes sneak up from behind, hold the snorkel shut with one hand and pound you on the head with the other fist. Good times! By the mid-late '70's Down jackets were in style. However, I wore mine on my motorcycle, and ALL the down migrated to the back. It also sucked in the rain.

[@tacbear]

This jacket kept me alive for 3 West Texas winters (Dyess Air Force Base, yes West Texas the Coldest and Hottest place I have ever been). The wind blows 20 mph all the time...wind chill can be -20 to -30 during the winter!!

[@mohammedcohen]

...I had a similar jacket in the Army - one of our truck drivers - an Sp4 we all called Pee-Wee (never knew his REAL name) used to make the runs from our place in Illesheim to Nurnburg on the weekly supply run - the battalion 'cage' at the warehouse was right next top the cage of an aviation unit - Pee-Wee could get into that cage because of his small size (and i suspect, wire cutters)...for 5 bucks (a considerable amount of money in 1971/72) he'd supply you with one of those popular short flight jackets - sage green w/the turnouts in international orange - a really sexy jacket...I gave him my 5 bux but there were no more of those jackets on the supply run - instead I got one of these - I was disappointed at the time, but when I got back to the states in 1974 and began going into Manhattan on bitterly cold winter days I was impressed by it's ability to keep me warm...I could stand with my back against a strong wind (hood up) and never notice the biting cold of those NYC concrete canyons in January...took it with me in 1979 when I moved to FL and used it only once - out at the Sikorsky (WPB) plant one winter morning when the temps were in the 30s (IIRC 1989)...by 10 AM the air had warmed up sufficiently to be able to doff it....a few years ago I sadly gave it away - it no longer fit me and took up up much room in our closet...

[@joseevaniersel7280]

''Mohammedcohen''? You trying to make a point? ^_^

[@IronMike90]

Some weeks ago I bought a similar looking Jacket from Ralph Lauren on ebay. Its filled with down and super comfy for colder days. Now I Know were the design comes from and why it has a short zipper. Great Video as always!

[@TheIronSnail]

Ty my friend!

[@jeffreyallgood9689]

I have a Woods Expedition Weight jacket with Coyote Rimmed Hood Amazingly warm 7:47 and comfortable coat..

[@Mostruggles]

I can't believe I just watched 12.11 minutes on a jacket video! I loved it! You presented fascinating facts. Very entertaining.

[@victoryveshinojosa]

Found a couple of N-3B's the past couple months at thrift stores and immediately sold them on ebay. Super cool and functional jacket but I live in South Texas and just have no need for them.

[@TheIronSnail]

Oof yeah I wonder what they were doing there! Maybe someone moved -- either way, nice snag!

[@JG-od3xy]

I scored majorly; I found one unused still sealed in the issue bag on eBay for $79. I missed my issue one, because I had to turn it i when I changed units. Warmest jacket I ever had - the amazing N3B.

[@davehaggerty3405]

I had one too. Back in the 70’s? But with better features. It had an Air Force blue rip-stop nylon outer shell. Which was quite heavy. The tail came down to the back of my knees. And I’m 6’ tall. The hood was lined with bear skin pelt. And the outer edge of the hood had a strip of wolverine fur. Because frost can’t form on wolverine fur. It was military issue with all the labels inside. It was heavy. But just impenetrable. I don’t remember where I got it or where it went. I’ve never seen another like it. Maybe it was custom made for a general or something.

[@whereswaldo5740]

I have an M65 field jacket. And have the button on snorkel hood. And with the liner it is my go to snowblow jacket. It can be snowing and blowing bushels fun right into my face and all I see is a white out. Warm and dry.

[@H457ur]

Sweet! I had one of these. Mine was even better because I had a friend who was a furrier (this was in the 80s when that was still a fairly common profession) who replaced the fur bits with black wolf fur. I used to wear it on my bicycle commute in upstate New York (along with ski goggles).

[@TPD]

ugh where can i buy this?!

[@jasongannon7676]

I have 2 sets of this cold weather gear and use it in -60 F . It works very well. I bought mine in the early 80s from a military surplus sale from Fairchild Air base

[@Syndie77-gk4xk]

The dupont fiber is nylon. It's a good video, it's still worth watching, but the 5 minute buildup was frustrating.

[@hotchihuahua1546]

The two things I want for comfort and survival ! Warm gear for winter and cool protective gear from mosquitoes during those pesky seasons ! 😁

[@TruckingToPlease]

As a retired Navy parachute rigger, I found this video very informative, great content and well put together. Thanks.

[@billfisher6708]

Did they also call this a "Arctic Parka"? I had one issued to me my last winter in the USAF when stationed in Minneapolis. And yes, it was super warm and I wore it in and out of uniform.

[@mtmccornack]

I love these, I was issued one when i was stationed in Kodiak, but sadly I had to give it back to the ship when my tour was over.... but don't fear, a couple years back, I found a Chinese made knock off that was half the quality but came in a dope ass black color. I wore it yesterday. even the knock off is amazing.

[@mariannececilia_cole]

Where can I find this jacket? And is it better/warmer than a full length/maxi coat/puffer? Asking as a cold-hating Montrealer/Canadian

[@spagmon]

eBay

[@paddymcgillivary7287]

Where can I obtain one of these? Do you have a link?

[@MichaelTheoret]

I was stationed at Minot Air Force Base in the mid 80s and had an N-3B Extreme Cold Weather Coat. Man, I loved that Thing ! I could walk in the most stupidly cold conditions on or off Base and be so nice,warm and snug . I also had the Mittens and footwear as well . The Extreme Cold Weather Pants were available if I wanted Them but I did not want them as I would have been too warm wearing those along with the rest of the Ensemble . I've had some really decent cold weather gear since then ( Columbia , North Face and some Coat patterned after the N-3B ) but, nothing compared to that Coat that I was issued whilst stationed at Minot.

[@jimwells4240]

True story....I was in the USAF, 1975-1981. In all their wisdome they moved me to Portsmouth, NH. The winter of 1980 was one of the coldest and snowiest up to that date. I had been issued an N-3B. I thought it would be a good idea to go out and shovel snow in -30deg weather with a 20mph wind blowing. About fifteen minutes into the shoveling job, I became OVERHEATED in this coat. Of course I threw the hood back and finished up without it on. I went back inside and my wife told me that my face looked "funny". I looked in the mirror and my face was ash-white and I couldn't feel it. Some washrags soaked in cold tap water got the blood flowing again, and a trip to the ER on base confirmed a case of mild frostbite. To this day, the small veins in my face are still quite visible where they ruptured. I'm 70 now and live in Michigan. I want another N-3B.

[@truthfilter]

I have bought the Alpha industries one but to me it doesn't seem like it would be particularly warm ? can somebody tell me exactly what I would need to type into Ebay to find this exact coat

[@gase9256]

Look for original army surplus jacket from older years

[@shiddy.]

I have a current model Alpha Industries N3B coat and I love it so much I bought a spare wearing it is so nice compared to any other parka I've worn - very hard to fairly compare it to anything for sale in a store, regardless of price wearing it a while, it becomes obvious that every single aspect of this coat was taken into consideration for quality, durability, utility and ease of use Alpha's choice of fabric and zippers deserves an award besides being comfortable and very warm, it's intentionally designed to take on and off fast and that makes it a very easy coat to get along with

[@CycloptycFilms]

I just picked up a 1970 N-3B, and I must say it lives up to everything you said in this video.

[@lwysparagon8109]

Mine is size Small too. Got it from a surplus shop in Angeles City near Clark AB, Ph in '99. Still in pristine condition since I have virtually no where to use it, living in another tropical land than the Philippines . Just kept in my US mil gears collection.

[@nickwarner8158]

I'm not sure what coat it was, but I got to wear my grandfather's coat that was issued to him when he was a pilot in the air force in greenland. He was a WW2 bomber pilot flying in non-pressurized aircraft. It was in OD green, had a coyote fur around the hood nd could be cinched down to make a tunnel of sorts. I'm not sure of the filling but it was heavy. Coat likely was ten pounds or better. But. in the winter of 96 in WI school was closed due to cold. I was only two years in this state after moving from AK so this was the first time I ever saw that happen. So I went sledding on a hill next to where I lived with windchills in the daytime about -20F and -50F at night. It was a two mile walk from my farm to the nearest unincorporated town which had a total population of 250 and there was a gas station which had a small selection of VHS which you could rent. Yes, I'm that fucking old. Internet didn't exist out there and I was bored as hell so I rented 8 movies to get through it. On my way back I got picked up by a local farmer who knew my parents (this is not normal in cities but its very normal in rural areas. We knew people as kids but all the older folks knew whose kid was whose and if you saw someone walking down the road you would offer them a ride to make sure they were ok. Got in many trucks as a boy with no harm done to me. Wish the rest of the world was like that.) He was in is 70's and in a truck from the 70's, typical farm truck. He asked me if I was cold and I asked if he could turn the heat down. I was already sweating from walking for so long and in the truck I was boiling. That.coat that my grandpa wore was a force to be reconed with. In insanely cold driving winds you couldn't feel the wind come through the coat. It was like you were being pushed by an unseen hand in heavy wind but NONE came into the coat. I was pissed in eight grade that I outgrew the coat. To this day I have never encountered a coat with that level of quality that can function in deep subzero of wind. If anyone sees this who has a very old army air corps parka that would fit a man who is 6'3" and 210 pounds, I would like to know what it would take to purchase it. That coat is what helped my grandpa live through two wars. His name was Stanley C. Pyfrom, and he was a bomber pilot in both WW2 and Korea. He passed in April of 2000.

[@MarketingGuy]

Hey Michael, do you know in what year they changed the N-3B to a cotton-nylon blend? I have one of the old full nylons and didn't know they changed it to a blend.

[@TheIronSnail]

Heyo! I don't have a pinpointed date but I think it's late 60's to early 70's

[@beanhavok2287]

I never realized how interesting cold war era winter jackets could be.....Thanx TIS!!

[@michaelwerner1836]

My 80's N-3B is the 4th or 5th one I have owned. Comfy in Barrow with 70 knot winds and -50F, and not too warm at freezing. I'll never be without one.

[@akmo44]

What N3B you are wearing? 80/20% cotton/nylon + poly?

[@TheIronSnail]

I believe it's 80/20% cotton/nylon but without the tag saying it I can't say for sure! Could be a bit higher in nylon

[@mattottie6410]

Alpha industries made them for many years for USAF, older ones were all nylon, and not good around open flames, as in plane crash, new are a blend and pilots flight jacketd are arimid fiber which is flame resistant..

[@brucebeauvais1324]

@@mattottie6410The earliest ones were cotton, then moved to nylon, and then returned to a cotton type outer. If they are Aramid, that’s even better. I hadn’t heard that before.

[@mattottie6410]

@@brucebeauvais1324 just the pilots flight jacket are made from ARIMID fiber, the Army had a tanker jacket that was aramid fiber, the parka is a as u say a blend of cotton and nylon. There are different weights of pilots flying jackets a heavy and light type, if mil spec then made from ARAMID fiber...

[@caam0000]

I love your videos. Im not sure why, but the way you edit your videos, make them fell a lot more interesting.

[@padres86]

Looking for a decent one. Do you recommend a decent repro brand? Bronson?

[@klaushuxley3342]

My brother in law is in the Airforce here in Michigan. They were giving out new parkas a couple years ago, so I got his old N3B. It only comes out when it's really cold. It's ugly AF, but damn does it keep you warm.

[@TheIronSnail]

Ugly but functional -- I can relate!

[@AdrianHagemeyer-ih1vd]

where can i buy

[@bigearedmouse17]

Mil.Tec N3B Parks £56.84

[@garrettvoorhees6323]

The coat will not keep you warm at -40F in my experience. I wore one at FE Warren AFB Wy, Minot AFB ND and Eielson AFB Alaska. At Eielson we had a few days at -40 without a wind-chill. I had mid weight weight poly pros, a chamois shirt, my Chinese under shirt jacket and my N3B on. I decided to walk to the exchange because -40 is surreal. It didn't take very long before I felt the cold.

[@fazole]

I've heard that at those temps, the air is unusually clear and that colors become bluer. Did you notice that? Thank you.

[@fpvflyer4758]

I can't seem to find this made with wool. I believe the original manufacturer is Alpha Industries (not sure) and they have it listed as 100% polyester fill. Has the wool fill been discontinued? Anyone know where I can find this jacket, with wool fill, new?

[@johnstraub7494]

I had one of these parkas and matching parka pants, aka bunny pants while stationed in Minot ND. It was very warm and comfortable. At some point, I was issued the shorty parka which was kind of referred to as the Ike style parka. It ended at the waist. Stil warm and functional. Oh and was issued the white winter boots aka bunny boots/moon boots, and finally issued MukLucks in order to drive military vehicles.

[@wolfmaan]

This is a great video! I used to have a snorkel jacket and loved it! They are warm.

[@SIC-SEMPER-TYRANNIS]

I still have my Dads from when he was stationed in Alaska in the late 60s and early 70s. He bought several for back ups from the Sportsmans Guide in the 80s.

[@jeepinbanditrider]

I had one of these growing up. An incredible piece of gear for a kid who was obsessed with the military.

[@ssaepa1]

I bought a carhardt jacket while working in Alaska in the winter that I literally can’t wear in Missouri cause the thing is too warm to wear here.

[@TyShots]

I've had one of these for a couple years now and I love it for cold weather hikes and nights spent outdoors. Got the matching F1B pants for christmas and the two together are absurdly warm.

[@D-ROCKET5665]

Hollister made a n3b like this in 2019 almost to spec like the one you have it’s synthetic fur lined inside recycled poly fill storm flap a flight tag it’s a longer length w snorkel hood and fur lined hood I work at Boston Logan airport this thing goes so hard

[@TheIronSnail]

Hollister comes through with their outerwear! A good friend of mine has such a cool coat from them

[@lllllREDACTEDlllll]

I picked up a 70s N3B when I moved to the mountains of Vermont... It was always way too hot after 3 minutes.

[@jessd3012]

I managed to score one of these in my size in Chattanooga years back and I love it. This was a particularly good find as I'm a Men's XS and it was only $100. Mine has the white faux fur collar and no outer side wool batting on the pockets, but I've ordered a pelt to fix those with. I decided on Canadian fox since the fur was thicker than coyote and it costs a tenth of the price of a wolf pelt. Because, lemme tell you, that white faux collar is wholly unpleasant. It has to go. (So thank you for the reminder that I really need to replace that after 8 years...) It does have the green blanket kind of lining on the inside of the pockets, but only cold nylon on the outside. Like, inside vs outside of your hands in the pocket. No wool batting here. I don't know if it got torn up, moldy, or if mine just didn't come with it, but it's okay, it's gonna be fox here soon. This jacket has kept me warm in an actual blizzard, which is saying something because I'm a cold lady who's experienced the hatred of snow very few times in my life. I'm shivering under my covers with my heat at 70 because my BF turned the fan on. This jacket keeps me warm, it'll keep you warm. If you ever come across one, get it. You will never need another parka ever. Nobody will question you no matter the occasion, only look at you with jealousy and longing. Also, on a flight, the hood doubles as a neck pillow. I slept in an aisle seat and it kept me aloft. It's a socially acceptable comforter that you can wear. It's amazing.

[@SavageVoyageur]

I had one of these parkas back in the 1970’s. Great parka, so warm. Loved the Coyote fur ruff. It kept me alive in Minnesota winters.

[@prjndigo]

synthetic fiber liners plait really quickly whereas wool just felts and retains a large proportion of its insulative properties.

[@Datokah]

I live in the UK and I'm on my second (albeit modern) N-3B army surplus coat. It might not be quite as good as this model, but it is without doubt the warmest coat I've ever had. I can go out in snow with just a t-shirt on underneath. Thanks, US military!

[@kevinprzy4539]

lmao so many random things were invented by the US military and or soldiers working for them, like duct tape and the GPS.

[@jeanettewest]

I live in Alaska and can tell you at -57* the cold will go right through the N3B. The only clothing I have seen and owned that does what it says is Northern Outfitters. Sadly, they are out of business.

[@chrisretired5379]

Alaskan here as well ! I have 4 Tough Duck brand Antarctica by Richlu, coats. Down feathers inside carhardt type outer. They are awesome, wish I could find more ! Best to you, how much snow for you so far ? 110 inch at the house here in Anch.

[@jeanettewest]

@@chrisretired5379 Pitiful compared to you, maybe 18" on the ground.

[@chrisretired5379]

@@jeanettewest 🤣18, I wish ! Whereabouts you residing ?

[@jeanettewest]

@@chrisretired5379 Bethel.

[@chrisretired5379]

@@jeanettewest ahhhhhh, ok. 👍👍Anchorage here.

[@MrSRellz]

I have an Alpha Industries N-3B..love it, definitely keeps me warm. I also have a few of their flight jackets. I’m a huge fan of the brand

[@Darkice77]

We were issued these in the Marines in the 90s. We went to Norway for a couple months and all our cold weather gear was old but awesome. Under this coat we wore something called a buffalo coat.

[@cartomancycarmen]

Rick Owens literally knocked this entire parka off! It’s my favorite coat I own from him but it’s not nearly as warm as yours. Incredible I love learning new stuff about clothes ❣️

[@SatEight]

I rented out an apartment to Ukrainian soldiers who were on leave or something like that. When they were called back to the front, they left quite a few things in the apartment. One of them was this parka. I liked it so much that I wore it around the house for a couple of days, lol. It has an amazing property: it keeps you warm in freezing temperatures, yet it’s not too hot in warmer conditions. With other jackets, if you put them on indoors, you’ll be sweating before you even step outside. With this one, I could sit and watch KZbin for hours without sweating. However, there were a few things I didn’t like about it, which make it inconvenient for everyday use in the city: *The hood’s synthetic fur trim* : Instead of natural brown fur, it uses synthetic white fur that’s way too long. The fibers are about 15 centimeters long, matted, and look silly. Also, if you fully zip up the hood into a tube, the long fur blocks your vision entirely. It covers the whole opening. *Lack of a proper collar* : The jacket doesn’t have a collar. If you don’t wear the hood, its two halves rest on your shoulders, leaving your neck completely exposed. In really cold or windy weather, even if you’re wearing a high-collared sweater, your neck still gets cold because the jacket doesn’t cover it. And you don’t always wear a high-collared sweater. I have another parka where the hood is not part of the jacket but instead attached to the shoulders. This way, the jacket has a proper high collar, and you can protect your neck even without putting on the hood, which is much more convenient. *The drawstring inside the jacket* : There’s a drawstring inside for adjusting the jacket’s fit, allowing it to sit closer to your body. But when you tighten it, the drawstring presses against the chest pockets, and you can no longer put your hands in them. I’m not sure if this happens with all jackets or if it’s just a defect in mine. It seems like a design flaw-the drawstring should go beneath the pockets, but in this one, it’s placed above them.

[@m.w.wilson234]

While in the USAF I had one of these winter parkas issued to me for the winter season, then it has to be returned and will be cleaned and issued again next winter season. That was 1973 and it still had a USAAF imprinted patch on the shoulder which means this parka was from the 1940's; that is how long lasting they were. I wish I had one today.

[@bertroost1675]

I have several and most are newer but I have one old one. It is the only coat I have that (if I have the extreme weather pants too) I think I could lay down in the snow and take a nap. I did have a warmer coat, a North Face down packed Artic jacket. I bought it probably around 25 years ago. It was too warm for any winter or location I ever went to. I was sweating just wearing it. Anyway, I listed it on ebay around 10 years ago and the company that supplied the down feathers to North Face was making a product museum and a guy working there asked me to end the bid early. They paid me my full asking price. So I guess today it is in some corporate museum somewhere.

[@TheIronSnail]

WOAH! Now that's amazing

[@jasonantes9500]

I had a navy blue snorkel parka as a kid. It was shiny and very warm even on the coldest of days. I keep meaning to get myself one now as an adult.

[@thebreakfastmenu]

I have one. Almost the exact same as yours. It's boxy. I look like a doofus and I can barely fit in a car with it on, but boy it sure is warm.

[@TheIronSnail]

Lol! Yes the difficult part about this parka is the doofus feature

[@wisenber]

I own a parka that can barely get to minus 60F, and that one won't handle minus 60F for any length of time. The N3B I had worked well in the teens and began struggling at zero for extended exposure. The nyco fabric is superior to a heavy nylon in cold temps as heavy nylon gets stiff and is more prone to punctures than nyco. A waterproof fabric isn't needed in temps well below the freezing point of water. The frozen water just brushes off. Cotton canvas even works well as an outside layer in those temps.

[@chrismifflin3862]

I bought one from Ebay four years ago. I live in Alberta, and it is very warm in our winters. It's much cheaper than Canada Goose.

[@RichR-x4v]

I wore these parkas while serving in the Air Force in Montana in the late 70's-early 80's. Extremely warm and comfortable to wear in -25° weather. Also makes for a good blanket to nap under. I wish I still had one

[@DavidRodriguez-k8m]

Where to get a good one today? Im mad i bought this polo coat now

[@McPh1741]

I still have mine. It's from the 90s so it has a different outer shell fabric, polyester filling and synthetic fur, but it's still super warm. I also have a vintage one I saved from a dumpster on base. It has the wool filling and real fur trim on the hood.

[@ovidiumoro5470]

A jacket insulated with aerogel, what do you Think? Aerogel is used to insulate spaceman suite!

[@mundanestuff]

Had an n3b as a kid in fbe early 80s, my oldest brother bought one from an army surplus store. He bad been in the army and loved a bargain. It was warm and it survived winters just fine, being rugged enough for a kid to wear while roaming the countryside. Not sure what ever happened to it. I got a job in high school and was convinced to buy a more stylish coat and lost track of the green monster. Which is a shame because the new coat was garbage.

[@anandarochisha]

I have a Swedish M1944. I live in northern Canada. It has the fleece if an entire sheep sewn into it and is heavy. I could pass out in a snowbank at minus stupid and wake up with all my parts. I keep big leather ski-doo gloves packed with thinsulate and insulated bib over heavy fleece pants. That and a pair of kamik boots and a proper hat/balaclava and you are ready for a long cold haul. Just the hood never cuts it on these parkas. Get a proper fur hat and face covering.

[@cathalodiubhain5739]

N-3B parka, gained popularity among the Mod subculture in the 1960s. Mods, a British and Irish youth movement, were known for their fashion sense, music preferences, and scooter culture. Ans still are to this day

[@korybeckwith834]

I have a US Coast Guard jacket from the 70s that belonged to my father. Its extremely warm. The outer shell is very heavy green nylon. It kind of crinkles when you move. The jacket is short in length and doesnt have a hood. It has a seemingly heavy cord sewn into it that goes from the sleeve of one arm across the shoulder to the other arm sleeve. It comes with a heavy wool liner that snaps in and also has a foam rubber one that snaps in. Apparently the foam when helps with flotation if you fall into water. Have any knowledge of this jacket?

[@Pattersonm29]

Nice what about the N-3 and N-2 and the N-3a and N-2a. The N-3b that you have is a late model parka probably made in the late sixties early seventies. You are missing a lot of stuff between ww2 and the Korean war. The N-3b parka is the 3rd generation of the N parkas. The N-2 and N-3 parkas were originally adopted by the USAF in 1947 they used natural materials such as mouton lined hoods with coyote ruffs as well as a leather o2 tab and leather zipper pulls. The N-2 and N-3 parkas and their variants are USAF parkas. I understand these early USAF parkas are rare and expensive, ive recently seen an original N-2 selling for $1,000 USD so its understandable that youve probably never seen one or heard of them. If you are interested im a collector of rare cold weather parkas and if you want i can send you some more information as well as pictures.

[@Scrapy-ih7ob]

Time Stamp, 9:35 gentleman to the right GLOVES he is wearing i have pair of those, Prior to a deployment we got some "COLD weather Gear" found pear of those still have them so comfy. warm.