USAF N-3B parkas - Let's talk about them!!

[WolfofStateSt]

Regarding some of the posts above, I have found with my USA made Alpha civvy N2B and N3B coats with the thin (and useless) polyfill insulation that the N2B is actually a lot warmer because although it's overall shorter than the N3B the knits at the waist keep the wind and cold out. Reminder that both designs were originally intended to be worn over matching insulated overalls so the issue of wind/cold getting in via the bottom was less of an issue. If you're just wearing the jackets over jeans or whatever, then the N2B will almost certainly be warmer in practice.

Yeah I found the same… that’s when I switched to surplus N3Bs… a lot warmer. I also bought a Mooseknuckles 3Q and I want to say it has slightly better performance than the surplus parkas? Idk, curious which you guys think is warmer from your experience. Apart from the hood of course, nothing can beat the hood on an N3B for warmth.

 

[Latte Way]

well, I finally pulled the trigger and bought USGI N-3B parka made in 1986 by Greenbrier, size Large. I am 6.1 ft (185cm) tall, 163 lb (74kg) weight, so tall and thin thorso. Parka has short sleeves, but it is huge to the body - chest. Main zipper is too short. One thing on the parka is great - the hood. I went outdoors with it wearing T-shirt + long sleeved shirt underneath at 32F (0C) with chilly wind, so no serious cold weather. I was cold. Probably like Dr. Damage wrote here due to no air insulation because of the improper fit to the body - too roomy. I have decided for 25+ years to buy genuine US military N3B parka /never wanted a civi reproduction or slim fit.../ and finally did it, but it was a mistake (I have not had a chance to wear it before purchase, it was order). N3B is definitely not for tall + thinny people. For me, it is definitely some nostalgia of cold war era, but that is all...my Snugpak jackets do better job at winter, because they fit better. What a pity...

A lot depends on your level of activity and previous exposure/tolerance to cold conditions. I have an N-3B, 1969 issue one and have worn it walking the dog in -3C, about 26F, with the waist draw string tied it was fine. but i was constantly walking and have been known to go cycling and running in cold conditions.
Also i think i read there were some sort of insulated trousers with a bib and braces issued which would have helped a lot with armless gilets or vests. Soldiers adapt and change their kit as far as is allowed to suit their personal needs, especially at the time these were issued. The kit not being 100% to one's satisfaction is part of the retro experience.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

A lot depends on your level of activity and previous exposure/tolerance to cold conditions. I have an N-3B, 1969 issue one, and have worn it walking the dog in -3C, about 26F, with the waist draw string tied, it was fine. but i was constantly walking and have been known to go cycling and running in cold conditions.
Also i think i read there were some sort of insulated trousers with a bib and braces issued which would have helped a lot with armless gilets or vests. Soldiers adapt and change their kit as far as is allowed to suit their personal needs, especially at the time these were issued. The kit not being 100% to one's satisfaction is part of the retro experience.

I have worn my N3B down to -20F with -40F windchill... never had a problem. But I also always layer a heavy flannel or wool sweater underneath. I recommend investing in some good mittens and insulated pants though, because at -20 F it will not matter how bulky your jacket is if the rest of you is unprotected.

The hood alone makes it the warmest coat I own… something like a modern mooseknuckles might deflect the wind better in the torso… but the hoods on most other parkas will not do much to protect your face in that weather. I am not a fan of balaclavas personally.

 

[Latte Way]

I have worn my N3B down to -20F with -40F windchill... never had a problem. But I also always layer a heavy flannel or wool sweater underneath. I recommend investing in some good mittens and insulated pants though, because at -20 F it will not matter how bulky your jacket is if the rest of you is unprotected.

The hood alone makes it the warmest coat I own… something like a modern mooseknuckles might deflect the wind better in the torso… but the hoods on most other parkas will not do much to protect your face in that weather. I am not a fan of balaclavas personally.

Same here, it never gets as low as -20 here so have to think about what I intend on doing before wearing it in our chilly temps, just so i don't overheat and it ends up getting carried, which is quite the ball-ache.

Brilliant quality though and does exactly what it says.
I would imagine back in the days when it was issued kit, ground crew whether they were physically active and refuelling or wheeling crates on and off aircraft ramps, or static on stag, would have been grateful for it.
Like a vintage watch it would have accompanied the wearer nearly everywhere they went, with all the experiences and hassles along with it, which is why i love vintage stuff like this that still does the job it was designed to over 50 years ago.

 

[Doctor Damage]

No disrespect to anyone, but the N3B is not much use in serious cold and wind since the zipper ends around your belly button or maybe belt. The whole bottom quarter of the parka is not sealed, except by a single snap button (popper, to our British friends). The N3 version (the original, in olive) and the N3A version (the blue one) had zippers that came much lower, nearly to the bottom of the parkas, which would keep out the wind better. I remain convinced the N3B was modified for flight and vehicle use to allow easier sitting (so the zipper wasn't stressed when sitting) and was always intended to be worn with insulated pants/overalls.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Time to repost my fav pics of the N3A version.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

No disrespect to anyone, but the N3B is not much use in serious cold and wind since the zipper ends around your belly button or maybe belt. The whole bottom quarter of the parka is not sealed, except by a single snap button (popper, to our British friends). The N3 version (the original, in olive) and the N3A version (the blue one) had zippers that came much lower, nearly to the bottom of the parkas, which would keep out the wind better. I remain convinced the N3B was modified for flight and vehicle use to allow easier sitting (so the zipper wasn't stressed when sitting) and was always intended to be worn with insulated pants/overalls.

I own the N3A and F1A flight pants… I have never had an issue in serious cold.

 

[Callawegian STITCHERY]

What a great thread on the N-3B. I have several and am in the process of writing an article for the first time buyers of the N-3B. Research seems Neverending!

Callawegian STITCHERY