

Easily one of the most versatile and stylish pieces of outerwear, the field jacket has remained a utilitarian garment while also evolving into fashionable apparel that oozes masculinity and an appreciation for style. With its roots in the military, your typical field coat can always be depended on for its functionality while keeping one comfortable and warm during the colder months. The Gear Hungry team appreciates menswear that ticks the boxes for being both practical and appealing, which is why we have compiled a list of what we think you will find to be the best field jackets out for the pick. These coats feature classic brands filled with heritage as well as more modern interpretations of the traditional military wear.
The Best Field Jackets
1
Alpha Industries Men’s M-65 Field Jacket
Derived from a brand that does, in fact, design and manufacture apparel for the military, Alpha Industries Men’s M-65 Field Coat can pretty much be established that this is going to be your best m65 field jacket in terms of authenticity and durability. Crafted with the utmost precision, this vintage-inspired coat has been made to comfortably accommodate inner layers while military epaulets give it an authoritative shape as a top coat. The good news is that it is available in more than just the traditional olive green, which means you can pick the color that flatters you the best while pairing it with your favorite brand of khakis. Our handy guide to the best Columbia jackets features more stylish products like this.
Ruggedly stylish and masculine
Made from a nylon-cotton fabric blend
Wind and water resistant
- BrandAlpha Industries
- Weight4 pounds
2
Rothco Vintage M65 Field Jacket
Rugged in temperament but oh so soft to the touch, this 100% cotton army field jacket will appeal to those who appreciate vintage style with more than just a touch of practicality. Featuring a myriad of versatile pockets, Rothco Vintage M65 Field Jacket has a nifty way of accommodating a number of manly gadgets while still retaining its original shape, so as not to appear too bulky. As for the Rothco name patch, keep it or remove it – do as you see fit!
4 large front pockets
Includes a concealed hood and storm flap
Attractive and heavy brass zippers
- BrandRothco
- Model613902860834
- Weight3.45 pounds
3
Brandit Men’s M-65 Giant Field Jacket
A larger-than-life military field jacket, there’s simply no arguing that this versatile coat is giant in size as well as abundant in functionality. If you are looking for a slimmer fit, we highly advise that you order a size smaller than what you are used too. As an exceptionally hard-wearing m65 jacket, this vintage military apparel is made with high quality washed cotton and can be worn with or without the removable fleece inner – making it perfect for ice cold winters as well as cooler summer days. Finished with all of the pockets and appliques that replicate an authentic military m65 coat, Brandit Men’s M-65 Giant Jacket will make an authoritative addition to your wardrobe. Be sure to combine it with some of the best tactical pants from our list.
Warm and highly breathable
Removable internal lining
Concealed hood
- BrandBrandit
4
Carhartt Men’s Canyon Coat
Renowned for their craftsmanship in designing and manufacturing the quality working gear that’s well-suited for the hands-on man, Carhartt’s Canyon Coat is just another piece of their apparel that lives up to the brand’s reputation. Made from tough 12-ounce cotton duck cloth, this men’s field jacket features a tough-looking exterior while offering a comfortable and soft fit – men can be manly without wearing intolerable clothing. Complete with an optional hood, reinforced cuffs and a mid-waist drawstring to encourage a slimmer fit, this jacket holds in warmth without being overbearingly heavy. If you love the brand, make sure you check our selection of the best Carhartt jackets for our top picks.
100% cotton blends
Safe for machine wash
Two-way front zipper with snap storm placket
- BrandCarhartt
- Model101683
- Weight12 pounds
5
Levi’s Men’s Washed Cotton Two Pocket Military Jacket
If you’re looking to transform yourself into a chunk of a hunk, then this washed cotton men’s field coat by Levi could possibly be all you need! With snap down shoulder epaulets, adjustable cuffs and two lower welt pockets – this jacket features a design where sleek and stylish meets practicality. Subtly labeled with Levi’s signature red tab on the upper left chest pocket, why not radiate masculinity as well as a love for all things fine this winter? Be sure to also check out our top picks of the best running jackets.
Made from 100% cotton
Includes an interior onion quilted lining
Features snap down shoulder epaulets
- BrandLevi’s
- ModelLM7RC485
- Weight1 pounds
6
Crysully Men’s Slim Fit Multi-Pocket Coat
Perfect for outdoor adventures or for casual attire, Crysully’s field coat is just another example of how the traditional military jacket has evolved into stylish men’s wear whilst remaining utilitarian in nature. This winter coat has been designed for the man’s man and includes the usual myriad of zips and pockets that appeal to soldiers – except this time they’re fashionably fledged. Made with a mixture of cotton, polyester and fleece, the sole purpose of this slim-fitting coat is to keep you warm, dry and delectably comfortable. You will also need good winter boots to combine with this great jacket, so make sure you check out our picks.
Full-length zipper with snap button closure
Available in Army Green, Khaki and Black
Suitable for outdoor activities or relaxing weekends
- BrandCRYSULLY
- ModelSKHT-35
- Weight3.31 pounds
7
Rothco M-65 Field Jacket in Tiger Stripe
If it’s camo-wear you’re after then we have added this canvas field jacket to the mix just for you! Made according to government specifications, Rothco M-65 Field Jacket in Tiger Stripe is an exact replica of the authentic U.S. Military field jackets that were worn during the Vietnam War. These coats are perfect for an assortment of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, hiking or just plain old camping – in fact, you don’t need an excuse to wear this comfortable winter attire, it’s casual and appealing enough for your everyday casual-wear! And if its warmth you’re after, you’ll get it with the water repellent poly/cotton twill lining, snap collar cuffs and waistline that draws shut to trap in heat while keeping the cold air at bay.
Removable quilted inner lining
Heavy brass zipper with snap-up storm flap
Hook and loop neck closure
- BrandRothco
- Weight5.5 pounds
8
DRI Duck Men’s Outlaw Jacket
If you’re on the hunt for a basic field coat that offers you good value for money, then we can highly recommend the modest Outlaw Jacket by DRI Duck. Made using durable and rugged quarry-washed Boulder Cloth canvas, this versatile apparel fits the description for being the best field coat in terms of water resistance and resistance against wear and tear. Soft and flexible enough to accompany one through tough labor, this jacket features fewer pockets and closures than your typical m65 coat but it’s still inclined to follow a similar style. Be sure to get ready for the winter by checking our guide to the best waterproof boots.
Sized for a comfortable fit
Machine washable
A durable canvas jacket
- BrandDRI Duck
- Model5087
- Weight2 pounds
9
Filson 10003 Tin Cloth Packer Coat
Fashionably designed to complement a mature man who has an appreciation for style, Filson’s Tin Cloth Packer coat is ruggedly ready for your next cold-weather excursion. Fully equipped with zip-in liners, spacious pockets, and an attractive virgin wool collar, this garment is made for the man on the move! Slightly heftier on the pocket, this premium apparel has been designed using only the finest high-quality fabrics and is manufactured by a brand which continues to live up to its trustworthy reputation for designing cold weather gear that’s tough, flexible and versatile enough for all occasions.
2 upper Mackinaw wool-lined pockets
2 buttons on collar for optional hood
Adjustable snap tab cuffs
- BrandFilson
- Model10003
10
Ultra Force Olive Drab M-65 Field Jacket
Another addition by the trusted brand, Rothco, this Ultra Force M65 jacket is a slightly bulkier fit and is ideal for extremely cold climates where a number of inner layers are required. With a recipe for warmth and a style that shouts MAN! – this modest looking coat comes with a modest price tag too, all while remaining practical, comfortable and pleasantly appealing. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best Patagonia jackets.
Water resistant polyester-cotton blend
Includes a concealed hood
Features traditional epaulets
- BrandRothco
- Model8238L
- Weight3.85 pounds
11
Timberland Waxed Canvas 3-in-1 Field Coat
Let’s start with the 3-in-1 attributes. Designed with options, you can wear the Timberland Waxed Canvas jacket with the inner zipped in for colder weather or remove it during heated months – OR, you can wear the inner jacket on its own too, giving you three coat-styles all in one! Inspired by 80’s military wear, this garment evokes a touch of rugged heritage with a brush of a more modern design. Fit for outdoor adventures or just for relaxation, this is an ideal jacket to have hanging around your closet. If you are a fan of the brand, you will sure like some of the best Timberland shoes from our list.
Two spacious front buttoned pockets
Three wearing options
Made from durable fabrics
- BrandTimberland
- Weight1 pounds
12
Cockpit USA Men’s M-65 Cotton Field Jacket
Cockpit USA Men’s M-65 Cotton Field Jacket is designed to replicate the field jackets worn by American forces during the period 1960 to 1990, the garment’s wind and water-repellent fabric wraps itself around you to fit comfortably while keeping your body temperature to the desired warmth. Loaded with bulky exterior and interior pockets, a bi-swing back allows for ease and comfort of movement even when the pockets are being generously used. With zips as well as additional Velcro closures, no cold air is getting through this baby!
Made from a cotton-nylon blend
Interior and exterior pouches
A bi-swing back for a slimmer fit
- BrandCockpit USA
- ModelZ26L008
- Weight1 pounds
13
Wenven Men’s Stand Collar Cotton Field Jacket
Suitably designed for everyday wear, simply pair this sleek black field jacket with a pair of slim fit chinos or quality jeans and there you have an outfit that is also fitting for more professional dealings. Extremely tactical between seasons, the coat accommodates your basic shirt during warmer months as well as multiple thicker layers once the cold air sets in. Giving an air of confidence and authority, Wenven Men’s Stand Collar Cotton Field Jacket is versatile in appeal as well as practicality.
Inspired by the US Army’s standard style
100% Cotton Body Lining
Machine washable
- BrandWenVen
- Modelwvmena00051
14
The North Face Menstalum Field Jacket
The North Face’s Tulm jacket has been perfectly engineered for the most extreme weather conditions and if you often find yourself in chilly weather, then you can always rely on this field coat to keep you warm while looking good. Designed with a water-resistant shell and 500-fill Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified insulation, you’ll be ready to venture outdoors in comfort and style no matter how harsh the cold promises to be. With the ideal balance between standout functionality, sleek style and modern technology – we hereby endorse this field coat to be worthy of making our list! For more great products by this brand, check out our guide to the best North Face backpacks.
Standard fit with a slight contour
(RDS) certified insulation
Straight extended hemline
- BrandThe North Face
- Model2TAD
- Weight1.65 pounds
15
Goodthreads Lightweight Military Jacket
We like Goodthread’s rendition of the classic field jacket, mostly because it’s just so damned simple! The classic colors, uncomplicated aesthetics, and traditional functionality make this a modest go-to garment that’s befitting for casual attire while keeping you warm, comfortable and looking good. Light in weight and crafted for a slim fit, you can keep yourself snug without the weighted-down or itchy feeling that comes with thicker and heavier coats. Perfect for safaris or hunting trips out into the wild, Goodthreads Lightweight Military Jacket is waiting for adventure! Be sure to check out our guide to the best down jackets for more great items like this.
Made from 100% cotton
Machine washable
Complete with 4 front pockets
- BrandGoodthreads
- ModelMGT10001SP18
Field Jacket Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection of Field Jackets
Quality–Just like the military wouldn’t stand for anything less than superior quality garments that are made to be fully durable in even the most extreme circumstances, we to have compiled our list of best field jackets by double checking that they do, in fact, meet ultimate quality standards. This means that they feature fabrics and designs that allow them to meet a certain level of style while remaining warm and extremely utilitarian all in one.
Brand–The brand is what carries the product’s reputation and simply cannot be omitted from the equation. We opted to choose our selection of field jackets that have not only been endorsed by the military themselves but have also lived up to consumers’ expectations by continuing to deliver hardy and impressive outdoor apparel.
Reviews–So that our opinions aren’t totally biased and include the views of a diverse range of individuals, we make it a habit to scour the net for reviews to see what the consumers have to say about the items in question. We then weigh the good with the bad and take reliable feedback into consideration before deciding which product and model make the cut.
Price – If you are on the hunt for a field jacket that ticks all of the boxes for being practical, durable and ultimately stylish, then looking at the price tag is not really an option – or that’s how our list works at least. We have conjured up a range of military-type jackets that match their price by giving you the best value for money – in basic terms, you fairly get what you pay for.
Features To Look For In Field Jackets
Construction – When it comes to the jacket’s construction, the garment’s purpose should be greatly considered. You need to decide if all the bell’s and whistles will be made use of if a more modest coat with fewer pockets and accessories will better suit your more casual day-to-day needs. While some revel in the traditional military style, other’s might be more attracted to modern versions of the classic apparel.
Design–While most modern men wear field coats for stylish purposes rather than for the practicality of having them worn out on the, well, field – this leaves the element of design as being an important deciding factor. Ask yourself if the myriad of pockets is important to you, if you appreciate the traditional epaulets and if it’s a slim or bulkier fit you’re after.
Comfort – This tends to be the most important deciding factor when it comes to men’s clothing.It no longer has to hurt to be handsome! When it comes to choosing a smooth fitting field jacket, it all starts with the fabric – the softer the better. You also preferably want a fabric the is 100% water resistant so that you remain dry at all costs. Make sure the seals are airtight so there are no sneaky openings for the cold to slip through - and do a quick check, does the hood sit comfortably over your head?
Adjustability – Adjustability works hand-in-hand with versatility and the more options you have for adjusting and tweaking your field coat, the more versatile it is. Can the inner lining be removed? Do cuffs and waistlines have the ability to draw closed? Does the jacket feature a concealed hood? Does the jacket only zip closed or is it reinforced with Velcro too? These are the types of questions you can ask when selecting your field jacket and the answers will help you to decide whether the jacket is going to fit your expectations, or not.
Pockets – One thing that makes field coats unique in design is their numerous pockets which typically equates to four front pockets and one or two inner pockets. Modern designs, however, often reduce the number of pockets to give the garment a less bulky appeal, which makes them slightly befitting for more formal events. If the pockets are the sole reason why you are acquiring the jacket, pay attention to their size and closing mechanisms.
Fabric–Your fabric choice will depend on how traditional you would like your field jacket to be. An authentic military jacket is made from rugged and durable fabrics, usually with 100% cotton elements. Some feature canvas linings or a canvas shell and these jackets will, of course, keep you drier for longer. Many modern designs feature lighter-weight fabrics that might replicate the authentic jacket, but are perhaps not as hardy and durable – this is ok if you are simply looking for a stylish coat that’s perfect for everyday wear and is not intended for regular outdoor shielding.
History of the field jacket
The traditional military field coat dates all the way back to 1943 where it made its debut as the popular Army jacket that was suitably designed for cold weather as well to be durable enough for troops out on the field. Over the years it has met many revisions so as to accurately meet the demands of the military forces as well as to include the features of some modern technologies. In 1965 the M-65design was released - this is the field coat that most are familiar with and it’s on this design that subtle revisions have been made over the decades.
The M-65 has been worn through many wars, including the Vietnam war. Today many military forces still include the field coat into their daily apparel and are a standard addition to a soldier’s uniform. While the field coat has its routes in the military, the style of the jacket has become quite the utilitarian coat as well as a fashion trend. Laborers, hunters, hikers and outdoor adventurers often opt for the traditional field coat for its warmth and practicality’s while fashion fanatics appreciate the vintage style of the apparel.
Field Jacket FAQ
Q: What is a Field Jacket?
A: Similar to your trench coats, bomber jackets, and cargo pants, the field coat is one of those garments that was originally conceived for utilitarian purposes. Its intent was to keep soldiers warm while they were out in the field and to shield them from vicious sun rays during the more heated months. To add to the garment’s usefulness, it was loaded with pockets and zips so that wearing options were versatile and the pockets carried the numerous tools and weapons that soldiers had to equip themselves with. Today the field jacket has evolved to not only serve military forces but also to be a garment that’s worn as a basic day-to-day coat. It typically features 4 front pockets, a heavy front zip, cuffs and waist closures, and a hood. The fabric is made from durable cloth or canvas that keeps heat in and the cold out.
Q: How to wear a Field Jacket?
A: Field Jackets are best worn as casual attire, although there are a few designs that could pass to be acceptable enough for more semi-formal occasions. Bulkier field coats are perfect for winter and can accommodate many inner layers comfortably and your slimmer fit designs can be worn similar to a blazer over a thin shirt during summer months. Pair your jacket with a stylish pair of blue jeans for day-to-day casual attire or with a traditional pair of khakis for outdoor shenanigans.
Q: Are Field Jackets waterproof?
A: Authentic military jackets are water resistant, however, more modern designs that have been crafted for fashion purposes do not always include this feature. The more traditional the field coat the more likely it has been made from canvas or water-repellent fabric – best to check the garment’s label before making your purchase.
Q: How to care for a Field Jacket?
A: Your first step is to check the garment’s label for direction and recommended cleaning instructions. Many designs are conveniently machine washable and will cope with your regular washing detergent. If this is not the case, we recommend that you gently brush the jacket so that its free from dust and debris and then do a bit of spot cleaning with a mixture of lukewarm water and a gentle detergent in between dry-cleaning sessions. Store your field jacket in a wardrobe that has good ventilation and is free from insects, mold, and mildew.
Sources:
- M-1965 field jacket - Wikipedia
- The M-65 Field Coat - Alpha Industries
- How to Clean Military Canvas Jackets - eHow