How Cold Can you Go?

Submitted by SFC(ret) Paul S. Riggs

I recently purchased a "Mickey-mouse" (shorty) extreme cold weather flyers parka with a lie down fur hood.  This jacket is very lightweight, and I believe it is the warmest winter jacket I have ever bought or owned.  The other day I ordered the "longer” style.  The color is sage.  If it is anything like the shorty, I know I will be very pleased.  I would highly recommend either or both to ALL my retired Aviation Buddies.

ED -- The jacket, I believe, that you're refering to is the N2-B extreme cold weather jacket (parka) pictured above.  Rated to -40 degrees it would appear to be plenty warm for most outdoor applications.  I've never had one of these, but I have thought about picking one up from time to time.  Has anyone had any experience with this jacket, or it's longer brother, the N3-B?

According to US Wings they retail at $129 each, though I have seen them in surplus stores for much less.  I would caution you though, be careful what you purchase.  This is a very popular jacket for knock-offs.

Check out the N2-B here.

Comments

[juan g.]

i actually have a n2b canvas parka. (grey) if anyone is interested. never used. its pretty big. but its not the long version

this is the one i got:
http://www.rakuten.co.jp/miyoshiya-net/452632/813183/

[Chris]

In the late '80s early '90s while stationed at Ellsworth AFB I was issued the long version for the missle field while the gate guards got the shorty. They are great coats and I'd love to have one. We all hated it when the Gortex jackets came on line. Everybody thought Gortex was the wonder fabric but as we know now its no better than a raincoat. I would usually wear my field jacket with liner instead of the gortex.

[Sam L.]

Sportsman's Guide is selling the long version currently--not mil-spec, I'm sure (it says Mil-Spec(TM)):
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=411175

[Pete]

I used the long parka through four winters in Anchorage. It was very warm and comfortable. The it had four big pockets I could stuff my gloves, watch cap, and other accessories into when I wasn't wearing them. Eventually though I wore my field jacket and thermal underwear with my BDUs unless the temperature went below 20 degrees. Then I broke out the parka.

[Ron]

I was stationed in North Dakota twice. I flew with with the N2B. It was good for that purpose. I also had an N3B that was better when out of the cockpit walking around.
The older ones with the wolf
fur were than the ones with
the synthetic.

[Dave McIntire]

I have the longer of the two parkas that I use for snow blowing or plowing in Maine. Excellent for cold weather, very warm w/good sized pockets. The older ones have real fur around the hood, newer ones, synthetic fur. I'm not sure what the inner material is but if there is one negative it is also heavy in the pure weight of the coat. The outer material is kind of a cotton so it is not water resistant like some of the newer materials. Good coat! I've worn the shorter of the two but like the long parka, it covers the back and butt better.