Is it worth it?

[Pyrrhic]

Well I've been needing a new winter coat and I've decided to look into the N-2B and N-3B coats. Could anyone give me their opinion or a quick review on these coats please? Thanks.

http://www.uswings.com/images/spiewakN2B_225.jpg
(Parka)
http://www.uswings.com/images/spiewak-standN3B_225.jpg

[Hollis]

Well I've been needing a new winter coat and I've decided to look into the N-2B and N-3B coats. Could anyone give me their opinion or a quick review on these coats please? Thanks.


(Parka)



Really depends on

What are you going to use it for?

What type of weather conditions?

I use to have one (parka), very rarely used it.

[Pyrrhic]

I just need a winter coat. The coldest it got in my town this past weekend(with the windshield)was -32. I've been using a fleece jacket and a hoody and it isn't cutting it. I was just looking for a new jacket.

[Andreas]

You might want to think about basic layers. Wool as base layer ending with something windproof

[Pyrrhic]

You might want to think about basic layers. Wool as base layer ending with something windproof
I did that last year with a snowboarding jacket(no lining)and I just had a long sleeve shirt on. I just want to get a jacket that will be useful in cold weather.

[Andreas]

Well if its realy cold and not raining goose down is always a winner..

http://www.bikemagic.com/news/images/in041105_nuptse_big.jpg

Sometimes I want a whole suit made of down.

[Pyrrhic]

Thanks, I'll look into it.

[Andreas]

I just got me a down jacket on eBay for cheap..
It was lightly used. getting a North face one is crazy expensive...

Cheers
Andreas

[Vince S]

I have a US ECWS parka for two years now and with an Helly Hansen fleece I never got cold. Even when snowboarding in -40. Plus they are quite cheap on Ebay in almost new condition

[Creeper]

like Pvtvince I like to multi-layer,,;ile this bear jackett/pant with a Gore-tex upper and lower. I stay out longer while the civies go scrambling inside for cocoa and cookies.

http://www.rddusa.com/images/products/Army-Jacket/US-GI-Brown-Poly-Bear-Jacket-military.350.jpg

[California Joe]

Just ask your Mom for Chrissakes.

[StuRat]

Well if its realy cold and not raining goose down is always a winner..



Sometimes I want a whole suit made of down.


http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/images/seltbag.jpg
You can get them

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/selkbag-sleeping-bag-153211.php

[FuturPJ]

If it got to be -32 degrees your probably better off moving. I suggest Florida.

[TacoDelRio]

I just got me a down jacket on eBay for cheap..
It was lightly used. getting a North face one is crazy expensive...

Cheers
Andreas

They're not the most expensive. Rightfully so, made in the PRC...woot

[Andreas]

You can get them

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/selkbag-sleeping-bag-153211.php

I like the "fatsuit" the Norwegian Army sometimes uses..

I love this pic.

http://k43.pbase.com/v3/76/574376/2/49296155.mb28.jpg
courtesy of Marsuitor

Cheers
Andreas

[WKD]

I did that last year with a snowboarding jacket(no lining)and I just had a long sleeve shirt on. I just want to get a jacket that will be useful in cold weather.

No offence mate, but it didn't sound like you did that at all. I think he means putting wool against your skin, then say a sweatshirt (or some sort of mid-layering) and then a waterproof outer shell.

I have a North Face gortex jacket with some sort of removable fleece lining. Don't know what model it is, but it works well. Still, it doesn't get to -32 C down here. When it gets colder I haul out the Icebreaker first layers.

[Fauxban]

That was after all the original question...

Long ago I was issued an N3B parka, what a great garment!!! Comfortable, durable, warm (good down to -20° F actual), windproof & stylish!! I never met a gal who didn't wanna cuddle up inside it. Ours had wolf fur around the hood which worked great in blowing snow. All in all a magnificent coat for working the flightline or lookin' cool while stayin' warm.

I always wanted an N2B jacket, but those were only issued to aircrew, though some APs seemed to get 'em too. They just looked SOooo much cooler what with the split hood (think fur epaulets!!) & tight waist!! I managed to buy one surplus & immediately missed the warm in my nether regions!!! That N3B sure did keep the testes toasty, which, by design, the N2B didn't. That being said the N2B was MUCH more comfortable for wear in a vehicle but really required the D-1A flightpants to be comfortable when standing guard or working outside in the wind. The N3B's length was clearly superior in the comfort factor, but suffered in the mobility/flexibility category. The N3B was much better on a bike, in the absence of D-1As.

All three are useless in wet weather. They soak up rain & wet snow so that before you know it you're carrying twice your body weight in freezing water. I dropped myself off the bike & through the ice once, damn near didn't make it back to shore. At 17° F running cross country the parka froze in minutes. They wanted to cut it off me at the infirmary, I wouldn't let 'em.

I still have that N2B (& D-1A), just bought new cuffs & waistband for it, now gotta find a seamstress to do the work. They are dinosaurs, massively heavy, over-built & utterly bombproof. Approaching their half century they are overmatched by most modern clothing systems. Yet when its cold & dry, I reach for them to keep me warm while working. If its wet & VERY cold I'll throw the GoreTex over the N2B, seems to work so far.

NONE of the new N3Bs & N2Bs I've handled weigh anywhere near what my old warhorse does. It may well be the magic of modern materials will keep you comfy, but I have my doubts. I've seen lotsa cheap copies that didn't even come close to attempting to do the job. Most didn't last a winter. My old N3B protected me when I dropped a bike & slid downhill across way too much tarmac. I never felt a thing & the nylon on one elbow hadda be patched, otherwise good to go.

If your cold is dry, by all means go for either one. If its more wet, look at modern layering systems, more expensive, but arguably better in the long run.

If its a fashion statement you're after, an N2B is hard to beat!!

Just one man's experiences, from a very satisfied user since 1968.

[James]

Sometimes I want a whole suit made of down.

That sounds glorious.

[TacoDelRio]

Whammo: http://www.bask.info/catalog/downwear/downsuits/

BASK also has "extreme" tents. Maybe they scream when you put them up? Or they make wind stronger.

[Andreas]

That sounds glorious.

http://www.bask.ru/i/product/40/l/3424.jpg
Excellent.....

Gay color, but I still would like one