Alpha Industries M-65 Field Jacket vs Rothco Vintage Lightweight M-65 Field Jacket

Buy the Alpha M-65 Heritage if you want the real military-spec field coat: water- and wind-resistant shell, concealed hood, wire zipper, and room to layer a liner in. Buy the Rothco Vintage Lightweight if you want a soft washed-cotton M-65 for mild days and light layering. The Alpha is the heavier, more weatherproof jacket and is the better-reviewed of the two. The Rothco is lighter and softer out of the bag, but it sheds less rain and has no real cold-weather role on its own.

• Choose the Alpha M-65 Heritage if you want a wind- and water-resistant field coat built to military spec that can take a liner and carry you from fall into winter.
• Choose the Rothco Vintage Lightweight if you want a soft, broken-in cotton M-65 for spring and fall wear over a tee or light hoodie.