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Rothco M-65 Field Jacket vs Rothco Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Jacket

Both are Rothco M-65 field jackets, but they are built for different weather. The classic M-65 (Style 8527) is the authentic military cut: water-repellent cotton/poly shell, removable quilted liner, brass zipper and storm flap. The Soft Shell Tactical M-65 (Style 5244) trades the liner for a waterproof 3-layer polyester shell with fleece lining, so it handles rain and wind better but has no removable insulation. Buyers who want the real M-65 look and a jacket that adapts from fall to winter should take the classic. Buyers who want one lightweight, weatherproof shell for wet, windy days should take the soft shell.

  • Choose the classic M-65 if you want the authentic military field jacket with a removable quilted liner that lets you wear it across seasons.
  • Choose the Soft Shell Tactical M-65 if you want a lighter, fully waterproof shell with a fleece lining for rain and wind.

Prices

  • Rothco M-65 Field Jacket: $68.99 at ShopCGX (last seen Nov 13)
  • Rothco Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Jacket: $59.98 at Opentip.com (checked today)
  • Difference: the Rothco Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Jacket is $9.01 cheaper than the Rothco M-65 Field Jacket at the latest prices (Nov 13 and Nov 14)
Rothco
Rothco Mens M-65 Field Jacket

Rothco M-65 Field Jacket

Rothco Mens M-65 Field Jacket

4.3(11 ratings)
$68.99at ShopCGXChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit ShopCGX
Pros
  • Authentic M-65 military specification cut
  • Removable liner extends the wearing range
  • Durable cotton/poly shell with brass zipper
  • Four roomy pleated cargo pockets
Cons
  • Only water-repellent, not waterproof
  • Heavier and bulkier than the soft shell
  • Limited size range, XS to XL
Rothco
Rothco Mens Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Field Jacket

Rothco Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Jacket

Rothco Mens Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Field Jacket

3.5(2 ratings)
$59.98at Opentip.comChecked 6 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Opentip.com
Pros
  • Waterproof 3-layer shell handles rain and wind
  • Lightweight and breathable for active use
  • Fleece lining adds warmth without bulk
  • Drawstrings at waist, hood and hem fine-tune the fit
Cons
  • No removable liner, so less flexible across seasons
  • Polyester shell lacks the classic cotton M-65 feel
  • Fleece lining can run warm in mild weather

What separates them

Rothco M-65 Field JacketRothco Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Jacket
Shell fabricWater-repellent cotton/poly blend100% polyester soft shell, waterproof
InsulationRemovable poly quilted linerFixed inner fleece lining, no removable liner
Weather protectionRepels wind and light rainWaterproof 3-layer shell that blocks wind and wicks moisture
HoodConcealable drawstring hood stored in collar via brass zipperConcealed hood with drawstring
Front closureHeavy brass zipper with six-button storm flapZipper front with snap-up storm flap
Fit adjustmentHook and loop wrist cuffs, internal hook tabsHook and loop cuffs, drawstring waist, hood and bottom
PocketsFour snap pleated bellow cargo pocketsFour snap-up chest and waist pockets
Weight and breathabilityHeavier, warmer with liner inLightweight and breathable

Price history

  • Rothco M-65 Field Jacket: lowest $114.99 on Nov 13 at Amazon.
  • Rothco Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Jacket: lowest $59.98 on Nov 14 at Opentip.com.

Prices at every store

Rothco M-65 Field Jacket

  • ShopCGXNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $68.99Checked Nov 13
    Visit ShopCGX
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Army Universe

    $125.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Walmart
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $114.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 3 stores and price history →

Rothco Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Jacket

  • SERGEANT BEN ARMY NAVY STORENew

    In stockReturn policy

    $88.99Checked 6 h ago
    Visit SERGEANT BEN ARMY NAVY STORE
  • Opentip.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $59.98Checked 6 h ago
    Visit Opentip.com
  • CampSaver.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $85.39Checked 6 h ago
    Visit CampSaver.com
  • ApparelnBags.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $88.40Checked 6 h ago
    Visit ApparelnBags.com
All 14 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecRothco M-65 Field JacketRothco Soft Shell Tactical M-65 Jacket
Clothing SizeXS—
Actual ColorNavy Blue—
colorNavy Blue—
sizeXS—

What reviewers say

Rothco M-65 Field Jacket

  • 4.3 / 511 ratings

Owners rate the Rothco M-65 well overall, calling it a solid, warm reproduction of the classic field jacket. The main complaints are that it fits small and that the fabric handles light rain but not a downpour.

What people mention
  • FitCriticisedBuyers say it runs small and recommend sizing up.
  • WarmthPraisedThe removable quilted liner keeps wearers warm in cold weather.
  • Weather protectionMixedThe shell sheds light rain and wind but soaks through in heavy rain.
  • BuildMixedThe brass zipper and snaps feel sturdy but stiff when new.

Questions and answers

Which is warmer?
The classic M-65 with its quilted liner in is warmer for cold, dry days. The soft shell's fleece lining is warm for its weight but is fixed, so it cannot be layered up or down.
Which handles rain better?
The Soft Shell Tactical M-65. Its 3-layer polyester shell is waterproof. The classic M-65 is only water-repellent and will soak through in sustained rain.
Which looks more like a real military jacket?
The classic M-65. It follows the original 1965 Army and Marine Corps pattern, with the brass zipper, storm flap and pleated bellow pockets. The soft shell keeps the M-65 silhouette but uses modern tactical fabric.
Is the soft shell worth stepping up to?
If you ride, hike or commute in wet, windy weather, yes. If you want one jacket for cold fall and winter days and prefer the classic look, the standard M-65 is the better fit.
Which is easier to pack?
The soft shell. It is lighter and less bulky, and it has no removable liner to carry separately.
Do both have a hood?
Yes. Both have a concealable hood with a drawstring that stows in the collar.

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