>>2306966I hate wearing shells unless I need them to block wind, prevent massive quantities of rain, or abrasion. It is much easier to be flexible without it, as well as breathe better. Fleece dries fast and wool as I said before sheds light water super well. Snow will melt right off it.
Those Filson lumberjacks weren't wearing that ridiculous waxed duck shit a hundred years ago, and chopping down trees. They were using the mackinaw cruiser.
For surplus, I much prefer the British CS95. It's a polycarbonate. The weave is tighter, and it dries fast and very good at blocking water. You could also wax the thing and essentially have a fjallraven. Look up their fabric content, as it's identical. It still breathes well, weighs much less, has four pockets.
I don't think it would be as durable as the m65. Nylon is stronger than polyester, and the liner in m65 will prevent premature elbow abrasion for example. But it's plenty durable, and I'd say as good as fjallraven. Cs95 is made in UK. Their newer version is made in China but very similar to the 1995 design.
Also note, the cs95 has longer length and better at shedding water, but I think m65 holds shit better. Pockets are better in cs95 and the slotted Canadian buttons are the most durable button design, but it puts too much weight on the shoulders to stuff the pockets.
