Featured Observation- Cheap Cold Weather Accessory.

I've been using this bit of old USGI kit as an under-layer on colder days lately. It's an old US-Issue Field Jacket Liner. I have to say, it works exceptionally well beating back the cold and the wind. It doesn't restrict movement either, unless your outer-layer is really tight. They're thinly quilted, so they form a whole other blanketed layer of insulation. I've been using mine for the last couple months or so and when you need that extra garment layer for a colder ride, these things are remarkable. I've had mine packed away for years and I ran across it unboxing after a recent move so I thought I'd throw it in w/the riding gear for the upcoming winter months and see what's what. Total win.

Many European militaries issued these and they're all basically similar so if you're interested you can shop around for your own "native variant." The Brit Forces one is longer and more coat-like than the US one, which is more jacket-like. The Finnish Army issued very high quality ones that IIRC have pockets. USGI variants are really cheap, like 12 bucks or so. There are commercial "fashion statement" copies too that are quite pricey. Go with the cheap, proven, garden variety mil-issue type.

Just passing this along. Great piece of gear.

(stock photo)

 

I have one of these - came with my M65 - it’s very warm in the jacket and makes the overall jacket very versatile . Thanks to Golgotha - I’ll give it a try on my next ride

 

Golgotha.
Just gave me a brain wane. I have a old leather i wanted to pad out. So i may get one and try to find a good tailor to stitch it in for me.
Joe.

 

I have been wearing the smoking jacket for years on the bike. I have 2, one is the standard length for a field jacket and the other is the long version designed for the old extreme cold weather parka. The longer one is better for colder days since it stays tucked in to your pants but the standard one is a good fit under any jacket. A plus is they weigh almost nothing and you can stuff one into a saddle bag or backpack without wasting much space. If you can find them they also have the old field pants liners that button down the outside so you can add or remove a layer under your pants without having to take your boots off.

 

No need to have it stitched in. Field Jacket liners have button holes down the front and at the sleeves. Just add a few buttons in the right spots inside your jacket and you can add or remove the liner as needed.

 

There’s a place in Tucson called Miller’s Surplus that has lots of old military type gear. I’ll have to make a trip down there to see if they have something like this. Great idea, @Golgotha. I especially like the fact that it balls up into a small space so I can throw it in my Speed Triple tail bag or my Fat Boy swing arm bag easily.

 

https://rangerjoes.com/field-jacket-liner/

 

^ You pay $31 for one of those things and you're getting ass-r*ped, full stop. Go used on eBay. $10-$20.

If you're going to pay that kind of money, go with the Finnish Army issue one on Varusteleka.com. You'll save on shipping to European addresses too. They're still $10 cheaper than Ranger Joe's.

https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-jacket-liner/63730


@Ray Marshall - FYI- Varusteleka.com is a one stop shop source of great milsurp gear for camping. They got the best of nearly everything from numerous countries' military field kit. Cold weather, shelter, sleeping gear, cooking gear, etc, etc, etc. Figure that most of this type of gear is designed to be carried on a guy's back in a rucksack over long distances. Minimizing weight and size are a big consideration, which makes much of it ideal for motorcycle camping trips. If you can browse that site and not spend $100 you're more a man than me.

These jacket liners would be great piece of gear to lounge around the campsite in after a day of riding too.

 

I got mine from CIF for free.

 

Great tip!!! I rushed off onto the first UK military surplus site I could find. Item arrived at weekend but unfortunately it must be built for a far stockier built person than me. Body length good but way to wide and sleeves ended up halfway between elbows and wrists.

That said just trying it on I could see how it would be a great lightweight insulating layer. Oh well, if there are different manufacturers out there I'll try other sites and see if I can find a better fit, other wise I'll have to chop the arms off one and and use it as a body warmer under my jacket.

 

Try Varusteleka.com.