It’s N-B3 Time!
- Brian Robinson
- Jan 24
- 4 min read
The cold blast gripping the nation this week has me reaching for my extreme-weather outerwear for the first time this season, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Recently, I set out on a mission to find a “new to me” winter coat that could handle the extreme cold while satisfying my love for vintage outerwear. Here’s the story:
January 2022: A Fresh Start
When the COVID lockdown finally ended, I, like so many others, was itching to make a move. I’d recently landed back in my hometown of Atlanta after spending twelve years overseas. But “The ATL” just wasn’t doing it for me anymore. Up to that point, I had only lived in tropical or subtropical climates—Atlanta, Savannah, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Kenya, Pakistan, Thailand—you get the picture: hot, HOT, HOT.
I’d finally had enough of the heat and decided to give four-season living a try. So, I packed my bags and moved north to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A Chilly Reality Check
Arriving in South Dakota, I quickly realized that finding a proper winter coat was no longer optional—it was a top priority. Sure, I’d brought a heavy jacket up from Atlanta, but I’d only ever worn it once or twice a year. And the cold in Atlanta? Nothing compared to what I was up against on the plains of Sioux Falls.
Bottom Line: I wasn’t prepared. So, what to do? When in Doubt, Call in the Military!
I’ve always had a soft spot for vintage military gear and knew that the U.S. military has a tradition of crafting top-notch outerwear for soldiers. I decided to start my search there.
I already own a few classic U.S. Army field jackets—the M-43, M-51, and M-65—and they’re all fantastic performers. But even with their removable linings, they wouldn’t be enough to combat the brutal temperatures of South Dakota’s prairie winters.
That’s when I stumbled upon the classic N-3B “Snorkel” Parka. Originally developed by the U.S. military in the 1950s to protect flight crews in extreme cold, the N-3B features a fur-lined hood that zips up to create a snug “snorkel” for your face. Rated to withstand temperatures as low as -60°F, it’s the kind of coat you wear when stepping outside could otherwise be life-threatening.
Finding The One
A few months into my search for the perfect N-3B, I came across a listing on Facebook Marketplace for a sweet-looking N-3B, priced at $250. Intrigued, I called the seller and arranged to see the coat later that day. The address led me to an assisted living community not far from my home. I arrived and was greeted by a small, white-haired man in his seventies. It didn’t take long to confirm my suspicion—this gentleman was a veteran and he enthusiastically shared with me the story about how the coat had been issued to him in 1962 while he was stationed at Glasgow Air Force Base in Montana. He had kept it stored as a memento of his time in the service for 60 years.
When he showed me the coat, I was blown away. It was a 1961 contract N-3B, manufactured by Skyline Clothing Corporation, complete with the original coyote fur-trimmed hood. The interior featured a 60% wool, 40% cotton blend for insulation beneath the weather-resistant nylon shell. Best of all, it was in outstanding condition and a wearable size—a Medium!
After a bit of negotiation, the coat was mine and the old gent was excited that it was going to a good home where it would be appreciated. It has been my go-to arctic weather coat ever since, and its performance is nothing short of extraordinary. Just this week, I wore it on a 30-minute walk in single-digit weather and started to break a sweat. That’s how warm it is.
Perhaps the most important feature for the Midwest is the nylon shell—it cuts the wind like nothing else. Up here, it’s not just the cold that gets you; it’s the wind. Trust me on this.
N-3B Variants and Tips
If you’re interested in an N-3B, you’ll find plenty of options online, both vintage and new, catering to a variety of climates and preferences. Ralph Lauren has offered a few versions under the Denim & Supply line that I like. My friends at Americana Pipedream Apparel occasionally stock military surplus versions as well.
Keep in mind, the insulation material makes all the difference in warmth. The wool/cotton blend found in true vintage U.S. military versions is exceptionally warm. However, later civilian variants with synthetic insulation might not provide the same level of cold-weather protection. If protection from extreme cold is what you are looking for, word to the wise: Do your research before buying.
If you’re facing winter’s worst this season, consider an N-3B—it might just become your go-to arctic armor.
Brian Robinson
IG: cwoodcockandco
Over 35 years, working in industry and government, I’ve curated my experience in a way that brings a singular perspective to my pursuits.
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