5/26/11 - The Smokin' Sweater Full Zip from 782 Gear is a modern take on the classic M-65 Field Jacket liner. It's specifically designed as a jacket liner, and not as a stand-alone jacket.

782 Gear is based in Fall River, MA with remote offices in WA and NOVA, and was started from the inspiration of those who put their lives on the line each day in the defense of this nation's freedom. Their products are developed for such professionals, who demand comfort and performance from their clothing and equipment. The name '782 gear' is what Marines called their individual field equipment as they had to sign for it on the standard Marine Corps Form 782, which is no longer in use. Old traditions die hard, which brings up 782 Gear's slogan: 'Tradition Meets Innovation'. 782 Gear uses the latest in materials to produce their gear, which is not surprising since 782 Gear is a division of Duro Textiles, LLC, which is one of the country's largest dyers, printers, finishers and distributors ot textile products. Duro produces all of Crye's MultiCam fabrics. Duro, in turn, is owned by Patriarch Partners LLC (Lynn Tilton's company), who is credited with turning MD Helicopters around.

Description - The Smokin' Sweater Full Zip is a jacket liner, reminiscent of the classic M-65 field jacket liner. It's not meant to be buttoned or zipped into any particular jacket; just worn underneath for added insulation. The Smokin' Sweater is not intended to be worn for extended time as a stand-alone jacket. Worn by itself, it's more for hanging out inside the wire as 'lounge' warmth, hence the 'Smokin'' name. Its intent is to fill the function of the old M-65 field jacket liner but with the added utility of the zipper and high warth-to-weight ratio insulation using both Primaloft Sport and Climashield® Neo. The Smokin' Sweater also comes in a 1/4 zip pullover version.

There's also an outerwear version designed as a stand-alone jacket, called the 'Reprieve'. This has 4oz Climashield® APEX insulation (double that of the Smokin' Sweater) and has a Schoeller Nanosphere DWR shell. There are other products in 782 Gear's Smokin' Midlayer line, like a vest, hooded poncho (Kloke) and chaps (pants).

Coyote side out

Pit vent

MultiCam side out

• Collar - Low rider crew neck for less bulk under uniforms or other layers.
• Full front zip - The full front zip is reversible
• Open underarms - The underarms are open with a large vent to reduced bulk and maximum ventilation where it's needed the most.
• Hidden chest pocket - There's a zippered chest pocket on the left side (right side on the inside).

Collar details

Rear of collar

Chest pocket

Open underarm

Sizing, fit etc - I'd say that the Smokin' Sweater fits very similar to the M-65 field jacket liner; it's a relaxed fit. It also feels less bulky and somewhat lighter. As mentioned above, the sleeves are short, so when worn alone, expect the wrists to be exposed if you have longer arms. The jacket is cut short so that it does not extend below the bottom hem of an outer shell.

General notes and thoughts - The Smokin' Sweater doesn't have the distinctive quilt pattern of the M-65 liner. Instead, it has eight small X-shaped bartacks placed sewn through all layers to keep the major panels of Climashield insulation in place. Since the Climashield insulation is a continuous fliament, as opposed to , it doesn't clump, shift or migrate like other insulation fillings, hence the quilting is not needed. The Climashield pretty springy, and wants to retain its loft after being compressed. I can roll the Smokin' Sweater into a 6" diameter ball, and it's easily stuffed into the crevases in a pack.

The nylon ripstop shell fabric is very light weight and breathable, and allows air to pass through with some resistance. It's not designed as a wind-stopping jacket though; you'll want to have a wind-proof outer shell if you're going to use it in cold, blustery weather. I did my usual test of insulated jackets by using the Smokin' Sweater under a mesh motorcycle jacket on early morning commutes in chilly weather. The mesh summer jacket allows air to flow through, and I can see how well the jacket underneath blocks the wind. With the Smokin' Sweater, I could definitely feel some airflow. I switched to a leather motorcycle jacket with no vents, and the Sweater was a lot warmer, keeping all the warmth in.

The open underarms are great - I was initially skeptical of the concept, but found that the underarms really tend to be the one place that will overheat first, and that ventilation in that area is needed. I actually wouldn't mind it if they increased the size of the cutout on the arm side. With the arms at my side, I didn't find cold wind to enter in through the arm vents when I wore the Smokin' Sweater by itself. I'd use the Smokin' Sweater for casual use by itself. As I mentioned before, it's not really designed for hard use as a stand-alone jacket. Since it's a liner, it doesn't have any handwarmer pockets, but it's cut short enough so that I can stick my hands in my pants pockets.

The short sleeves end before the wrists, so I had no issues closing the velcro tabs on my external jacket. There is also no interference with gloves from added bulk. One thing I would mind having is a small pull tab inside the sleeve which I can grab while putting on a shell over the Smokin' Sweater. As it is right now, I grab the end of the sleeve so it doesn't ride up my arm when donning the outer jacket or shell. If jacket liner is what you're looking for, for use under a hard shell or other jacket, the Smokin' Sweater should work very well to provide an additional measure of warmth.