{"title":"History of the N-3B Snorkel Parka","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:19px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:52px;wocalc:52px;hcalc:38px;rend_px_area:14364;\" cwidth=\"756\"\u003eA parka is a popular, warm, functional and stylish hooded coat that’s often lined with faux fur. It was invented by the Caribou Inuits using caribou or sometimes seals skin and it kept the freezing winds and arctic temperatures from their faces as the Inuit’s hunted. These parkas often need to be coated with fish oil to retain their waterproof qualities which must have smelled disgusting! Thankfully, away from the arctic we don’t have to go to such extraordinary lengths but we can still look great and be warm in a fashionable parka. Although it was initially designed for men it became, and remains, hugely popular with women wearers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:19px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:52px;wocalc:52px;hcalc:38px;rend_px_area:14364;\" cwidth=\"756\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2500\/files\/841432_480x480.jpg?v=1607812958\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:96px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:98px;wocalc:98px;hcalc:816px;rend_px_area:72576;\" cwidth=\"756\"\u003eIn 1945, the U.S. Army Air Force issued the Jacket, Aircrew, Heavy, Type N-3, the first of a long line of very successful N-3 style parkas. The N-3 evolved into the N-3B by 1958, described as \"for aircrew members in extremely cold environments.\" The N-3B was a single breasted, four pocket, 3\/4 length parka with an outer layer of nylon twill (typically sage green), insulated with a layer of wool pile fabric and lined with nylon cloth. The integrated parka hood was fur-trimmed, mouton lined. The N-3B is also known as a \"Snorkel Parka\" because the hood can be zipped up, leaving only a small opening (the snorkel) for looking out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:96px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:98px;wocalc:98px;hcalc:816px;rend_px_area:72576;\" cwidth=\"756\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2500\/files\/parka-coat-history_480x480.jpg?v=1607797625\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:96px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:98px;wocalc:98px;hcalc:816px;rend_px_area:72576;\" cwidth=\"756\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe N-3 Parka evolved through a series of specification changes, starting with the original 1945 issue. The first model of \"Jacket, Aircrew, Heavy, Attached Hood, Type N-3\" was labeled \"Specification No. 3110\" and had an olive green nylon outer, wolf fur rim on beaver lined hood, and was wool mouton insulated with a nylon inner lining. Around 1950, after the U.S. Air Force separated from the Army, the model became N-3A, the specification became MIL-J-6279 and the nylon outer was USAF blue in color. By 1958 the parka was known as the N-3B, under specification MIL-J-6279A and was grey in color.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp cwidth=\"756\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:96px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:90px;wocalc:90px;hcalc:912px;rend_px_area:72576;\"\u003eThe N-3 Parka evolved through a series of specification changes, starting with the original 1945 issue. The first model of \"Jacket, Aircrew, Heavy, Attached Hood, Type N-3\" was labeled \"Specification No. 3110\" and had an olive green nylon outer, wolf fur rim on beaver lined hood, and was wool mouton insulated with a nylon inner lining. Around 1950, after the U.S. Air Force separated from the Army, the model became N-3A, the specification became MIL-J-6279 and the nylon outer was USAF blue in color. By 1958 the parka was known as the N-3B, under specification MIL-J-6279A and was grey in color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" cwidth=\"756\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:96px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:90px;wocalc:90px;hcalc:912px;rend_px_area:72576;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2500\/files\/usaf-snorkel-parka-n3b-extreme-cold_1_5ed13abf479dbf7d63dd30cdf078adac_480x480.jpg?v=1607813486\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-script=\"\/\/widgets.outbrain.com\/outbrain.js\" class=\"ezlazyloaded\" data-expand=\"100\" ezoid=\"0.31555521632747685\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp cwidth=\"756\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:64px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:89px;wocalc:89px;hcalc:624px;rend_px_area:48384;\"\u003eThe specification continued to evolve from MIL-J-6279B and by the 1970s the color changed to Sage Green under MIL-J-6279F. By then the insulating layer was changed to a warmer, lighter polyester padding. The nomenclature also evolved, becoming \"Jacket, Flying, Man's Nylon Twill, Sage Green USAF 1511, Type N-3B\" by the time of MIL-J-6279F in 1964. The FSN for this version was 8415-269-0421 in size Extra Large.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp cwidth=\"756\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:64px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:89px;wocalc:89px;hcalc:592px;rend_px_area:48384;\"\u003eThe Jacket specification became a Parka specification, called MIL-P-6279, and continuing to evolve to MIL-P-6279J in the 1980s. The nomenclature was then \"Parka, Extreme Cold Weather, Type N-3B.\" The hood fur had changed slowly from the original wolf and beaver, to coyote, and finally to synthetics. The NSN range appears to be 8415-00-376-1657 to -17xx. In size Large, the NSN is 8415-00-376-1710.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp cwidth=\"756\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:64px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:83px;wocalc:83px;hcalc:560px;rend_px_area:48384;\"\u003eAs of 2009, the specification for Parka, Extreme Cold Weather, Type N-3B is MIL-DTL-6279M, published 9 Dec 2003, a very long run for an item of military clothing. For the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), the N3B Parka can be replaced with NSN 8415-01-228-13xx, the Gortex \"Parka, Cold Weather, Camouflage\" along with its liner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp cwidth=\"756\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:64px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:83px;wocalc:83px;hcalc:560px;rend_px_area:48384;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2500\/files\/Alpha-Industries-N3B-Parka-Review-Origins_480x480.jpg?v=1607809510\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp cwidth=\"756\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:48px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:67px;wocalc:67px;hcalc:528px;rend_px_area:36288;\"\u003eThe N-3B Parka is usually worn with the matching F1B trousers, which evolved along with the parka. Later versions of the trousers are known as \"Trousers, Extreme Cold Weather\" (MIL-T-6284) with NSNs in the range 8415-00-394-3598 to 8415-00-394-3619.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp cwidth=\"756\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:48px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:72px;wocalc:72px;hcalc:496px;rend_px_area:36288;\"\u003eIn the same period as the N-3B developed, the N-2B \"Jacket, Flying, Man's Heavy\" was also fielded, similar to the N-3B but waist length. Both jackets are worn by U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy aircrews as well as others who may acquire them for cold weather duty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" cwidth=\"756\" eza=\"cwidth:756px;;cheight:48px;;wcalc_source:child;wcalc:72px;wocalc:72px;hcalc:496px;rend_px_area:36288;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2500\/files\/140_480x480.jpg?v=1607813732\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with many military garments the N-3B parka was copied and sold to civilian designers and manufacturers and they rose in popularity although the only colour that anyone could buy was sage green. If people opted to get their parka from ex-military clothing stores they had the benefit that they’d be really thick and combat ready, not that civilians needed the second feature but they enjoyed the extra warmth. During the 1970’s and into the 1980’s parkas often bore bright orange quilted padding which became synonymous with them (less so, the yellow, green and blue linings) and there was more choice for the exterior colour, people could choose bright orange, maroon, grey, black, brown, navy, sky blue or the sage green. In the late 1980’s the poor old snorkel parka became unfairly associated with nerdy people, geeks and the term “anorak” was used in a derogatory way. As the image took hold, there was a decline in the parka’s popularity. But that’s not the end of the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsider Oasis at the height of their music careers in the 1990’s and Liam Gallagher wearing parkas as part of their image of coolness, rock edginess and confidence. They brought the parka right back to where it belonged, at centre stage. Most of the parkas of the 1990’s harked back to the 1950’s designs and indie music fans jumped at the chance to wear their idol’s style of clothes and this added to their parent’s nostalgia for what they used to wear and younger children who wanted to fit in with the trends of the day meant that the glorious parka was an extremely popular fashion item again. The parka remains a firm favourite with designers, on the high street all over europe and north america.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2500\/files\/n-3b-parka-heritage-not-live-as_8_1024x1024_13dccf29-858f-43e3-973d-317d3fc77779_480x480.jpg?v=1607813176\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"vintage-us-gi-n3b-arctic-parka-rare","title":"Vintage US GI Military N3B Arctic Snorkel Parka with Fur Trim Hood","description":"\u003cp\u003eA mainstay of Air Force Extreme gear, the N3 B Parka has been serving far-flung reaches of the Air Force on the ground and in the air. One of the warmest jackets on earth, it is effective and functional. It has a split- snorkel hood that deflects the harshest winds and zips open and snaps down when not in use. Your face is completely hidden behind the fur. It has a drawstring at the waist to cinch tie to reduce heat loss. Heavy natural lining with fleece snorkel generally of fur or shearling. A rare and quality find.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Camolots","offers":[{"title":"Small \/ Used Good","offer_id":31751945879632,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Small \/ Near New \/ Used Excellent","offer_id":27674984808528,"sku":"GIN3B","price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Used Good","offer_id":31751946338384,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Near New \/ Used Excellent","offer_id":27674984841296,"sku":"GIN3B","price":300.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large \/ Used Good","offer_id":31751946534992,"sku":null,"price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large \/ Near New \/ Used Excellent","offer_id":31547320041552,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2500\/files\/US_GI_N3B_Arctic_Parka_A.png?v=1765911081"},{"product_id":"alpha-n-3b-slim-fit-parka","title":"Alpha N-3B Slim Fit Parka","description":"\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePRODUCT DETAILS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAlpha's classic N-3B parka with channel quilted lining for Extreme Cold Weather situations in a contemporary standard fit with contrast lining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMale Model Information:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHeight: 6'0'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChest: 36'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWaist: 30'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSize: L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"tc-mt-5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBENEFITS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"color-light\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWater Resistant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"color-light\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003che\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFEATURES\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"color-light\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSnorkel hood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemovable faux fur around hood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFaux mouton lined hood \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuckled hood adjuster\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannel quilted lining \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStorm flap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMA-1 utility pocket on sleeve \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignature red \"Remove Before Flight\" flag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSleeve shirring \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo exterior handwarmer pockets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo lower flap pockets \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne interior patch pocket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOttoman knit cuffs \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/he\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"tc-mt-5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePRODUCT SPECS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"color-light\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFIT:\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alphaindustries.com\/pages\/fit-advisor\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.alphaindustries.com\/pages\/fit-advisor\"\u003eSlim\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLENGTH: Thigh\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRECOMMENDED WEATHER: Extreme Cold Weather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"color-light\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"tc-mt-5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFABRIC\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"color-light\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSHELL: 100% Flight nylon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLINING: 100% Nylon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFILL: 100% Polyester\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"color-light\"\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"tc-mt-5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRECOMMENDED CARE INSTRUCTIONS\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"color-light\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDry clean only. Remove fur before dry cleaning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePRODUCT HISTORY\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur very first style. The N-3B was created to protect Air Force members from extreme weather conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alpha Industries","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ XS","offer_id":41543273021638,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ SM","offer_id":41543273054406,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ MD","offer_id":41543273087174,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ LG","offer_id":41543273119942,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ XL","offer_id":41543273152710,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 2X","offer_id":41543273185478,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 3X","offer_id":41543273218246,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OD \/ XS","offer_id":41543283802310,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OD \/ SM","offer_id":41543283835078,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OD \/ MD","offer_id":41543283867846,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OD \/ LG","offer_id":41543283900614,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OD \/ XL","offer_id":41543283933382,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OD \/ 2X","offer_id":41543283966150,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"OD \/ 3X","offer_id":41543283998918,"sku":"MJN31211C1","price":249.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2500\/products\/slim-fit-n-3b-parka-not-live-as-of-11020-outerwear-blackorange-wbrown-fur-2xl-376246_1080x1080_b22fd229-1007-4fe9-b5b7-cc7490e580ca.jpg?v=1644000720"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/2500\/collections\/3b-snorkel-parka-genuine-usaf-issue_360_e085498fc4ec24d222cdc5857a02c94d.jpg?v=1612041478","url":"https:\/\/www.camolots.com\/collections\/history-of-the-n-3b-snorkel-parka\/flight-jacket.oembed","provider":"camoLOTS.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}