having given it 24 hrs to paw over, and give it a washing machine once over, here is what I have to write. as previously written, the jacket arrived from the uk to my door in 2 days. Emma at sof was very helpful and prompt in answering my questions regarding sizing.. I can only compare the jacket to pix, as I have never handled an original. that said, the sof jacket looks to be spot on. the weight is appx 2 kilos [5 pounds], so it has heft without being cumbersome. the cotton twill material is a medium weight canvas type material, and feels as though it will have a long life of real wear. the stitching is tight, in line, and looks as though it will hold under stress. these jackets are over sized to some degree, presumably to go over lotsa gear. so, the size medium that I purchased will easily fit a size 40, 42, even a hefty size 42. the insy-outsy poc
kets will need some getting used to, same with the belt. cinching the belt is easy but I will probably get some kind of quick release set up for the belt ends. since it is in the 40s early am I wore it outside and it would seem that the insulating interior blanket will work in colder weather. in order to wear the jacket in rain or snow, it will get the waterproof treatment that was recommended. my only beef, and minor one at that is the cheesy plastic white buttons on the whits side of the jacket. bfd. all in all I am delighted with this parka in terms of quality, fidelity to pix of originals, service, and fit. there are no tags on the jacket, anywhere, so I have no idea as to where it was made. some crappy pix, but you get the idea. btw: if sof made this parka in the marsh pattern, I would get one in a heart beat.