capt71
Member
I know Alpha Industries jackets have been discussed here a lot, but I just wanted to put in a couple of cents worth.
I have always liked the CWU 45/P and its styling a lot, and have wanted to acquire one. Having looked at the offerings on ebay and around the internet, I finally decided to go for an Alpha, repro CWU 45/P. I found an online store (not Alpha's) where many Alpha repros are offered, and the price was right for me. I just received the jacket today.
First, let me say that I am not a collector and my priority was never to exclusively possess a vintage military issue CWU 45--a nice repro at a decent price would suit me just fine. The jacket I chose was the "Replica Blue" (gunmetal, repro gray, black, and sage green were also offered). I am very pleased with my choice. The shell and interlining are of nylon, of course, with polyester fiber-fill insulation. The nylon material and stitching appear well done and sturdy. Two of the pencil pockets on the sleeve even have small plastic pen-point cap "protectors" in them. The zipper is not extremely smooth-running, but I can live with that (I think a little "lube" will help it). I had read that the Alphas fit a little on the small side, so since I normally take a "Large", I ordered "XL" and it fits perfectly (a "large" would have been too small for me). Therefore, if ordering a CWU 45 from Alpha, I'd recommend choosing at least one size up from what you normally wear ( I can't speak for their other type jackets).
In short, I'm very pleased with it. Of course, if, in the first rain it falls apart, I may change my mind
the photo shows the blue lighter than it actually is (it's about the same as the velcro patch).
I have always liked the CWU 45/P and its styling a lot, and have wanted to acquire one. Having looked at the offerings on ebay and around the internet, I finally decided to go for an Alpha, repro CWU 45/P. I found an online store (not Alpha's) where many Alpha repros are offered, and the price was right for me. I just received the jacket today.
First, let me say that I am not a collector and my priority was never to exclusively possess a vintage military issue CWU 45--a nice repro at a decent price would suit me just fine. The jacket I chose was the "Replica Blue" (gunmetal, repro gray, black, and sage green were also offered). I am very pleased with my choice. The shell and interlining are of nylon, of course, with polyester fiber-fill insulation. The nylon material and stitching appear well done and sturdy. Two of the pencil pockets on the sleeve even have small plastic pen-point cap "protectors" in them. The zipper is not extremely smooth-running, but I can live with that (I think a little "lube" will help it). I had read that the Alphas fit a little on the small side, so since I normally take a "Large", I ordered "XL" and it fits perfectly (a "large" would have been too small for me). Therefore, if ordering a CWU 45 from Alpha, I'd recommend choosing at least one size up from what you normally wear ( I can't speak for their other type jackets).
In short, I'm very pleased with it. Of course, if, in the first rain it falls apart, I may change my mind
the photo shows the blue lighter than it actually is (it's about the same as the velcro patch).
