Antarctic Issued Green Military Cold Weather N-3B Parkas, Vintage 1990s
$99.99–$219.99Price range: $99.99 through $219.99
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These N3B extreme cold weather parkas were issued to US Navy personnel serving with the Naval Antarctic Support Unit (NASU) and Operation Deep Freeze in the 1990s, and were found in storage on an Antarctic base over 20 years later!
Please read the condition description before purchasing.
The Antarctic Issued Military N-3B Parka is designed to be worn in sustained, below-freezing conditions. This extreme cold weather parka is the warmest US military parka that is worn by our soldiers, and these particular parkas were left in Antarctica by naval air detachments in the 1990s.
While we cannot confirm that every parka has identical specifications- particularly since many of the tags are heavily faded -we believe the majority share the following construction: manufactured by Greenbrier Industries, with a 50% nylon / 50% cotton outer shell and a 100% polyester lining.
Example: this particular parka has ‘CNSFA’ stenciled on the back
Many of these parkas feature US Navy acronyms stenciled on the back. These markings tell you something about the parka’s story, and who may have worn it in the past.
Examples of these acronyms are:
CNSFA: Commander Naval Support Force Antarctica
NSFA: Naval Support Force Antarctica
NASU: Naval Antarctic Support Unit
Condition Description:
These N-3B Extreme Cold Weather Parkas are genuine U.S. military surplus and were manufactured in the United States. While all are fully functional, they may show signs of storage or previous use, such as wrinkles, a soldier’s name, minor stains, or professional repairs. Each parka has been carefully inspected, graded, and priced according to its overall condition.
Brand New: These parkas are in pristine, unworn condition and may not include the original tags. Due to long-term storage, they may have a few loose threads or very minor storage marks or stains.
Excellent: These parkas show extremely light signs of wear and have no patches or repairs. They may have loose threads, minor staining and/or fading from use and storage.
Very Good: These parkas show light signs of wear, which may include UV fading, small or less noticeable stains, or other minor cosmetic imperfections, such as subtle repairs. They have no major visible damage and remain in excellent condition.
Good: These parkas show moderate signs of wear, which may include noticeable UV fading, repaired rips or tears, staining, or other cosmetic imperfections. Repairs may be visible. Some parkas may benefit from dry cleaning.
Fair: These parkas show moderate to heavy signs of wear, which may include obvious repairs, worn edges, significant staining, noticeable fading, or other cosmetic imperfections. They may benefit from dry cleaning.
This extreme cold weather parka is fully lined with a water-repellent exterior and this coat will keep you warm in the world’s coldest conditions. It features a drawstring adjustable hood with a faux fur ruff, and drawstring adjustable waist. There are two breast double buttoned pockets and two front single pockets.
When worn over other cold-weather gear, this parka is rated to provide protection in temperatures as low as -14°F (-26°C). The outer shell is made from a cotton/nylon blend, although some parkas may have a 100% cotton shell. The insulated lining is 100% polyester.
Prior to the US Air National Guard taking over logistics for the US Antarctic Program with Operation Deep Freeze in 1999, all polar logistics were handled by the Naval Antarctic Support Unit (NASU). Navy pilots, airmen, and support crews were issued these olive-drab N3B Extreme Cold Weather parkas for their rotations at McMurdo Base and South Pole.
All of these parkas were found in various storage locations in Antarctica over two decades after the last Navy plane took off from the continent, and are some of the last parkas of this vintage around!
Admiral Richard Byrd, an early Antarctic pioneer, wears an earlier parka variation in 1955
Shipping is available to the USA, Canada, Europe, and Oceania. We will ship to other countries on request. Buyers are responsible for any import taxes and fees.
Returns
All sales should be considered final.
Depending on the circumstances, we may consider returns from within the United States on a case-by-case basis. Due to the nature of our inventory, we do not allow international returns or exchanges.
If you experience an issue with your order, please contact us and we’ll be glad to review your situation.
Antarctic Surplus Guarantee
This website sells parkas, clothing, and gear which have been retired from the United States Antarctic Program. All have seen service in one or more of the three American Antarctic research stations, unless specified otherwise in the product’s description. As such, they will show some degree of wear/tear/use.
We hope our gear will serve you, wherever you are, just as well as it did the scientists, researchers, and support staff who relied on it at the bottom of the world!
Disclaimer:
We make every effort to describe products accurately, but exact colors, labels, etc may vary slightly. Gear is sold for personal use only and is not covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
