The M-65 cold weather insulating helmet liner cap is worn alone or as a liner for the helmet assembly. The earflaps are fasten under or over chin, at back of neck, or are folded up around the top with the touch-and-close fasteners crisscrossed in the front.

The M-65 cold weather field coat serves as outer layer in cold-wet climate or as intermediate layer in cold-dry climate. It can be worn with a button-in liner for extra warmth and with a fur-ruffed hood for increased head protection.

The combination Cold-Wet/Cold-Dry Clothing System (M-65) can be configured into two ensembles. The cold-wet ensemble is worn above 14°F (-10°C), and the cold-dry ensemble is worn below 14°F. The cold-dry ensemble protects down to -60°F (-51°C). The cold-wet configuration differs from the cold-dry in the number of layers and the choice of boots. The system uses layers of wool/cotton fabrics to trap air for insulation, and a water-repellent outer garment to maintain dryness.

The M-65 extreme cold weather hood with fur ruff is an attachable component used with CW field coat, ECW parka, M1951 parka as a component of the cold/dry uniform.

The M-65 cold weather field coat liner is buttoned into the coat for extra warmth, and also can be worn as a separate button front liner to serve as an insulating layer for the ECWCS.

The M-65 cold weather field trouser liner is buttoned into field trousers for extra warmth, and also can be worn as a separate garment to serve as an insulating layer for the ECWCS.

The M-65 extreme cold weather parka ensemble is made up of a shell and a button-in quilted liner which is attached inside the shell for extra warmth. The parka ensemble is worn as an outer garment in cold-dry climate with a fur-ruffed hood for increased head protection.

The M-65 cold weather field trousers serve as outer layer in cold-wet climate or as intermediate layer in cold-dry climate, and also serve as a durable insulating layer of ECWCS to be worn over the liners when the outer extended cold weather trousers are not needed.

The M-65 snow camouflage trousers are intended for wear in cold dry areas as supplimentary trousers with attached liner.

The M-65 cold weather underwear serves as inner layer in cold-wet and cold-dry climate.