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 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.