Let's ID Ben's DHARMA parka!

[Patattack]

I'm referring to Benjamin Linus' DHARMA Initiative parka from the episode "The Shape of Things to Come." I think this would be a pretty cool prop jacket to own - it would be nice and functional, but also a fairly subtle declaration of LOST fandom. Can anyone figure out what make of parka it is?

Here's all I know...sadly, none of it has to do with the parka itself, but rather its accessories:
-The nametag says "Halliwax"
-The DHARMA logo is for The Orchid station. The line patterns surrounding the central spiral are slightly different from all the other DHARMA logos. However, the Orchid logo appeared later with the "correct" line patterns, so that was probably just an accident when making the prop patch. Personally, I would not be too picky about those - I'd rather have an idealized "correct" logo.

Here are some references.

Larger version here.

For some reason this one isn't working with the IMG tags, but it's got a good close-up of the hood details: http://bp1.blogger.com/_n3eH1jI8AZ8/SBFOIJN2DEI/AAAAAAAAD4w/cek3y7Xz5GA/s1600-h/dharma-logo.jpg
This one, too:
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg162/getlostpodcast/4x09/pict2008-04-2411-38-0911.jpg

And here is a larger version of the "correct" Orchid logo:

Larger version here.

 

[Patattack]

There appears to be a brown sheepskin (or faux-sheepskin) lining inside the hood in addition to the fur (or faux-fur) trim on the edge.

 

[mistersh0w]

Sorry to bring back an old thread, but I'm interested in finding this parka as well... I'm new to the forums here, have been lurking for some time... Any new thoughts?

 

[mistersh0w]

bump!

I'd really like to find this parka for a possible Halloween costume, does anyone have any new ideas as to what brand it may be? Thanks!

 

[Megatron]

looks like an air force or army cold weather parka

 

[Eradicator]

It's Air Force issue,you might try the sportsmanguide.com they sometimes have it in stock,and @ great prices too!

 

[Eradicator]

I forgot to mention that if you live near a military base you could also check out the DRMO, they are responsible for selling equipment that is no longer fit for duty...surpluss if you will. it is cash only. Just call the base operator and ask for the number for DRMO.
I once got a video reorder for $10.00! It was the type that news crews use..and it work which was a surprise!

 

[mistersh0w]

Awesome! Thanks for the info, I've been looking everywhere for one... I'll let you guys know if I find one closest to the one in the show.

 

[mistersh0w]

I've come close now, thanks to the military tip!

When you search for an "Alpha N3B" military parka, we start to get VERY close to what Ben is wearing in LOST:

http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/store/item/US1401/Alpha_N3B_Parka___Alpha_Sage_N_3B_Parka

That parka looks a hell of a lot like it, but in all the picture's I've seen of Ben's "Dharma Parka" there's no pocket on the left shoulder... The most distinguishing things about the Dharma Parka are the two front breast sort-of-pockets, and the angled zipper on the right side, under the Orchid station logo.

Anyone have any additional thoughts? We're real close to IDing this thing!

 

[mistersh0w]

Sorry for bumping the crap out of this thread, but I'm also seeing that most of the "Alpha N3B" military parkas are a Nylon material, and in the pics, it looks like the Dharma Parka is more of a cotton material... Not sure if that helps.

 

[Megatron]

Alpha is a brand name

 

[mistersh0w]

Well, that's good to know! So what about the N3B part? That Dharma Parka would sure keep me warm in Vegas for New Years!

 

[Eradicator]

Sorry for bumping the crap out of this thread, but I'm also seeing that most of the "Alpha N3B" military parkas are a Nylon material, and in the pics, it looks like the Dharma Parka is more of a cotton material... Not sure if that helps.

The newer parkas are nylon but the older ones from the 40's through the early 80's are a cotton blend . As I said in my other post it is military surplus

 

[moviebuff5]

The N3B uses buttons not snaps for the wind guard though. It also has full fur lining in the hood, not quilted fabric. At least that is how mine is put together.

 

[mistersh0w]

The newer parkas are nylon but the older ones from the 40's through the early 80's are a cotton blend . As I said in my other post it is military surplus

It would make sense for it to be surplus, and even from before the 80s, as in the show the Dharma Parka is supposed to be from the 70s when the Dharma Initiative was set up on the island...

Though upon closer inspection, when I watched that particular episode on blu-ray, I noticed that there's a definite shine to the parka, which would lead me to believe now that the wardrobe piece is in fact made of a nylon material...

Hopefully my local army surplus shops are open tomorrow!

 

[Megatron]

if it is nylon type material they could of sprayed dulling spray on it.

 

[Kang]

I don't know, But I'd love to own one. I'm as Lost-Fanerific as they come.

 

[mistersh0w]

I don't know, But I'd love to own one. I'm as Lost-Fanerific as they come.

Same here! I've been wanting one of these Dharma Parkas since it aired back in April of 08. The easy part is going to be the patch, and embroidery.

I'm going to brave the insanity that is "the-day-after-Christmas" and check out my local army surplus places... If they're even open.

Something tells me we're going to end up settling for a close-match... Anyone have contacts with ABC that can officially ID this thing?

Too bad it's not part of the big LOST auction going on later '10...

 

[Megatron]

it might be nylon

 

[mistersh0w]

Well, I braved the after Xmas crowds and managed to check 3 army surplus stores to no avail. They had similar jackets, but the ones they all had were wayyy too big, and had large buttons and loops to close up instead of a zipper...

Google search has been pretty lacking as well... I'm NOT giving up though! There's more than 3 army surplus stores out there!!