I got this as a just-in-case. probably the best one out there - especially for the money. It is in perfect shape and fits really well. Like others have said, good luck finding the drinking hose inside when you need it. You'd have to stick it in your mouth while putting it on and then bite down and never let go. I bought the canteen along with it but may never be able to use it. That is the ONLY flaw in this mask. It should do what you need it to when you need it to do it. Don't forget to get the nice French Military Gas Mask Bag to go with it - it's a great fit as well. Get them while you can!

First off, I'm not an expert, so take everything I say with a grain of salt. The mask I received is in very good condition and is dated 1988. The filter it comes with is expired, but sealed on the ends. However, since the mask is of the 40mm NATO standard, new filters are readily available. You get pretty good field of view with this mask as the eyepieces are very large. Some sources may say that if your mask is over 20 years old it is unsafe, however, I don't see any reason a mask wouldn't still be good as long as the rubber and exhale valves are in good condition. Also I don't see how after 20 years a mask, suddenly and magically, becomes unsafe. I tested the mask with the filter it came with and at the very least it kept out the smell of rubbing alcohol and soldering fumes. Unfortunately, I don't have any nuclear bombs, biological weapons, or chemical weapons to give this mask the ultimate stress test. However, with a new filter, I suspect this mask will still put you in a much better situation than your unmasked brethren, if it doesn't leave you completely unscathed. My only complaint is the design of the drinking tube. The actual hose you drink out of inside the mask is a pain to actually get in your mouth, but, honestly, if I'm ever in a situation where I am going to be wearing the mask so long that using the drinking tube is necessary; I'll probably be dead anyway.