Cold Weather Clothing System

[Cpl Punishment]

Since you like wool anoraks so much, what do you think of something like this (I know it's pricey), as a top shell over one:
Canvas Anorak

 

[brizbane]

I just bought 4 of those Italian Military Surplus wool blankets (paid 54 bucks) and am trying to get the nerve up to make one into a hooded anorak. I'll probably do a dry run on cheaper material first as I would hate to ruin a nice blanket.

 

[JRB]

Empire Canvas Works offers some cool layering options for those that like the more traditional materials (wool, waxed cotton, etc.). They are expensive but the quality is absolutely top notch.

Their Arctic Anorak...

Waxed cotton field coat...

And wool camp coat...

 

[fnc]

Ever tried to swing a hawk with a wool glove? Pretty slick. I have worked in mechanic's gloves for years... I like em.
Rick

Knit gloves are very slick and can be dangerous. At the very least, they are distracting when driving a car.

Knit gloves with leather underside (palm and fingers) are a pleasure to use. Wool-knit ones
are harder to find and cost more, of course. They are not heavy duty, but they work for normal
hiking and camp chores. I find them a good compromise for all my outdoor activities like
hunting, camping, X-country skiing.
Downside: direct in-your-face-(hands) wind, because wind penetrates knit material.
On an M65 field jacket, fold-out flaps, at the cuff, can protect your knuckles and fingers
somewhat.
Of course at really low temps, I take off gloves and put on the mittens.

As light as gloves are, why not have a few extra pair of various kinds?

 

[Rick Marchand]

Since you like wool anoraks so much, what do you think of something like this (I know it's pricey), as a top shell over one:

Funny you mention that CPL....

I made some oilcloth earlier this week and it's almost dry. I will be making an additional outer layer for my anorak...

Here is the pattern for the my anorak. It doesn't get any easier than this. Use a blanket stitch or something similar to prevent it from unravelling. I use US army blankets because they wear well and are pre-washed so you don't have the extra worries of ruining a good HBC Point blanket.

Close-up of the hood and a clearer pic of both layers...

 

[wildmike]

Rick your pattern is simpler than mine.

I did make mine so that I can close the hood around the throat and put in a drawcord.

Brizbane just lay one down and start. Use safety pins to pin up the parts to see if they'll work, then make your cuts. I made my first one out of n old US wool blanket so that I wouldn't destroy the nice german wool blanket I had bought for the purpose.

 

[Joezilla]

wow wow wow! What kind of oil did you use rick?

 

[Rick Marchand]

I used 1qt of linseed, 1/4cup of neatsfoot, and a bit of brown leather dye. I tacked it up as you can see in the pic and painted it with the mix.

 

[Joezilla]

Would you recommend the neatsfoot and linseed for duck canvas?

 

[Rick Marchand]

I used 12oz canvas duck.

 

[PatriotDan]

Magnussen, what are the reasons you prefer wool over fleece?

 

[Rick Marchand]

Magnussen, what are the reasons you prefer wool over fleece?

Fire resistance, wear resistance... wool absorbs water without getting you wet and it doesn't harbour excess heat like fleece can. To me the only downside to wool is the wieght.... and that is not an issue for me at this point in my life.

I just ordered Smartwool to replace ALL my fleece! Woo-hoo!


Rick

 

[wildmike]

Rick. Have you ever tried the Woolpower stuff from Sweden? pricier than smartwool but it holds up better.

 

[Rick Marchand]

You mean the Ulfrotte(Sp?) stuff?

 

[saxon]

My favorite glove to wear under heavy mitts (or just keep in a bug out bag etc.) are the knit bricklayers type gloves. Some are kevlar and they have that rubber criss cross web stuff or rubber dots on the palms. You can hold on to anything with those things. They don't cut off your circulation also. Cheap enough to carry a few pair to rotate when wet.

 

[PatriotDan]

Thanks Magnussen for sparking my interest in the wool blanket anorak :thumbup:

I've ordered two surplus wool blankets and will get anorak or two done hopefully soon.

A few questions if you don't mind.

Would you think a wool blanket anorak with a conventional water repellent shell would work or what would be the possible problems?

Do you have good instructions and measurements somewhere for the pattern you have used?

Should the blanket be washed in hot water for shrinkage before any cutting?

Thanks for helping

 

[Ravaillac]

Since you like wool anoraks so much, what do you think of something like this (I know it's pricey), as a top shell over one:
Canvas Anorak

Here is a cheaper alternative that works just fine:
Swedish arctic smock
as low as £15

http://www.genuinearmysurplus.co.uk/products/detail/rowid=692

 

[MrCoffee]

Very Kewl Rick! I didnt realize you were headed back for the third meeting with Bow!

One question: Where the hell was all this warm gear when WE were up there, and I was freezing my ass off? HUH?

Seriously, if the travel wasn't so far away, I would have loved to go back and do the second part of the course, and I wish I was joining you for this one. The blanket idea is really cool, once again, something I wouldn't have thought of doing. I guess it would be just as easy to make a poncho liner that way too. Hmmm.

Best of luck, and be safe, tell Bow I said hi!

 

[Rick Marchand]

Very Kewl Rick! I didnt realize you were headed back for the third meeting with Bow!

Hey javaman...
I have completed all 3 phases of the introductory training. I'm currently apprenticing with Bow, and will be going up every few months or so... one on one training.... its awesome!

I'll be sure to say hi for you.

I remember that first session well.... we weren't expecting that kind of cold in the Spring, were we?

memories.......

 

[MrCoffee]

Hey javaman...
I have completed all 3 phases of the introductory training. I'm currently apprenticing with Bow, and will be going up every few months or so... one on one training.... its awesome!

I'll be sure to say hi for you.

I remember that first session well.... we weren't expecting that kind of cold in the Spring, were we?

memories.......

Congrats on completing all three of the course Bro! My opinion is Bow is luck to have you as an apprentice. Who else managed to complete the training?

Man, you sure got my bad side in those pictures, eh? You'll have to send me them and any others you might have, I didnt get one picture of myself that whole trip (which might actually be a blessing!).

It was a cold spring that year...

When are you heading up to see him next?