Swanndri ?

[pitdog]

Just wondered if anyone had any Swanndri shirts or any of their other products and how you find/rate them ?

 

[RubberJohnny]

Most people who own Swanndri seem to be quite pleased with their garment, although I do remember someone saying that the stitching and hemming was very crude (don't know how true this is). I do not own a Swanndri garment, but I would suggest you try Filson, a little pricey but bear in mind that any Swanndri clothing will come with nasty duty (made in China) and high shipping costs (New Zealand). After seeing a $76 dollar duty charge on a $160 item I vowed to only buy North American made items (until I get a little more money). If you're alright with some of the newer high tech 100% Merino stuff I suggest Ibex. Since you're canadian I reccomend this site. If your order totals more than $100 you will get free shipping. Most Ibex stuff is US made but I would check to be sure.

 

[pitdog]

Most people who own Swanndri seem to be quite pleased with their garment, although I do remember someone saying that the stitching and hemming was very crude (don't know how true this is). I do not own a Swanndri garment, but I would suggest you try Filson, a little pricey but bear in mind that any Swanndri clothing will come with nasty duty (made in China) and high shipping costs (New Zealand). After seeing a $76 dollar duty charge on a $160 item I vowed to only buy North American made items (until I get a little more money). If you're alright with some of the newer high tech 100% Merino stuff I suggest Ibex. Since you're canadian I reccomend this site. If your order totals more than $100 you will get free shipping. Most Ibex stuff is US made but I would check to be sure.

Thanks for the link bro !

Why do you say Swanndri are made in China, it says on the site made in New Zealand ?

 

[coote]

Being a New Zealander I guess I have to recommend these garments

I have two of them...the old standard green 'pullover' jacket with a hood and long sleeves....and a zip-fronted coat with a removable hood (bought by my employer when I was doing construction work in a cold store). Both are cosy and comforting.

I like wool better than modern polarfleece for two major reasons. One is that is traditional and natural. The other is that it is much more fire resistant than the plastic polarfleece fabric.

But polarfleece is generally much cheaper and lighter to carry....and it is as tough as heck and very hard to rip when crashing about in the bush.

I actually find that I use polarfleece more than my beloved Swanndri jacket. I guess I use the polarfleece for 'roughing it' and I save my Swanndri for special occasions.

I would not really miss the Swanndri gear if I didn't have it. But if my life depended on my clothing in the weather conditions I experience here, I would probably pick the Swanndri over the polarfleece.

I think a good combination for warmth and safety might consist of a decent woolen singlet under my clothing, with a polarfleece jacket on the outside...and a decent parka or poncho in my backpack. However this is for the conditions I experience. Swanndri stuff can be fairly heavy and bulky and expensive. But it is nice to own.

I guess my thoughts may not have helped much. It would be good if you could handle the item you are thinking of buying so you can get a 'feel' for what it is like.

 

[Jason Richmond]

I own Filson a cruiser and a Swanndri hooded pullover. I think the quality fit and feel of the Filson product is better. I also like the added pockets that Filson has. The Swanndri is rugged but to me feels like a hooded poncho and has more fabric than needed. The long length of the Swanndri gets in the way when you need to wear rain gear.

 

[RubberJohnny]

Why do you say Swanndri are made in China, it says on the site made in New Zealand ?

My understanding is that production moved there just a few years ago. The wool still comes from New Zealand. You might be able to find an old Swanndri shirt on ebay that was made in New Zealand. A google search might reveal more.