Woods jacket

Joined
Apr 27, 2010
Messages
897
Since we're into gear talk a lot these days, and everyone in this joint is pretty honest in their opinions;
Im looking for a new jacket for mother natures playground.
My current is an army jacket, my third in about 10 years, as seen here http://www.fatiguesarmynavy.com/store/item/US1428
Tough as nails(except for the zipper, breaks down every time), with removable liner. Use it all year around. Its pretty heavy and cumbersome at times though.

It has to be tough, wind, fire and mildly rain resistant. Not to heavy would be a plus. main use is in the woods.
I did a search but it didn't yield much, or didn't search good enough.
 
those old m65's are pretty good jackets. the current gortex ones are much better if your wanting that type. a regular waxed canvas ranch coat is cheaper and works great to. the Australian short dusters are really good too, that oil cloth sheds water like nobodys business. there is a new version of the m65 out now as well. the woolrich Algerian coats have a good rep too.

take it easy
cricket
 
Im not realy fixed on the type, the M65 just proven its durabilty over the years.
The woolrich elite Algerian looks real nice. I also like the how the ausie short duster looks.

Havent found a single dutch or even EU dealer yet....
 
What's your preferred material? Wool, like a Filson is great, but a bit heavy. Unless you're talking deep winter, I've gotten away with layering for years.
Seems like there is a gap between backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts. As a backpacker, I'd take a Gore-Tex shell and a down jacket. Light, but not so durable.
On the other end of the spectrum, you can get oiled canvas, Filson wool coat, Carhartt etc..
For me a wool sweater, and a lighter weight soft shell makes a great system. Lots of hiking gear and outdoor companies make a water/wind resistant soft shell type jacket. I've owned an Ibex softshell lined with wool for many years. Pricey, but it has lasted for 10 yrs.
 
I use a M65 field jacket. For the price it just can't be beat. I keep a GI issue poncho in my pack as well for when it storms.

I have Gore-Tex and honestly I have not found it kept me dry long term. Poncho does a better job and covers my pack as well. Gore-Tex does work well in footwear though.
 
I stay away from cotton as much as I can. It loses its loft when wet. If you are in a cold environment, or a wet one I wouldn't get cotton. On the river the only cotton we have is our bandannas.

Layers are the way to go:
Shell (E-Vent Fabric, Gore-Tex)
Mid-layer (OXT fleece)
Base layer (Smart wool next-to-skin).

There are evaporation, efficiency problems mixing synthetic and wool though (sweat has to be converted to different states between the two). However, it really isn't a huge problem. And you can get amazing synthetic base layers (Patagonia)

Layering will be lighter, more adaptable, and in the long run I believe cheaper. As a shell wears out you can replace it leaving the mid and base layers. Then when you wear holes in the base you can just replace that layer.
 
Swanndri clothing is great. I have a bush-shirt that sees 4-season use. A little pricier, but worth the money are Swazi products, also a New Zealand company. Think of it this way: buy 3 coats when they wear out or buy one that doesn't:D
 
Things are going to start warming up here soon, so it won't be as much of a priority and will probably get put off until next winter, but I'd really love to save up for a Filson Wool jacket.

Yes, wool is heavier, but the performance trade off that you get from wool is well worth it in my opinion.

JGON
 
I picked up a chocolate brown carhart 2weeks ago on sale & a Condor od green jacket SHOT show,it is a great jacket & then the ESEE Vest :)
 
I have Gore-Tex and honestly I have not found it kept me dry long term. Poncho does a better job and covers my pack as well. Gore-Tex does work well in footwear though.
They say goretex is breathable, but it makes me sweat like a whore in church. I can't stand it.
 
I stay away from cotton as much as I can. It loses its loft when wet. If you are in a cold environment, or a wet one I wouldn't get cotton. On the river the only cotton we have is our bandannas.

Layers are the way to go:
Shell (E-Vent Fabric, Gore-Tex)
Mid-layer (OXT fleece)
Base layer (Smart wool next-to-skin).

There are evaporation, efficiency problems mixing synthetic and wool though (sweat has to be converted to different states between the two). However, it really isn't a huge problem. And you can get amazing synthetic base layers (Patagonia)

Layering will be lighter, more adaptable, and in the long run I believe cheaper. As a shell wears out you can replace it leaving the mid and base layers. Then when you wear holes in the base you can just replace that layer.

Agree with this. I've found pairing my Cabelas DryPlus shell with a fleece to be the ideal combo.
 
Buy a Carhartt jacket and you'll never regret it! They make a couple styles that are right what your looking for.
 
I just use the M65 also. If it gets real cold I just put the liner in it. Ido like the Carhart stuff as well.


mlrs
 
I keep in my 4R year round a Columbia Green/Black Fleece jacket & I bought a matching wind/waterproof outer shell to combine year round protection
 
Back
Top