driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,973
|
Post by driftwoody on Dec 4, 2022 16:21:01 GMT -8
This is strictly for local dayhikes in cold weather. Don't want a lot of insulation, as I prefer to add layers underneath. Closeable glove pockets are a must. Also want an exterior chest pocket for cell phone, and interior pockets are a big plus but not a must. Don't need a hood. Breathabilty is always desired, but toughness and durability are the main features I'm looking for.
Locally nearly all my hiking is off trail, mostly on narrow trails I maintain with my Silky Gomboy folding saw. My adventures sometimes go through thick undergrowth with thorns and sticky burrs. I currently wear an inexpensive Columbia insulated vinyl jacket, waist length. It lacks a chest pocket and I'd prefer a little more length, as the elastic hem tends to ride up when I bend over.
|
|
|
Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 4, 2022 17:15:16 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by leadbelly on Dec 5, 2022 9:38:06 GMT -8
would depend a lot to me on how much breathability vs. water resistance you need.
LL Bean makes a canvas field coat that is pretty simple, has one small zippered pocket, four deeper pockets - two overlapped pockets to stow gloves. I don't think they sell them fully unlined, but there are versions where a wool or puffy (synthetic) liner unbuttons. Not particularly water-resistant, very breathable, pretty good against wind, very good for off-trail in terms of thorns, twigs etc. Pretty reasonably priced. Same vein as Carhart.
there are a number of waxed canvas or cotton jackets that might work if you want more wind and water resistance and are will to trade off some breathability - they all have full front zippers to ventilate. Filson tin cloth jackets, Barbour jackets, Driza-bone. all fairly pricy to bushwhack, but you could probably find something used (i sold a waxed cotton field coat years ago on poshmark).
|
|
driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,973
|
Post by driftwoody on Dec 5, 2022 9:53:57 GMT -8
Thanks leadbelly, I will explore those products. Breathability is more important than insulation or water resistance. I don't do my offtrail adventures when it's raining.
|
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,911
|
Post by BigLoad on Dec 5, 2022 10:51:46 GMT -8
My Barbour jacket is horrible for breathability, so I really dislike wearing it on the move. The big hood with the wire-stiffened edge is great in the rain, though. LL Bean makes a canvas field coat The LL Bean barn coat or the many similar competitors would probably work. Carhartt would be great in that application, and not too pricey.
|
|
reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,143
|
Post by reuben on Dec 5, 2022 13:25:36 GMT -8
Carhartt would be great in that application, and not too pricey. I've had a few Carhartt items, and while they're undoubtedly tough, they're not what I'd call breathable, regardless of the type of lining.
|
|
|
Post by Coolkat on Dec 6, 2022 5:36:35 GMT -8
When I wear my Carhartt I'm not looking for breathability. Then again its the "artic" model from a few years ago. I was just going to say that I don't wear it while hiking but that isn't true. I do wear it while on my winter hikes. However, my hikes are on trail and are relatively easy. Nothing coming close to bushwhacking.
|
|
driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,973
|
Post by driftwoody on Dec 6, 2022 9:47:24 GMT -8
I've reviewed the companies suggested and the best options are all priced beyond what I'm willing to spend, given that I'm merely looking to improve upon my existing jacket that functions adequately.
I wonder if something cheap & effective could be found in an army surplus store or a second hand shop.
|
|
|
Post by High Sierra Fan on Dec 6, 2022 10:29:13 GMT -8
|
|
BigLoad
Trail Wise!
Pancakes!
Posts: 12,911
|
Post by BigLoad on Dec 6, 2022 10:50:55 GMT -8
I wonder if something cheap & effective could be found in an army surplus store or a second hand shop. I have a Viet Nam-era M65 jacket that I now only wear to work on the car in cold weather. I agree it would be good for bushwhacking.
|
|
|
Post by Coolkat on Dec 6, 2022 12:36:46 GMT -8
...could be found in an army surplus store or a second hand shop. You never know what you'll find at goodwill store. Especially if you live in a more populated area and better yet an area that tends towards doing things outside.
|
|
driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,973
|
Post by driftwoody on Dec 6, 2022 14:50:49 GMT -8
and better yet an area that tends towards doing things outside Pickins' are likely slimmer in the western suburbs of Chicagoland than in the Mountain West, but ya never know.
|
|
reuben
Trail Wise!
Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
Posts: 11,143
|
Post by reuben on Dec 6, 2022 15:48:14 GMT -8
I have one like that, with a sort of brushed lining. The exterior is as hard as nails, great for bushwacking. Personally, I wouldn't like it for extended hiking, as it weighs a ton and doesn't pack down at all. On the other hand, if you're wearing one of those you're probably not going UL. I used mine for working in the woods in the winter.
Dickies clothes aren't quite as tough, but still durable and less expensive. Might be worth considering.
|
|
ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,865
|
Post by ErnieW on Dec 11, 2022 6:48:43 GMT -8
...could be found in an army surplus store or a second hand shop. You never know what you'll find at goodwill store. Especially if you live in a more populated area and better yet an area that tends towards doing things outside. In the metro NYC area here the hipsters are constantly scanning the thrift stores for vintage or retro finds. Also boutique store people, both online and brick and mortar, claim a lot of the better thrift store stuff. A lot of competition for the good stuff around here.
|
|
|
Post by downriver on Dec 11, 2022 11:11:26 GMT -8
Take a look at the Sportsman’s Guide online. I know they carry used military field jackets. Pretty good prices, too.
Regards,
DR
|
|