Great coat for outdoors?

B

BChou-E29

Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
503
Hey guys. Even though it may be a little early, I plan on getting a new coat for the winter season. I was looking to buy a wool great coat, like the Swiss military type. http://shop.unclesamsdeals.com/items/item.aspx?itemid=7767087&utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=cpc Just curious, does it perform well in the outdoors? Since its got such a long tail I assume it should keep the lower torso warm. I was hoping it could be used for some winter outdoor excursions. Thanks and excuse my ignorance; I'm usually a three season kinda guy.
 
Have you checked the local Goodwill store? Sometimes you can find some great deals there. Slugman has a heavy leather coat he can only wear when temps are very low. It was really cheap at a Goodwill.

$2 t-shirts that say "Earth Day" and "Girl Scouts" are the norm for me. I don't care cuz they are cheap. I am still looking for that orange polyester suit with matching patent white and brass buckle shoes, though. :thumbup:
 
That looks like a great coat for the $$ but it might be hard to do tasks in the woods. I'd look for a wool anorak so you can move easier. This full length one would be the bomb at camp when settling in for the night! I might have to get one of these thanks for the link
 
BChou-E29 said:
Hey guys. Even though it may be a little early, I plan on getting a new coat for the winter season. I was looking to buy a wool great coat, like the Swiss military type. http://shop.unclesamsdeals.com/items/item.aspx?itemid=7767087&utm_source=GoogleBase&utm_medium=cpc Just curious, does it perform well in the outdoors? Since its got such a long tail I assume it should keep the lower torso warm. I was hoping it could be used for some winter outdoor excursions.......
Click to expand...

Looks like it would be warm :thumbup:

IMO, there's a lot going for a woolen outer for outdoor use :thumbup:

collectingfirewood.jpg


If it's going to rain a fair bit, then I reckon there are better alternatives (unless you have one that is lined with a wind & waterproof / breathable liner like the one above :D ).





Kind regards
Mick
 
+1 for GoodWill. I got my 2 boiled wool coats there, $5 each. Keep looking because the inventory will change quickly if the store is large.
 
The nice thing about Goodwill is you are there to evaluate the product. Military surplus from Sportsmans Guide can have some shelf rot -- hard to get rid of the mold. When they say they are selling you new unused stock from East Germany ... it's been sittin'.
 
Take a serious look at the oilskin canvas/wool sweater combo. Both breathable and waterproof, and you can always choose the layers as needed-IE warmer day and rainy, take the oilskin shell. Kakadu and Dale of Norway are great places to start. Dale is starting to use Windstopper liners in many of their sweaters, so that also may be the route to consider. The Hesjavollen jacket is a full zip hooded wool sweater designed for highly mobile outdoor winter sports, I have the hoodless high collared version and it's amazing.
 
It may be very warm and okay for sneaking guns into a high school but I wouldn't consider a double-breasted topcoat a woods wear. It will be heavy and huge to carry when it is too warm to wear. It would also inhibit access to gear on your belt.
 
What about layers for the woods? I have a huge (I am a big guy) Columbia parka. I could probably wear a backpack under this coat, comfortably, and it is like an oven during snow storms/blizzards etc. However, I much prefer wearing a long sleeve sweathshirt or sweater, a vest and my Columbia parka shell. Still a lot of room to move around in. I have some plaid overcoats that are easy to get around in, and usually wear a vest over those to carry all kinds of goodies.

The Goodwill is a great place to get a good coat, but I am at a disadvantage. The ones near me really don't carry much for people who wear 3 or 4xl :o.

My Carharrt is a great outdoors coat too.
 
Last edited:
Pritch said:
It may be very warm and okay for sneaking guns into a high school but I wouldn't consider a double-breasted topcoat a woods wear. It will be heavy and huge to carry when it is too warm to wear. It would also inhibit access to gear on your belt.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. You can wear a belt on the outside of the coat and suspenders on the inside to keep your pants up. That's how they did it back when nations sent men to war with these things.
02.jpg


Thanks for the responses guys. A lot of people seem to like wool for the winter time so I'm going to try it out. I'll check with the local (meaning 40 miles away :rolleyes:) good will store; I know seeing before you buy can be really helpful. Layers are good in some situations but I feel like they restrict movement. As for the weight, I dont mind as long as I get something in return and from what I hear about surplus gear this coat should outlast me. Weather shouldn't be too much of a problem since I usually have a poncho with me. Plus I hear wool doesnt get that clammy feeling when the weather goes south.

EDIT: spelling :)
 
Nada, wool retains heat when wet and often natural oils will cause water to roll right off-but if you're bushcrafting in soaking weather it will get heavy fast. That's why I combine it with a oilskin drover's jacket on sloppy days.
 
Take a look at Filson coats. Exexpensive but Very good quality. I have 3

of their coats. They've been make clothes since 1897. C.C. Filson out of

Seattle. Their coats last for generations not years!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top