Vanson leather jackets

crossada

crossada

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I'm thinking about picking up a leather jacket from Vanson
http://vansonleathers.com/main_page/chapters/mens/mens.htm

First off, i'm not a bike rider so wanting a riding jacket is probably strange to most but i'm looking to buy something that won't fall apart at the seams or rip like so many fashionalbe coats do these days.

I have went through everything from Carhartts to sporting good specials. I always get tears at the sleeves and waistline on these type of coats. I want it for a day in day out item that will last forever hopefully. I don't mind spending the extra money on an American made quality item. I just have a few questions before i order one.

Can anyone tell me how warm a jacket like this is? Iowa gets pretty cold in the winter and i don't want to freeze all the time. I noticed some had liners for warmth but how much warmth? I do have a Filson double mackinaw cruiser for extremely cold temps. but i feel like a lumberjack walking around town. It is great for the woods though.

Anyone thinking spending money on leather is a waste of money for what i want it for. All feedback would be appreciated even if it is for another brand.

thanks!
 
Vanson makes top notch motorcycle jackets, but for what you want it for I think you should look elsewhere. I wouldn't count on the liner adding much warmth, while I haven't seen the Vanson liner the m/c jacket ones I have seen are about as thick as a field jacket liner.
 
I really can't recommend a Vanson jacket if you are not riding a motorcycle. They are great jackets, and provide great protection. But they are about as an uncomfortable thing to walk around in as I have known.
 
Vanson makes great gear but it is designed for riding. The sleeves are precut/shaped for the leaned over position you are in while riding. Regular coats are less comfortable when riding and I would say that a coat with sleeves designed for being leaned forward would be less cofortable when walking around.

I don't think it will have the warmth your looking for either.

Although well made I'm with others here who say you would probably be better off looking for something else.

SDS
 
I wear mine for riding--which is what they're built for. I have a few, and they are--like lots of fine knives--an investment.

The leather is thick, they take time to break in, and they're heavy (walking around in one is exercise). However, they are solid, and last forever (Vanson also does first-rate repairs on their stuff--if ever they need it). I've got one with a quilted liner, but the way to go is to figure on layering underneath. Then, they really stop the wind. I will say that they are not designed as fashion jackets, you look like a biker when you wear one.
 
I think Vanson makes some jackets that are for casual wear.
I have one designed for riding and I only wear it when I ride. It would look ridiculous to walk around town with it on because it's very short and has shoulder/elbow armor.
But I wouldn't order any jacket over the internet. You need to try it on.
I went to to the Vanson factory and nothing off the rack fit me. I found a custom order that someone backed out of that fit me pretty well.
 
thanks for all the help. you have talked me out of the leather jacket. i might try a different filson as i like the fit of their coats.
 
I don't know your budget. Filson's are a good choice, as long as you're tolerant of periodically re-waxing them. It's not that hard to do, it just takes a little patience and work.

Motorcycle jackets are almost never designed with warmth in mind, usually quite the opposite, and for protection.
When you don't wear them on a bike, they are very much jackets, which is to say a light outerwear that you wear on a mildly chilly evening over a shirt.

If you want something to keep the cold out and still made of hide, then try Aero from Scotland. You can get them lined in cotton to be a light jacket, tartan wool, alpaca wool, etc. The alpaca lining is very warm. But it isn't cheap; a horsehide jacket lined in Alpaca is going to run you around $700.
http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/webapp/aeroleather/servlet/AeroViewPage?page=home you can buy from Scotland or from their sole dude in the States who sells on Ebay.
 
Vanson is about as good as it gets for riding. Most motorcycle gear is cut for riding...arms may be slightly longer and back may ride down a little lower. Good gear usually comes with a removable liner for warmth. For your uses I'm sure you can find better choices. If you really want leather you can always try a custom leather shop. I have a riding suit from Bates Custom Leathers. I'm sure they'd make anything you want.
 
I live in Minnesota.. If you want a warm jacket look at Raven wear..

I have a vanson and that is not a warm choice..I have Filson and it nice stuff.. But when the weather turns cold I always
Reach for my Raven Wear..
 
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