Empire Wool and Canvas Company Field Coat

Last spring I ordered a very nice canvas Arctic Anorak from Kevin at ECW and was blown away by the quality and practical design not to mention its hard core winter good looks. In fact I was so happy with it I decided to gradually replace any outdoor gear I could with Kevin’s version of it using his high tech designs with traditional materials. My next purchase was one his wool camp coats which quickly became part of my every day layering system.

As I find myself doing more and more 4 season hiking, camping and bushcrafty type outings I also find I am in front of a fire more frequently. Having become wary of melting my petroleum based clothing near the camp fire and tearing them on tree branches, I have come to appreciate that canvas and wool work pretty well in these situations.

With the rainy season fast approaching I decided the next item to replace would be my raincoat, a Gore-Tex shell. I decided to get one of Kevin’s Field Coats as described on his site. It looked to be a short boreal forest version of an Australian outback oilskin drover coat. However after speaking with him I learned he was about to design a longer version of the field coat with some extras and decided to go with the new design.

Well, as usual I was blown away. This was custom made to a variety of measurements Kevin required and looks fantastic. It fits so good it’s like it was made for me. Oh yeah it was.

The material is substantial 10 oz olive green canvas oilskin but it is not too heavy. It is very rainproof and windproof and the removable hood is a nice option. The hardware and design of pockets and closures shows attention to detail you rarely see anymore. The leather belt comes with several leather loops and brass rings to hang lots of stuff for travel in the bush. A repair kit with lots of spare parts is also included. I love this jacket so much when I got it I was actually hoping for more rain so I could take it out in the bush every day.

Kevin now makes this Field Coat in the original standard hip length as well as the new uber-coat that goes to mid thigh. (Note: you must go to his site to see the new design). One thing about all of his coats and jackets is that they are cut to allow lots of movement in the arms and shoulders. I find when I get all layered up for the weather that I hate it when my arms and shoulders get bound up. Those days are now gone. Whichever one you order you will be blown away with the quality, good looks and practical functionality of this excellent design. Next on my list is one of the new redesigned Permafrost Parkas which I should have for this winter.

I still use synthetic base and second layers but from now on I’ll be sticking to wool and canvas for my mid layers and outer shells. Give it a try you won’t be disappointed.