Description
Few garments get as much use as a warm jacket, so I put some thought into the Camp Coat. First I considered the importance of cooking. Nothing starts a day in camp like the sight of orange flames licking a coffee pot, or the sound of sputtering bacon. Because synthetics don’t really dig fire, I sculpted a big pile of wool into this eye-pleasing shape. The separating zipper got tossed out. You can do a lot to safeguard a zipper’s vulnerable moving parts, but they always fail in the end. I use durable stainless steel snaps for the main closure, and anchor them in nylon webbing to ensure a lifetime of service. The snaps absorb plenty of abuse, and they let you tailor your ventilation to meet your needs.
The Camp Coat is articulated for a full range of movement, but it has a conservative cut. Unlike my larger Boreal Shirts, Blanket Shirts, and Scout Shirts, it serves well as a day-to-day jacket. The front panels and collar flow into one smooth piece, lined with recycled polyester fleece for added insulation and a forgiving texture. Two huge hand warmer pockets fill the lower panels. Smaller chest pockets open from the center so you can still use them with a pack. The waist draw cord adjusts from inside the pockets to seal out drafts. I’ve tucked tiny double sided nylon security pouches and some lashing tabs inside to clamp down you loose keys and feisty EDC tools. The simple rolled cuffs are wide enough to fit over a glove. I put snaps on to pinch them down a bit for a better fit. The longer tail covers you assets on the bike or a damp park bench, but you can cinch up the hem and tuck it under as you like.
Camp Coats come with elbow patches for extra protection, and color matched zippers. I’ve even borrowed the 3 top loading tail pockets from the back of the Jackpine Vest so you’ll never lack storage space. No, not on my watch.
Fabric: Domestic 100% wool and recycled polyester fleece. Nylon trim. Colors: Olive Green. Sizes SM-XL. There will be variations in textile, zipper, and thread coloring based on availability. Washing: Hand wash or machine wash cold, gentle cycle, front loading machine only. No bleach. Spin dry to remove moisture, then hang dry in a warm spot. You can dry clean our garments, but it’s icky. Expect lint. I’ve pre-washed everything to shrink it as much as possible, but a little extra caution goes a long way. The wool is stable, but the nylon thread, webbing, and trim will shrink a bit if they get too hot.
*The Camp Coat is occasionally available in Multi Tone Olive. (MTO). Empire Wool garments come from USGI Olive Green blankets. Though I try to cut them as efficiently as possible, they offer up piles of remnants. Rather than let these go to waste, I’ll use these various shades of #7 OD green fabric in concert to create unique (and slightly less expensive) garments. No two are alike.
Retail Price $445-$465 Delivered in the USA
The Camp Coat is an #ApexInsulator so it may not be compatible with other garments like vests or heavy pullovers. It is likely to bind around the collar, sleeves, and shoulders.