A Natural Weatherproof Year-Round Garment
This was an essential garment on my last voyage to Quetico Provincial Park. It will be a staple every time I go camping. At 85% wool, it is an incredibly underrated piece of fabric. It was wide enough to blanket myself and another person over our sleeping bags, keeping us warm in windy, fifty-degree weather. As thin as it is — thinner than the 60% wool option in forest green — it still blocked the wind and the rain. I sat outside for almost an hour in moderate rain and only got wet where my back was pressed against the chair. In other words, you will stay completely dry and warm while standing. Rain will stick on the outside and may even pool where there’s a a fold, but the inside will remain dry.
I have spent the last few months researching the details of wool manufacturing and sampling other products. This is by far the best cloak you can buy.
The clasp is at a good height, and I recommend tying it loose. I fastened mine with a modified sheepshank knot, which made the neck wide enough to don and doff without having to retie it.
This is not a light fabric compared to modern lightweight rain coats, but due to its versatility — and how cool it looks — the tradeoff for weight might be worth it on long backpacking trips, and definitely worthwhile for camping or bushcraft, survival-type voyages. It’s very durable, and can be rolled and fastened to the outside of a pack.
The fabric cleans easily; pine needs and dirt would sometimes catch on the hem but would easily dust off. I didn’t notice any tics or spiders collecting on this while navigating through portages or traipsing through thick brush, and it was, of course, thick enough to block the mosquitos. After seven days in the woods, it did not tear, pick up any odor, or show any wear. The creases from being rolled easy fall out.
I’m glad I got the regular length (I’m about 6’ tall in boots). A longer length would be nice for covering lower legs or shoes while sitting, but I think it would drag and pick up a lot of ‘nature’ while hiking.
The customer service with this merchant is incredible. Brenda readily answered all of our questions, offered additional pictures for sample color, and provided detailed options for custom tailoring. I didn’t need anything customized, but her insight was very helpful. This cloak well worth the price. The quality is incredible, and it’s probably the most useful outerwear garment I own
