Barbour Jackets

[nobby]

I am thinking of a return to wax cotton.
Before switching to Goretex, which I have never felt very comfy in, I had the cheapest, lightweight Barbour, the Durham I think, and it lasted me for four years.
Now I can afford any of the medium heavy weights, and I'm old enough that the coat may well see me out, has anybody a preferred Barbour that have experience of using?
I like the look of the multi pockets on the commando, provided I can persuade them to supply without the union flag, or is there a more versatile one?

Cheers

ps Ages and ages ago I asked about underpants on this forum, ended up with the excellent M&S Authentics, but someone decided to have a rant about the relative merits of clothing and their favourite fungi, or some such, in the bushcraft scheme of things.
If this thread, which I hope is in the right place, offends please don't bother replying to it.

 

[Greg]

I am thinking of a return to wax cotton.
Before switching to Goretex, which I have never felt very comfy in, I had the cheapest, lightweight Barbour, the Durham I think, and it lasted me for four years.
Now I can afford any of the medium heavy weights, and I'm old enough that the coat may well see me out, has anybody a preferred Barbour that have experience of using?
I like the look of the multi pockets on the commando, provided I can persuade them to supply without the union flag, or is there a more versatile one?

Cheers

ps Ages and ages ago I asked about underpants on this forum, ended up with the excellent M&S Authentics, but someone decided to have a rant about the relative merits of clothing and their favourite fungi, or some such, in the bushcraft scheme of things.
If this thread, which I hope is in the right place, offends please don't bother replying to it.

Hi there,

Can I ask, If you have the money to by a decent Barbour Jacket, why don't you go for a Ventile jacket instead?

 

[Mastino]

Although the general opinion is not always in fvour of waxed cotton & Barbours, I'm still a great supporter of these coats. I walk around in Barbour Moorlands (heavyweight) since 20 years and I still trust them as true companions. As long as you wax them regularly (1 x 2 years under normal circumstances), no prob's.

pro's
- durable (heavyweights);
- functional & confortable;
- stylish.

cons:
- usually the sleeves are on the short side;
- useless handwarmer pockets;
- pricey;
- they somewhat lost the classic appeal after the marketing people came in...

Favorite models:

- Moorland
- Northumbria (watch the lining)
- Border (medium weight Northumbria)

 

[Phil562]

I have a Barbour Durham and I love it

 

[saffy]

I got a Barbour Trapper jacket

Looks and feels like a wax Barbour but is in fact "Duracotton" (Barbours breathable answer to Goretex) so doesn't have the smell or need the re-wax treatments. Machine washable and use of nikiwax products does the job.

I like the look and comfort of the garment but have two issues, the popper hood pops off at slightest look and the design of the cuffs is poor as sometimes during heavy rain they tend to wick water up inside sleeve (I think the cuffs are changed in later version of the Trapper).

 

[Danceswithhelicopters]

You can't beat a Barbour.
Just the right combination of style and practicality.
You can criticise small aspects of the jacket like velcro cuffs-I hate them!
I have a Border and a Commando and when all is said and done go for a Brown Beaufort if its the Commando you like.
The Commando is a simple jacket with patch pockets and not worth the money that would get you a Beaufort of similar cut but much better pocketing etc.
The Border is a longer version of the Beaufort w/o the poachers pocket.
I have a Border for sale if you are interested.

 

[Klenchblaize]

Mrs. Klenchblaize has a Durham for the school run and rates it for the fixed hood that none ot the others have to my knowledge. The seperate matching liner is a rip-off though at £50 so spend it on a nice matching green fleece. You might even find one that will match the Barbour iner zip.

Cheers

 

[godfather]

I have been through 3 of these in 21 years and my 4th is still as comfortable and durable as my first one. I do my own rewaxing every 2 years and my own repairs (that is a lie as my wife actually does the stitching!!).

 

[mark a.]

I have the Beaufort pretty much by default, as it's a standard classic, and it was one of the few that a shop I was in had. It fit me well, and I love the handwarmer pockets (although yes they do get wet in heavy rain) and the stupendously useful pocket in the back.

I think my Beaufort is great, although I haven't tried on many others so I can't definitively say that it's any better than the others. Just try a few and see. As long as you wax it every so often and make sure you hang it up carefully to dry so you don't trap water then you're sorted.

Btw, I'm one of the few people who love the smell of the wax!

 

[Jedadiah]

Hi fella's,

i've got a Durham Flyweight and a Beaufort and love them both. The Beafort is a medium weight cotton, very hard wearing and the cut suits me (i find the longer cut is a little too long) The Beafort comes to just below my backside and feels great. The durham is lightweight cotton, very adaptable and if it gets cold, i wear a Snugpak Sleeka jacket underneath, much better than the liner.

I would highly recommend them both, but if you could get a jacket of the beafort design and medium weight cotton with the addition of a fixed hood (Durham) that would be approaching the perfect jacket in my humble opinion!

Thats my two peneth!

 

[Mikey P]

ps Ages and ages ago I asked about underpants on this forum, ended up with the excellent M&S Authentics, but someone decided to have a rant about the relative merits of clothing and their favourite fungi, or some such, in the bushcraft scheme of things.
If this thread, which I hope is in the right place, offends please don't bother replying to it.

Wow! I can't believe we're 10 posts in and no-one's gone off at a tangent yet.

 

[BorderReiver]

Hi there,

Can I ask, If you have the money to by a decent Barbour Jacket, why don't you go for a Ventile jacket instead?

Aye,my Barbour is in the dogs bed.

Ventile is much more comfortable,quieter and much less sweaty if you are working or walking hard.

 

[Greg]

I have a practically brand new Northumbria with the removable fleece liner which my mum gave to me when my dad passed away a couple of years ago, I have worn it a couple of times but not out in the woods etc. I felt it was too heavy for working in and if it was to get wet I think it would weigh even more.

I wouldn't mind having anyones opinion on this coat. Although I still stick to my guns reference the ventile!

 

[Dougster]

My heavy weight Solway zipper is in the alleyway (we live in a terrace), so it drips outdside after a walk and I don't get in trouble, it doesn't pick up scents from food or the dog (I tend to see more wildlife when on my own and wearing this - honest). I use it to walk the dog twice a day and when I'm in the woods (I have to hang it up when sawing or chopping as it does get too hot).

I like the way I can walk through the woods and not worry about snagging it (as I do with waterproofs). But my major gripe is that whn I forget my gloves the sleeves are too short to pull your hands up inside.

It's not perfect, but it's great in many circumstances. I've given up looking for the perfect jacket. If it exists I can't afford it.

 

[Chance]

I'm lucky enough to be able to choose between the three (cotton, plastic or wax) according to the occasion. For general purpose, I most often use the wax; typically, the robustness outweighs the lack of breathability.

 

[Doc]

They are very good if you are not too active, but I find them heavy and sweaty if you are walking uphill. Pack size is huge. Hoods are fairly basic.

Colour is a bit dark for good concealement, IMHO.

As far as robustness and repairability goes, they have no equal. I have a 30 year old one that is still serviceable.

 

[Salix]

I have the shorter style Drovers Jacket and I love it, i can wear it out on a hike or ramble, or equally as good with my jeans around town. Damn fine piece of kit i would say. Ive got several other coats including gortex, but the Barbour is top o my list, in fact ime going to get another soon.

Mark

 

[SteveUK]

I have been using a Beaufort for the last 8 years, both in and out of the woods, yes it is heavy, but it is also tough and durable, as long as you look after it, it will look afetr you.

 

[litefoot]

i have a beaufort too and its great in the woods.no worries about snagging etc.
great piece of kit,if costly.

 

[Danceswithhelicopters]

If you read up about Barbours they are full of design points that aren't readily apparent.
Sleeves are short so they don't get in the way when shooting a shotgun up high.
The lower pocket are placed so they hold your shells below waist line out of the way of mounting the weapon.
The pockets themselves are rounded so there are no corners for a loose cartridge to hide.
The velcro cuffs are lousy design but do let you push the sleeves up. I had them replaced with knitted cuffs as well as green leather edging to the cuff which had frayed a wee bit.
Liners are terrible-the furry one pops out at the merest sneeze.
And finally the hoods are cut small to keep peripheral vision when shooting but are available in large size so go for a large.
I'd spend my new money on a Beaufort.
The Cowen Commando is apparently uber trendy at the moment.
Mush better.