Cloak/blanket/poncho options...

Nov 29, 2004
7,808
26
Scotland
"...did people ever actually rely on cloaks as essential clothing? or is it just films making it all look like a great idea..."

Yes, Churches across Europe are full of statues, paintings and woodcuts depicting pilgrims walking from all parts of Europe to Rome, Santiago or wherever, most tend to be wrapped in a cloak of some sort.

uZkUO.jpg


Not a cloak as such but I have had a few decent nights sleep wearing by Swanndri bushshirt, it looks fairly traditional, it will get by in light rain but I haven't really had to use it in a torrential downpour. I have a 58 pattern poncho that I have used with it, the two work well together but are far from lightweight.

swannie.jpg


A new Swanndri is an expensive item, however I saw that someone here had posted a thread about making your own.

You could always opt for a sheepskin cloak. Cosy!

FKxo6.jpg


:)
 
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santaman2000

M.A.B (Mad About Bushcraft)
Jan 15, 2011
16,909
1,120
68
Florida
I bought a stockman at a boot sale a week or so ago but not used it yet. It comes down to my ankles. It weighs a ton (well, 2.5kg) and is pretty warm so maybe for autumn/winter. Having used wax cotton before I know they it is not breathable so the coat will be a lot warmer and less versatile than a poncho/cape. I see as ideal for a static camp in bad weather.

I've never owned one yet but I've seen them completely unlined and also with various removable liners; from quilted (similar to a barbour liner) to full on sheepskin lining. Which is yours? Or am I being overly optimistic thinking that weight you quoted includes a lining?
 

treadlightly

Full Member
Jan 29, 2007
2,692
3
65
Powys
I've never owned one yet but I've seen them completely unlined and also with various removable liners; from quilted (similar to a barbour liner) to full on sheepskin lining. Which is yours? Or am I being overly optimistic thinking that weight you quoted includes a lining?

This has a light cotton liner covering the chest,shoulders and arms.
 

Paddytray

Settler
Jul 11, 2012
887
0
46
basingstoke
I have put together a Birrus Britannicus . Going to be wearing it for my handfasting ceremony Because it will keep me warm , looks the part for the day & will help keep the sword tucked away out of sight . As we're holding it in cornwall we will be visiting a beach we like to forage for mussels . so it will also be handy for keeping the little one warm while us bigger kids clamber rocks for the perfect mussels . YUM YUM . :campfire:

http://uniforma-army.ru/italy_rim1.php
 

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