cloaks

[Graham_S]

i'm toying with the idea of a cloak for the rain.
cloaks have been used for hundreds of years as the premier method of weatherproofing so why have they fallen out of fashion?

so i'm looking at getting some waterproof fabric and knocking one up.

 

[sam_acw]

The idea pops up every now and again. I think the resident freelance viking may have some experience with this. I'll get around to one at some point when I find some cheapo wool blankets.

 

[chrisanson]

Good idea, my wife has a cloak she made herself and says it is the warmest “coat type thing” she has ever had. I think it is basically a large circle with a smaller circle for the hood. All the best
Chris

 

[spamel]

I was thinking this just the other night after watching Robin Chav!! If it was lined with one of those thin tartan blankets found in old peoples' cars, it would be both warm and waterproof and could be used to sleep in aswell. I wore a cloak this summer for a medieval pi$$ up, and felt very comfortable and pretty damned cool in it!! I almost fell asleep by the fire wrapped in my cloak sat on a hay bale, it was fantastic.

Please put up some pics if you do make one, I'd love to see it. The only problem I foresee is how do you wear a bergen/backpack? Or does the cloak sit over the top of it like a poncho?

 

[chrisanson]

I was thinking this just the other night after watching Robin Chav!! If it was lined with one of those thin tartan blankets found in old peoples' cars, it would be both warm and waterproof and could be used to sleep in aswell. I wore a cloak this summer for a medieval pi$$ up, and felt very comfortable and pretty damned cool in it!! I almost fell asleep by the fire wrapped in my cloak sat on a hay bale, it was fantastic.

Please put up some pics if you do make one, I'd love to see it. The only problem I foresee is how do you wear a bergen/backpack? Or does the cloak sit over the top of it like a poncho?

i think the cloak gos over every thing.
chris

 

[Toddy]

Shall we bring ours to the meet up for you to try?
The only real problem with them is that they can get in the way of your hands or chug at your throat and if it's windy you look like a flag
Round a campfire though, they're great things, and you can just roll up in it to sleep too.
Probably why the Scots wore a fealeadh mhor, it becomes a cloak at need, but you can belt it down if you want a rammy
The basic blanket shaped type need pins or brooches to fasten them......I can see the conversation now, " Woodlore or damascus?" "Carbon or Stainless"....kit list takes on a whole new meaning

Cheers,
M

 

[spamel]

I take it you could only wear a medium sized bergen then, or else it would get a bit cold out back, so to speak!!

 

[Tengu]

I wore my plaid on my scotland trip.

its just a big square of woollen cloth doubled over and pinned at the shoulder with a brooch.

Its the dogs bits.

 

[morch]

......I can see the conversation now, " Woodlore or damascus?" "Carbon or Stainless"....kit list takes on a whole new meaning

Cheers,
M

Thats made my night

 

[leatherneck]

Not being a smartass, but if you're looking for a cloak for the rain, wouldn't some of those military ponchos do just about the same job? Or, even the 3/4 length rain coats?

 

[11binf]

during W.W. 1 and W.W. 2 the british army issued it's soldiers with a groundsheet/rainCAPE.....some models were rubberized and had buttons to the front and metal grommets along the side to help make a rough shelter...why re -invent the wheel ,try an older surplus store and see if they can help....also see if you can find a east german army rain cape its rubberized and lined....vince g. 11b inf..

 

[TAHAWK]

Large numbers of Swiss surplus rain cloaks are on the market, selling for under $10 US over here. They are made of what seems to be a rubberized fabric and have slits (closed by snaps) for the hands.

 

[Toddy]

The rubberised ones keep you cold and sweaty though. Wool gets damp but stays warm and it breathes. Unless it's really, really chucking it down, the woollen ones are much more comfortable. It's our dreich climate again

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

Always wanted (and still do) a hevy wool travelling cloak, they just look soo cool !!

Also warm and waterproof to some degree as well

But at $408, i think i'll leave it

 

[Toddy]

If you're up for sewing it yourself you'll get the fabric for under £40.

Where did you get the image from? I quite fancy a pattern from that one.

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Buckshot]

That looks almost 'Jedi - like' Spikey,
Always fancied one like that myself...
Hmmm, perhaps another project for SWMBO aftre the ventile trousers she's going to do for me soon.....

The other option is something like the buchmans cape from bushwear http://www.bushwear.co.uk/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=19 Supposed to be very good but it is open at the front and it's not designed for warmth.

Mark

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

If you're up for sewing it yourself you'll get the fabric for under £40.

Where did you get the image from? I quite fancy a pattern from that one.

Cheers,
Toddy

http://www.hmoon.com/travelers.html

 

[geoff88]

http://www.hmoon.com/travelers.html

Ah yes just the thing for your next trip to Transilvania.
Get a poncho.

Geoff

 

[British Red]

Toddy,

If you work out a pattern for this could I have a copy please? BB reckons she could sew that for me no danger and it looks just the job for lounging round the fire!

Red

 

[arctic hobo]

I made one a while back from a pattern Toddy kindly explained to me. It's grand, really nice and warm, and yes, you do look quite cool. I might make another soon (after I've finished the ones for my mates ) that's thicker for winter.
I've some photos but I'm on the wrong PC at the mo, so if anyone's interested give me a PM and I'll sort something out