EBBELSEN Trek MKII field jacket/coat - any views?

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DocG

Full Member
Dec 20, 2013
869
123
Moray
Hi,

I've fancied a ventile top for a while but don't like the "action man" look of many jackets that are based on the British Army smock.

Ebbelsen have a jacket that looks more civilian (if you follow me) but is as pricey as other brands. I think the fit will be ok for me - but willing to listen to views of esteemed fellow BCUKers.

My worry is the hood. It comes off and has a neat, purpose-built pocket inside the coat, but there don't seem to be many pictures of anyone wearing the hood - the website is poor and reviews don't provide convincing images. I like a hood that gives good coverage in the rain - does this one?

Anyone know anything or have any insights?

All replies appreciated.

Rob
 

Tiley

Life Member
Oct 19, 2006
2,364
374
60
Gloucestershire
The website is certainly swish and the description of their Trekking jacket is very detailed. It looks to be a thoughtfully designed jacket that doesn't suffer from the military look, principally by not being made from an olive green or camouflage patterned fabric.

As for the hood, I suppose you just have to trust the review on from the 'Well Dressed Dad' blog, which seems pretty complimentary. Personally, I'm not a great fan of hoods but understand their importance; when I think of the number of times I have had to deploy one, having it tucked away in its own dedicated pocket doesn't seem to be too much of an issue.

The pricing seems pretty competitive, too, if you compare it with other Ventile tops by Sasta and whoever else. I have to admit, I'd be interested to see one of these to judge how it comes up for size as well as seeing whether the actual article matches the hype in terms of manufacture quality.

Sorry I couldn't actually help as such but I thought a few observations might be useful.
 

subzeer0

Tenderfoot
Apr 30, 2014
94
11
East of Durham
well ive go one of these jackets in sand colour..it fits true to size...xl fit just right. for a 46 inch chest

the hood although ive never had it fit...it is not a big one...be struggling for fit a hat under it...in my opinion..chances of me using are remote anyway

nice jacket tho
 
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Joshman

Member
May 16, 2018
35
1
50
Hereford
Hi,

I've fancied a ventile top for a while but don't like the "action man" look of many jackets that are based on the British Army smock.

Ebbelsen have a jacket that looks more civilian (if you follow me) but is as pricey as other brands. I think the fit will be ok for me - but willing to listen to views of esteemed fellow BCUKers.

My worry is the hood. It comes off and has a neat, purpose-built pocket inside the coat, but there don't seem to be many pictures of anyone wearing the hood - the website is poor and reviews don't provide convincing images. I like a hood that gives good coverage in the rain - does this one?

Anyone know anything or have any insights?

All replies appreciated.

Rob

Hi Rob

I’ve signed up to reply (as I got an alert).

I’ve had my ebbelsen for two months and have bought a second (to sit in storage), my brother has now purchased one and a colleague at work has now purchased one and we are all very happy with our jackets!

You say you’re worried about the hood but you don’t say what your worry is? It’s clearly a small hood for emergencies and is not a baggy bushcraft thing but it has kept my head dry in downpours!

You say they’re as pricy as other brands. What?! They are amazing value? Most Ventile jackets are considerably more than 250 quid and this is a DOUBLE skin Ventile! No where will you find another double skin - using twice as much fabric - Ventile jacket for anything remotely close to £250? (Ventile fabric is very expensive).

You say their website is poor. What? I’ve never ever seen so much detail about one jacket before? Their site blew me away and is what clinched the deal!

With your observations I think you’re more of a Hilltrek customer and I know they make very good Ventile cags in blue. Otherwise I recommend you recognise the ebbelsen jacket for the exceptional bit of kit that it is and it’s truely unbeatable price.

Before you ask - no I do not work for ebbelsen. I just think my jacket is excellent! £250? Jeeze, get on it!
 
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DocG

Full Member
Dec 20, 2013
869
123
Moray
Thanks for your reply, Tilley.

It's the capacity? Size of the hood the concerns me. I like my bald spot covered!
 

DocG

Full Member
Dec 20, 2013
869
123
Moray
well ive go one of these jackets in sand colour..it fits true to size...xl fit just right. for a 46 inch chest

the hood although ive never had it fit...it is not a big one...be struggling for fit a hat under it...in my opinion..chances of me using are remote anyway

nice jacket tho

Thanks for the comments. As I said to Tilley, the fit and size of the hood concern me. You seem to be saying that it's a bit small. I have a fairly small head - do you mind me asking if yours is a big one? (Sorry)
 

DocG

Full Member
Dec 20, 2013
869
123
Moray
Hi Rob

I’ve signed up to reply (as I got an alert).

I’ve had my ebbelsen for two months and have bought a second (to sit in storage), my brother has now purchased one and a colleague at work has now purchased one and we are all very happy with our jackets!

You say you’re worried about the hood but you don’t say what your worry is? It’s clearly a small hood for emergencies and is not a baggy bushcraft thing but it has kept my head dry in downpours!

You say they’re as pricy as other brands. What?! They are amazing value? Most Ventile jackets are considerably more than 250 quid and this is a DOUBLE skin Ventile! No where will you find another double skin - using twice as much fabric - Ventile jacket for anything remotely close to £250? (Ventile fabric is very expensive).

You say their website is poor. What? I’ve never ever seen so much detail about one jacket before? Their site blew me away and is what clinched the deal!

With your observations I think you’re more of a Hilltrek customer and I know they make very good Ventile cags in blue. Otherwise I recommend you recognise the ebbelsen jacket for the exceptional bit of kit that it is and it’s truely unbeatable price.

Before you ask - no I do not work for ebbelsen. I just think my jacket is excellent! £250? Jeeze, get on it!


Ok, thanks for that. The website is very flash, but it does not show the hood in use - hence my criticisms. You're saying that it's more "for emergencies" - that seems to me to be a bit odd for a jacket that Is promoting itself as a go anywhere, do anything garment. I'm looking to use the jacket while leading Scouts and will have it on hikes as well as messing about in woodland, so I'm hoping for some decent coverage of my head. I do not think that the site answers those questions adequately, but you do, so we'll agree to differ - nae worries.

Prices are ok, maybe even very good as you suggest; but £250 isn't cheap IF the jacket doesn't do the job. However, your positive remarks about it (and I'm assuming you've been out and about in foul weather with no problems) so you're convincing me to bite the bullet.

Out of interest, why the alert?

Anything else to add ref the jacket's performance?

Thanks again,
Rob
 

Joshman

Member
May 16, 2018
35
1
50
Hereford
Ok, thanks for that. The website is very flash, but it does not show the hood in use - hence my criticisms. You're saying that it's more "for emergencies" - that seems to me to be a bit odd for a jacket that Is promoting itself as a go anywhere, do anything garment. I'm looking to use the jacket while leading Scouts and will have it on hikes as well as messing about in woodland, so I'm hoping for some decent coverage of my head. I do not think that the site answers those questions adequately, but you do, so we'll agree to differ - nae worries.

Prices are ok, maybe even very good as you suggest; but £250 isn't cheap IF the jacket doesn't do the job. However, your positive remarks about it (and I'm assuming you've been out and about in foul weather with no problems) so you're convincing me to bite the bullet.

Out of interest, why the alert?

Anything else to add ref the jacket's performance?

Thanks again,
Rob

Hi Rob

The hood isn’t ‘small’ as it fits perfectly well (and the well dressed dad blog goes out of his way to compliment the design and fit) but it isn’t the large volume type of hood you’d have on a mountain cag. I’d say it was a tad harsh to judge such a brilliant website on the detail of not having a photo of the hood being worn (although they show it in position). The website isn’t flash - which can be read as derogatory - but is simply full (ironically) of amazing photos and extensive details about the product on four or five simple pages. It’s clean simple and with clear photos? Nothing particularly flash? The site spells out what the jacket is designed for and for its intended function it chooses not to have a fixed hood, but yes, you can then attach the one which is stored in an inside pocket for emergencies. Pretty straightforward. It is not a “waterproof” cagoule and is merely a practical cotton field jacket, but because it is made of Ventile then it should keep you dry should you be caught out in the rain. It is absolutely NOT promoting itself as a go anywhere do anything jacket, as you claim? It describes foothills and walking dogs on beaches. And describing it as a travel jacket is not the same as “go anywhere”? I was impressed by how they played down any claims and they even confirm that the jacket is NOT waterproof, which really impressed me. I would imagine this jacket to be an awful jacket for your “hikes”? Completely inappropriate. I read somewhere that they opted to use the Duuton3 branding of the etaproof fabric to get away from the confusion caused by many people’s confusion about the Ventile branding (for etaproof fabric); and get away from discussions about waterproofing (and hoods!). This is a tough cotton field jacket; no more. In Scandinavia they traditionally call these trekking jackets. Just functional and practical cotton jackets for outdoor use. £250 is an absolute steal but, yes, perhaps not if a customer fundamentally misunderstands what they’re buying. The well dressed dad blog makes a massive point of explaining that products like this are versatile, doing more things well but never as good at doing what one specialist product might do brilliantly. I honestly don’t think this is the jacket for you and you perhaps want something a bit more functional such as hilltrek for example. Next time you’re heading off on a 6mths adventure travel around the world, with planes, trains, sightseeing, safari, a bit of walking through lots of different climates then get yourself a Trek Mk2 by ebbelsen! Hope this helps! Best regards.
 

Joshman

Member
May 16, 2018
35
1
50
Hereford
Please do not buy one. You will be disappointed and then write about how disappointed you are on here. It’s a double layer 200g cotton jacket and not what you need. It’s a substantial jacket and not what you want for “hikes” or working with scout troops in damp British woods. Honestly, it’s not suitable for your requirements and your concerns about the hood illustrate this. Please do not buy. Best wishes....
 

DocG

Full Member
Dec 20, 2013
869
123
Moray
Indeed.

Comments and input still appreciated.

FYO I've contacted the manufacturers directly for their 2d worth.

Keep smiling!
 

sunndog

Full Member
May 23, 2014
3,561
477
derbyshire
The website is certainly swish and the description of their Trekking jacket is very detailed. It looks to be a thoughtfully designed jacket that doesn't suffer from the military look, principally by not being made from an olive green or camouflage patterned fabric.

As for the hood, I suppose you just have to trust the review on from the 'Well Dressed Dad' blog, which seems pretty complimentary. Personally, I'm not a great fan of hoods but understand their importance; when I think of the number of times I have had to deploy one, having it tucked away in its own dedicated pocket doesn't seem to be too much of an issue.

The pricing seems pretty competitive, too, if you compare it with other Ventile tops by Sasta and whoever else. I have to admit, I'd be interested to see one of these to judge how it comes up for size as well as seeing whether the actual article matches the hype in terms of manufacture quality.

Sorry I couldn't actually help as such but I thought a few observations might be useful.

Ere tiley, while we are talking outerwear...did you ever do a write up on that loden coat you got a year or so ago?
 

Joshman

Member
May 16, 2018
35
1
50
Hereford
Getting exciting on here. Its only a coat don't get too carried away :)

It’s no “coat”. It’s a thing of pure unadulterated beauty. (I’m leaving the wife to run off in my “coat”, sorry I mean Scandinavian trekking jacket).

I’ll always keep smiling at people’s caution about coats and trying to pin down subjective opinions about cotton fabric.
 

sunndog

Full Member
May 23, 2014
3,561
477
derbyshire
It’s no “coat”. It’s a thing of pure unadulterated beauty. (I’m leaving the wife to run off in my “coat”, sorry I mean Scandinavian trekking jacket).

I’ll always keep smiling at people’s caution about coats and trying to pin down subjective opinions about cotton fabric.

Leaving the wife......for your monthly pub meet of the ebbelsen coat lovers society :cool2:
 

DocG

Full Member
Dec 20, 2013
869
123
Moray
Ok - the end of the story from my pov = the following reply from the manufacturers who support the idea that this is NOT a jacket suited to bushcraft or hillwalking: hood or no hood, it's clearly designed for what might be termed leisure wear rather than active pursuits.

"Thank you for your enquiry and for considering the ebbelsen MKII jacket.


This model is a classic Field Jacket but offers improved wet weather protection over and above a similar jacket made using only a conventional cotton or cotton mix. As a Field Jacket it serves well as a general purpose outdoor and travel garment but from the activities you describe you may well be better suited with an alternative product which is more focused upon outdoor activities.

As a premium signature travel garment we have selected branding and designs to limit its appeal to the bushcraft market as we recognise that the alternative fabric branding of Ventile is popular for these activities. Our jacket uses a contemporary jacket cut and fit, is only hip length and does not feature a fixed hood and is unlikely to provide the kind of convenience required for your intended use. We do not claim the fabric or the jacket to be waterproof and it is likely to prove too heavy to carry regularly and too warm for energetic hill walking
."

Thanks to all you have contributed on and off line.
 

Billy-o

Native
Apr 19, 2018
1,981
975
Canada
So, ideal for when you are hunting for your CR-V in some distant, very rainy corner of the Tesco carpark ... but maybe a bit dressy

The bit about 'improved wet weather protection' is interesting. Ventile cloth comes with a water repelling finish – (depending on the manufacturer, I suppose) – which you are expected to top up periodically. I am fine with this, the fabric being quite windproof, very comfortable and quiet and generally ideal for certain weather. But, that isn't exactly what all the hoo-hah suggested a decade back when the stuff appeared on the market.
 
Last edited:

Joshman

Member
May 16, 2018
35
1
50
Hereford
Ok - the end of the story from my pov = the following reply from the manufacturers who support the idea that this is NOT a jacket suited to bushcraft or hillwalking: hood or no hood, it's clearly designed for what might be termed leisure wear rather than active pursuits.

"Thank you for your enquiry and for considering the ebbelsen MKII jacket.


This model is a classic Field Jacket but offers improved wet weather protection over and above a similar jacket made using only a conventional cotton or cotton mix. As a Field Jacket it serves well as a general purpose outdoor and travel garment but from the activities you describe you may well be better suited with an alternative product which is more focused upon outdoor activities.

As a premium signature travel garment we have selected branding and designs to limit its appeal to the bushcraft market as we recognise that the alternative fabric branding of Ventile is popular for these activities. Our jacket uses a contemporary jacket cut and fit, is only hip length and does not feature a fixed hood and is unlikely to provide the kind of convenience required for your intended use. We do not claim the fabric or the jacket to be waterproof and it is likely to prove too heavy to carry regularly and too warm for energetic hill walking
."

Thanks to all you have contributed on and off line.

Why do you insist upon pursuing your own addenda and mis-quoting websites and emails? It is only a leisure jacket in so much as it is not work wear and is for wearing while you pursue your leisure activities. It is a truely fantastic field jacket and/or travel jacket. Not a garment designed for bushcraft. It’s not complicated. But glad you got it resolved.
 

Joshman

Member
May 16, 2018
35
1
50
Hereford
So, ideal for when you are hunting for your CR-V in some distant, very rainy corner of the Tesco carpark ... but maybe a bit dressy

The bit about 'improved wet weather protection' is interesting. Ventile cloth comes with a water repelling finish – (depending on the manufacturer, I suppose) – which you are expected to top up periodically. I am fine with this, the fabric being quite windproof, very comfortable and quiet and generally ideal for certain weather. But, that isn't exactly what all the hoo-hah suggested a decade back when the stuff appeared on the market.

It is ideal, as you say, as a functional cotton field jacket whether in “car parks” or on safari in Africa (hot in the day and cold at night). This forum illustrates beautifully why they chose to use the Duuton3 label on their garments (and not Ventile) precisely to avoid the bushcraft ferternity comparing it to other Ventile products and repositioning the garment against its will (and judging it disparagingly not appreciating what it’s for). It is not a bushcraft product. It is not waterproof. It does not claim or aim to be suitable for bushcraft and their realism in their email reply is admirable. I have never found a better quality field jacket, and adventure travel jacket. It is truely brilliant. But I won’t be building bivouacs or smoking fish in the woods in it.
 

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