Fire resistant clothing for the campfire

[wildwoodsman]

I've seen a lot of interesting discussion here about different materials and their relative merits. Something of continuing interest seems to be the advantages of natural fabrics over synthetics when it comes to fire.

For what it's worth I've got two garments which are good round the fire:

1 - A swanndri explorer shirt. Built to last, very warm - but it itches like hell and being wool it does hold water

2 - A fleece made from this fabric. Very warm, very soft, doesn't itch, weighs nothing and can be worn straight out (almost) of the washing machine. For a trip I always choose this one.

Has anyone found a good shell for the campfire? Is there a synthetic alternative to ventile which can cope with a few sparks?

 

[addyb]

Yes. Nearly anything made from 65/35 poly cotton. Like an American M65 field coat. It doesn't doesn't mind a few sparks and the twill weave is extremely durable. And the M1951 wool field coat/shirt is another fantastic bit of kit. I wear it both as a smoking jacket and a cool weather bushcraft garment. Tough as nails and doesn't burn. Keeps the rain out too, surprisingly.

Wearing synthetics is fine provided that you stay away from the fire.

Adam

 

[Toddy]

I fret about the polycotton mix. If it's a fine cloth it will go up It's an utter NO-NO around live firing re-enactors/ black powder firearms enthusiasts.
The heavier stuff, particularly the twill woven ones, seem to be fine though.
Wear linen under your wool and it'll be the best all natural fibres layering system for a temperate climate and it won't itch either

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Ogden]

Has anyone found a good shell for the campfire? Is there a synthetic alternative to ventile which can cope with a few sparks?

Maybe this one:Massif Mountain Gear

 

[torc]

http://www.titanproducts.co.uk/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPRODUCT&productid=7

I have no connection, in any way, to this company.

I've recently bought one of these.
It's very well made in a tough, heavy weight denim-like cotton material with strong stitching throughout.
Although it is not water resistant, I find it very wind-proof and after a couple of washes, as soft as suede.
At the price it's retailing at, you will not have to worry about sparks too much.
The small (7x4cm) red and yellow company logo on the chest pocket is the only non o.d. part of the smock but I suppose this can be removed by teasing out with a needle if you so wish.
They also deliver quickly.

Happy trails...torc.

 

[Mikey P]

Any Nomex material mix will char rather than burn/melt. I have gloves with Nomex fire-retardant material. However, I have no idea if a non-specialist garment suitable for outdoor use is available - Nomex is normally used for fireman kit, racing drivers and military aircrew clothing.

 

[addyb]

Any Nomex material mix will char rather than burn/melt. I have gloves with Nomex fire-retardant material. However, I have no idea if a non-specialist garment suitable for outdoor use is available - Nomex is normally used for fireman kit, racing drivers and military aircrew clothing.

That's very true, Nomex is a modified nylon aramid fabric. However, the drawbacks of Nomex made garments are that in bright light or sunshine the fabric begins to lose its inherant FR properties. As well, washing Nomex in an improper washing cycle will further the fabrics degradation. I have a CF Navy Nomex deck jacket laying around here somewhere and for a party trick I used to wave a blowtorch over my arm whilst wearing it. Extremely stupid, but it never ceased to amaze people. I do NOT recommend doing this, though!

I do know, however that Proban coveralls which are treated cotton have held up just as well as Nomex in numerous tests. If you google it, you'll probably find info about it as well. The drawbacks of FR treated cotton is that although they cost less than their Nomex counterparts, they're quite a bit heavier.

Cheers,

Adam

 

[anthonyyy]

I got a fire resistant ex RUC riot suit which is goretex and fire retardant. It looks like a boiler suit. Only thing it is dry clean only. Presumably the fire retardant chemicals wash off if you wet-wash it but my guess is that it would still remain at least spark resistant.

 

[Toddy]

I use this stuff for long skirts and children's clothing around fires.
Can't see why it ought not work on outdoor kit.
http://www.inest.co.uk/products/Fire_Retardant_Spray_For_Fabric.asp

Cheers,
Toddy

 

[Mikey P]

That's very true, Nomex is a modified nylon aramid fabric. However, the drawbacks of Nomex made garments are that in bright light or sunshine the fabric begins to lose its inherant FR properties. Cheers,

Adam

Then you shall see me only at night...