I wish I could post photos but I am so last century. I make these posts on a borrowed computer on borrowed time. However, I have several smocks, anoraks, jackets, coats and parkas. Most are British army and I have attempted to keep up with all the variations over the last 40 years. I've even seen variations you've probably never heard of but not everything comes in my size.
Although I like all the British smocks, now called jackets, field, the one I wear the most is an old Fjallraven something or other (it had a name but I don't know what it was). It is unlined, not quite hip length and has a hood. But like many jackets with a hood, the hood it too small. It is reserved for outdoor use and is adequate for any activity down to below zero (rare around here) if sufficient undergarments are worn. Useful pockets, too.
I have a reproduction WWII style camouflage windproof suit, jacket & trousers and at one time also an original in khaki. In theory, this is an excellent garment as far as fit goes, with useful pockets. But the hood is too small on this one, too, and it's a little shorter than I would like, same as the Fjallraven. But the biggest drawback is that it's a pullover garment and once you get up a full head of steam, you can't open the front and regulate your temperature. It can't even be opened halfway.
I have another pullover parka from L.L.Bean that is insulated. The fit all round is perfect, including for once, the hood. It is easy to slip on and off (nylon, you know) and plenty warm. I don't know why I don't wear it more than I do.
I have others that I reserve for wearing to work over a wool jacket or suit jacket and although interesting, they don't get out to the woods. One is a very thick Belgium jacket that I seem to wear the most when the cold winds blow, except last winter was rather mild. There might be something to global warming after all and either way, it's not such a bad thing.
Although I like all the British smocks, now called jackets, field, the one I wear the most is an old Fjallraven something or other (it had a name but I don't know what it was). It is unlined, not quite hip length and has a hood. But like many jackets with a hood, the hood it too small. It is reserved for outdoor use and is adequate for any activity down to below zero (rare around here) if sufficient undergarments are worn. Useful pockets, too.
I have a reproduction WWII style camouflage windproof suit, jacket & trousers and at one time also an original in khaki. In theory, this is an excellent garment as far as fit goes, with useful pockets. But the hood is too small on this one, too, and it's a little shorter than I would like, same as the Fjallraven. But the biggest drawback is that it's a pullover garment and once you get up a full head of steam, you can't open the front and regulate your temperature. It can't even be opened halfway.
I have another pullover parka from L.L.Bean that is insulated. The fit all round is perfect, including for once, the hood. It is easy to slip on and off (nylon, you know) and plenty warm. I don't know why I don't wear it more than I do.
I have others that I reserve for wearing to work over a wool jacket or suit jacket and although interesting, they don't get out to the woods. One is a very thick Belgium jacket that I seem to wear the most when the cold winds blow, except last winter was rather mild. There might be something to global warming after all and either way, it's not such a bad thing.
