Waxed canvas coat from "OZ"

[mjmcdowell]

I have an 9 year old waxed canvas 3/4 length coat made by "Rugged Earth" a company in Australia. The real deal not made in any asian country and was brought home to me by my attorney from a vacation. This coat has seen it all, double cape, hood, sheds rain like a duck, thorns (east coast thorn apples, rose thorns, burdock), mud, you name it, I have laid down on it in the muck underneath my truck and with layering is pretty good in late fall/ early spring, it lives in my truck. You hang it in a tree to clean w/a garden hose, oil it once in while, good to go, still is a bit funky......... would not trade it for anything it's been w/me on a lot of trips and will go again w/me to MOAB in the spring of 2012. stay safe mjmcdowell

 

[marksbonneville]

I bought my Australian Outback full length Duster (with the leg ties and cape) in the late 80's and like you have used it for working in the mud and snow countless times and as a motorcycle rain coat, even use it as a blanket. Its a heavy well made coat and surprisingly warm, a very worthwhile investment and yes it just gets hosed off once a year (if that) and I have only re-waxed it once. I'll never give it up and it goes with me often.

 

[Stumpalump]

I have a Tin Cloth Filson jacket. The waxed canvas is nice once broken in. Just steer cleer of any cheap brands because they use cheaper oil and wax that turns rancid and smells in a few years.

 

[whatcharterboat]

There is a company here called http://www.josephlyddy.com.au/ . They make a great product for waterproofing Drizabones like this one



but every one I know including myself just uses this one on their coats and boots and belts and saddles and everything else not bolted down.

 

[nuclearlemon]

i have an ancient outbound duster. got it when i was working on a cattle ranch. excellent jacket. never treated it, but have thought about it. it's a little stiff. will cleaning and retreating it help with that?

 

[marksbonneville]

i have an ancient outbound duster. got it when i was working on a cattle ranch. excellent jacket. never treated it, but have thought about it. it's a little stiff. will cleaning and retreating it help with that?

I have only treated mine once and when I do clean it I only hose it off and let dry outside in the sun, when I treated it I also did it on a warm day and let it set in the sun. My duster came with a can of wax/oil and it does not take much. I think they tend to be a little on the stiff side as compared to a plain canvas coat.

 

[joneseyyy]

I have a waxed cotton Barbour jacket that I LOVE. Have had it for several years, and it gets better with age.

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

I also have a Barbour, which is now going on 18 years old. Despite a closet full of space-age laminated/breathable shells left over from 15 years worth of equipment reviews, it's still the one I reach for in most situations. I just had it elk hunting in 10-degree Fahrenheit blizzardy weather and it performed perfectly. It's about due for reproofing, though.

 

[Tucson T4R]

OK, you guys, you are driving me crazy here. I was just about to purchase yet another high tech rain shell but the more I think about it, I would really prefer the durability of something like these canvas coats. Water proof and tough as nails that won't get holes in them from every campfire spark.

Are there any sources in the US that are well made similar to the OZ versions?

Thanks.

 

[Ozrockrat]

OK, you guys, you are driving me crazy here. I was just about to purchase yet another high tech rain shell but the more I think about it, I would really prefer the durability of something like these canvas coats. Water proof and tough as nails that won't get holes in them from every campfire spark.

Are there any sources in the US that are well made similar to the OZ versions?

Thanks.

I have a couple in Phoenix that I would sell. Hit me with a PM if you are interested. I also have one listed on the motorcycle section of the for sale here.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Thanks guys.

Ozrockrat, I checked out the one you have for sale but I am looking for more of 3/4 length coat. I think I found what I am looking for here: http://www.davidmorgan.com/product_info.php?products_id=1248

 

[Jonathan Hanson]

Resistance is futile, Brad.

There are a lot of U.S. sources for Barbour and Driza-Bone. Barbour jackets tend to be a bit lighter and tighter weave; the Oz stuff is heavier canvas. Don't forget Filson's oil-finish Tin Cloth (heavy) and Shelter Cloth (lighter).

Edit: Our posts crossed. David Morgan is a fine company to deal with. That coat looks superb.

 

[Tucson T4R]

I think your right Jonathan. The Classic Short Riding Coat by Driza-Bone I linked above looks like it will fit my needs well.

Merry Christmas to me. :elkgrin:

 

[mjmcdowell]

Waxed/Oilcloth coats.........

Yes, it is nice to see that these simply made coats are still available to those of us who appreciate timeless utility for our needs in sometimes nasty conditions! "MERRY CHRISTMAS" all, stay safe. mjmcdowell

 

[GroupSe7en]

I've got a Barbour Borders coat and my wife's got a John Partridge - love them both.
The great thing about getting a Barbour is that every once in a while they'll have a 'bring your Barbour in for a rewax' day - mostly at someplace like an Orvis store - it's free. Their service is fantastic - you can send it back to have it mended and fixed and reworked.

I also had an OZ drovers coat (made in Canada, of all places) full length with leg straps, cape, the works.
My friends said I got it to cruise the gay bars. But, I was always dry and infinitely more cool than they could ever be.
My wife finally pitched it when it got left in the humidity and grew a beard of green mold. I was really pissed because it had done that several times and I'd throw it on the grass and blast it with the hose - problem solved.

Waxed cotton is super - you'll love whatever version of it you get.

Cheers,
Mark

hey - post a pic!