Bush Jackets

Doctor Damage · Jan 3, 2013

Here are some marginally better photos of my new/old Banana Republic safari jacket, bought used via e-Bay. This is spotless and made from a thin but stiff cotton poplin material. The flap on the one breast pocket is angle slightly and I might have a go next week and correcting it, although when I'm wearing it the flaw is not easily noticeable. The colour is a light brown or tan colour, despite the photos.

Here are photos of my new/old Tilley safari jacket, blended fabric, made in Canada, and tough as nails. I can see now how Tilley earned their reputation for quality since this thing is great! Four internal pockets and the belt buckle is removable. The colour is a nice faded stone colour.

Baggers · Jan 3, 2013

Good looking jackets. I remember looking at that Tilley model in their catalogs for several years but just never pulled the trigger. But I don't recall it having a tunnel in the back for the belt. While adding a second layer of fabric, it certainly deals with the problem of belt sag when the jacket isn't buttoned up and it's dangling unbuckled. I like it.

As for fixing that crooked pocket on the BR, remember that stitch holes are forever in tightly woven poplins. I removed the sleeve tabs and buttons from a Willis & Geiger Bush Poplin shirt years ago and always regretted it, especially after the company folded and the supply dried up. The holes never went away. Drew my eyes every time I looked at them.

Nice finds, enjoy them!

Doctor Damage · Jan 4, 2013

Baggers said:
Good looking jackets. I remember looking at that Tilley model in their catalogs for several years but just never pulled the trigger. But I don't recall it having a tunnel in the back for the belt. While adding a second layer of fabric, it certainly deals with the problem of belt sag when the jacket isn't buttoned up and it's dangling unbuckled. I like it.

You should have bought one of these because they're extremely solid and well made, if a bit crude (kinda like Alden footwear: great materials, solid construction, but missing a bit of loving care on the details). I have never seen that tunnel before, but you're right it's actually a really good idea and there's no danger of the belt being torn off if one of the small belt loops gets ripped... not that it's much of a danger with my sedate lifestyle!

As for fixing that crooked pocket on the BR, remember that stitch holes are forever in tightly woven poplins. I removed the sleeve tabs and buttons from a Willis & Geiger Bush Poplin shirt years ago and always regretted it, especially after the company folded and the supply dried up. The holes never went away. Drew my eyes every time I looked at them.

Good caution - thanks. The cloth I usually deal with (oxford cotton, chino, or worsted wool) tends to close up gaps/holes especially after washing, but I can see how the poplin of this coat wouldn't. Honestly, the BR coat is a bit too lightweight for me to use, given how summers here in southern Ontario are too hot for anything other than a short-sleeved shirt and fall/spring tend to be a bit cool. I probably won't use the coat.

The Tilley, on the other hand, is the perfect weight for spring/fall and I think I might actually try to find another one as a backup - this coat is definitely going to get a lot of use.

TM · Jan 5, 2013

I just received a Filson Bush Jacket which I bought on their winter sale. For some reason I can't insert the catalog photograph of the jacket - "invalid URL" or something. Anyway, I'm rather disappointed and will probably return it. My first problem is the cloth weight - boy is it light! The fabric is rather like that of a shirt, rather than a jacket. I can see that weight useful in the height of summer, when I wouldn't normally wear a jacket anyway, but it's really too light for most of the year.

The second problem is sizing. Filson's sizing seems all over the place! Last summer I bought a Filson Tin cloth jacket at Orvis in San Francisco. I was able to try out a bunch of sizes and models. For some reason, while I normally wear a Large, the Extra Large fit best, albeit loose. So I ordered a Large this time, and it seems really, really Extra Large. Sleeves for a chimpanzee. Maybe I'll wash it to see how it shrinks, although the instructions say to "professionally dry clean".

Tony

Doctor Damage · Jan 5, 2013

TM said:
I just received a Filson Bush Jacket which I bought on their winter sale. For some reason I can't insert the catalog photograph of the jacket - "invalid URL" or something. Anyway, I'm rather disappointed and will probably return it. My first problem is the cloth weight - boy is it light! The fabric is rather like that of a shirt, rather than a jacket. I can see that weight useful in the height of summer, when I wouldn't normally wear a jacket anyway, but it's really too light for most of the year.

The second problem is sizing. Filson's sizing seems all over the place! Last summer I bought a Filson Tin cloth jacket at Orvis in San Francisco. I was able to try out a bunch of sizes and models. For some reason, while I normally wear a Large, the Extra Large fit best, albeit loose. So I ordered a Large this time, and it seems really, really Extra Large. Sleeves for a chimpanzee. Maybe I'll wash it to see how it shrinks, although the instructions say to "professionally dry clean".

I posted measurements for Filson's bush jackets a page or two earlier in this thread and it's too bad you didn't see them before ordering. They're actual measurements (not standard 'sizing chart' nonsense) and were provided by Filson's customer service department. Based on those measurements, I might actually fit into a Small, even though I'm 6'1" and wear a 42L suit!

Doctor Damage · Jan 26, 2013

I picked up a used Filson bush jacket, the older style 53, in green (actually grey-green). I'm surprised to see so many extra threads and some clumsy detailing, although it's a solidly made garment.

Doctor Damage · Jan 29, 2013

Filson has a sale on but their bush jackets appear to be out of stock. Hopefully they haven't been discontinued.

Doctor Damage · Feb 2, 2013

Update on that pocket flap on the Banana Republic safari jacket (post #281 above). This afternoon I had a go at fixing the angled and pocket and miraculously was able to do it. When I started taking out the stitching I noticed that they'd sewed half the flap on correctly but whoever did it originally then angled the other half of the pocket. This aided me, since it meant I could leave half the pocket in place and just adjust the other half. The stitch holes from the old position are hidden. Job well done, although I credit luck and/or whatever forces move the universe more than any particular skill on my part. Anyway, I'm happy.

Oldsarge · Feb 2, 2013

Given a choice between luck and brains, go with luck every time!

Doctor Damage · Feb 6, 2013

^ Good one!

Filson customer service just informed me via email that their bush jacket (#10051) has been discontinued, at least temporarily, although they didn't seem 100% sure. They did say they have a few sitting around so anyone who's interested should give them a call.

Oldsarge · Feb 9, 2013

Has anyone any experience with L. L. Bean's "Explorer Jacket"? It seems to have none of what I consider useless accoutrements, like belt and shell loops, while still maintaining the general style and utility of what most folks think of when they imagine a safari jacket. What I like is that they state it is very light weight and has a vented cape. Warmth was never a need when I was in Africa, even in their winter. Yes, it got cold in the wee hours of the morning in Zimbabwe and Kwa-Zulu Natal but by then we were well-fed and tippled and snuggled under either inch thick wool blankets or fat comforters. And Mozambique was so close to the Indian Ocean that 'cold' was a foreign concept.

ChadHahn · Feb 9, 2013

I have the previous model Explorer Jacket. Mine has more pockets and a hood in the collar. I don't know if I'd wear mine in hot weather, it's heavier than say my old Filson safari jacket. It's a good fall jacket here in Southern AZ.

There are a few things I don't like about mine. I bought it when they were clearing the old model out and I bought a large. I should have bought a medium. The sizes run big. Mine fits very loosely, the sleeves hang down over my hands. The thing that irritates me the most about the jacket is the way it hangs when unzipped. The zipper rubs right across my nipple and it drives me nuts. If I would have bought a medium it probably would fit differently and not rub against me when I walk.

Chad

a1a · Feb 11, 2013

I think Tilley makes a great product, it's even made in Canada!

Doctor Damage · Feb 14, 2013

That used Filson bush jacket (#53, size 44) which I mentioned a few posts back has now been machine washed, drip dried, ironed, and had the loose threads trimmed short. It fits the way I wanted (relatively slim) and the colour (grey-green) looks great. I think I will get a lot of use out of this jacket. What's weird is that I'm a 42L in most men's clothing but this jacket is a 44 - it would NEVER fit a true size 44 - and the measurements match the true measurements for a size S in Filson's current bush jacket.

B.J. Hedberg · Feb 17, 2013

Saw this one in the spring Beretta catalog and had to get it. Glad I did. Decent weight, seems like good construction; I think it’s going to be rather useful all around. Not the best indoor lighting shot.

By and by, I bought an LL Bean Explorer Jacket last fall and liked it. Kept it in the back seat of the car in case I needed it. Very low maintenance.

Eric P · Feb 17, 2013

That looks good, I really like the lower pockets they look like they would be a good place to put loose ammo.

Doctor Damage · Mar 13, 2013

^ Beretta has a good reputation, so that jacket should give many years of service. My brother in law was going to get one of their waterproof jackets to replace the Barbour I traded him, but I don't know if he ever did -- he did say that the brand is respected in Europe.

I went back to my Banana Republic safari jacket and re-sewed the breast pocket. Now it's close to perfect and noticable to only the most careful eye. I also shortened the belt which was so long it almost came around the front again! I'm looking forward to wearing it if the weather ever warms up.

Oldsarge · Mar 19, 2013

Beretta's are expensive but they do make thoughtfully designed shooting gear. Personally, for the money I'd have one made without the wraparound belt because I'm cranky that way. For most folks, though, the belt makes it 'safari'. I think having four pockets is the key.

Oldsarge · Apr 8, 2013

From the look in the catalog, this one is absolute ideal . . . or would be if it came in real sizes instead of SML, etc.

Doctor Strange · May 21, 2013

I just read through this entire thread for the second time...

I have been on a mission to buy a new (not vintage) belted safari or bush jacket for a couple of months now. I ordered one from Fatigues... and promptly discovered it was out of stock. I ordered a Filson... it took a month to discover that it was out of stock... and the model is discontinued. The US Wings jacket just doesn't look right to me... and nowhere do they specify that it's all-cotton. Gentlemen's Emporium's looks too long and costume-y, and I've seen comments like the buttonholes aren't finished. Lost Worlds looks great, but is too expensive... TagSafari's been out of their stone color for months, and their belt doesn't even come with a buckle. Walkabout's might be okay, but it's very hard to tell from their crappy picture...

I've looked very hard at the much-praised WPG model... but the "darker than shown" khaki has me scared: I really want a tan/sand/beige/off-white jacket. Anything tending towards green or olive is just wrong for me. (I literally don't own anything green.)

Stafford's model looks nice, though it's a bit more than I really want to spend... (As was the Filson, but it looked nearly perfect and I was impatient to make a decision already.)

I never thought this search would turn into such a production number! Anyway, I'd appreciate any guidance you guys might have, or pointers to other brands/models I haven't encountered yet.

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