Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Leather Jacket for Heavy Outdoor Use

Asienizen

One of the Regulars
Messages
223
Location
Vietnam
It's a tough recommendation to think of one material for both bike riding and working. If you want a leather for working in, I'd recommend a medium weight horse or steer - any thick leather will really tire you out, especially your shoulders and inner elbows. If you get a medium weight hide on a slightly oversized jacket, you can just wear motorcycle armor underneath when you want to bike.
On the other hand, many people want a very heavy leather for riding - flexibility can be sacrificed because you are basically holding one position on a bike.

I would not want to be doing outside work in any 6-8 pound piece of thick hide that can stand up on it's own. Furthermore, you may want to get a bi-swing back or armpit gussets to make it more movable. Frankly I think a chrome tanned horse or steer would be great for shedding water and wind - though I suppose in a downpour the water would eventually soak through.

I'm six feet and 150lb too, and I used to do construction in the mid-west, so that's my 2 cents.
 

paulgt3

Familiar Face
Messages
81
Location
Mammoth Lakes, the Sierras
Based on your requirements and my intense familiarity with the Sierras I would suggest any shearling jacket that
is short on your waist. Your going to be riding a horse so you have other things below your waiste like saddle bags etc.
You can buy a B-3, or a ANJ-4 or an Irvin. As you know, you can be in the Sierras any day and month and it can snow.
The jackets I suggested have horsehide protecting the seams and the shoulders and elbows and are almost indestructable.
I find going through the thickets add character. You can pick a number of makers and request a shearling length. I have a Goodwear
B-3 and the shearling is exquisite and so is the jacket. But an Eastman would hold up as well as a lost worlds, Aeroleather company
just find the companies and ask for some samples. Eastman has a couple varieties of B-3 I like like the San Fransisco Air Depot marino
version but it gets dirty.
Given the weather of the Sierras I would make sure I have a sheepskin jacket. 7 years ago it snowed 120" in 36 hours and we were in
DEEP. So dont skimp. I have been snowed on last Memorial Day, and in August of the early 90's. Its not forgiving land. I have been to
the mule packing place in Mammoth, and all up and down the eastern side from north of Reno down to where I live just 15 miles from the
foothills of Kennedy Meadows, and Walkers pass. Dont underestimate her power.
 

Mark Ricketts

One of the Regulars
Messages
113
Location
ontario
I agree with some earlier comments. What a marvellous excuse to acquire several jackets, each one doing one job perfectly, rather than one jacket doing several jobs..... not so well.
It is a braver man than me who would wear a Langlitz as a workcoat.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
107,208
Messages
3,031,095
Members
52,681
Latest member
CCRider
Top