Aero Hooch Hauler Thread 2022

[Aloysius]

If you're going to go the Thurston route for Aero, be prepared to push back hard; otherwise they are likely to get you into a much slimmer jacket than you should be in. It's possible they don't do this for Vanson so I can't say.

 

[TelemarkTumalo]

If you're going to go the Thurston route for Aero, be prepared to push back hard; otherwise they are likely to get you into a much slimmer jacket than you should be in. It's possible they don't do this for Vanson so I can't say.

Your experience was obviously different than my own. They sized me well and talked me out of sizing down. I think that is why the try on jacket is such a great idea.

 

[Peacoat]

I have had two Aeros through Thurston with no problems. The fit jacket removes the greatest fear in ordering a custom jacket online–will it fit?

 

[Biff42]

Yup, Brown CXL FQHH.
Here is the jacket next to a pair Red Wing 100th anniversary Beckman boots, also in brown CXL.
Quite close.
View attachment 549817

RW should use more non SB leathers in my opinion. I know they own SB.

 

[TartuWolf]

RW should use more non SB leathers in my opinion. I know they own SB.

That would raise the price. Some of the SB leathers they use are quite lovely as well. My favorite being Briar oil slick and Black klondike.

 

[WatchesandBoots1125]

Check out Thurston Brothers in Seattle. They will walk you through the entire process and send you a try on jacket for sizing and determine if you need any adjustments. Plus, they will send you leather samples to look at. Great folks and fantastic communication.

Thanks, are they the only option in the USA for that service? I'm right by NYC not sure if there are any Aero retailers in this area? I can't find anything online about it.

 

[Aloysius]

I have had two Aeros through Thurston with no problems. The fit jacket removes the greatest fear in ordering a custom jacket online–will it fit?

I know many people here have had good experiences. In my case I paid a considerable premium over ordering direct from Aero + got a completely different jacket from what I ordered (by design, not accident, because they're philosophically opposed to people getting the short 50s cut motorcycle jackets so just commission their "Ridley" with the desired jacket's pocket layout instead). The Ridley pattern is fine but wears and looks completely different.

 

[Eagledog]

Thurston Bros order August 8, 2024
Tobacco Badalassi Steerhide
Size 36
And now it's here!

 

[TartuWolf]

@Eagledog Stunning! Both the jacket/leather and the fit! Looks you went straight for the jackpot
High five from another happy Hooch Hauler owner!

 

[Canuck Panda]

Thurston Bros order August 8, 2024
Tobacco Badalassi Steerhide
Size 36
And now it's here! View attachment 674074 View attachment 674075 View attachment 674076 View attachment 674078 View attachment 674077

nailed it!

 

[Dbrn]

Looks great! And the dogs love it too.

 

[CosmoSix5]

Fantastic! I placed my order a few weeks ago. April can't come soon enough!

 

[JoFlym]

Here's mine in brown CXL FQHH on a cloudy day. It's my first proper leather jacket and I love it! I've been wearing it about a week and it's breaking in nicely.

 

[tk1971]

Received this custom Hooch Hauler from another member last week. The dark seal jerky horsehide is soft and supple.

 

[TartuWolf]

Some development before and after pictures!
Got it Mid September in 2023.
Wearing it extensively over the last several years as I only really wear 2 leather jackets almost 50%/50% with this one.
Brown CXL FQHH
New vs current.

Personally I'm very happy with how it has aged.
The top coat is definitely not as fragile as you sometimes hear.
It has softened up nicely too, very comfortable to wear.
Still rather stiff when cold, but warms up nicely.

Bonus pic of the of the sleeve where the top coat is wearing of too show some nice contrast between the "valleys" and the "mountains". Similar to heavy denim high contrast fading.

 

[TartuWolf]

"half-belt elite" AKA "Hooch Hauler on steroids":
https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/stock/half-belt-elite--vicenza--black--34----s-6778/s-6778
Love the aviator style d-pocket!

 

[Edward]

"half-belt elite" AKA "Hooch Hauler on steroids":
https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/stock/half-belt-elite--vicenza--black--34----s-6778/s-6778
Love the aviator style d-pocket!
View attachment 711707

View attachment 711708

That's a really nice spin on the design.

 

[twistdh]

"half-belt elite" AKA "Hooch Hauler on steroids":
https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/stock/half-belt-elite--vicenza--black--34----s-6778/s-6778
Love the aviator style d-pocket!
View attachment 711707

View attachment 711708

I prefer the standard, but that twist in the design is interesting. In size 34 it’s pretty small. I’ve tried the HH in size 34 and was the first time that I’ve found something too small for me! Ahahah

Pretty good also the price

 

[Eagledog]

I always wonder about the D pocket. It looks like it would only be useful for jabing you in the ribs and chest. And maybe keeping you from bending to the right. Can anything be carried inside this pocket other than a flat envelope? Does anyone have a picture using it to haul some stuff?

 

[TartuWolf]

I think they should definitely offer this pocket configuration as an option for the hooch hauler, it's very appropriate.
@Eagledog
I don't believe that it is very practical, more of a design element, especially the tiny coin pocket. The d-pocket itself can probably hold a wallet, phone and stuff like that just fine.

@twistdh
34 stock is VERY small yeah, especially at the bottom hem and shoulders. Even for my 36 I had to ask them to increase the shoulder width significantly compared to stock.