Elk hide in the rain

[paradiddle]

I am having a jacket made at Johnson and am considering bison and elk. I love the feel and color of the elk but I am concerned that it absorbs water like a sponge and I live in Seattle. This is for casual wear only (no riding) but it would still get pretty wet at times. The bison sample I have sheds water very well.

Anyone else have an Elk jacket in a place where it gets wet?

Thanks

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I had a tan Elk jacket for a short while which had a 'naked' finish somewhat like some deerskin. It did soak up water and had a tendency to spot as well. My water buffalo jacket is just the opposite and has a crisp finish to the leather which repells water much better. I have seen some Bison jackets with a naked finish..but others with a pretty durable finish. It's all in how it is tanned. Some naked leather does dry out and not spot..but the lighter colors do seem to spot and acquire dingy areas with wear.
HD