I'm not sure what you're basing your assertions on, but I bought a brand new Outback Trading Co. Swagman jacket in 2022. It is quite stiff (it will mostly stand up on its own, only sagging slightly). It is very rugged and good quality (comparable to an old late 80's early 90's Bush Ranger Jacket that I bought at a thrift store many years ago). It is also very oily, to the point that it stained another jacket is was hung up next to. The biggest difference that I can tell, is that most of the new stuff is 8oz oilcloth, whereas I believe most of the old stuff was 10 and 12oz oilcloth.
You said it all!! 8oz instead of 12oz. Not as many folded over layers in the pockets, buttons and zippers made more cheaply now. That's what I'm basing my assertions off of. Thought it was quite clear in the video. Thank you for watching.
@@glbwoodsbum2567 What you made quite clear in the video, was that you thought the new stuff wasn't as good as the old stuff. And you cited a couple of examples, which do not mirror my experience (not as stiff, not oily, not as rugged). Most people (including you) would be very hard pressed to tell the difference between 8oz and 10oz oilcloth, which is why almost all companies that make oil/tin-cloth switched to 8oz. It's nearly as tough, but a little softer. As far as the zippers and hardware, the ones on my 2022 Swagman are very durable/high quality (I will give you the folded pockets though, that's a feature that is missed on the newer coats for sure). So again, I'm asking, what are you basing your assertions on? They seem to be mostly incorrect. Do you have a modern example of an oilskin coat to compare to the old one? If so, what model is it?
@@Pharto_Stinkus So the outback coats that I see are far thinner. Zipper is not as heavy. Snaps are not as heavy duty either. Stitching lighter as well. A store nearby me sells them. That's where ive made my comparisons. Very easy for me to see the difference my friend. The difference is extremely obvious, if you currently own a vintage Outback coat. 8oz compared to 12oz is easy to feel the difference. Plus along the zipper and the Cuffs of the coat are double ply on the Vintage coat. Ymmv. Once again thanks for watching.
@@glbwoodsbum2567 maybe some coats are better quality than others? I'm telling you, the Swagman I bought in 2022 is just as high quality as the vintage oilskin I have, though as I said, it is a little lighter. Take care.
I agree with everything you said, as I have a thirty yr old lower rider and just bought a new 3/4 and like you said it seems thinner. I am pleased with new one though and still believe these are the best coats money can buy....once you add the hood. Gotta get that hood. Buy a size larger than normal to allow layers. Put wax coating on zippers to help them function. Add a Plash Palakta soviet cold war canvas poncho shelter to pair with coat and you are unstoppable.
I bought one in 1990 for $ 20 and still have the oilskin short duster that's was basically used for horseback riding but it's rain proof and what I like about it is the shoulders covers like a 19th century coat . I kinda feel like Batman wearing it .
I have one made by "Outback" that I bought 32 years ago. I use it to this day. Great product, very rugged, if taken care of properly I think it would last another 20 years.
Hi, great jacket, you wear. Over the decades, I have tested a lot of jackets with modern textiles during bad weather and a lot of them are doing well but no comparison to my oilskin Jacaru from Wallaby, that jacket is still doing a great job. You are right, oilskin gets really stiff by frozen Weather, if you use wachs to impregnate it but with oil you shouldn't have any problems, thas my impression after decades of use. Wish you many nice days in the woods- I'm about to go out for a week(Black Forest, Germany) and can't wait for it 😂
My dad just gave me a burk and willis darwin jacket. And i own a outback trapper hat. I am starting to really love oil skin for my outdoor gear. Thanks for the video.
I just landed one of these the other day; for free!! Got two of them, actually. The full length style (was almost free), you said may not be entirely practical for out bush-whacking, and the same style you are wearing in this video. Port Phillip Outback (?) and the shorter Koolah. Both very beautiful pieces of work and really tough/rugged coats. Was really happy about that. It's gonna' be great to have this for my camping/bushcraft excursions. Excellent outdoor gear. Maybe the best, for longevity and reliability?
Can relate to a coat standing up on its own. Ever heard the old saying,“they don’t makem like the used to.”? Old sayings don’t become old sayings for no reason. I ‘ve got a old leather jacket made for riding motorcycles that I clean & condition when it needs it. 2-3 times since mid 80s. Some of that was to help speed the break in up. Probably would have been fine without any care . but skins needs oils as a rule. I hose it off & air dry if I get it wet & dirty surf fishing or whatever but it’s good for any activity I can think of. Hides are hard to beat IMHO.Might try out some older stuff like that from ebay to mix it up some. Well see..thx for showing it. They are just giving the majority of today’s market what they want.Relatively inexpensive stuff you eventually replace. That’s what 80s & later kids (now adults)know. .. new heirloom quality stuff will cost you. About to DIY some brush pants. Looking at different materials.
Yeah, my Outback leather Wagga Wagga hat's band puckered too. I just slit out the puckers and it layed flat. Winter warm for such style hats?... I bought a pair of those twist to open (and adjustable) from hockey puck shape (stored) ear muffs, which by design comes up from behind the head/neck nape. Not bad for use during manual labor, but shy of swinging an axe methinks.
That's because that old coat has bee's wax mixed in with the oil that's why I gets stiff the new ones don't they just have a linseed oil and some type of oil from fat or sometimes the mix mineral spirits or turpentine in with the linseed oil and then soak it in twice
Thank you so much for that information! The thickness of the material on the older coats is also far greater than the newer ones which I'm sure helps with the stiffness as well. Thanks for watching and commenting!
All brands of Oilskin/waxed cotton reproofing gunk is a mixture of parafine wax & mineral oil. Linseed oil & bee's wax hasn't been used commercially since the early 20th century, though some homemade mixtures do use them. Even modern oilskin jackets will stand up on their own when cold/wet as the cold stiffens the wax.
Well the older hat is from 'The Australian Outback Collection' It was a Canadian company & they did use top notch materials. I'm not sure if they're still in business, probably not but they had/have nothing to do with 'the outback Trading Co.' which does still exist. 'Driza bone' is probably the most reliable brand left now for Aussie outdoor oilskin clothing ,though they probably aren't as good as they used to be either.. The longer full length coats are usually refered to as drover coats & the shorter jackets as 'rider's coats'
It can be hard to tell with older stuff, but was the new color of this jacket black or brown? Can't make heads or tails on my screen. Great opinion and perspective!
The quality drop on them hats.....wow.I mean the quality is still up,but when ya look at that hat compared ta the one I just got and have on my head....I kinda wanna cry....lol...it's like a 300 dollar hat tadays quality. ...lol...
It's like most things. Cutting corners, relocating manufacture overseas, lowering quality control etc. Also today's customers don't really have the reference or experience of quality goods, having been accustomed to cheap, throw away consummerist crap so they don't know the difference.
@@thatguywholeftacomment6532 Nope, there aren't any companies who manufacture such items now like they used to....... If you want quality it's probably best to buy used/vintage from places like eBay.
@@LowPlainsDrifter60 of the companies still making dusters today which do you think is the most rugged and comfortable? Are there any other contenders besides Outback trading company?
How do you keep brim so straight on Kodiak? My husband has a size sm Kodiac, wore 1 time Elk hunting and it shrunk, ( was put next to heat for 10 minutes) and wire brim all wavy. Outback says wire fragile so, any advice?
I honestly don't know what to say to that. I wish I could help you out, but I've never had an issue keeping the brim of my hat straight. Thank you very much for watching
So you’ve said the new coats from Outback may not be as quality or rugged as the old ones. Do you have any recommendations for other companies that still make dusters and heavy coats with the old quality they used to? It’s a bit sad how true the phrase “they don’t make em like they used to” is getting to be
Thank you very much for watching and I hope you enjoyed the video. I can't really make any recommendations, but I can suggest that you pay very close attention to what ounce canvas is being used. Look at the pockets and see if they fold over and snap. Look at the durability of the snaps and of any zippers. Also look at how many rows of stitching and the thickness of the stitching. Take care and let me know what you find.
Just discovered your channel. Good presentation of info. Do you have issues with rain running down the back of your neck? I think you mentioned Do Filson tin pants. I gathering you used as rain pants or do slip on backpacker type rain pants?
Can someone with real experience with Oilskin jackets tell me how good they hold up to very thick briars and tuff country? Will it tear easily in big briars or will it hold up? Thanks
They definitely hold up well compared to many modern materials. At the end of the day, it's treated canvas. If you ever had a canvas tarp you know how much punishment/abuse it can withstand. It may not be entirely waterproof if you damage it bad enough. I have yet to find another product that is as waterproof, relatively safe around fire, and durable.
It may depend on how hot your summer's get. In general, a well-built, heavy, oilskin hat has the potential to contain a lot of heat. I can comfortably wear mine in the mid 30s Fahrenheit.
Quite hot for anything above 65 degrees Fahrenheit imho. I've taken it for multi day excursions in hot weather, when heavy rain was expected, but it resides on the pack til that occasion arises. Basically, I use it as secondary head gear in hot weather, i.e. if heavy rain and cool nights are eminent.
I'm not sure what you're basing your assertions on, but I bought a brand new Outback Trading Co. Swagman jacket in 2022. It is quite stiff (it will mostly stand up on its own, only sagging slightly). It is very rugged and good quality (comparable to an old late 80's early 90's Bush Ranger Jacket that I bought at a thrift store many years ago). It is also very oily, to the point that it stained another jacket is was hung up next to. The biggest difference that I can tell, is that most of the new stuff is 8oz oilcloth, whereas I believe most of the old stuff was 10 and 12oz oilcloth.
You said it all!! 8oz instead of 12oz. Not as many folded over layers in the pockets, buttons and zippers made more cheaply now. That's what I'm basing my assertions off of. Thought it was quite clear in the video. Thank you for watching.
@@glbwoodsbum2567 What you made quite clear in the video, was that you thought the new stuff wasn't as good as the old stuff. And you cited a couple of examples, which do not mirror my experience (not as stiff, not oily, not as rugged). Most people (including you) would be very hard pressed to tell the difference between 8oz and 10oz oilcloth, which is why almost all companies that make oil/tin-cloth switched to 8oz. It's nearly as tough, but a little softer. As far as the zippers and hardware, the ones on my 2022 Swagman are very durable/high quality (I will give you the folded pockets though, that's a feature that is missed on the newer coats for sure). So again, I'm asking, what are you basing your assertions on? They seem to be mostly incorrect. Do you have a modern example of an oilskin coat to compare to the old one? If so, what model is it?
@@Pharto_Stinkus
So the outback coats that I see are far thinner. Zipper is not as heavy. Snaps are not as heavy duty either. Stitching lighter as well. A store nearby me sells them. That's where ive made my comparisons. Very easy for me to see the difference my friend. The difference is extremely obvious, if you currently own a vintage Outback coat. 8oz compared to 12oz is easy to feel the difference. Plus along the zipper and the Cuffs of the coat are double ply on the Vintage coat. Ymmv.
Once again thanks for watching.
@@glbwoodsbum2567 maybe some coats are better quality than others? I'm telling you, the Swagman I bought in 2022 is just as high quality as the vintage oilskin I have, though as I said, it is a little lighter. Take care.
I agree with everything you said, as I have a thirty yr old lower rider and just bought a new 3/4 and like you said it seems thinner. I am pleased with new one though and still believe these are the best coats money can buy....once you add the hood. Gotta get that hood. Buy a size larger than normal to allow layers. Put wax coating on zippers to help them function. Add a Plash Palakta soviet cold war canvas poncho shelter to pair with coat and you are unstoppable.
Most informative comment I have read on TH-cam. Copied and saved! Thanks.
I bought one in 1990 for $ 20 and still have the oilskin short duster that's was basically used for horseback riding but it's rain proof and what I like about it is the shoulders covers like a 19th century coat . I kinda feel like Batman wearing it .
whats the purpose of it? arent shoulders already water proof?
@@HaraldSjellose a year late but theyre called storm flaps and they just provide extra protection from water is all from what i understand
@@SalusaSecundas I guess, since there are many stitches in the shoulder area
I have one made by "Outback" that I bought 32 years ago. I use it to this day. Great product, very rugged, if taken care of properly I think it would last another 20 years.
Hi, great jacket, you wear.
Over the decades, I have tested a lot of jackets with modern textiles during bad weather and a lot of them are doing well but no comparison to my oilskin Jacaru from Wallaby, that jacket is still doing a great job.
You are right, oilskin gets really stiff by frozen Weather, if you use wachs to impregnate it but with oil you shouldn't have any problems, thas my impression after decades of use.
Wish you many nice days in the woods- I'm about to go out for a week(Black Forest, Germany) and can't wait for it 😂
Thanks for watching and thank you for sharing your wonderful observations!!!
My dad just gave me a burk and willis darwin jacket. And i own a outback trapper hat. I am starting to really love oil skin for my outdoor gear. Thanks for the video.
Great jacket and hat you have!!! Oilskin does have its place in the outdoors. Thanks for watching, take care.
Bought an outback pathfinder. Incredibly pleased. I plan to hunt small game with it in the snow and mountains.
I hope it serves you well! Thanks for watching.
I just landed one of these the other day; for free!! Got two of them, actually. The full length style (was almost free), you said may not be entirely practical for out bush-whacking, and the same style you are wearing in this video. Port Phillip Outback (?) and the shorter Koolah. Both very beautiful pieces of work and really tough/rugged coats. Was really happy about that. It's gonna' be great to have this for my camping/bushcraft excursions. Excellent outdoor gear. Maybe the best, for longevity and reliability?
Taken care of, it will last many years! Nice score!
That's awesome I have always had with me the outback duster
Can relate to a coat standing up on its own. Ever heard the old saying,“they don’t makem like the used to.”? Old sayings don’t become old sayings for no reason. I ‘ve got a old leather jacket made for riding motorcycles that I clean & condition when it needs it. 2-3 times since mid 80s. Some of that was to help speed the break in up. Probably would have been fine without any care . but skins needs oils as a rule. I hose it off & air dry if I get it wet & dirty surf fishing or whatever but it’s good for any activity I can think of. Hides are hard to beat IMHO.Might try out some older stuff like that from ebay to mix it up some. Well see..thx for showing it. They are just giving the majority of today’s market what they want.Relatively inexpensive stuff you eventually replace. That’s what 80s & later kids (now adults)know. .. new heirloom quality stuff will cost you. About to DIY some brush pants. Looking at different materials.
I have some newer oil skins and they are excellent. Nothing is the same quality as they used to be.
Yeah, my Outback leather Wagga Wagga hat's band puckered too. I just slit out the puckers and it layed flat.
Winter warm for such style hats?... I bought a pair of those twist to open (and adjustable) from hockey puck shape (stored) ear muffs, which by design comes up from behind the head/neck nape.
Not bad for use during manual labor, but shy of swinging an axe methinks.
I wear a buff headwear underneath if its cool out (i.e 30-40 f). Chopping wood isnt an issue either, for me at least.
Thanks for watching!
That's because that old coat has bee's wax mixed in with the oil that's why I gets stiff the new ones don't they just have a linseed oil and some type of oil from fat or sometimes the mix mineral spirits or turpentine in with the linseed oil and then soak it in twice
Thank you so much for that information! The thickness of the material on the older coats is also far greater than the newer ones which I'm sure helps with the stiffness as well. Thanks for watching and commenting!
All brands of Oilskin/waxed cotton reproofing gunk is a mixture of parafine wax & mineral oil. Linseed oil & bee's wax hasn't been used commercially since the early 20th century, though some homemade mixtures do use them.
Even modern oilskin jackets will stand up on their own when cold/wet as the cold stiffens the wax.
@@LowPlainsDrifter60
This coat stands up on its own when it's 80° out! Lol
Walker and Hawkes seem to be a pretty good brand and affordable. I have a vest and duster from them
I'll have to check into that company. Thanks for the information and thank you very much for watching.
Good old 12oz oilskin....now they use 10 and 8 and even 6oz oilskin,just ta save on cost...wish I could git my hands on my oll 83 outback original....
It's a shame, how cheaply made many items are, compared to how they used to be. Thanks for watching.
Very informative thank you.
I have a womabat waxed canvas hat i just got today and i love it
Damn really love the Jacket
I'd like to see the sleeves come down to at least the knuckles of the arm extended
What model and manufacturer is that coat? Thanks
What brand is the older hat that you have ? I love the way it looks and thanks for the infos.
Nice coat, Outback brand? What's the cut style?
Well the older hat is from 'The Australian Outback Collection' It was a Canadian company & they did use top notch materials. I'm not sure if they're still in business, probably not but they had/have nothing to do with 'the outback Trading Co.' which does still exist. 'Driza bone' is probably the most reliable brand left now for Aussie outdoor oilskin clothing ,though they probably aren't as good as they used to be either..
The longer full length coats are usually refered to as drover coats & the shorter jackets as 'rider's coats'
It can be hard to tell with older stuff, but was the new color of this jacket black or brown? Can't make heads or tails on my screen. Great opinion and perspective!
Thanks for watching! The color is dark green
@@glbwoodsbum2567 next video , show us some closeups . Thanks
Ordered a vest today.
The quality drop on them hats.....wow.I mean the quality is still up,but when ya look at that hat compared ta the one I just got and have on my head....I kinda wanna cry....lol...it's like a 300 dollar hat tadays quality. ...lol...
In the market for a new one myself, your right definetly not made like they use to
It's like most things. Cutting corners, relocating manufacture overseas, lowering quality control etc. Also today's customers don't really have the reference or experience of quality goods, having been accustomed to cheap, throw away consummerist crap so they don't know the difference.
@@LowPlainsDrifter60 know any companies that still make them with the old quality? Just like this other guy I’ve been looking into getting a new one
@@thatguywholeftacomment6532 Nope, there aren't any companies who manufacture such items now like they used to....... If you want quality it's probably best to buy used/vintage from places like eBay.
@@LowPlainsDrifter60 of the companies still making dusters today which do you think is the most rugged and comfortable? Are there any other contenders besides Outback trading company?
@@thatguywholeftacomment6532 If you like the Aussie styling then 'Driza-Bone' still makes usable coats.
What company is that jacket from? Are they still around?
How do you keep brim so straight on Kodiak? My husband has a size sm Kodiac, wore 1 time Elk hunting and it shrunk, ( was put next to heat for 10 minutes) and wire brim all wavy. Outback says wire fragile so, any advice?
I honestly don't know what to say to that. I wish I could help you out, but I've never had an issue keeping the brim of my hat straight. Thank you very much for watching
So you’ve said the new coats from Outback may not be as quality or rugged as the old ones. Do you have any recommendations for other companies that still make dusters and heavy coats with the old quality they used to? It’s a bit sad how true the phrase “they don’t make em like they used to” is getting to be
Thank you very much for watching and I hope you enjoyed the video. I can't really make any recommendations, but I can suggest that you pay very close attention to what ounce canvas is being used. Look at the pockets and see if they fold over and snap. Look at the durability of the snaps and of any zippers. Also look at how many rows of stitching and the thickness of the stitching. Take care and let me know what you find.
@@glbwoodsbum2567 that's hard nowadays cuz everything is mail order
Good advice though.
Just discovered your channel. Good presentation of info. Do you have issues with rain running down the back of your neck? I think you mentioned Do Filson tin pants. I gathering you used as rain pants or do slip on backpacker type rain pants?
Usually a wide brimmed hat prevents rain from going down the back of the neck. Thanks for watching!
Can someone with real experience with Oilskin jackets tell me how good they hold up to very thick briars and tuff country? Will it tear easily in big briars or will it hold up? Thanks
They definitely hold up well compared to many modern materials. At the end of the day, it's treated canvas. If you ever had a canvas tarp you know how much punishment/abuse it can withstand. It may not be entirely waterproof if you damage it bad enough. I have yet to find another product that is as waterproof, relatively safe around fire, and durable.
Buy a filson tin cloth jacket and it’ll last for decades.
Would you recommend oil skin hats for summer use?
It may depend on how hot your summer's get. In general, a well-built, heavy, oilskin hat has the potential to contain a lot of heat. I can comfortably wear mine in the mid 30s Fahrenheit.
Are these type of hats good for summer weather?
Quite hot for anything above 65 degrees Fahrenheit imho. I've taken it for multi day excursions in hot weather, when heavy rain was expected, but it resides on the pack til that occasion arises. Basically, I use it as secondary head gear in hot weather, i.e. if heavy rain and cool nights are eminent.
No they are not.Way too hot much like leather bush hats. Oilskin coats & jackets are two warm as well for anything but the cooler days.
all dislikes are bots..Great info brother.
Why the hell are you reviewing 30 year old stuff, doesn’t help with a buying decision
@@51grsmith
Sure its does. Buy vintage. Jmho