Desert Jacket - Thoughts - Review

Indiana_Stone · Post by **Indiana_Stone** » Fri May 23, 2008 11:57 am

Hi all. I've been sorting through posts for a while now, and I haven't found answers to a few of my questions. (If they exist, point me in the right direction and kick me off the truck...) I also have a few thoughts I feel like sharing.

I will be moving soon to Arizona--to the hot, dry desert. In my next jacket, I am looking for one that I will be able to wear in as hot a weather as possible... No, I don't intend to go out into 90+ degree temperatures with a jacket on, but in the nights, in the winter, I would like to have whatever jacket I will be able to wear most. Does anyone have any recommendations--leather type, company, model, etc?

On the other hand, I am also looking for something that will be rugged enough to go anywhere with me out on the trails--stand up to the dirt, sand, cactus, and whatever else I might find out there. Having a jacket that survives is very important to me as well, so entirely seperate to the previous question, which Indy survives best out in the field? (My initial searches have pointed me towards G&B, but I figured I would ask for perhaps a few more current/recent answers.)

Also, are either of these questions really worth asking? That is, is there really that much of a difference between the various Indy offerings in these two areas, or am I just spinning my wheels?

----

Those are my questions. I also just wanted to share my jacket experience so far. I own an authentic brown lambskin Raiders Wested. I purchased it in the summer of '03, which is, wow, almost five years ago. Initially I was absolutely floored with my jacket, and I still am in love with the thing. It is so soft and so beautiful. But as years have gone on, I have become less and less fond of my choice, even as the jacket grows more sentimental to me.

I began to notice the fit was off. It was just too big for me in the body and waist. I realize now that, being a very thin individual, I should have ordered the "80's" cut, and I should have specified that I didn't want the "size up so a sweatshirt will fit" underneath it. When I do bulk up for the winter, the jacket fits pretty well, although still not snug in the body.

I've also found the durability to be, well, not bad, but not what I would expect from a jacket with this price tag. The handwarmer pocket on one side has completely ripped the whole bottom left side and half the bottom out (the stitching coming undone, not the leather), and the other pocket is fraying and threatening to do the same. The lining on the inside of the body is fraying all over where it meets the leather and is tearing around the sleeves. I have scratches all over it (from pets, which I don't mind or fault the jacket for), and also wear from my car's seatbelt.

Now, I do not even notice the inside lining problems unless I have it down pecarding it, and the scratches/wear just give it character for the most part. The pocket stitching thing bothers me quite a lot--I have rarely used those pockets. I guess my conern is that I have, overall, treated this jacket with great care and babying. I've worn it everywhere, but with caution, and I'm not out in the wild adventuring at all--not even close.

I have a jacket that looks worn and loved, with character, and this was the idea--but five years down the road, I'm afraid it isn't going to last. I wanted a second skin that would last as long as I did (maybe not realistic), but this jacket seems to be falling apart after five years of delicate care.

Are my expectations unrealistic? Is my experience common or rare? Is five years about the lifespan of an Indy jacket? Am I too particular about the jacket's "fit"? Is repair/resizing a valid option, or is a new jacket really the only way to go?

I love my Wested, but I feel like it may let me down. Just when it is starting to get that worn, distressed look on the outside, just when it is time for the good years, it seems like it's inside may be about done.

Thanks for reading this if you got this far. If anything, it feels nice to share.

-s

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Fri May 23, 2008 12:28 pm

I once owned a truly heavy jacket as my first 'close enough'...The US Wings (Then Avirex) G-8/type 440. I live in Florida, and wore it everywhere...for like a decade. Until, that is, I got, um...We'll say 'Pudgy' for now.

So, after not having worn my Indy jacket for the better part of a decade, I must gear back up for a certain film. Which jacket to get? I wanted something lighter than the G-8, since wearing it was deathly in Florida's heat and humidity....While still being tough-as-nails.

I chose a G&B (Flightsuits) Goatskin Expedition, and I'm totally jazzed on how it's performing. From what I've seen so far and from what I'm hearing, the jacket will probably outlast me. And yet, it's still eminently wearable, IN Florida, IN the heat. I'm hooked.

Bowie · Post by **Bowie** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:17 pm

I live in AZ and have recently purchased a seal brown G&B goatskin, and I have echo PyramidBlaster. What an awesome jacket, I really can't say enough about it, in fact I schill for them whenever I can

Seriously, it's worth every penny and the people working there are outstanding.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri May 23, 2008 2:27 pm

I can't disagree. Anything mil-spec will work for what you want, and either a goatskin Wings or G&B will fill the bill.

Regards! Michaelson

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Fri May 23, 2008 2:35 pm

either a goatskin Wings or G&B will fill the bill.

Yes, I was torn between the two, but the sizing of the G&B for me made my decision. Both are great jackets. That G-8 was absolutely bulletproof for a full decade (and more), just too hot to wear...I'm sure their Indy jacket would be more similar to the G&B...

Bowie · Post by **Bowie** » Fri May 23, 2008 2:43 pm

There ya go Stone, 2 great options, and the seal of approval from the Knower of things. I say this a case closed.

As my father-in-law from Boston says.... Boom. Done.
That apparently means it's a done deal on the east coast.....

Indiana_Stone · Post by **Indiana_Stone** » Fri May 23, 2008 2:52 pm

Michaelson wrote:I can't disagree. Anything mil-spec will work for what you want, and either a goatskin Wings or G&B will fill the bill.

Regards! Michaelson

Mil-spec = military? Is that just G&B and Wings of our happy options?

Edit: And a BIG thank you to everyone who has responded.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri May 23, 2008 3:17 pm

Indiana_Stone wrote:[
Mil-spec = military? Is that just G&B and Wings of our happy options?

As far as I'm aware yes. They have active military contracts that they have to 'build' their jackets to fit, and it's production quality (which is beyond standard milinary specifications regarding materials) is also used in their Indy styled jackets as well.

Don't get me wrong, other manufacturers do the same....but it's not required, and sometimes they don't use the mil-spec to produce an item. These two vendors do for sure, as it's part and parcel of their active contracts.

Regard! Michaelson

AppalachiaJones · Post by **AppalachiaJones** » Fri May 23, 2008 10:14 pm

I too have to highly, highly recommend the G&B Expedition in goatskin.

My first Indy Jacket was the US Wings Vintage Cow. It's a wonderful jacket and tough as they come but the inaccuracies always bothered me a little...I think a lot of it was the lighter shade of brown that it came in. Not really light brown exactly but lighter colored than the jacket should be. However, I still wear it from time to time and it's a truly great jacket all around. Very practical for 'adventures' moreso than screen accuracy for one particular film (ToD is probably the closest match as far as style goes).

Anyway, I've always really liked my Wings jacket but last year, I bought a G&B Expedition and frankly, when it arrived, it floored me. The specs are as screen accurate as I need (Raiders) and I was surprised to find that it's probably just as tough (maybe more) than my US Wings. I guess it's just how goatskin is but the jacket is soft and very flexible (after a short break in period) but still incredibly tough. It drapes pretty well, looks fantastic, and is made a good strong leather. Further, the jacket is well constructed and definitely won't come apart on you like your Wested did. Westeds are great for screen accuracy and appearance but not so much for 'adventure' use. I had one for a short time but I ended up selling it because of this. (hopefully no offense is taken by Wested or Peter...the Wested jackets really do look the best by far but I don't think anyone would argue that that's the jacket they would want to roll around in the dirt in) Basically, some people have no need for an extremely tough jacket but for those who do, you can't go wrong with the G&B Expedition.

Also, you mentioned sizing and that you are thin. I'm thin myself and wear a 38R suit coat. I ordered my G&B in a 38R and it fits just like I think it should....I definitely could not wear a size smaller. This jacket seems to me to have the close Raiders fit. If you go this route, I would know your coat size and stick with it. You could go a size up and have it fit a little more like 'normal clothes' or you could go with your actual size and have the close "Raiders" fit.

If you're not as interested in screen accuracy, the US Wings Vintage Cow is another good option though it's not going to be as close fitting and doesn't drape as well as the G&B.

Anyway, I hope this was helpful to you. Good luck!

Indiana_Stone · Post by **Indiana_Stone** » Fri May 23, 2008 11:18 pm

Thanks, Appalachia. I wear a 38L suit. I told Wested that when I ordered and I also gave them measurements (including waist/chest). It always bothered me that the jacket came a little too big, and it bothered me more when I noticed the "40" tag in the back.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Wested, but I think next time around I will go with a G&B. If I ever have that kind of money again.

West · Post by **West** » Sat May 24, 2008 3:07 am

Indiana_Stone wrote:Thanks, Appalachia. I wear a 38L suit. I told Wested that when I ordered and I also gave them measurements (including waist/chest). It always bothered me that the jacket came a little too big, and it bothered me more when I noticed the "40" tag in the back.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Wested, but I think next time around I will go with a G&B. If I ever have that kind of money again.

I gotta agree with all everyone else has said. I've lived in Tucson and travel back to Yuma, AZ (locally known as simply "that really HOT place.") very often and I've owned a GB seal brown goat Expo for years now and it's been my best friend during the winter months here in AZ. So whenever you do save up enough cash order, wear and enjoy!

CM · Post by CM » Sat May 24, 2008 5:38 am

Got to say, those G&B jackets really are FANTASTIC! Mine is perhaps the best leather jacket I have ever bought.