Show us your Expeditions! / Any Distressed Expeditions?

singsingjohnny · Post by **singsingjohnny** » Fri Nov 25, 2011 11:55 pm

I got my Expo about 2 weeks ago and I have to say, this jacket lives up to all the hype! It is my go to jacket, hands down. If anybody is on the fence about one, trust me, it is worth EVERY penny and is absolutely as good as everyone says it is!

I know, I know, :WLWOP:

Soon, I swear! I've already been employing some of Tundra's break-in techniques...they are working great...I've pretty much slept in it every night for the last couple weeks and it's breaking in very nicely.

Thanks again guys! I only wished I would have bought one of these first and saved some time...

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 12:14 am

Yeah. I'd like to see more of the lamb ones here. I just got new samples of both lamb and goat in the mail today.
I have an Expedition and am thinking about getting another.
There's soooo much I could say about it. It's a jacket that you can really put your trust into without worry.
Congrats on the purchase.

C

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 12:24 am

Looking forward to seeing the photos of your new Expedition, singsingjohnny!

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

singsingjohnny · Post by **singsingjohnny** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 12:36 am

Got the goat and I'm loving it! It's lightweight but very substantial and has kept me pretty toasty, even on some 30 degree days. The drape, the cut, the color...just perfect for me! It an OTR, but I swear, it fits like it was custom-made. A great Raiders jacket...heck, a great Indy jacket!

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 1:08 pm

I think you're going to love that goat Expedition as time goes on! The drape just gets better over time. If you all aren't tired of seeing mine yet, here's a pic of Bullwhip Borton giving me some whip instruction at the summit a couple of weeks ago (I've had it for over 2 years now, I believe). I think some of the angles and movement demonstrate the drape of the jacket:

To give you an idea of the color of the Expedition with other Indygear items, that's a much-faded AB CS fedora (probably closer to the lighter colors of the fedora in the trilogy), Todd's Pants, and a Joe Strain in saddle tan (if I remember right). The shirt is a darker tan color as opposed to the more correct stone color. The satchel is the older style of Magnoli's (without the olive color).

Please be sure to share some pics of your new Expo soon, SingsingJohnny!

Canasta, let us know if you decide to "take the plunge"--it'd be great to see some more photos on here, particularly of the rarer Lamb Expedition.

Best wishes
Nebraska Schulte

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Tue Nov 29, 2011 4:34 pm

Tundrarider wrote:Luke, that jacket looks better every time I see it! Imagine how great it's gonna look at the 60th Anniversery Screening of Raiders!!!!

Michael

Thanks, Michael!

These really are jackets that just keep on looking better and better the longer you wear 'em. Looking forward to seeing how your leather-training exercises for your Expo will look over time--yours looks great already.

Best wishes,
NS

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Wed Mar 07, 2012 7:02 pm

For those of you following this thread and have not yet seen this, Hollowpond has some excellent pics of his new Expedition over here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=54989

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Tue May 15, 2012 4:57 am

Indydawg wrote:As promised (yeah, I know...months ago, I promised this; but, hey...it's been a TOUGH Spring with work...better late than never, right?) the pictures of my naturally distressed Goatskin Expedition jacket...the old vegetable tanned goatskin, that is....I don't know if you'd get the same effect with the chrome-tanned stuff.

Enjoy!

Hi - any chance of a pit to pit measurement for that 42 - I'm getting absolutely nowhere with G&B sales team (they now say the Expedition does not have a stormflap, or elastic to hold flaps in)
Thanks

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 15, 2012 8:09 am

You know, it almost sounds like you two are talking about two completely different jackets. Did you ask about the 'Expedition', or refer to it as the 'Raiders' jacket?

Those are two different jackets in their line up, and their 'Raider' DOESN'T have either storm flap OR elastic in the back.

I've had those 'cross purpose' type discussions with their customer service folks myself in the past, if that's the case.

Regards! Michaelson

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Tue May 15, 2012 2:29 pm

No, I've never mentioned the word Raider/Raiders in my emails at all, just kept it singularly about the Expedition. It's not like I'm asking particularly difficult stuff either.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 15, 2012 2:40 pm

Odd. I still think they're somehow reading 'Raider' into your description, as, for instance, the Expedition has ALWAYS had a storm flap. How can they say it 'no longer has one' when it clearly does, and is proven so in their own photograph?

Make no sense at all.

I'd suggest you send this photo to them (taken directly from the G&B website) and ask them to explain this discepency in what we know 'aint so'.

Like I said, I once had a go-around with one of the customer service folks who was apparently talking about a completely different jacket than I was, and I was only tipped to what the problem was when I asked about sleeve length, and they asked me 'do you want the measurement with or without the stretch cuff'. Huh?

Regard! Michaelson

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Tue May 15, 2012 3:31 pm

Well believe it or not - but THEY sent ME that photo to show what the jacket looks like ! I'm not kidding.
I think it's a plain simple case of they haven't got a single clue about what I'm talking about. I'm still trying to get pit-to-pit measurements for a 42 and 40 too.
On the positive though, the G&B has nothing but good reviews and thanks to the members here, I now know for sure it has the hidden elastic inside. Plus they will do a custom sleeve length and back length for a minimal charge, so it looks like a winner all round. From the very few photos I've found, the lamb looks really nice. Just can't work out how dark it is.

Post by **Michaelson** » Tue May 15, 2012 3:38 pm

It's a pretty dark brown, that's for sure.

Reminds me of the color of the jacket as seen on Indy at the start of Raiders when he first sees the idol in the temple. That dark.

Here's hoping you find someone who understands your questions. I see you saw Nebraska's link to the name of the G&B contact he's successfully used, so if you havent' already done so, you may want to go in that direction for clarification and follow through.

Good luck!

Regards! Michaelson

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Tue May 15, 2012 5:24 pm

FYI, I wouldn't get too critical with them as you may already know more about the jacket than the salesperson you are dealing with. Thing is, there is somewhat of a bad taste in their mouths due to some difficult Expedition customers in the past. Tread lightly, and if you don't get the answers you want, then ask to speak to Dan, or a senior sales rep.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed May 16, 2012 7:54 am

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Wed May 16, 2012 8:16 am

Discontinued threat ? Better get my order in soon

I appreciate that salespeople don't always know all the products inside out - for example just walk into a Belstaff store and start asking them about their jackets - you'll soon see that many of them don't really know that much at all about the jackets. Some do, but a lot don't. For Belstaff that's extremely poor, but I accept it as I can usually just pick the jacket up right there and examine it, try it on etc. myself. When it comes to internet order (and I think I'm right in assuming G&B is mainly internet) then I feel that the customer service/salesperson knowledge needs to be above standard - that goes for every e-vendor. Again this goes to extremes (eg some tick-poor Ebay vendors contrasting with the encyclopedic knowledge of Rick at filmjackets.com store). I have a hard time accepting poor "e-service" (for want of a better word), especially when their product is unique and not exactly cheap. It's inherent in e-sales business models that service is below standard, but it's countered by a reduced price (no store o/heads cost etc) but that usually applies to homogenous products.

But anyway, I've derailed enough - thanks to the members here I'm 90% sure a G&B lamb is my next jacket, now I've got the elastic, colour answers I was looking for.

G&B should give this forum commission !

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed May 16, 2012 8:22 am

True, but then, they created the jacket for us in the first place....so that's enough in my books.

Regards! Michaelson

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Fri May 18, 2012 3:30 am

Just as I was about to place an order, a brick wall. For 2 weeks G&B employees have told me that the fee for custom is $38. Not a problem. The second I came to order, she comes back saying she'd just found out that it's actually $250.

So basically it will cost me about 50% more on the price of the jacket just to extend the sleeves by 1". Not exactly flexible. So no G&B for me. I guess they are a big company that doesn't need my order, that's business ! What does annoy me is the lack of knowledge.

Hollowpond · Post by **Hollowpond** » Fri May 18, 2012 12:11 pm

And one thing you REALLY need to take into account is this is an off the shoulder fit. That means the shoulder seam falls well onto your arm. When I got my expo, i just knew the sleeves would be too short. Even for a tall size! I mean, the sleeve length is a full inch shorter than my x-1 and that fits perfectly!!!

Guess who was wrong? It is the perfect Indy sleeve length for me...

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri May 18, 2012 12:13 pm

Tundrarider wrote: Most of us were eventually funneled to Dave Marshall when we contacted G&B about the Expedition, if we didn't know to ask for him outright. (Thanks, Mark! ) Michael

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Fri May 18, 2012 12:31 pm

Interesting read that post, even though it left me feeling a bit ill.

I still think $250 to lengthen a sleeve 1" is asking way, way above normal. You have to remember that I would pay roughly 25% extra on top of all of that (including shipping costs) for import duties etc. Makes it a very expensive 1".

I'm sure about the 1" sleeve, I've dealt with enough jackets in my time to know how awkward my arms are !

Anyway, I'm not getting a G&B, a shame, but my sights are now set on the new boy in town ... Bill Kelso !

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri May 18, 2012 12:58 pm

One can only wonder what the 'SPP' is now, _, with Dave Marshall gone.

I know that when Dave was there, it was common practice for them to send a sample jacket to a potential customer to try on for size, and if it was discovered the body fit but the sleeves needed more length, it was returned, the longer sleeves were put on for the added $38, then returned....but with the understanding the jacket was then considered 'non-returnable' as it was now 'semi-customized' and therefore not returnable to stock.

A full custom job with new patterns have always been in the $250 range.

Regard! Michaelson

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri May 18, 2012 1:26 pm

This is the contact info that Nebraska posted in another link the other day:

Drew Williams

Product Specialist

Tel: 619.440.2700 x252

Fax:619.440.4618

drew@gibson-barnes.com

http://www.gibson-barnes.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Don't know if this is the new contact, but it's a new name to me.

I know Dave answered directly to the owner, so I don't know if they replaced him or just eliminated the position at the factory. I have a feeling it's the later.

Regard! Michaelson

CRB · Post by **CRB** » Fri May 18, 2012 2:16 pm

Well I certainly appreciate the support. As it happened this new manufacturer, Bill Kelso, suddenly appeared and I must admit I'm impressed with his communication and product so far. I'm still waiting on emails for that, so let's see where that goes. If I could get the G&B for the $38 fee extra sleeve then it certainly brings it back into my decision making. I'll keep you posted over next few days ...
Cheers!

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Fri May 18, 2012 5:50 pm

When I spoke with GB about sleeve length, they said I could get a 44t with 44xt sleeves, and it would be somewhere around $90 rather than the "custom" charge. I'll try to go back and check my notes later.

PsychicsAndSwords · Post by **PsychicsAndSwords** » Fri May 18, 2012 8:04 pm

Canasta wrote:When I spoke with GB about sleeve length, they said I could get a 44t with 44xt sleeves, and it would be somewhere around $90 rather than the "custom" charge. I'll try to go back and check my notes later.

Yeah, I asked them about that too, for the exact same request, and they quoted $98. The thing is, with the $98 "extra tall" sleeves, that only brings them up to a total of 37" sleeve length, which comes standard with most 44T/LT jackets I've ever handled. I briefly had a 44T Expo with the normal 44T sleeves that I picked up from the Bazaar, and sure enough the sleeves were extremely short without that extra length.

It was a lovely, lovely jacket, but personally I won't be buying one with that extra length because it seems kind of absurd to me to drop an extra $100 on a little extra leather and liner, especially since they apparently hand-make them right there anyway? That $30ish custom fee sounds reasonable to me to make a minor change like that, but $100 is too much for my taste. *shrug*

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Sat May 19, 2012 6:46 pm

Did I miss something somewhere? Is there a pic of the Kelso jacket or are we looking at his web site?

What about a Magnoli CRB? They are $500 and all custom... Just wondering. I probalbe really shouldn't be talking since I don't even have a jacket yet (I am saving up for kids college and retirement funds now) but i have been reading stuff on this place for several years...

whipcracker · Post by **whipcracker** » Sat May 19, 2012 6:49 pm

Never mind I found it...that whole other thread on it...

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sun May 20, 2012 12:02 am

Tundrarider wrote:CRB, whatever new information you get about the Kelso jacket, it would be great if you could post it up on that thread. Your last post brought some questions to my mind about the Kelso product, but I didn't want to derail this thread any further. (My main question would be about the sizing on the Kelso. It appeared to me to only come in regular sizes, that is, 38, 40, 42, 44, etc. I didn't see a "long" or "short" option as G&B provides for their OTR jackets. I also didn't see any "custom sizing" option. I'd be interested to know how they will accomodate your sleeve request. )

One more thing about the Expedition. I know I can come off as a cheerleader for this jacket, but a satisfied customer is often the best reference a new customer could want. The Expedition comes with a lifetime guarantee on the stitching and zipper. Most likely the company will be around for my lifetime, so that is a fine warranty. As my jacket is made of goatskin, fits perfectly and will be kept together by G&B forever, I'll never need another jacket. The goatskin will certainly outlive me.

So, though I paid $488.00 for my jacket, I certainly could have paid another $250.00 to have it made to fit me if I needed to, and still have come out with an outstanding jacket worth the money. The $250.00 puts the jacket into the Novak price range, but that makes sense, as the Expedition would then be "custom made," as well. Even if all I had "customized" were the sleeves, since this is my "end all" Indy Jacket, it would still be worth it, to me.

I'm not trying to talk you into the Expedition, CRB. I just wanted to say that there's more to consider about the Expedition's price such as it's warranty and history.

Again, best to you on your search!

Michael

Tundy speak 'um truth! Tonto like! Seriously, it really depends too on what salesperson you talk to. If all you are after are longer sleeves, then they may just be able to make a reg with longer sleeves and that would save you money by a minor addition to the sleeves.

HDRnR · Post by **HDRnR** » Mon May 21, 2012 8:35 pm

Here are some pics of my new Expedition in goat. This has to be the nicest goat I've seen, very supple with nice grain and I think the perfect weight for serious wear.

As far as the fit goes, I know this is a constant topic that arises, I measure 43.5 so I ordered a 44 and I think the size is perfect. I want to be able to wear a light sweater underneath when it gets cold to get more wear out of it as I live in the northeast and if I got a 42 I would not have been able to do that, would have been too tight. I dont think there is anything oversized about the fit except for the shoulder width which is designed to fit off the shoulders. I think this has to be taken into consideration when looking at sleeve length also as the sleeves will actually be longer than measured.

Another thing that is really nice about this jacket is the small/high armholes, this jacket is so comfortable to move around in I forget I'm wearing it. The jacket is not cut slim, I think its cut the way it is to reflect the hanging look it had on Ford, if you want slim then order a size down but like I said dont expect to layer under it. For me a 42 would have been too tight regardless, especially across the back as I feel the 44 is just right while wearing just a shirt with the jacket zipped and moving around with enough room for a light sweater.

Just for the hec of it I added a pic comparing the Expedition pocket with the Bantu pocket as people like to make these comparisons.

ProfessorHenryWJonesJr · Tue May 22, 2012 12:43 am

"Tundrarider",
Sorry for taking this thread "off topic" for a bit but, with that look on your face in the picture...remind me to NEVER get you mad at me.

Getting back "on topic", the "Expedition" is a well built jacket with quality craftsmanship. But, unfortunately, the jacket just never felt "right" on me. I've actually had two in my brief possession. One in size 48 regular and one in size 46 regular, which I actually purchased from fellow member "Pitfall Harry" both in lambskin. Though they were lambskin, the jackets felt very sturdy but, lightweight. The size 48 regular felt great around the shoulder and chest area but, around the midsection it felt way too big on me. Thinking the size 46 regular would have been a better fit ended up being too snug overall.

Alas, the "Expedition" was just not for me.

singsingjohnny · Post by **singsingjohnny** » Fri May 25, 2012 3:40 pm

I will take some this weekend...it's breaking in great! Easily the best Indy jacket I've owned, hands down.

HDRnR · Post by **HDRnR** » Fri May 25, 2012 9:40 pm

Great pic Tundra !

singsingjohnny · Post by **singsingjohnny** » Thu May 31, 2012 2:03 pm

It was 90 Sunday and Monday, so no shots...of course, it being Michigan, it's like 50 now...lol. I will do it this weekend for sure, just thought I'd gear up! At the very least, I'll have my wife just snap a couple without the gear.

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Sat Nov 24, 2012 11:38 am

Just had some family photos taken while wearing my Expedition. I thought I would share this photo showing it in a pose which demonstrates the maneuverability thanks to the underarm gussets and the action back:

Also, new member "jlfinlay" shows off her fine women's version of the G & B Expedition in goatskin over in this new thread:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=58632

Best wishes,
Nebraska S.

jlfinlay · Post by **jlfinlay** » Sat Nov 24, 2012 5:16 pm

Such a great jacket isn't it? Looks terrific. And even excellent for playing with the younglings.

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:58 am

jlfinlay wrote:Such a great jacket isn't it? Looks terrific. And even excellent for playing with the younglings.

Thanks, Juli!

Keeping up with our "youngling" is certainly another kind of adventure for this jacket--and she sure likes to touch and feel Daddy's jacket.

Best wishes,
Nebraska S.

Post by **Michaelson** » Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:16 am

I'm wearing my 2002 production prototype vegetable tanned Expo today, as a matter of fact.

Regards! Michaelson

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Fri Nov 30, 2012 11:18 am

I had to sport mine as well today, but it's not veg.

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Tue Dec 11, 2012 11:52 pm

Turns out, I have a high Ph balance in my skin which after time caused my GB collar to crack and get really nasty ... so much so that I could see the fabric between the layers of goat.
I sent the jacket to FLIGHTJACKETS.COM. They were able to put a new collar on for me.
The only reason I didn't send it back to GB is because I wanted to make the collar a bit more like the Nowak or Kelso, which GB can't do, due to licensing, so I drew a template using lots of pics from here and this is the result. They did a stellar job and you can't even tell where the old stitching was.
I couldn't be more satisfied.

Chirs

IndyFanChuck · Post by **IndyFanChuck** » Tue Dec 25, 2012 1:20 pm

I don't know how I missed this photo. You look killer. I'd make it black and white. lol

Tundrarider wrote:Congratulations, HDRnR!!! $\:D/$

Your pics take me back to how my jacket looked when Dave handed it to me!!! It looks great, especially since I'm now a first hand observer of how nicely and quickly it breaks in. Gibson and Barnes sure know how to make a collar; looks great right out of the bag and just gets better and better!

If you're interested, here's the thread on "How to Naturally (sort of) Distress a Goatskin Expedition:"

http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=53266

Mine's 17 months old now, but probably looks a bit more worn in than it would have, had I not used the "Natur-Ficial" distressing techniques.

I'm really glad you posted these pics; you made me want to buy one of these, even though mine's scrunched up in the next room!

Here's the most recent pic of my Expedition:

Thanks again for posting. I hope you'll give us a pic or two of your Expedition being worn!

Michael

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Wed Dec 26, 2012 12:52 pm

Here are a couple shots I took after moving some stuff out of the basement.

Bogie1943 · Post by **Bogie1943** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 12:30 am

That is a great looking Expedition Canasta! Would that be a lamb or goat? My guess would be goat.

Bogie1943 · Post by **Bogie1943** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 12:43 am

wellofsouls wrote:
Bogie1943 wrote:Here she is! The babied Expedition. She is going to her new home tomorrow!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/ ... G_2044.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/ ... G_2045.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/ ... G_2046.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/ ... G_2047.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/ ... G_2048.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/ ... G_2049.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/ ... G_2050.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bogie - that looks exactly like my Expedition, and it has not been babied. I think about the best you can expect after years of neglect is perhaps a little fading, no more.

I notice the tag says "Made To Measure". Did you order it to measure? What was that process like? How versatile were they?

I'm terribly sorry I missed your post and that its been over a year and not reply!

Now on to the jacket! Just want to say right up front that I purchased that jacket second hand. So it was made to measure for someone else. It fit me quite well though but after owning it for a few years I liked the fit less and less. It just wasn't right for me in the end. It was a glorious piece though. One of the most beautiful jackets I have ever seen and perfectly made. I sold it a number of years ago to fund another jacket. I now have an Expedition in lamb that fits perfectly.

Now though I've never been custom fitted by G&B I have paid them a visit or two in my travels. I had the pleasure of having Mr. Marshall assist me in the purchase of my historical A-2. He even rushed to have my captains bars sewn on that day while we had lunch. It was a fine experience with a fellow jacket enthusiast.

As I've stated before my experiences with G&B have always been a pleasure. I've always felt like a celebrity when dealing with them. What little issues I've ever, which have been one, were taken care of right away. One of these days I would like an Expedition in goat again that fits me properly. We shall have to wait and see when that day comes. When it does I will surely share photos here!

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 1:01 am

Yeah. It's a goat!
I don't know why I used this "!".

Holt · Post by **Holt** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 1:20 am

well, ship that baby to me canasta!

Canasta · Post by **Canasta** » Thu Dec 27, 2012 1:31 am

Sorry, Holt. I was referring to the exclamation point in the sentence "Yeah. It's a goat!"
Not the jacket. You'll have to take it off my cold dead body ... or warm dead body, depending
on how quickly you get to me after I drop.

C

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Tue Jan 01, 2013 10:39 am

Canasta: that's quite the distressing you've got going on that jacket!

I also like the collar work. It looks like your Expedition is shaping up to have unique character.

Best wishes,
Nebraska S.

Indiana Joe · Post by **Indiana Joe** » Sat Mar 30, 2013 8:43 am

http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/India ... sort=3&o=5
http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/India ... sort=3&o=4
http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/India ... sort=3&o=3
http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/India ... sort=3&o=1

These are a few images of my naturally distressed cowhide Expo that I purchased back in 2003.

Texan Scott · Post by **Texan Scott** » Sat Mar 30, 2013 3:47 pm

Really like the patina on that cowhide. No gussets. Kinda looks LC as well!

Was the hide cut thick?