US Wings 'Roo jacket in the works again

[Darksaber 3]

So I'm just curious, how well does this leather insulate compared to cow hide? Back in MN cowhide seemed to work well enough for me most of the winter, except on the extremely cold days. Now I live in MD and here it seems like the cowhide is too hot a lot of the year but perfect during the colder days. Does the kangaroo stay cooler just because it is lighter weight, but still insulate really well to trap in heat when zippered? Or is it more breathable to an extent as well? Not sure if that is the best way to ask, but I am no leather expert.

[Michaelson]

Realistically, NO leather 'insulates'.

It's a wind breaker against in-climate weather, and what you wear underneath the leather (especially if there's no insulating lining) is what keeps you warm.

I've worn (and own/owned) every type leather made in our jackets...from light weight lambskin to horsehide. The only differences between them in bad weather is the physical weight and how well they resist water.

The order of tensile strength and resistance from highest to lowest in general production is 'roo hide, horse hide, goatskin, cowhide, then everything else.

I wore my 'roo jacket during the ice storm and following snow storm here in Tennessee back last February. Wind chills in Knoxville were -30F, and heavy snow. We had no power at my daughters house, and there were not enough groceries to get us through for a few days. Our cars were iced in too, so we had no way to drive anywhere....so we walked 2 miles to a nearby grocery store (that WAS open) to purchase and carry back food.

The only thing cold on me were my ears, as I had on my 'roo jacket that completely shed all moisture and protected me from the wind, and a sweater and scarf I had underneath for insulation. I had on one of my AB beaver felts on my head for warmth (which did a fine job), but my ears felt like they were going to fall off before I was done.

So, short answer, yes, it will work fine as an outside garment with proper layering.....but then they all will. The REAL treat with this hide is the water resistance and the extremely light weight of the hide....and yet it's the strongest leather available, so a win-win-win.

All this said, because of that strength it's really resistant to wear, so it's going to take a LONG time to naturally distress...but personally I'm in no hurry.

When I first got it, I tried applying a VERY light coat of Pecard's dressing to see if it would help limber it up. Because of the extremely tight pores of the roo hide, very little was absorbed....as a matter of fact, after 2 days, I'd say 90% of it just wiped right off, so this material is going to require very, VERY little product until it finally starts taking on wear patterns....which I hope is in MY lifetime. It's tough stuff!!!

Regards! M

[Michaelson]

That's very impressive. Sounds like the perfect fall-winter jacket for the mid-east. I've always been hesitant to wear my leather jackets in the rain, though after joining this board and reading the vast amounts of information available on leather wear, distressing, and upkeep, it doesn't sound like it's that much of a no-no. Still, the 'roo leather sounds like it's the best bet for the rainy-jacket months (which is nearly all of them). Thanks M!

Actually, it's more of a late summer, fall, winter, early Spring type jacket for your part of the country......and you are most welcome.

Regards! M

[midgettem1]

Well, I finally bit the bullet and put an order in this morning. The deciding factor was my most recent ROTLA Wested in Shrunken Lambskin- it hasn't really "felt" right on me since I got it- it just seems a lot more roomy than I'd prefer, especially in the arms. Figured I'd give the US Wings Kangaroo leather a try, after reading all the reviews and seeing the pictures here. I'll snap some pics and post them when it comes in!

[cm289]

So who has one of these so far? Indydawg, Weston, and midgettem with 1 on the way? Need more pics! Now! Chop chop!


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[Michaelson]

I do, but no photos.

Regard! Michaelson

[cm289]

Tease!


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[Michaelson]

You've seen one, you 've seen them all!

There's no way I can improve on what Dawg has already posted.

Regard! M

[midgettem1]

So I got mine in yesterday and I love it! Everything Michaelson said about the 'roo skin is true- it's a very unique hide, very lightweight, very "dense" in a way. I applied some Pecard's, but honestly, I'm not sure if it'll absorb! I'm very happy with it. The US Wings large fits perfectly, almost like it was fitted. I really look forward to getting it broken in (which is going to take some effort, judging by the looks of the hide!)

[Michaelson]

[Texan Scott]

....pics?

[midgettem1]

Sorry, I've been negligent on the pictures! I'll snap some this evening after work and get them uploaded. I'll be honest though- the pictures previously posted present a positive picture of this particular pelt.

Sorry about the alliteration. I'm not sure what happened there.

[midgettem1]

Finally, as promised, pictures! Second to last is an example of a slight variation in the hide, which I think gives it some character, and a comparison of the 'roo to my Wested shrunken lambskin.

[Glenville86]

Glad they don't have any XXL Long in stock to temp me.

[Michaelson]

Here's one in the classified if someone is looking for a fantastic deal!

viewtopic.php?f=40&t=64925" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regard! M

[Indydawg]

Thanks, M!

It is breaking my heart to let it go...but, I'm out of options on my end, and I gotta have some moolah.

Any questions about the jacket, folks can PM me...I'm happy to give you any details you like.

She's practically brand new.

Thanks!
ID