Club Obi Wan

Just before leaving to Jordan I received a parcel from the Adventurebilt Co. which contained two of the new shirts they offer (thanks again Marc to just make "in time"!). This allowed me to really "fieldtest" the quality of these shirts during my participation in this years expedition to excavate a tall in the very south of Jordan - where we had temperatures around 20°C, sandstorms and even a day of rain. I also took it to the hiking trip through Petra (which was quite colder, since it is situated more north and way higher than Aqaba; we even had a snowstorm during our way there).

Since the shirt was a main part of my equipment (I am rarely seen with a t-shirt) I used it quite regularly while working at the site:




So - of course! - the shirt got quite dirty (dust from the desert, 6000 year old ash layers and charcoal, and the sweat of a certain archaeologist):


Here you see the used shirt next to a clean one.


In the end the shirts went several time to the laundry, where they were dry cleaned not very cautious.

And? You may ask, what do I have to say about those shirts after a month of heavy use?

First: The cut - it fits well. Leaves enough space to your body to form the layer of air needed to cool down your skin without looking baggy. Maybe mine was a tad to big or its the way my - not to broad - shoulders are formed, but sometimes I noticed the epaulettes not to sit directly onto my shoulders but a little bit in front of them.
A real advantage is the quite long cut of the lower part - I never had the problem of the shirt slipping up out of the trousers, even when climbing. A plus in my eyes.

Second: With the material they did some nice effort - it is very comfortable and - for me the most important thing - it lets your body really breath. I nearly had no problems with sweating too much wearing it and the test showed that it even protects you good enough from the sun (assumed you roll down the cuffs).
The only practical problem I had was the fact that the material is quite sensitive if it comes to wrinkles - you do have to iron it after cleaning. Though this is a accomodation to the screen accurate material it might become a point of difficulty while travelling (in my case I just let the laundry iron it).

Third: Manufacture - even after all those weeks of constantly wearing (while one was in the laundry I just used the other one) and let the shirts be cleaned that often, that they started to offer me coffee when I showed up in the laundry, I can't see any noticable traces af galling. The buttons are as strong attached as they were from the beginning, the stitching did not went loose at any point. Nothing to argue here.

In general I can say that I am really impressed by the shirt's quality - and I want to underline that these conlcusions are based on observation and experience concerning the product of the AB Co. only.

I did not say anything about the look, because we all know how nitpicky Marc can be, if it comes to screen accuracy - and considering the effort he and the ones supporting him undertook, I don't think there is any doubt concerning this side of the shirt.

More pictures of the shirt in its "fieldtest" may be found here.

The shirt looks great and to see it on a dig....it just seem right the hat finishes it off.
Steve

I think the dusty shirt looks like you just stepped out of the map room in Tanis, very sa.

That's incredible, Jens. I really like your pics! Can't wait to get my AB shirt
I've been wondering for a long time, how real life archeologists look upon Indiana Jones and his gear. I mean, you are obviously a fan, but I can imagine there are also colleagues of yours, that are getting tired of being associated to a fictional character. Or am I way off here?

Since it's a bit "off topic" I make the answer short, Bullitt.
Though not all of 'em might admit it, I am pretty sure that every archaeologist aged 30 or younger is influenced by Indy in some way.

Looks very nice. The only question I have is where do these shirts come from? I look on both AB websites, even Googled "adventurebilt shirt"! The only results I came up with were posts in this forum and other Indy forums. Where can I get this fantastic shirt?

Jens, your entire post is just to cool. From the pics to reading your review of the shirt.

Wow, what a way to field test that shirt.

Can't wait to get mine in the mail.

Mark Brody wrote:Looks very nice. The only question I have is where do these shirts come from? I look on both AB websites, even Googled "adventurebilt shirt"! The only results I came up with were posts in this forum and other Indy forums. Where can I get this fantastic shirt?

Just PN Marc or write a mail to his Adventurebilt adress. If you already found the threads in here concerning the shirt, you will find more information about sizing, prizing and ordering there. Hope that helps.

@Pitfall: Thanks a lot!

Jens wrote:Since it's a bit "off topic" I make the answer short, Bullitt.
Though not all of 'em might admit it, I am pretty sure that every archaeologist aged 30 or younger is influenced by Indy in some way.

I knew it was OT, but this thread reminded me again. I thought it would be a generation thing

Anyway back on topic, I really have to dirty up my shirt too, when I get it.

Mark Brody wrote:Where can I get this fantastic shirt?

You can order them by transferring 69 Euro to Marc's
PayPal Account: marc_kitter[at]web.de

I just received mine today.

It's exactly the size quoted. So don't vanity size yourselves! (I may have to go up a size...)

and...

IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!

Great pictures and posts Jens.
I just love your way of fieldtesting your gear )

I got my AB shirt yesterday.

Best regards
Ace

Great looking shirt & shemagh there Jens. They, along with you, look like they have been around the block a few times. Love the shots with you & the Bedouin.
Now I have two of the WPG Indy shirts. You state that they are breathable, but are Marc's shirts a lighter weight fabric yet tough, or is it like the WPG shirt, a bomb proof winter shirt that breathes?
Also, the cut of the shirt. Is it a semi-roomy slim fit, or, like the WPG shirt, built by Omar the Tent Maker? I only ask since I just had to take my two shirts to a local taylor to get the tent effect taken away.
Again, I appreciate you sharing your pictures. Thank you!

Cheers!

Dan

Thanks for the kind words.

Dan - I don't know the specific characteristics of the material - Marc would be the better person to ask this one. But can show my personal impressions. The shirt is very light, not like the heavy thick safari shirts I know; unfortunately I've never saw a WPG shirt in nature, but compared e.g. to the Wested Shirt the AB ones feel a little bit stronger, but it's definitively not made to be your only piece of dress in winter (like the lumberjack shirts which were so popular in the 90s). And that's the second point: though they are not thick and heavy they seem to be quite durable as I stated above.

The cut is, just a s you guessed, rather slim. But still roomy enough to support movement "in" it, not only "with" it, if you understand what I mean. But again, this might depend on your figure. I am not that broad-shouldered and athlethic, so the shirt (size M) fits quite loose and roomy. It will be a bit snugger, if my belly just grows more in the direction it hints now .

Hope this was a bit of help.

Thanks Jens!

I had also PM'd Marc and asked about the sizing. I'm generally a 46 around the chest so it'll be either a large or x-large depending on sleeve length. I have borderline orangatan length to the arms so it's fairly hard to get shirts with long enough arms so it doesn't look like you out grew the shirt.
The WPG fabric is fairly dense & thick, sort of like an outback drover shirt but not as thic as a Carhartt shirt. I think what they call a tin cloth. One has a hard time pushing needles through it, so you can imagine a breeze doesn't stand a chance. But as far as a winter work shirt goes, It's tough as nails & should last a life time.
So a lighter weight shirt that is breathable & bomb proof would be most welcome.
Thanks so much for your post, it is most appreciated.

Cheers!

Dan

Continuing with the off-topic topic! The archeologists in my office all love Indy including the ones that are from out of the country. After showing one of them all my new gear he replied, "Indiana Jones has two types of people that love and hate him! One - archeo profs that love him because he has opened up the field of archeology by giving it more exposure and showing how fun it can be! Two - Archeologists that hate him because Indiana Jones basically states that all archeo types do nothing but get into fights, get drunk, and steal relics!"

To which he followed up with that 2 out of the 3 hated reasons are true!

IndyWannaBee wrote:Archeologists that hate him because Indiana Jones basically states that all archeo types do nothing but get into fights, get drunk, and steal relics!"

Yes, but ... that's what it all is about, isn't it?

Just curious Jen, does it have the pen pocket?

Jens wrote:

IndyWannaBee wrote:Archeologists that hate him because Indiana Jones basically states that all archeo types do nothing but get into fights, get drunk, and steal relics!"

Yes, but ... that's what it all is about, isn't it?

I'd say so. Nothing better than getting into fights while drunk

Lee Keppler wrote:Just curious Jen, does it have the pen pocket?

Indeed it has, Lee.

Pen pocket? What pen pocket?

Jens, I love the shirt. That's the first time I've seen an AB! I want one now. And I totally agree with your statement about Archaeologists 30 years and younger are influenced by Indy in some way! I KNOW they are!

Pen slot in the left pocket? Great!

Cheers!

Dan

I'm just bumping this one to see if there has been any new news on these shirts. Any new adventure pics to share from the field?

Cheers!

Dan

DanielJones wrote:I'm just bumping this one to see if there has been any new news on these shirts. Any new adventure pics to share from the field?

Cheers!

Dan

Of course! Just check out this thread.

Cool! Thanks for sharing Jens! Great pictures.
So, have you heard any other developments from Marc on these shirts?

Cheers!

Dan

where can you get AB shirts from?

As to where you can get the AB shirt, see the post above with Marc's Paypal email address (marc_kitter[at]web.de) or contact him through the PM feature on these boards.

I have both the AB shirt and a WPG shirt, so the comparision is easy for me. The WPG is too blousey and a much thicker material than the AB shirt. I wear a size large in both, because I need the shoulder width, but not the belly capacity of the WPG. The AB reminds me of a dress shirt, but that can be worn in a variety of circumstance, like the digs above. The WPG shirt is like a piece of armor by comparison.

Unlike Jens, I prefer my Indy shirts to have the unpressed wrinkled look, so I cold water wash and hang them to dry. Sometimes my housekeeper picks them out and irons them along with my dress shirts. A pressed Indy shirt just doesn't look like an adventure shirt to me in that shape.

DanielJones wrote:So, have you heard any other developments from Marc on these shirts?

As far as I know, there was no big reason for any developments. The shirts were as good from the first time and if I'm not mistaken he still sells them. Just drop him a note, if you're interested.

Indywanabe91 wrote:where can you get AB shirts from?

From AB. Seriously, it's that easy. Just contact Marc.

Indiana MarkVII wrote: Unlike Jens, I prefer my Indy shirts to have the unpressed wrinkled look, so I cold water wash and hang them to dry. Sometimes my housekeeper picks them out and irons them along with my dress shirts. A pressed Indy shirt just doesn't look like an adventure shirt to me in that shape.

Oh, please don't get me wrong. I couldn't care less, how much my shirt looks wrinkled in the field (as long as it doesn't smell, I'm fine with it ). But now and than you feel the need for a fresh ironed shirt (if you have to deal with officials or the local museum's head just invited you, or something in this direction). Given the limited amount of luggage you want to carry "into the field" it would be not bad, to just clean one of the "field dres" shirts and put this on with a nice jacket (very much like Indy did in ToD in the palace).

But I totally agree: From the gear point of view, an Indy shirt is supposed to be wrinkly!

Just a short update ...

After the oriental heat of the desert I just had the opportunity to "fieldtest" my AB shirts in the most contrarily climate - the coldness of the "far north". I spend three weeks paddling and hiking in Southern Greenland and of course I undertook the Adventurebilt shirts just another hard test (will see what this "built to resist means ). I wore the shirt in my kayak at warmer days (on colder days I wore it underneath a fleece jacket) and although it got wet by the harder waves rolling over the deck it had a very big advantage: the material dries fast, very fast (no time to freeze).


I noticed this same characteristic while "making the laundry". As you can see at the following picture (please ignore my dumb face, but it was cold - the water and the air) we had limited ressources to wash our stuff, the next creek or waterfall was good enough. Again it was the quick drying cloth of the AB shirt which was a clear winner among my wardrobe (I had to wash several shirts, pants and socks).



Since the air was rather cold too and the sun vanished behind the hills at evening, we only had a short time span to dry the stuff (everything still wet at sunset had to go into the sleeping bag for the night - which is a less comfortable feeling ...).

So, again, I can recommend this shirt based on complete conviction and my humble personal experiences with it "in the field".

Great review Jens.
Marc shipped mine out last week so I should be getting it in about a week.
I can't wait!
danke,
Der Mechaniker

Great! This is the first time I envy a pair of SHIRTS These two shirts see more of the world in one year than me in TEN :evil:

Glad you're enjoying them thoug bro'.

Regards,

Marc

I just got my AB shirt today. My Wested's nice and all, but pales in comparison. Well worth the wait.
Thanks Marc.

Hey Jens what kind of watch are you wearing in those pics? Looks interesting...

It's a replica of one of the first wristwatches (originally developed for pilots in 1919 - this model by the German airplane manufacturer "Junkers"). The wristband is a plain military leather one, I just attached myself. If I'm home this evening I can send you or post a picture of it, if you're interested.