Club Obi Wan

Since joining, I haven't posted much in the jacket section. But I've been doing a lot of reading in here for a while. After a lot of research, I realized that what would fit the bill best for my needs and desires in a jacket would be a Gibson & Barnes Expedition in goat. But I already had a nice leather jacket similar in style, and didn't think I'd get the resources anytime soon to get an Expedition.

Well, between my birthday, an upcoming editing job, and the planets aligning, the resources came to be. I still didn't know if it'd be worth it, but fortunately I live just a couple of hours from G&B. Last Friday, I made the drive down to the San Diego area to visit them. On a side note: it's a beautiful drive there with the ocean and the open hilly landscapes. I must have seen about a dozen military helicopters and fighter jets flying over during the last leg of the drive.

At G&B, I met with Dave Marshall and Drew Williams--both men were real gentlemen. As many of you who've visited there have done, I was given a tour of the work-floor and so forth. They have a great staff of people there!

I had a lot of misgivings about devoting this kind of money--even gift money--to a jacket. Well, that all changed when I tried this thing on! My apologies for the quality of the photos--this was just my camera phone (the hat is my AB, to give you an idea of the colors):


I just need the Paramount mountain now:



There are a lot of great jackets and vendors of jackets on here. For me, the moment I tried this one on I knew this is what I had been looking for in a jacket. I've placed an order just today, and it'll probably be the exact one I tried out last week. I'll keep you posted!

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

UPDATE: Here's a recent photo that shows off how it moves:

Those are great jackets. I have a TN Raiders 1 (which many around here would consider to be the holy grail of Indy jackets) and I love that thing like everyone else. But you know what? I still go back to my G&B expeditions. They are unmatched for elegance and toughness. They're unique. I wore my version of the jacket in your picture just yesterday. Dave Marshall is one of the great guys too, though many on this board would not know it. Cheers

Rundquist wrote:Those are great jackets. I have a TN Raiders 1 (which many around here would consider to be the holy grail of Indy jackets) and I love that thing like everyone else. But you know what? I still go back to my G&B expeditions. They are unmatched for elegance and toughness. They're unique. I wore my version of the jacket in your picture just yesterday. Dave Marshall is one of the great guys too, though many on this board would not know it. Cheers

Well put! I'm not interested in artificial distressing (would that put me in the Michaelson school of thought? ), and that toughness was a big factor for me. That, combined with the great look, were what I was hoping for--a combination similar to what I've found my AB to be for hats.

Best wishes,

Nebraska Schulte

You have a jacket that should last you many lifetimes of adventures

Congrats, Luke!

Congrats Luke, wonderfull jacket

Thank you, gents!

I cannot believe how tough my G&B goat Expedition is.
After I recieved my Nowak jackets, I kind of lost interest in it for a while, but with the arrival of the warmer weather here in my part of
Australia, I needed a lighter jacket again.
I have slept in it, left in outside on concrete in heavy rain for days. Yes, days. I have put it through the washing machine.
I have beaten in with a brick. I have rubbed it with methylated spirits.
Apart from being ever so slightly less shiny, the jacket still looks brand new! It's an incredibly tough piece of gear, and I love it!
The Expedition in goatskin is an obvious choice for someone wanting a jacket that will last and last.

Nebraska that jacket looks great! It does look as tough as nails (railroad spike tough). Makes me want one, though when I called to ask about my size my concern was for the fit, because of my waist size; I am 42 chest but a 32 waist. I was concerned that the waist would be too large.

whipcracker wrote:Nebraska that jacket looks great! It does look as tough as nails (railroad spike tough). Makes me want one, though when I called to ask about my size my concern was for the fit, because of my waist size; I am 42 chest but a 32 waist. I was concerned that the waist would be too large.

I'm the same size 42/32 - 6 ft 2 - the 42 T fits me fine.

Well Nebraska, now a layer of authentic dig site crud and you're set. You strike me as someone who will wear that well and hard in real life. Great choice (but now, go break it in a bit - you know, spend a month or two living in it in the field).

Excellent!

I envy all you folks who can stop by these shops. Nice way to do business.

Congrats! I visited G&B a couple months ago when I was in SD for work. Thanks for the pics - it was cool, recognizing the walkway in front and even the room with the mirror off the showroom! I'll finally be pulling the trigger on an expo of my own next month.

V/R,
DLJ

Big congrats on your new G&B Nebraska Schulte!
I love my own goat Expo. Truck dragging is a distinct option with these jackets.

Kevin-- Stories like yours are what really got me interested in this jacket. How long have you had yours by now? While I myself don't have plans of trying the techniques you used (other than I'll probably sleep in it at some point during travels), I did want a leather jacket that would look great even after any abuse I'd throw at it with travels, excavations, and the occasional ranch work on visits to the family farm. Hearing your account encourages me that I've got exactly that kind of jacket.

Whipcracker-- thank you! The only thing I can say about sizing is that it was spot-on for being the same as my suit jacket size. It sounds like CM has some insights on your particular size, and I'm sure the staff at G&B will be willing to help advise.

Tibor--thank you, too. Although most of the excavation day in Israel is too hot for any jacket, sometimes the first hour or two starting at 5:30 in the morning are a bit chilly; that'd be a good chance to wear it on the dig itself. And there's a chance I might get an opportunity for a more long-term archaeological project next year to help with my dissertation. I'd definitely be bringing it along!

DLJ, thank you, and I look forwarding to seeing pics of your expo in a few weeks!

Thank you, Raider 57--I saw a lot of your older posts about it, which were really helpful. I remember my wife complimenting how it looked on you when I came across some photos in here.

It's great to hear from you all--it helps with the wait!

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

By the way, I felt a lot better about the price of the Expedition when I saw today that our local J.C. Penney's is charging $450 (before sales price) for an imitation version by Docker's. Granted, the regular price might be raised to make the sales price seem better, but still .

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

That really looks like a fine fitting jacket there, Neb, but I just have to ask... In the picture with your jacket zipped up, is that an ID tag that's sticking out, or something on the zipper pull? That's been bugging me...

Castor Dioscuri wrote:That really looks like a fine fitting jacket there, Neb, but I just have to ask... In the picture with your jacket zipped up, is that an ID tag that's sticking out, or something on the zipper pull? That's been bugging me...

Thank you, Castor. This is actually the jacket I was trying on at Gibson & Barnes, so it was a paper store tag for the price or size on the zipper pull. If you look at my left hand in the top picture, you'll see the tag on the zipper pull blocking my thumb and index finger. In the bottom photo, you'll see the white tag hanging down on the opposite side (due to the photo being of the mirror's image).

Since this jacket was the one in stock in my size and I ordered the following week, I imagine I'll be receiving the same one I tried on in these pictures. Once the jacket arrives, I'll try and take a couple of photos with something better than my phone's camera.

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

Ah, that was my third guess, but I didn't think that could be it as the picture was taken outside... Near the parking lot... Near your car... Come to think of it, it would have taken only a short sprint, if you catch my drift...

That looks like one tough jacket! Looks like it would stop bullets! Suits you

Great looking jacket Nebraska! The hat is beautiful as well. Very nice ToD.

Kyle

Castor Dioscuri wrote:Ah, that was my third guess, but I didn't think that could be it as the picture was taken outside... Near the parking lot... Near your car... Come to think of it, it would have taken only a short sprint, if you catch my drift...

Castor: Dave and Drew both accompanied me outside. We were having problems with getting sunlit pictures inside to send via cellphone to my wife, so they suggested heading out. I got the sense they don't do that very often for exactly the reason you suggested.

djd wrote:That looks like one tough jacket! Looks like it would stop bullets! Suits you

Thanks, djd! (Though I don't plan on testing it out on the firing range ) Short of that, I'll let you know how the durability is.

knibs7 wrote:Great looking jacket Nebraska! The hat is beautiful as well. Very nice ToD.

Kyle

Thank you, Kyle. The hat is actually a KotCS Adventurebilt--if you're interested, I wrote a review of it over here:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=42330
But yes, combining the darker brown of a Raiders-style jacket plus the looser pinch of a Crystal Skull fedora probably also gives a ToD feel to the outfit. Hmm... which sounds better: is it a "Raiders of the Crystal Skull" or "Kingdom of the Lost Ark" outfit.

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

You'll find the jacket will only get softer with wear and use, so don't worry about 'training' too much. It will conform to you in VERY short order....just like your AB did.

VERY nice choice, and fit! I'm happy for you!

Regards! Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:You'll find the jacket will only get softer with wear and use, so don't worry about 'training' too much. It will conform to you in VERY short order....just like your AB did.

VERY nice choice, and fit! I'm happy for you!

Regards! Michaelson

Thank you for your comments, Michaelson! I waited a few weeks to comment because I wanted to give an update on how the jacket is conforming. The only 'training' I've been doing is that I've wadded it up at night, and have also wadded it up and sat on it while watching movies on weekends. This thing is by far the most comfortable jacket I've owned in that it fits so well, is quite light for leather, and I hardly notice I'm wearing it (although I've had to stop for a few days with our temperatures approaching 90 degrees here in So. California).

Here's a recent picture from this weekend, but it doesn't do it justice:
http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w325 ... n2009A.jpg

Fellow G&B owners (and other goatskin owners)--what have been some of your ways of 'training' the leather for comfort and conformity? I'm not talking about artificial distressing, but instead how you've made it your own. I'm just curious about some of your experiences--please share!

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

UPDATE: a little bit better photo (don't mind the camera glare on the arm towards the right side of photo):
http://i520.photobucket.com/albums/w325 ... CN2135.jpg

Hey Nebraska Schulte. Nice jacket, eh? I've done nothing special to my G&B except wear it. I wear it almost all winter except on the very coldest days. I do use it as pillow when I nap on the couch. It also seems to me that wearing it while driving helps form the arms and shoulders for you. Even on warm days after work I wear it in the car on the way home.
I hate carrying things in my pants pockets, so my jacket always has my wallet in one pocket and my cell phone in the other. So if it's just chilly, I take the G&B along!!
Should meet you on Sunday at the QM?
~raider 57

raider 57 wrote:Hey Nebraska Schulte. Nice jacket, eh? I've done nothing special to my G&B except wear it. I wear it almost all winter except on the very coldest days. I do use it as pillow when I nap on the couch. It also seems to me that wearing it while driving helps form the arms and shoulders for you. Even on warm days after work I wear it in the car on the way home.
I hate carrying things in my pants pockets, so my jacket always has my wallet in one pocket and my cell phone in the other. So if it's just chilly, I take the G&B along!!
Should meet you on Sunday at the QM?
~raider 57

Yeah, I've been wearing it inside and out whenever I can--sometimes in warmer temps than I normally would. Thanks for the suggestion of wearing it in the car on warm days; I'll have to try that. And yes, I'll meet you on Sunday at the QM; just look for another bearded man with an Adventurebilt and a G&B besides yourself.

Tundrarider wrote:Hi Nebraska,

I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner. I actually read this thread when you first posted and thought I replied. Anyway, great jacket!!! It looks really natural and comfortable on you. You can tell by your grin that you love it!

I should stop in and visit, as G&B is in my neck of the woods.

Thanks for posting.

BTW it's great to see your lovely Marion at your side!

Michael

Thank you, Michael! Just give Dave Marshall at G&B a call and I'm sure he'd be happy to show you around. Also, by calling ahead, they were able to set aside my size ahead of time for trying it on. I'll pass along the message to "Marion."

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

Raider 57 is correct. The key to any of these jackets and making them your own is just to wear them constantly

That's a great looking jacket! And yes, San Diego is a very pretty drive. Enjoy!
J-

Nebraska Schulte wrote:
"just look for another bearded man with an Adventurebilt and a G&B besides yourself."


Amen brother!
~raider 57

NS,

G&B makes a high quality jacket, no doubt about that! There is only one problem that I have, and I noticed it on yours as well. I noticed that your sleeves have vertical creases down the front and I was just wondering if there was anything they could possibly do to correct it? Is the problem too much material, or possibly the sleeves are not tapered as much as necessary? Initially, I thought that maybe after the break in period, it would work itself out, but I have a lamb, and it did not happen.

Texan Scott wrote:NS,

G&B makes a high quality jacket, no doubt about that! There is only one problem that I have, and I noticed it on yours as well. I noticed that your sleeves have vertical creases down the front and I was just wondering if there was anything they could possibly do to correct it? Is the problem too much material, or possibly the sleeves are not tapered as much as necessary? Initially, I thought that maybe after the break in period, it would work itself out, but I have a lamb, and it did not happen.

TS,
You might want to check out this thread for some more discussion on these vertical sleeve creases on the G&B (esp. Michaelson's observations on the second page).

I don't know if it's extra material or not, but with plenty of wear and wadding it into a ball, I've found them greatly reduced over time. I've wadded up my jacket most nights and have just worn it about every day. The vertical creases have significantly reduced now than from when I first got the jacket. You can see some of what I mean by looking at the links I posted above in a response to Michaelson. Now, they are hardly noticeable. Once I have the snaps installed on the stormflap (possibly today), I'll try and post a new picture.

Oh, and please share a photo of your lambskin Expedition! I briefly tried one on at G&B and really liked what I saw, but I just preferred the durability of the goatskin. But it's a handsome jacket, and it'd be great to see more of them on here.

Best wishes,
NS

I just read through the thread and wonder if it is the manner in which the sleeves are attached to the arm holes, if the rotation of the sleeve seams coupled with extra material in the upper arm have anything at all to do with it? 'M's observations could be a factor, as well. Everything is fine when the arms are bent, but it is noticeable when the arms are at your side. If it was the 'break in' factor, then this would not appear to happen with lamb jackets. Todd's and Wested's do not seem to exhibit this.

It seems like the extra material might be part of it, but I don't really know. I'm sure there are some jacket experts who could chime in on this. For me, It's a non-issue (i.e. I don't mind it), so I haven't ever given it much thought.

best wishes,
NS

Texan Scott wrote:I just read through the thread and wonder if it is the manner in which the sleeves are attached to the arm holes, if the rotation of the sleeve seams coupled with extra material in the upper arm have anything at all to do with it? 'M's observations could be a factor, as well. Everything is fine when the arms are bent, but it is noticeable when the arms are at your side. If it was the 'break in' factor, then this would not appear to happen with lamb jackets. Todd's and Wested's do not seem to exhibit this.

I probably wrote this in the last thread - you see this arm thing on many leather jackets. It went away on my G&B after I washed it. But I've seen in on a few Nowaks posted here and my Wested had it, along with a Vanson I had and a couple of bike jackets from a local and very good manufacturer. I've even seen it on a Langlitz.

Yes I agree it's a common occurrence with leather jackets, isn't always there and sometimes is.
Wearing the jacket and breaking it in usually solves it, the effect seems mostly noticeable with new jackets.
The amount of the effect varies too and may have more to do with the person wearing it that the jackets themselves.