who has a Barbour Waxed Canvas jacket?

[vash]

I know this forum, and I am prepared to hear all about other jackets (even better than Barbour), made of other fabrics (longer lasting than Barbour), then have the conversation turn towards shoes, and seat covers..

but I am looking at a Barbour. I have always wanted one, since younger. I think they look cool as F, when they are worn in a bit. my stepdad had one that he shot birds in on occasion and it looked rough, but I bet it would last two lifetimes. it went missing anyways and it was brown IIRC.

I'll probably order one thru a local department store in the Summer hoping for a sale, then I can try it on right there in the store and return it if it feels like Butt, or is too big, or I look dumb.

true to size? you still like it? it seems timeless.

[TimT]

I have a Filson waxed coat that is easily 30 years old..

Its got a pocket on the back where you stuff the birds your dog brings back

[mgatepi]

My seat covers are made from a buffalo and have lasted forever.

[jrj3rd]

Own two. One is 25 years old and other 10. Keep them maintained and they wear well. If the wax layer breaks down and you don't rewax then they are just a light cotton and are easier to damage. The fabric is not as tough as a Filson.

Rewaxing is not tough to do and takes less than an hour (I do it every couple of years). If you are lazy you can send them to Barbour for rewaxing and they will come back like new. Only issue I have ever had was wear on cuff which can be solved by sending to Barbour who will add a leather edge of the cuff.

Both mine have the rear game pocket as described above on the Filson. Comes in really handy and nobody seems to know they are there.

Classic coats to be sure.

[berettafan]

While i do have and love a Filson waxed canvas bird vest I otherwise fully endorse, wear and enjoy modern fabrics for almost all other uses.

[Porchdog]

My waxed cotton stuff is also Filson, all over 25 years old and almost exclusively used for fishing. I have a wading jacket that is excellent, a bucket hat and a ball cap. They get re-waxed occaionally, usually before a major trip.
I also have goretex, but the Filsons are more comfortable for the range of conditions i see during a day on the water.
If I was buying the same stuff today I might go with something more modern, but I haven't worn these out yet.

[oldE]

About 20 years ago I got a "drover's coat' , (think overcoat cut for riding) for the wife, as she was doing a lot of trail riding in all kinds of weather with a group. She wore it once or twice, decided it was too heavy and it has hung in the closet since then. She was only about 120 lbs so I could understand.

[SCforme]

Like you, I've long wanted a Barbour Jacket. I finally pulled the trigger about three years ago and couldn't be happier. Terrific jacket, looks great, and best part is I got it on sale. The only thing I would recommend is to make sure you try it on. I normally wear a medium coat but ended up buying a large. Life's short, buy what you want!

[Alan A]

the new ones are complete and utter crap compared to the old ones - mine's 1990s vintage.
the build quality has gone way way down.

filson is good.
i've also had a couple from outback trading that i like a lot.
https://www.outbacktrading.com/collections/oilskin/products/2100-swagman-oilskin-jacket?variant=12735513231413

[Otter74]

I love them. I have three. My parents bought me one in 1995, when I was in school, and when they first started appearing in the Orvis catalog. The second one is the one my dad had, same jacket but a size larger. It's too large for me but it was his (he died a long time ago). I'd kind of like to get one altered down a few sizes - I wore everything too big when I was ~21. The third one is a more recent motorcycle-style jacket that I bought used. It fits me very well and I like it a lot.

[berettafan]

FYI i think Filson was bought out by a private equity group in the past few years.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

I got bunches. I'll post pics later on. At least for me, the Barbours and the Filsons both wear out in several years.

I use the heck out of them, but they don't stand up like old ones.

If you get one- 1. like others said, make sure to try on different sizes/types (Beaufort vs Bedale)
2. Wait for a summer sale.
3. Don't mistakenly buy a woman's coat. (Ask me how I know).

Remember it's basically a cotton jacket that is reinforced with wax. It feels heavy duty b/c of the wax, and the heavy duty zippers, but it's not, and wax is not a reinforcement-it's as strong as- well,wax. It is lightweight cotton and wax. Barbours in particular "feel" supple. Why? Thinner weight cotton=more comfy, but weaker. Once it tears, it's game over unless you've got a sewing machine. The pockets and elbows go first on mine. No fun once you hook it on something in the garage and rip a pocket and your car keys fall out the pockets every time you put something in there.

Also they suck for cold weather. You'll need a liner or something. They are also not waterproof, more water repellent, especially if the wax wasn't recently done.

With this glowing review, I will say I still like them and hold onto all my old ones. My plan is to deconstruct one and build up a new jacket out of new parts, like Magnus Walker did with his clothes. 99 year project, probably will not happen due to needing specialized sewing machines.

If MW ever reads this... Yo, M, I need to borrow one of your sewing machines!

[juanbenae]

I had one of these back in the day racing enduros. It was a huge commitment as to whether to wear it or not, rainy, cold, good choice. Decent weather, warmish bad choice. It was hot as hell on with no rain or cold even with the front open cause these were no zippers in the back like contemporary riding jackets to allow air flow. It weighted like 10 lbs.

https://www.michaelstewart.co.uk/products/belstaff-trialmaster-waxed-jacket-faded-olive-6537?variant=54763204444495&country=US&currency=USD&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&srsltid=AfmBOoqg70zofh2eKzKxFeWquMmHFwWNRYa-jnkICGmCixj9An3EtuD6Km0

They were definitely not $600 back then.

[jyl]

I have an old Barbour, bought in a thrift shop in Scotland, a great and cool looking raincoat. Mine needs to be mended a bunch though.

[vash]

i'll get one. eyeballing the Ashby version. looks like i need to size up one level.

[ramonesfreak]

I have 2 of them. A Bedale and a Beaufort. I bought them both in 1995. I was a very happy 23 year old at the time… I wore the Beaufort this past weekend in a pouring rain storm….and got soaked . They are not water proof. Both have been back to the US repair facility in New Hampshire multiple times for repairs…The last time I sent them out about 10 years ago….I think the repair bill was about $700 for very little work…just had the edges reinforced because they fray…and pockets pull from the coat and tear and I had those reinforced with patches….oh the elbows too have patches now from Barbour….yours will too if you wear it

They require a ton of upkeep. If you do not repair the worn edges and keep it waxed…the jacket will fall apart quick. However, if you do not mind keeping them repaired and waxed (I always wax myself)….then you will have the jacket a long time. Mine have been going for 31 years

However, I do not really use them much any more given how light and warm modern outdoor jackets have become.

My best times with my Barbour jackets was when I lived in NYC, walking around from September to about end of November. They do block the wind and the big pockets meant I could stuff them with my Camels and bottles of beer or whatever.

Not trying to talk you out of it but just be aware that these are not maintenance free jackets. They serve a purpose and require a bit of work…..like an old Range Rover I guess

[ramonesfreak]

BTW, the Barbour topic has come up at least once here in the past 15 years….but the above pretty much sums it up.

Cool looking….they serve a purpose (hunting and walking around in damp windy conditions) but are fragile, expensive to buy and maintain, are heavy, are too hot in summer and too cold in winter - I have the zip in winter liner for my Beaufort.

[ramonesfreak]

Here are some of the repairs to my Beaufort that the New Hampshire repair shop has done…they do good work but damn, I just noticed i have another little hole and probably others and the jacket has been hanging there since I last sent it in 10 year ago….

[ramonesfreak]

A funny story stuck in my head….back when I got mine, I was in lawschool. I can remember after one final exam, we were saying goodbye to the professor and he blurted out, what the hell is that smell? I knew what it was….it was my freshly waxed Beaufort !

Which brings up another point….careful wearing it in your vehicle as the wax can leave a mark on your seat

[ramonesfreak]

Just went on amazon and ordered a can of Barbour thornproof dressing….my wax is gone after wearing it maybe 5 times since i last wore it

$26 a can.

BTW, the jackets are about the same price now as they were 30 years ago….with inflation, I think they are cheaper now. Back then, it seemed like a fortune. But as noted above, I think the current quality is down from the 90s.