Aero Shackleton Explored

[Swoosed]

I need to move north, way north..... since your an aero guy, and I am too when they fit right, how do you rate the new "battered hide" related to the fqhh on the other jackets you have. I have the mid weight jerky hh, a full weight fqhh, a ""shaved fqhh, which has the feel and touch of a lighter weight chrome excel in a a-2 which is my personal favorite, as well as a heavy russet goat a-2 from Aero. I'm looking for something lighter, with the character of the chrome excel fqhh, which I have in the shaved fqhh, but they don't make it any more. How's the hand of the battered horse? sounds like it might be the ticket.

 

[wild_balls]

Beautiful, perfect match!

 

[winterland1]

I like it.

 

[wdw]

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

Swoosed, I'm no leather expert, but have FQHH, vintage FQHH and now this battered hide. My first thoughts were that it seemed the same weight, but that the hide was just less glossy than normal FQHH. However, having compared the pocket flap to my Stockman, the battered seems about two-thirds of the thickness, although it doesn't seem that way just to touch elsewhere.

One thing about the colour, it's brown but seems to have irregular black elements to it, like it's been wrinkled then rubbed over with black and straightened out again. This gives it more depth and makes it look more worn from the off. I don't know if the black will eventually rub off or even get more accentuated.

Hopefully Aero might answer the weight query.

 

[Dav]

Very nice WDW, I really like it with the chunkie!

 

[wdw]

Thanks Dav. I'm pretty sure you were the inspiration for the chunkie from one of your earlier posts. It's fantastic value for money.

 

[Cooperson]

Looking good WDW, the photo with it worn open over the chunky jumper looks the business!

 

[Smithy]

I really like that wdw. Looks to be really versatile as well.

 

[eggleman]

Just when I thought that I didn't need to buy another Aero ....
looks like a really versatile addition to one's wardrobe...

 

[Xenophon]

Looks very, very nice, even a lot better than on the pics shown on Aero's site. Congratulations!

I ordered mine yesterday, tumbled horse but there's a 3 month waiting period. Had been hesitant in the beginning as the place where I'll be wearing it most is both windy and wet but in the end it just looked so nice that I couldn't resist. If I may ask, what are your measures (height and suit size)? I'm 182 cm (5 ft 11 ") , UK size 38 suit, 69 kg (about 150 lbs or 10.86 stone).

Ken at Aero advised a size 40 vest if I was going to wear it the way you do, with a sweater underneath.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Just saw this thread. Very nice wdw. Looks good on you. Love the battered hide!
HD

 

[wdw]

Thanks guys. Xenophon, I'm similar to you. 5'11" and a 39 chest, usually taking a 40. My Shackleton is a 40. It's definitely a pretty tight fit, but it's meant to be. The actual waistcoat measures 20" pit to pit, so a world away from normal Aero sizing.

I like it a lot and think it allows a lot of variety in how you can wear it, particularly in warmer weather.

 

[Xenophon]

Great! That's exactly the info I needed and now I can rest assured that the sizing will be ok. Let the countdown begin, with a bit of luck i'll be able to wear it end of october wen I briefly visit Europe and as a main outer layer over a sweater during the winter in New Delhi (gets awful chilly here).

 

[Edward]

How are the pockets on these? Recently been looking at leather 'utility vests', but can't find one that has quite the vintage vibe I'm after.

How would the pockets on the Shackleton cope with, say, a passport or a spectacle case?

Also, is there any leather facing on the inner side that would support an inside pocket?

 

[SpeedRcrX]

How are the pockets on these? Recently been looking at leather 'utility vests', but can't find one that has quite the vintage vibe I'm after.

How would the pockets on the Shackleton cope with, say, a passport or a spectacle case?

Also, is there any leather facing on the inner side that would support an inside pocket?

I can put my iPhone 7 in it without a problem I have to check if there is leather facing inside the pockets but I don't think there is any.

I have to send mine to Aero so they can size it down, it's too big now.

 

[Edward]

I can put my iPhone 7 in it without a problem I have to check if there is leather facing inside the pockets but I don't think there is any.

I have to send mine to Aero so they can size it down, it's too big now.

Thanks. Is that the top pockets? Re the inside, I meant facing on the back of where the buttons/ buttonholes are like, for a g1 type inner pocket.

 

[l0fielectronic]

Just had a look and the top half of the four outside pockets are half leather faced at the back on mine, with the rest of the pockets being moleskin lined. The front facings at the button backs have about three inches of leather before the lining starts (There are no inside pockets).

I have the opposite problem though - I should've ordered a size larger than I was advised by them as its always been a bit too trim a fit for my taste. If I were ordering again I would also ask them to crop two inches from the length (mine seems to fit longer than the one pictured here though it was standard legnth) as whilst this might be more period correct I've always felt it a little too long for my tastes.

 

[Peter Mackin]

In seal vincenza...oh yes.

 

[Edward]

Length is a good thought. I'm basically looking at the idea of a more vintage-correct equivalent of the tactical leather vest Chris wore in Jurassic World, more waistcoat length. I did consider the notion of A2 pockets on the bottom (that's the kind of size I want) but I think it might look.... Off.

 

[SpeedRcrX]

Just had a look and the top half of the four outside pockets are half leather faced at the back on mine, with the rest of the pockets being moleskin lined. The front facings at the button backs have about three inches of leather before the lining starts (There are no inside pockets).

I have the opposite problem though - I should've ordered a size larger than I was advised by them as its always been a bit too trim a fit for my taste. If I were ordering again I would also ask them to crop two inches from the length (mine seems to fit longer than the one pictured here though it was standard legnth) as whilst this might be more period correct I've always felt it a little too long for my tastes.

I see, everything has been answered, good! [emoji6]

Here some photos to illustrate the pockets usefulness.

An iPhone 6s with a case

iPhone inside the top pocket

iPhone inside the bottom pocket

The lining

I hope this will be helpful.

I think the best leather is the battered steerhide. The vest need to drape to the body and the Vicenza is too stiff to achieve the look.