Bush Jackets

[Oldsarge]

Well that's because when you wear camo, no one can see you so you feel safe!

 

[Doctor Damage]

Question: where might I be able to source some buckles? I have two used safari jackets both of which have slide-through belts and buckles (i.e. no grommets). Both buckles are too roomy to provide much friction, so the belts quickly loosen when wearing, which drives me nuts naturally. I am hoping to get some very narrow buckles as replacements. Crappy diagram below.

I'm not insistent on leather covered, although that would be nice; I just need narrow to create enough friction that the belts don't slide through easily. I had thought of messing about with adding a button at the right spot, but that's a "better get it right the first time or it will look stupid" sort of thing which is a bit beyond my skills. Velcro underneath is my option if I can't get buckles.

Anyways, thanks to anyone who might have ideas.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Try a company called strapworks.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Try a company called strapworks.

What a huge selection, I should be able to find something - thanks!

 

[1961MJS]

Hi, if that doesn't work, At the Front has a stamped steel piece like that on a belt that might work.

http://www.atthefrontshop.com/product_p/usumm42b.htm
http://www.atthefrontshop.com/product_p/usumm42b.htm
I didn't look at strap works, but should. I have a few bush jackets.

Later

 

[de Stokesay]

I always thought friction fit buckles were ridiculous, so when my WPG bush jacket came with one I replaced it with a leather covered buckle with a prong (probably meant for trench coats) punched some holes with a leather holepunch, and installed some small grommets. It works perfectly now. The belt stays done up, and I can cinch in the belt around the rather voluminous waist. I already had a tailor put darts in the jacket to take 6" or so out of the waist, but I have a 10" drop from my chest to my waist so this wasn't nearly enough on its own. Now that the belt works properly though, it's not so bad.

Other than the tailored-for-a-fat-man cut the WPG jacket comes in, I love it and wear it lots, and with some modifications, it can be made to fit someone shaped like an actual soldier.

It's my standard jacket when out shooting.

de Stokesay

 

[Doctor Damage]

I always thought friction fit buckles were ridiculous, so when my WPG bush jacket came with one I replaced it with a leather covered buckle with a prong (probably meant for trench coats) punched some holes with a leather holepunch, and installed some small grommets. It works perfectly now. The belt stays done up, and I can cinch in the belt around the rather voluminous waist. I already had a tailor put darts in the jacket to take 6" or so out of the waist, but I have a 10" drop from my chest to my waist so this wasn't nearly enough on its own. Now that the belt works properly though, it's not so bad.

I would love to do the grommet thing, frankly that's what I'd prefer to the friction belt. I can make holes and replace the friction buckle with a pronged buckle, but have no idea about grommets - either where to get some and how to install them. I'm sure it's not that hard, but can you comment further?

 

[Oldsarge]

Shoot, you go to your local big box hardware store and ask someone for a grommet kit. It will include the punch (pliers grip) and a selection of grommets. What you need to be careful of is spacing. Measure very precisely with a soft pencil before putting the grommets in. Otherwise it will look not just DIY, but clumsy DIY.

 

[Oldsarge]

 

[Doctor Strange]

You can also find them in arts & crafts stores, and department store crafting sections.

 

[Doctor Damage]

^ OK, thanks so much. I have a really good hardware store not far away, so I'll take a look next week.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Grommets & punch obtained... but no one had any buckles. There are some good fabric supply stores in Hamilton, not too far away, so I'm sure I'll find something there. I suppose I could even make some tongues if I had to.

 

[Oldsarge]

Let us know how it comes out.

 

[Bushman]

For Christmas, I got an original Willis & Geiger Hemingway jacket! Fits like a glove, too.

 

[Tiki Tom]

For Christmas, I got an original Willis & Geiger Hemingway jacket! Fits like a glove, too.

Sweet! The jacket, she is as true and honest as the first sight of an elephant at dawn, when the sun is shining through the Baobob trees and you remember that the war, although lost, was worthy and good.

Love that jacket. (I found a copy of "Hotel Florida" under the Christmas tree.)

 

[fireman]

The belt stays done up, and I can cinch in the belt around the rather voluminous waist. I already had a tailor put darts in the jacket to take 6" or so out of the waist, but I have a 10" drop from my chest to my waist so this wasn't nearly enough on its own. Now that the belt works properly though, it's not so bad.

Other than the tailored-for-a-fat-man cut the WPG jacket comes in, I love it and wear it lots, and with some modifications, it can be made to fit someone shaped like an actual soldier.

It's my standard jacket when out shooting.

de Stokesay

Hmmm this is a concern to me. I had a very old WPG bush jacket that was a bit small for me in the chest and length. However the chest/waist taper was fine for me(46 chest and 35" waist pants). I sold it and plan to buy a new one from WPG this winter but if the cut has changed, that is an issue. How old is yours?

Thanks!

 

[Oldsarge]

For Christmas, I got an original Willis & Geiger Hemingway jacket! Fits like a glove, too.

I have one of those, courtesy of one of the members. They are the absolute best.

 

[DUKE NUKEM]

I have several for sale in the classified section here.

 

[Tiki Tom]

A photo of a Tilley Endurable safari jacket. I bought one brand new in 1994. Has a belt, hand warmer pockets, interior security pockets, and a rather dated special interior pocket to hold the old style long airline tickets. Sleeves roll up nicely. It is well constructed and has "Give-'em-hell", no-worries, no-babying washing instructions that I find handy. Have worn it on many an adventure on three continents, and it is still practically like new. Recently visited the Tilley page just to see if they still make them. They don't. Pitty. My favorite jacket. Will probably specifically hand it down to my daughter in my will.

 

[Doctor Damage]

Recently visited the Tilley page just to see if they still make them. They don't.

They haven't for a long time, which is a shame. I have one I picked up a few years ago (used), I've never worn it, but it's a solid thing that no doubt survive a trip to hell and back!