Looking for a non-custom coat

[BrewCrew]

I've been looking for a shearling lined leather coat but can't afford an Aero or anything custom. I would like to find something in the $400-$500 range, preferably car-coat length but something like this would be acceptable: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp;jsessionid=EQG4EPYVGY5UJLAQBBKSCONMCAEFMIWE?id=0021103902660a&type=product&cm_sz=Regular&_requestid=2187
Anyone have any suggestions? or tried the Cabela's coat personally? I have a light leather bomber and want a really cold weather coat. thanks!

 

[Anders]

I was given the Cabela's B-3 as a gift this past Christmas, and I would call myself reasonably satisfied. The leather and lining is certainly thinner than other, more expensive examples, but it's definitely warm! I didn't need any other coat to brave the Montana winter.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w104/formic_photos/IMG_0511.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w104/formic_photos/IMG_0506.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w104/formic_photos/IMG_0508.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w104/formic_photos/IMG_0504.jpg
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w104/formic_photos/IMG_0507.jpg

A side note; I'm a size 36 and this size small coat is still pretty baggy on me. Not a very true fit to the originals, but I suppose the sizing is sort of what one would expect from Cabela's.

Even more off topic: I was in a huge Cabela's store this past week, and they didn't seem to carry a single garment in small! Is this a common phenomenon?

 

[BrewCrew]

Aaand here comes the questions: Is it wearing pretty well? How long have you had it? The quality of the construction seem ok. The buyer's reviews on Cabela's websites indicate that the coat runs quite big for its size, I will have to call them and get a recommendation on size. My main concern was warmth, you say it is pretty warm? Thanks for your reply, especially the pics!

 

[Anders]

I've only had the jacket for a season, so I couldn't really comment on it's durability. For what it's worth, I've worn it around for a few months and it still looks like new. I did notice one odd thing about its construction. When brand new, some hairs from the liner poked through the leather, especially on the back surface. It stopped after a week or so, maybe all the loose threads just needed to work their way out.

I've worn it in temperatures well below freezing, and felt pretty insulated. If the sleeves and body fit better I wouldn't have any complaints in that regard.

 

[DJS Press]

I've have a Cabela's B3 that I picked up on E-Bay, and I can vouch for the warmth. If anything, it's so warm that you definitely don't want to wear it if you'll end up being indoors much, unless you feel like carrying it around, because it would be brutal in mild temperatures, especially if you had any physical exertion to do. I only wore it this winter when it was under 30 degrees.

I've never checked out a high-end B3 repro up close, so I don't have any frame of reference for comparison, but it seems very well made to me. It's not accurate to the originals (handwarmer pockets, no horsehide trim), but it looks pretty close at a glance to my untrained eye, and it's way less than half the price of most any others I've seen. Nice grainy sheepskin, and the shearling seems to be pretty high quality. The zipper is nice and sturdy, which it better be with a heavy (about 6 lbs.) jacket like this.

Interesting note: Mine was made in Uruguay, of all places. Not sure if they all are, but I don't think I've ever bought anything made in Uruguay.

I also saw on the Cabela's website that the sizes tend to run large. They're a great company for working with you on returns or refunds, however. I can't imagine how much money I've spent with them over the years.

If you spend a lot of time in cold weather, I think you couldn't go wrong with it, and you'll save a bundle as well.

 

[univibe88]

As a whole Cabela's has a reputation of quality products and great customer service.