Waxed canvas ... how does it wear?

[Brandrea33]

I'm going to disagree with a number of people on this, I live in an extremely high rainfall area (over 300mm in one day last year), I think waxed cotton/canvas is the best for an extremely wet climate but it is workwear, far better than Goretex (none of the farmers near me would ever consider Goretex after trying it, myself included), it can be sticky initially but soon loses that, it does need reeproofed occasionally but you can get that done for you if you can't manage it yourself, I personnally don't find it difficult or messy, and it does look good when aged, I would never consider wearing any of my leathers in the rain I am used to at least not for any length of time, remember waxed cotton /canvas is what fishermen used to call oilskins and believe me there is nothing more wetting than being out on the sea for days at a time in winter!

D

That’s an interesting perspective, thank you for sharing it. I have to admit, I’m more confused now than before my original post. Bottom line, I’m going to have to handle one to see if it’s for me.

 

[Will Zach]

I found heavy waxed canvas really good when I was birdwatching (also good for hunting etc) and had to go through some underbrush, brambles, etc chasing a good shot (photo, not rifle). Brambles and other prickly underbrush do not pull on it, nor scratch it. Kind of slide right though it. Yeah, it can get sweaty, but then I would just unzip it half way and it helped. I have 3 waxed canvas jackets and use them only for specialized occasions such as this. I also have a Drizabone city trench coat I bought on impulse in Australia but do not use it at all - it just does not rain enough in NYC area. Looks good though.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Welcome to tfl where asking a question leaves you with more questions than answers!

In all seriousness, I think that knowing you have to try it for yourself is a good takeaway. It's a unique fabric and it either bothers you or it doesn't. Plus, it's not all exactly the same between versions of the fabric.

 

[Brandrea33]

Welcome to tfl where asking a question leaves you with more questions than answers!

In all seriousness, I think that knowing you have to try it for yourself is a good takeaway. It's a unique fabric and it either bothers you or it doesn't. Plus, it's not all exactly the same between versions of the fabric.

Very well said lol.

 

[Nykwil]

I stuck with this jacket for 5 years before moving on. Waxed cotton def makes me sweat to death but I think having a lining helps with this. It's stiff to begin with, but breaks in nicely once you commit to wearing it you forget how stiff it used to be and embrace it. You will notice a smell after awhile which I like to call my personal B.O. yours might be different but my personal brand was tolerable...at least no one around me complained, but if you go sans lining it will get funky since you cant wash it normally.

 

[Brandrea33]

I stuck with this jacket for 5 years before moving on. Waxed cotton def makes me sweat to death but I think having a lining helps with this. It's stiff to begin with, but breaks in nicely once you commit to wearing it you forget how stiff it used to be and embrace it. You will notice a smell after awhile which I like to call my personal B.O. yours might be different but my personal brand was tolerable...at least no one around me complained, but if you go sans lining it will get funky since you cant wash it normally.

That’s a great looking jacket and thanks for the honest feedback. I’m feeling more and more like from the wearing experiences here, that perhaps waxed canvas isn’t for me

 

[Edward]

According to the listing, the Aliexpress jacket was also treated with beeswax. However, I cant see it ant I certainly can't feel it.

I discovered Ali Express back in November. Long story short, my wife loves the novelty pens and stationary I usually bring her from work trips to Beijing, but with the pandemic I've not been able to get out there last year or this. I found some for her Christmas stocking on there. It's great for little bits and pieces and much cheaper, low-value items, but I'd be wary of it for the higher-price stuff unless it was a known quantity. Not so much fear of being ripped off as the hassle and expense of returning an item that didn't fit or otherwise didn't suit. I'd tend to agree that much like leather this is something you really want to be a known quantity.

I'm going to disagree with a number of people on this, I live in an extremely high rainfall area (over 300mm in one day last year), I think waxed cotton/canvas is the best for an extremely wet climate but it is workwear, far better than Goretex (none of the farmers near me would ever consider Goretex after trying it, myself included), it can be sticky initially but soon loses that, it does need reeproofed occasionally but you can get that done for you if you can't manage it yourself, I personnally don't find it difficult or messy, and it does look good when aged, I would never consider wearing any of my leathers in the rain I am used to at least not for any length of time, remember waxed cotton /canvas is what fishermen used to call oilskins and believe me there is nothing more wetting than being out on the sea for days at a time in winter!

D

What was it about the Goretex that they don't like? Have to admit, the reason I've shied away from it is more aesthetic than practical, but I doubt the guys you're talking about here are worried about looking like they come from pre-1960 when they are out in the fields!

 

[Edward]

So getting them wet isn’t a problem ... they offer some water resistance?

Sorry, I think I missed this before... I'm sure you've picked to the answer by now in this thread, but the short of it is yes, the original purpose of waxed-cotton jackets was as rainwear.

 

[Brandrea33]

Sorry, I think I missed this before... I'm sure you've picked to the answer by now in this thread, but the short of it is yes, the original purpose of waxed-cotton jackets was as rainwear.

Thank you, and yes I did see that.

It appears a reapplication of wax is also required from time to time to keep it up as well.

 

[Edward]

Thank you, and yes I did see that.

It appears a reapplication of wax is also required from time to time to keep it up as well.

Indeed so - how often varies, really, with how often it's worn, and what you put it through. Re-waxing is not entirely unlike using Pecards on leather, but it is a bit smellier and can be a little messier if it spills (Pecards not being a liquid is easier on that front).

 

[Brandrea33]

Indeed so - how often varies, really, with how often it's worn, and what you put it through. Re-waxing is not entirely unlike using Pecards on leather, but it is a bit smellier and can be a little messier if it spills (Pecards not being a liquid is easier on that front).

Now you’ve started something ... I didn’t realize I had to condition my leather jacket either ... I’m teasing (my sense of humour isn’t everyone’s cup of tea).

Thank you for all your input here. I hope others found it useful as well.

 

[Davy Crockett]

To answer Edwards uestion about Farmers not liking Goretex is that it works for about 12 months then lets water through and if you reproof it , it only seems to last for around a month, also when reproofing waxed cotton /canvas it doesnt need to be messy as solid waxes are available and you simply rub them on and if necesarry spread it around using a hair drier.
D

 

[Edward]

To answer Edwards uestion about Farmers not liking Goretex is that it works for about 12 months then lets water through and if you reproof it , it only seems to last for around a month, also when reproofing waxed cotton /canvas it doesnt need to be messy as solid waxes are available and you simply rub them on and if necesarry spread it around using a hair drier.
D

Thanks, useful to know - I didn't know Goretex 'wore out' like that. Perhaps another case of the Old Ways being best?

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

They make 2-layer and 3-layer Goretex to try to combat the membrane peeling off the main substrate. 2-layer is Goretex laminated onto a material, and 3-layer has an additional layer of material to help rubbing and abrasion of the laminated layer. When it delaminates, it's sort of like when coated fabrics would flake and peel as they age. Goretex isn't a very hardy invention. Theoretically, it works, but then when you add in dirt and real life filling in the microscopic openings etc, you end up with something in theory not working as it as said to work. It's like wearing a plastic bag. It's why mountain climbers, and mountain climbing gear manufacturers are always trying to make something better. It has a small sweet spot for good use. If it is hot, it isn't a whole lot better than wearing a plastic bag because it doesn't breathe. When it is cold, when your body is in heating overdrive, like after a climb and you're on belay while your partner climbs, condensation builds on the inside, again making you feel damp and like wearing a plastic bag, which then endangers you with hypothermia. It's why extreme temp sleeping bags using other type fabrics, like Dryloft, where they sacrifice some waterproof ability for greater breathing ability.

I don't like Goretex, but the thing about new, synthetic fabrics and clothing is that they can vent all over the place on these garments. Zippers under the pits. Side zips to open up areas. That sort of thing. With these waxed and tin garments, there's less option for that. They usually attack venting with grommets and a looser fit.. You can't climate control with them as readily. It comes down to how you're going to use them. A short walk from the apartment to a bus stop, standing for a short period in the rain? Working in them, building up a sweat?

 

[Cornelius]

I second that analysis of Goretex. Not very durable, and when it fails it fails spectacularly rather than gradually. Had it happen to me once in the middle of a rainstorm while canoeing across a lake in the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Got soaked in a matter of minutes as the jacket's back completely de-laminated on the interior (fortunately was wearing enough layers of wool beneath to make it back to camp without risking hypothermia).

With the waxed cotton, you can generally tell just by looking when it needs a touch-up, and that's quite easy to do. Just rub some wax in from a tin, & set the jacket in the sun or hit it with a hair dryer.

As for the scent, I've only ever used Filson's wax as one tin came with the jacket & I then re-ordered tins as needed. Their wax smells a bit like pine resin, not at all unpleasant.

 

[Superfluous]

I own several waxed canvas jackets manufactured by Rogue Territory, The West is Dead, RRL, and American Giant. They are my goto jackets for rainwear and I love them. I do not find them uncomfortable nor producing excessive sweat. Certain synthetic fabrics may be more water repellant and/or breathable, but I don't like their appearance (except on the ski slopes). Waxed canvas strikes a good balance between aesthetics and water repulsion.

Freenote makes solid products. I have seen the FN jacket posted by the OP firsthand and might have purchased it had I not already owned similar jackets.

 

[Brandrea33]

I own several waxed canvas jackets manufactured by Rogue Territory, The West is Dead, RRL, and American Giant. They are my goto jackets for rainwear and I love them. I do not find them uncomfortable nor producing excessive sweat. Certain synthetic fabrics may be more water repellant and/or breathable, but I don't like their appearance (except on the ski slopes). Waxed canvas strikes a good balance between aesthetics and water repulsion.

Freenote makes solid products. I have seen the FN jacket posted by the OP firsthand and might have purchased it had I not already owned similar jackets.

Thanks for this, appreciated.

I am hoping to handle one of one of these jackets (or similar) from a retailer here in Toronto that carries FN. Hoping the lockdown is lifted soon, so we can get out and about.

 

[MrProper]

If you really want it waterproof, then take this ;-)

 

[Superfluous]

My favorite waxed canvas jacket is made by The West is Dead -- unfortunately, they went out of business:

The blanket lining on this Rogue Territory waxed canvas jacket makes it very warm and functional:

This RRL is a Belstaff repro:

 

[Brandrea33]

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The blanket lining on this Rogue Territory waxed canvas jacket makes it very warm and functional:

View attachment 315683

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I really like the look of this Rogue Territory! Great looking jacket.