A cloak perhaps?

[TheLastOne]

Wish granted- I'm trying so set up a group for this. A Spring Mock Bugout trip dressed in renny/medieval clothing and gear. Very simple equipment, and hopefully done soon enough into the season that the nights are still pretty chilly. It may or may not end up as a part of the SMBO Contest, when it comes along, but I WILL be posting it here.

Now this sounds cool. I wouldn't want to participate, but I think that it would be neat in a 'how our ancestors/forefathers did it' kind of way.

Even if I don't 'get it' because I think the newer stuff is better for various reasons, if you guys think the old stuff rocks, go for it. I'll try and behave

[TacAir]

I just ordered myself a nice 60x80 wool blanket to keep with my camping/bug out gear

My current wool blanket (which is not used as a cloak) is a bit on the small side. Where'd you get yours and is it 100% wool?

Mine is 70% wool, so hopefully it is enough wool to keep me plenty warm and retain heat when wet, but not be too horribly itchy. The reviews are horrible if you read them, but I'm guessing most people are just tossing them in and washing them like a towel and ruining them. I was making an ammo order and decided to add one of these on to make shipping.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemDetail.aspx?sku=CAMP-219

1/2 way on topic

I purchased several of the "Italian' 100% woven wool blankets seen on the interwebs - our local surplus store had them at 20 USD each if purchased in lots of five. Not bad for a 100% woven wool blanket. Weight is 5+ pounds. USGI green blanks are - at best - 70% wool and weigh about 3 to 3.5 pounds.

I took mine to the local wash-a-teria and dumped two at a time in the front loader, tossed in a metric crapton of All fragrance-free and did two cycles, one with soap, one without. Then onto the massive dryers on med heat. Toss in some dryer sheets.

Finish with an air-dry. They started out smelling of mothballs and were very compacted - because they had been sold and shipped as bales. THey cleaned up nicely, and regained their, dare I call it loft? Now smelling nicely, we gave them out of Christmas presents for the kiddos car kits. One sits in the back my rig rolled up in a USGI poncho.

In an experiment I slept on top of a furniture pad with two of these wool blankets as my cover in an unheated shelter - at 25F was cosy warm. Inside a house one blanket is almost too much except for the coldest of nights.

[ninja-elbow]

Wish granted- I'm trying so set up a group for this. A Spring Mock Bugout trip dressed in renny/medieval clothing and gear. Very simple equipment, and hopefully done soon enough into the season that the nights are still pretty chilly. It may or may not end up as a part of the SMBO Contest, when it comes along, but I WILL be posting it here.

Now this sounds cool. I wouldn't want to participate, but I think that it would be neat in a 'how our ancestors/forefathers did it' kind of way.

Even if I don't 'get it' because I think the newer stuff is better for various reasons, if you guys think the old stuff rocks, go for it. I'll try and behave

I always wanted to do somehting like this. Rollo the Wight Slayer!!

[KnightoftheRoc]

Wish granted- I'm trying so set up a group for this. A Spring Mock Bugout trip dressed in renny/medieval clothing and gear. Very simple equipment, and hopefully done soon enough into the season that the nights are still pretty chilly. It may or may not end up as a part of the SMBO Contest, when it comes along, but I WILL be posting it here.

Now this sounds cool. I wouldn't want to participate, but I think that it would be neat in a 'how our ancestors/forefathers did it' kind of way.

Even if I don't 'get it' because I think the newer stuff is better for various reasons, if you guys think the old stuff rocks, go for it. I'll try and behave

It's not that I think the 1,00 year old tech is BETTER, obviously, it's not. But it IS functional, or the human race would already be long gone. I want to do this A) for the fun of it (even if most people wouldn't think of it this way), and B) as a demonstration of just how simple survival gear can be. No 200 pounds of gear, weapons, and ammo (it's not intended to be a battle rattle in the first place), just simple gear that can be used for simple needs.

I"m looking at a 2 day overnighter. Hiking up Overlook Mt., camping overnight, and then hiking back down. Everyone who has expressed interest has demands on their days, so a 2 day trip fits into schedules, and suffices for a demonstration. After all, everything done in day 1 is just rinse and repeat for every day afterward, until the carried food runs out. One would then normally forage even harder, since foraging to supplement the carried food would be the normal protocol. Carried food supplies would simply mean faster travel, since less time would be REQUIRED for foraging. Obviously, if one were to stumble across a treasure trove of available wild food, one would be a fool to ignore it.

[TheLastOne]

heck I'm with you on the no 200# gear list. My end o the world/ wander the countryside bob is right at 25# with 3 liters of water (note that all my preps lean to buggin in, this is last resort I'm talking). If I were doing weapons and ammo I'd probably be pushing #50 to be honest, which is realistic in my mind (insofar as any of this is realistic ). I see the posts with the monster backpacks etc and I am pretty damn sure those dudes aren't getting over a curb, let alone a stream or some scree.

Your mock bug out seems like a good test to me, and I know I need to get down and do one with my gear too. My new job is a lot more friendly to me actually doing stuff outside of being at work all day every day. Maybe I can make it happen!

[omega_man]

OK, this is it for me. I just thought I would show the advantages of not relying completely on a cloak. First off, this is not about material (wool), so let's put that to rest. The point I made to begin with is that there are better options available that would be more useful and versatile for preppers and outdoors enthusiasts.

Here are 2 identical stuff sacks:



The gray one has: 1 GI wool blanket
The green one has: 1 Marmot Precip rain jacket, 1 Patagonia MARS regulator fleece jacket, 1 Kifaru parahootch silnylon tarp



As you can see from the picture; the 3 purpose-made items take up less space than the 1 blanket. The green stuff sack can still be compressed. The wool blanket would not even fit.

Next, I wanted to compare weight. Since my fish scale has disappeared, I just hung a bungee over my pull-up bar to visibly demonstate the difference:



The blanket side is noticably more stretched out.

So, now lets get the wool blanket wet:





Reverse side. Water is soaked thru. No surprise; but, not an issue with ponchos or rain-gear.




Note: Just had to reaffirm that wet wool smells horrible.

Now, back to the weight difference comparison:



The wool blanket is vastly heavier when wet. This was only after a 1 min, unpressurized soaking.

Wearability:

"Cloak"


Rain jacket with fleece underneath. Tarp is "in-hand" ready to string up:



Wearing real clothes would allow me complete freedom of movement without dragging my only source of warmth/shelter thru the elements and snagging on every branch.

Now, I know some of the brands I exhibited can be pricey. Here's the same green stuff sack packed with .mil gear:


A little tighter fit than the lightweight hiking gear: GI poncho, GI poncho liner, USMC Gore-tex parka:


Same benefits as before; a dedicated shelter with separate insulating layer and rain jacket so you can go about camp chores and still stay dry/leave shelter intact.

Now if all you have is a wool blanket/cloak/robe whatever, that is a solid piece of survival gear. If you are prepping, then take the time and budget to have quality gear, designed for backpacking/hiking for your BOB. I know the cloak concept has had a long and useful anthropological history; but, I think it's important to point out the better alternatives, especially for those who come to this forum looking for advice/guidance. Just because Dave Canterbury demonstrates how to wear a blanket, does not mean that is the end-all be-all of bug out gear.

This is not "hating" (I still despise that term, that's how teenagers and idiots talk). This is a serious explanation of why I would not advocate a cloak. And, while I'm no Woods Walker, I do spend a lot of time outdoors and I've had plenty of cold, wet, miserable nights while serving in the Marines--my opinions and gear selection are based on a good deal of personal experience. YMMV.

As for my little "experiments", there is no camera trickery or any attempt to be deceiving in any way. The materials and methods are explicitly displayed, so feel free to replicate.

[Maverick299]

Well done Omega Man. Well done, indeed. Looks like I am not going to have to play Frodo after all in the PAW!!!!

[TheLastOne]

a bunch of stuff

Damn you kifaru prices and hotness!!!! I've been shopping around for silnylon tarps, dunno why kifaru wasn't showing up on google search. I don't know if I can swing that one at the moment, but before I hit camping season I'll probably jump on one.

Good post man.

[Regular Guy]

I'm sending this to Ms. Omega girl. Studying? Yeah.....

Sorry, too funny, just had to razz you.

OT: I wear a GI fleece, a GI Goretex and pack a GI poncho. This is all the kit I need, it's too easy, wears well and keeps you warm. All in I paid maybe $175. I still have the GI goretex I wore in the Air Force and it survived for 5 years before I go a new one just because.

[ineffableone]

Of course spraying hose water on a wool blanket will let water through, wool wicks moisture, duh. In a mild rain, a wool cloak would actually shed plenty of the rain as it would bead and drip off because of its natural lanolin water resistance, though yes some would soak in, and if you were in the rain for a long time your wool blanket cloak would get soaked. Though you could still ring out much of the water if needed.

As mentioned before, wool blankets are not the only kind of cloak. So as for rain issue, why not go with a cloak designed for the weather.


Cloak is made of waterproof black synthetic fabric with satin lining. Color of satin can be changed. Cloak is fully reversable including all buttons ant trim. Stand-up collar can be made abit shorter (recommended for men). Great, unusual thing.

Or maybe try these http://www.mysticcloakandtailor.com/cart/shop.html They specialise in water proof cloaks.


Not to mention there are products out there like Nikwax for water proofing things like wool, fleece etc through wool's natural lanolin already is a water repellent.

There are a lot of cloaks out there that are made to shed water. Often with natural fiber cloaks such as wool cloaks, it has a lot to do with the weave of the fabric. Wool blankets are made with a looser weave for warmth in sleeping, while a cloak has a tighter weave, for better water resistance. A lot of the historically accurate rain proof cloaks were wool or brocade cloaks.

The concept of wool blanket cloaks is that many people are already carrying a wool blanket as part of their sleeping kit. So why not use them if you need an extra warm layer.

[monkeys]

The concept of wool blanket cloaks is that many people are already carrying a wool blanket as part of their sleeping kit. So why not use them if you need an extra warm layer.

So, as omega_man pointed out, you don't get the blanket you use for sleeping dirty and wet while you are walking around in the rain?

[ineffableone]

The concept of wool blanket cloaks is that many people are already carrying a wool blanket as part of their sleeping kit. So why not use them if you need an extra warm layer.

So, as omega_man pointed out, you don't get the blanket you use for sleeping dirty and wet while you are walking around in the rain?

Yes because we know every day you need an extra layer is raining.

[jamoni]

I am SO making a wool cloak with a giant ZS symbol on the back.

[Regular Guy]

I am SO making a wool cloak with a giant ZS symbol on the back.

Holy crap. Pics.

[northernxposure]

Firmly with Omega Man and the green stuff sack of modern goodness.

To you fruitcakes (said lovingly, bless your hearts) pushing how superior "cloaks" are, posting pictures of ren-fest/goth/vamp-dressup/JRR Tolken/Snidely Whiplash while spouting that modern materials somehow makes them "less fruity" is not helping the cause.

I much prefer responses that hide both contempt and satire, such as Jamoni's. Maybe not contempt - that was my post. My bad.

NXP

[ineffableone]

Firmly with Omega Man and the green stuff sack of modern goodness.

To you fruitcakes (said lovingly, bless your hearts) pushing how superior "cloaks" are, posting pictures of ren-fest/goth/vamp-dressup/JRR Tolken/Snidely Whiplash while spouting that modern materials somehow makes them "less fruity" is not helping the cause.

I much prefer responses that hide both contempt and satire, such as Jamoni's. Maybe not contempt - that was my post. My bad.

NXP

For the record, I never said cloaks are superior, in fact I made a point of stating everything has its good and bad points. Modern coats, and cloaks both have good and bad. Yes I posted pictures of cloaks. Yes they used modern materials. I also mentioned how historically accurate cloaks shed water. The reason I posted those was this hang up on only looking at wool blanket cloaks by some.

What I do have issue with is all these people who post derogatory posts toward anyone who seriously explores the idea of using a cloak. Names like "fruitcake" come on your not saying that lovingly, your trying to put others down.

The interesting part I find is how much those haters who keep trolling this thread to put down the idea of cloaks keep coming back to post again and again how much they dislike cloaks. No one is making them come troll this thread, yet they can't stay away and can't stop posting their opinions.

Cloaks are a decent option for people who want to use them. So are ponchos, and jackets. Why limit yourself by what you consider current fashion. If it works, and yes cloaks do work, then it is a valuable option to consider.

[praharin]

The concept of wool blanket cloaks is that many people are already carrying a wool blanket as part of their sleeping kit. So why not use them if you need an extra warm layer.

The reason I posted those was this hang up on only looking at wool blanket cloaks by some.

I was on your side for a while, but...

You're going to have to pick one argument and stick with it.

[Niblick]

Omega absolutely won this thread. But let's see if we can't get it to page 10 just cause.

[KnightoftheRoc]

Of course spraying hose water on a wool blanket will let water through, wool wicks moisture, duh. In a mild rain, a wool cloak would actually shed plenty of the rain as it would bead and drip off because of its natural lanolin water resistance, though yes some would soak in, and if you were in the rain for a long time your wool blanket cloak would get soaked. Though you could still ring out much of the water if needed.YES, and NO- coating it with a good waterproofing spray increases it's watershedding abilities way past what the lanolin provides- also, one of the first steps in processing wool, after carding it, is to wash the lanolin off

As mentioned before, wool blankets are not the only kind of cloak. So as for rain issue, why not go with a cloak designed for the weather.


Cloak is made of waterproof black synthetic fabric with satin lining. Color of satin can be changed. Cloak is fully reversable including all buttons ant trim. Stand-up collar can be made abit shorter (recommended for men). Great, unusual thing.
...
...

Not to mention there are products out there like Nikwax for water proofing things like wool, fleece etc through wool's natural lanolin already is a water repellent. See above re: lanolin/waterproofing
...

This is dress up stuff- it's not designed to be weatherproof, isn't "medieval" in design as the image name suggests (that's a Gothic design), and does nothing to support your argument. It's not even a cloak, it's a cape- no hood. "Designed for the weather"?? I don't consider a high collar that funnels the rain down into my inner clothing "designed for the weather", unless that design is intending to kill me through hypothermia.

The arguing of modern vs medieval materials isn't what the original post was about. Modern wins over medieval every time in the materials department. The question was, if you HAVE a cloak, is it useful. Yes, it is. It certainly beats using nothing. And, if you have a wool blanket, yes, it can be used as a cloak, and rather easily. Again, using what you have beats the snot out of wishing you had something you don't, and doing without.

[moab]

I can't believe a discussion about cloaks went on for 168 posts...

...No. Seriously. I really can't believe it.

"If coupled with a long gray beard, pointy hat, and a staff, people will probably just steer clear of you..."

LMFAO! Literally.

[Redshirt]

I like the ZS cloak idea. But in order to generate sales, we need to add a buzzword.


ZS Tactical Cloaks!

[KnightoftheRoc]

I like the ZS cloak idea. But in order to generate sales, we need to add a buzzword.


ZS Tactical Cloaks!

eh, it works on anything else they wanna sell- just needs to be black.

[BullOnParade]

I like the ZS cloak idea. But in order to generate sales, we need to add a buzzword.


ZS Tactical Cloaks!

eh, it works on anything else they wanna sell- just needs to be black.

Don't forget the PALS webbing.

[squinty]

I like the ZS cloak idea. But in order to generate sales, we need to add a buzzword.


ZS Tactical Cloaks!

eh, it works on anything else they wanna sell- just needs to be black.

Don't forget the PALS webbing.

Utilicloak? In patterns to match the kilts?