Question - The most practical flying jacket?

[Officer Dibley]

Never had one myself perhaps because it is SO Indy but i do like tge look of them. I think cowhide or 1.6mm horse would be better than goat ( i like creases & character) but having had something similar - an Aero half belt long in FQHH which was like plate armour - below the waist jackets always strike me as too heavy.

 

[Smithy]

Mine is in the sadly discontinued "soft seal brown cowhide" which is really lovely leather and has developed great patina.

They are a steal for the price, mine was custom measurements and very well made. If you're thinking about getting one I'd say go for it.

 

[Smithy]

Funnily enough not one single person has recognised it as coming from Indiana Jones. People just seem to think it's a nice leather jacket. Strangely my wife isn't keen on A-2s at all but she loves the Raiders.

 

[Pilot]

B-10 is a little fragile though, no ? In fact all cloth are not that tough. And the nylons all change colour with UV exposure.

And wool knits don’t last...... perhaps a Wested Indy ....?

Dave

Or a well made Hartmann perhaps...no cuffs, free movements, very souple cowhide or HH. , four outside storage pockets, one or two inside...Can be worn short and elegant like a tuxedo...or a bit longer...if made on order..

 

[Micawber]

... just when I thought I had seen it all you guys come up with something new.
That leaves one question to be answered: how do Dongs and nubile young ladies go together?

Surpringly easy given the right circumstances.....

 

[B-Man2]

I’ve posted this previously but I’ll say it again. The best jacket I’ve ever had for actually flying and not wearing to look cool was this LL Bean sheepskin lined G/1 look alike . It had hand warmer pockets , interior pockets , cargo pockets , ease of movement and it was nice and warm and cosy at attitude.

 

[Officer Dibley]

Surpringly easy given the right circumstances.....

You mean money Steve !

 

[Micawber]

You mean money Steve !

Very much so ....on all counts!

 

[Rutger]

So the most practical flying jacket is a jacket that is comfy, has many pockets including hand warming pockets, and you don't really notice it when actually being worn, so it is neither too short or too long, and allows freedom of movement without being too bulky.

Side entry hand warming pockets don't go well in aircraft with reclining seats, as things can fall out of them.
The CWU-36/45 pockets are pretty high, have velcro flaps, and they're not side entry.

 

[Officer Dibley]

I’m going to put forward the RAF Mk3 Cold Weather flying jacket below. Short enough to use sitting. Lined in ventile so waterproof enough. Gaberdine outer so windproof & quiet. No knits. Good sized and accessible pockets. Hood hidden down back. Nice big collar. And it is an actual issue, flying authorised item of current kit. No change to the design for 60 years.
Very overlooked

 

[B-Man2]

I’m going to put forward the RAF Mk3 Cold Weather flying jacket below. Short enough to use sitting. Lined in ventile so waterproof enough. Gaberdine outer so windproof & quiet. No knits. Good sized and accessible pockets. Hood hidden down back. Nice big collar. And it is an actual issue, flying authorised item of current kit. No change to the design for 60 years.
Very overlooked

View attachment 29538

Nice.... how can you acquire one??
Are they for sale anywhere that you know of???

 

[Officer Dibley]

On ebay Burt. I also have a mate who has a militaria shop & can see what sizes he has in - i can get mate’s rates. If you need my assistance, use usual comm channel

 

[London Cabbie]

I find my Wested Goatskin very practical. In the future will look to upgrade to an Aero half belt, not sure which one...

 

[Officer Dibley]

For some reason, when people post thumbnails rather than full image, i can’t see all of the first photo.... anyone else have the same problem ?
Why post thumbnails ? Is there an advantage to the poster ?

 

[Lord Flashheart]

Mine is in the sadly discontinued "soft seal brown cowhide" which is really lovely leather and has developed great patina.

They are a steal for the price, mine was custom measurements and very well made. If you're thinking about getting one I'd say go for it.

Hmmm. *Thinks* "How long before my Platon Dubow turns up? ....."

 

[B-Man2]

For some reason, when people post thumbnails rather than full image, i can’t see all of the first photo.... anyone else have the same problem ?
Why post thumbnails ? Is there an advantage to the poster ?

Dave
I had that problem as well. The fix is to click on the number below the photo and not the photo itself.
Cheers

 

[Officer Dibley]

Always to the rescue Burt !
Cheers matey

 

[Griffon_301]

So much talking here but not that much pictures to go along with our chosen jackets...
Here are two of mine, L-2 and L-2B, both from BR...
Seriously nice jackets and wearable down to 0 degrees if worn with a sweater underneath...

 

[Flightengineer]

I’m going to put forward the RAF Mk3 Cold Weather flying jacket below. Short enough to use sitting. Lined in ventile so waterproof enough. Gaberdine outer so windproof & quiet. No knits. Good sized and accessible pockets. Hood hidden down back. Nice big collar. And it is an actual issue, flying authorised item of current kit. No change to the design for 60 years.
Very overlooked

View attachment 29538

100% agree, very comfortable jacket. I like earlier versions of greener fabric. I love my Mk3

 

[Officer Dibley]

The first version was sky blue/grey. Had one once. Sold it for a small fortune. Very rare