The Deck Jacket thread.

[WolfofStateSt]

Ok the sale changes the calculation

 

[spacemanspiff3000]

Ok the sale changes the calculation

I didnt realize that Iron Heart International charges approximately DOUBLE what you pay in japan for the same items. That is outrageous!

I really dont want to support that kind of ripping off of customers.

Is there any more reasonably priced options for Deck Jackets and A-2 Deck Jackets specifically?

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Thanks for the detailed feedback, I am a bit of a RRL fan boy but, as you do, I mostly go for their unique patterns/western wear but only when it on sale as the normal prices are absurd. Due to a recent sale, I was able to get both the khaki and navy version of their jacket for about 50% off, so about $350 each, which is still very expensive IMO but the quality is high, the detailing is good and obviously like the style. ( I am still with the return period though). Also being only cotton lined gives it more flexibility to wear.

I have not had the chance to handle a Iron Heart/ Buzz Rickson / Real Mccoy Deck Jacket in person and I am sure that they are higher quality than RRL but tbh I will never be in any conditions to truly need a jacket that overbuilt. I already have a Filson Tin Cloth Field Jacket which is waxed but similar sort of style and tough and built for cold conditions as well.

But, you make an excellent point, I am having a serious debate whether to keep one or both of these RRL Deck jackets or just wait and goto Japan in the next year or two where I can get this jacket:

IHM-40-GRN - Whipcord A2 Deck Jacket - Olive Drab Green

IHM-40-GRN - Whipcord A2 Deck Jacket - Olive Drab Green First issued to U.S Navy sailors in the early 1960s, the A2 deck jacket was the natural successor to ...

forum.ironheart.co.uk

Which, I think its absolutely, lovely at a more reasonable price (unless I can get it imported from japan somehow). Since getting those deck jackets on sale is almost impossible in the USA. At the moment, I am leaning towards at the minimum keeping one of the RRL jackets as I am still a fan boy at heart.

Here is a great video I found as well.

That sounds logical to me. The A-2 deck jacket is definitely a cool jacket, and green is the best color for that, IMO. The N-1 is really a jacket for people who live in places with harsh winters, such as any of the northern states or Canada. I can’t speak for Europe, but there are plenty of awesome Europeans on this forum who will share their opinion.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

I didnt realize that Iron Heart International charges approximately DOUBLE what you pay in japan for the same items. That is outrageous!

I really dont want to support that kind of ripping off of customers.

Is there any more reasonably priced options for Deck Jackets and A-2 Deck Jackets specifically?

Pike Brothers is a name that gets thrown around a lot, they are more affordable than Iron Heart and more accurate I think.

Idk if they have an A2 though.

Dehen 1920 and heat straps are both made in America but they are expensive and heavy duty. Probably the only thing more durable than Iron Heart is heat straps.

Cockpit USA is made in the us and is lower tier but also less expensive. Not a bad jacket tbh.

Some of the price with Iron Heart might be tariff related idk, they were always expensive tbh. Still, it's worth it if you can afford it.

You can always look on eBay for a used Iron Heart or McCoys. That is what most people on this forum do for the more expensive jackets. The jackets are so durable you usually can’t tell they’ve been worn. It is a good deal if you can find one in your size imo.

 

[Jonanah]

Heat Straps use some of the absolute best materials you can source in the US. They probably make some of the most durable jackets available anywhere.

However, make sure you are ok with a very workwear-oriented cut, super roomy/full, with potentially quite a bit of extra material if you are slim. To be completely honest, I feel their patterning could use a bit of work.

I personally love where Freenote Cloth lands in terms of balancing fashion and function in their patterns and materials. I work a physical job and I feel that their stuff lives well in the happy medium of utility vs aesthetics. But Heat Straps makes some super awesome and functional designs. I have their workhorse V2 and I love it! I’m wearing it right now

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Heat Straps use some of the absolute best materials you can source in the US. They probably make some of the most durable jackets available anywhere.

However, make sure you are ok with a very workwear-oriented cut, super roomy/full, with potentially quite a bit of extra material if you are slim. To be completely honest, I feel their patterning could use a bit of work.

I personally love where Freenote Cloth lands in terms of balancing fashion and function in their patterns and materials. I work a physical job and I feel that their stuff lives well in the happy medium of utility vs aesthetics. But Heat Straps makes some super awesome and functional designs. I have their workhorse V2 and I love it! I’m wearing it right now

I couldn’t agree more, with this. Only catch for https://www.thefedoralounge.com/members/spacemanspiff3000.109901/ is that they don’t make an A2 jacket, and I hear their N1 is super duper warm.

 

[Jonanah]

I couldn’t agree more, with this. Only catch for https://www.thefedoralounge.com/members/spacemanspiff3000.109901/ is that they don’t make an A2 jacket, and I hear their N1 is super duper warm.

Yes for sure, anyone who doesn’t live somewhere that gets really really cold should not get their N1, ditto Dehen. They have lighter jackets that are great — the workhorses come in lighter and heavier models depending on the season, and their chief coat and field coat are going to be more versatile temperature-wise as well — but of course those aren’t deck jackets. Though their actual deck jacket isn’t really a deck jacket either, in that it’s not trying to be any kind of military repro. It’s just a sort of riff on one that took the original design as inspiration, over-spec’d the materials, and added new functional elements such as the bi-swing back

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Yes my vote is still for the Iron Heart A2, regardless of their pricing practices.

 

[tamz0r]

question: for the deck jackets that have quilted lining in the sleeves, does that make a significant difference in overall warmth as compared to the jackets with wool/alpaca lining throughout (including sleeves)? TIA!

 

[WolfofStateSt]

question: for the deck jackets that have quilted lining in the sleeves, does that make a significant difference in overall warmth as compared to the jackets with wool/alpaca lining throughout (including sleeves)? TIA!

If they have an interliner they should be warmer, otherwise the quilted lining makes them easier to wear with short sleeves underneath imo

 

[Peacoat]

question: for the deck jackets that have quilted lining in the sleeves, does that make a significant difference in overall warmth as compared to the jackets with wool/alpaca lining throughout (including sleeves)? TIA!

No, it won't make much difference in warmth. But it will make a big difference in ease of putting the arms In the sleeves and, especially, in taking the arms out of the sleeves.

I much prefer quilted lining in the sleeves, irrespective of the temperature in which the jacket is worn.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

No, it won't make much difference in warmth. But it will make a big difference in ease of putting the arms In the sleeves and, especially, in taking the arms out of the sleeves.

I much prefer quilted lining in the sleeves, irrespective of the temperature in which the jacket is worn.

Agreed. Your torso will be generating most of the warmth for your arms anyway.

 

[Peacoat]

Reading about the Heat Stips V-2 has me wanting one. I already have an original deck jacket in excellent condition. I know the Strips version isn't a real deck jacket, but it appears to be very warm and hard wearing. I crave warmth in the winter when it gets below freezing.

Does anyone have a negative review, other than the price, of course?

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Reading about the Heat Stips V-2 has me wanting one. I already have an original deck jacket in excellent condition. I know the Strips version isn't a real deck jacket, but it appears to be very warm and hard wearing. I crave warmth in the winter when it gets below freezing.

Does anyone have a negative review, other than the price, of course?

How is your original deck jacket holding up, I would love pictures!

Heat straps jacket does look cool, you could wear that to one of those freezing Midwest or Northeast football games and look based af.

 

[Peacoat]

How is your original deck jacket holding up, I would love pictures!

Heat straps jacket does look cool, you could wear that to one of those freezing Midwest or Northeast football games and look based af.

Deck jacket is in excellent condition. One of my best buddies who had been in the Navy, gave it to me about 10 to 15 years ago when he outgrew it.

For NFL games I have a Canada Goose. For around the farm in cold weather, I have an N-3B. But my theory is that I can never have too much warm.

I have found that a heated vest under a lightly insulated jacket is also warm for smoking my cigar on the deck when it is down to about 25°. When it is colder than that, I just go to the cigar shop. My body doesn't get cold, but my hands and feet do.

So, I don't really need a Heat Straps, but as a firearms collecting friend of mine says, "Since when does need outweigh want?"

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Deck jacket is in excellent condition. One of my best buddies who had been in the Navy, gave it to me about 10 to 15 years ago when he outgrew it.

For NFL games I have a Canada Goose. For around the farm in cold weather, I have an N-3B. But my theory is that I can never have too much warm.

I have found that a heated vest under a lightly insulated jacket is also warm for smoking my cigar on the deck when it is down to about 25°. When it is colder than that, I just go to the cigar shop. My body doesn't get cold, but my hands and feet do.

So, I don't really need a Heat Straps, but as a firearms collecting friend of mine says, "Since when does need outweigh want?"

I feel the same way. Those heat straps jackets look indestructible.

 

[Peacoat]

I feel the same way. Those heat straps jackets look indestructible.

Yes, I think one would be good to work in around the farm without damaging it. Don't want to wear my Canada Goose, nor my N3–B, as they are both pristine.

I use a golf cart to get around the farm, and it gets cold with the wind blowing. I have a windshield on it, but the wind gets around it.

 

[Jonanah]

Yes, I think one would be good to work in around the farm without damaging it. Don't want to wear my Canada Goose, nor my N3–B, as they are both pristine.

I use a golf cart to get around the farm, and it gets cold with the wind blowing. I have a windshield on it, but the wind gets around it.

I’ve never had a Heat Straps deck jacket but I did have the V5 workhorse, which was the same materials in a different pattern. I would absolutely recommend working in a heavy Heat Straps jacket (that is, until you get too warm), as it will really help their 20oz martexin waxed canvas will break in, especially attached to the heavy mouton lining. Those jackets are going to look best once they’ve been worked in and loosened up so the shoulders drop a bit and the whole thing drapes better. They tend to sort of float atop the body when new because they are so stiff. Will probably take quite a while! But the jacket should last forever

 

[CatsCan]

Most already know that I had and have a bunch of N1s and one A-2 DJ. I live in Northern Germany and spend a good part of the Year up north in Northern Jutland (Denmark). I am of slender stature and tall. I work indoors but also outdoors in all kinds of weather. I am 57. Here is my opinion on the warmth of N1s and A-2 Deck Jackets: I don't consider these jackets to be super warm. They are okay'ish for what they are, but not per se very warm jackets.
You see, there are so many factors involved in one feeling warm or cold. Some run warm, some run cold. Sailors back then were mostly lean, well nutritioned, young, fit, had muscles from work and rarely wore these jackets longer than it took for them to complete a task on deck before getting below again. Boats can be hard on you in fall and winter, hot places below deck, piercing cold winds and heavy downpours on deck, cramped space, so you'd switch clothes like mad some days. Jackets were part of a clothing system. Worn with the bib, gloves, cold weather 'helmet', fur lined boots, sailors were very warm even in low temps but only for some time and watches were 4 h max per single duty or task, before a comrade took over. But anything thicker and warmer would have sacrificed movability, adaptability, versatility. So these jackets were a compromise. And the best in their time considering production costs and simplicity for contractors to be able to be produced in huge numbers.

I agree with Peacoat, when I want to be safe in severe winter conditions, a thick down parka is what I throw over any time. I wear my Deck Jackets mostly in intermediate temps (early spring, late fall), but rarely in Jan, Feb, March where I live.

 

[dannyg99]

RMC N-1 SPL (size 44)

View attachment 317306

Let me know if you ever want to sell haha!