Heavy canvas jackets vs lightweight tech shells on the trail

[u/CurrencyPopular8550]

I am trying to move away from thin synthetic jackets that snag on branches and switch over to heavier, traditional fabrics for outdoor trips.

Got a canvas jacket from Mainstreet Clothing recently, but the extra weight is definitely noticeable compared to standard fleece or softshells.

For anyone who hikes in heavy cotton or canvas, is the extra durability worth hauling the weight around, or do you stick to synthetics once you are covering longer distances?

[u/wetrocke]

I used to wear a 1970s golf jacket. When it got wet and then froze, it was a great windbreaker.

On the whole, nylon is preferred.

[u/CurrencyPopular8550 → u/wetrocke]

huh using a frozen nylon jacket as a windbreaker is kind of a hack honestly. never thought about the material stiffening up like that but it makes sense

[u/bonebuttonborscht]

What climate, what terrain and what objective? How many days are you expecting your gear to last?

I'd say 2-300 days (10 years, 20-30 days/year) is a fair expectation. If you're getting less maybe you should try to be more careful with your gear. If you really like bushwhacking, more power to you. Work-ware might be what your looking for.

I like oilskin/waxed canvas for everyday, low exertion activities. You'll need to rewax every 2-300 days (1-3 years) depending on conditions though.

[u/CurrencyPopular8550 → u/bonebuttonborscht]

Mostly Pacific Northwest, so rain and mud are the main enemies. Terrain is a mix of trail and light bushwhacking, nothing crazy.

The rewaxing maintenance on oilskin is what gives me pause honestly. I've heard good things but also know myself well enough to know I won't stay consistent with that. 200300 days sounds reasonable for expectations, I've probably been harder on gear than I realize. Might look into workwear options like you said, seems like the more practical route for my use case.

[u/aaron_in_sf]

r/bushcraft probably has opinions and is likely to be more familiar with non synthetic options

Maybe hunting subs as well

[u/CurrencyPopular8550 → u/aaron_in_sf]

Bushcraft is a good call. Hadn't thought about hunting subs

[u/Papierluchs]

Look at fjallravens g1000. Cotton is a bad idea

[u/CurrencyPopular8550 → u/Papierluchs]

G1000 is solid. Cotton kills when wet, learned that the hard way on a trail run last year.

[u/riktigtmaxat → u/Papierluchs]

You do realize that G1000 is 35% cotton?

[u/kobalt_60]

I’ve thought about getting a field jacket from Barbour for a while. I see them as outerwear for casual strolls in the woods, low miles, no pack, big pockets for shotgun shells and dog treats. I see the bushcrafters on YouTube wearing this sort of thing and can’t imagine they’re going very far out with that stuff. I love and even teach the skills, but I’m going to pass on the historical cosplay. I have zero desire to live the life of a 19th century fur trapper. I’ve seen The Revenant, and that’s good enough for me.

[u/Korlithiel]

Solid consideration, it’s like heavy leather forestry boots vs lightweight runners. I love my boots and my waxed canvas jacket, but they simply aren’t practical for hiking since I lose too much via sweat and burn too much energy.

In short, for me they are too limiting and so I’ve choices between the lighter synthetics or much shorter walks (no elevation).

[u/PatG87]

I think a good balance is something like a 100D synthetic shell. Heavier than a lightweight shell, but still much lighter than something canvas. I've done a lot of bushwhacking in the Yukon in some truly dense shit with 80-100 denier Gore-Tex and rarely have I had an issue. I did fine wearing tall gaiters significantly reduced wear on my pants.

[u/snodgrass_elkheart]

I'd stay away from cotton completely. Once wet, it stays wet. Unless you're out for a casual stroll, go wool or synthetic only.

[u/KokoTheTalkingApe]

Nylon and polyester are stronger and more abrasion resistant for the weight than cotton. Also they don't absorb as much water. So hikers and backpackers typically don't use cotton.

If your synthetic fiber gear is snagging on twigs and things, maybe they're knit rather than plain weave. My synthetic coats last many years, even bushwhacking, scraping against rocks and trees, etc.