Inverness cape alternatives?

**Brian Boru** · 5th January 09, 07:54 PM

Ron,
I've got to agree with you on the Civil War Cavalry Greatcoat for warmth and for wearing with a kilt. I have both a US (like you are wearing) and one patterned after Maj. Gen. John Bell Hood's overcoat in what the reenacting community calls "British Army Cloth", a dark blue grey mixture. Very warm, cuts the wind, and I can access my sporran with no trouble at all, while wearing it.

Cheers,

Brian

**Riverkilt** · 5th January 09, 08:36 PM

Boy, anything worn by Gen Hood HAS to be most cool - even as a replica.

My leather kilts - RKilt and Utilikilt have held up well in foul weather...

I'm still LUSTING after that U Boat Commander's ten pound greatcoat...even has a detachable hood...gotta be super warm...

Ron

**Wompet** · 6th January 09, 04:12 PM

I want one of these from Empire Canvas Works ... if Kevin starts making them.

**Marshal Moroni** · 15th February 09, 10:19 PM

Puffer,

That Headmaster cloak is a real beauty. I can't imagine saving enough $$$ for it when all my dreams seem to include new kilts, but wow what a great looking cloak.

Thanks for sharing the link,

Marshal Moroni

**Fedgunner** · 15th February 09, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

A full length Leather Duster while it would work for some things, like dressing as the headless horseman on Halloween, or perhaps as an extra in a Mad Max film, just is not in the the same league as an Inverness Cape when worn with Highland attire, Sorry Nighthawk.

I own a black leather duster. I love the garment.

15 minutes ago I said to my wife(before I read this thread)...."Honey, if you are stuck on gift ideas and we are flush, I'd like an Inverness cape."

**McMurdo** · 16th February 09, 06:15 AM

Originally Posted by Fedgunner

I own a black leather duster. I love the garment.

15 minutes ago I said to my wife(before I read this thread)...."Honey, if you are stuck on gift ideas and we are flush, I'd like an Inverness cape."

I think a bunch of us who ride have dusters, mine is not leather, the treated oilskin has always kept me dry, of course it also has burns holes on the pipe side, I had to put in a few extra snaps. It's not fun riding down the road in the rain with your jacket on fire.

**Hamish** · 16th February 09, 07:03 AM

They may be 'traditional' - whatever that means - but I really cannot come to terms with the Inverness Cape as being anything other than a piece of rather theatrical costume. I'll admit they are probably the most practical piece of inclement weather kit for a kiltie and, indeed, I have a black nylon version (designed for pipers?) which I have worn but two or three times. Last time I wore it, the wind was blowing a hoolie and the rain was lashing horizontally, and the wretched thing was virtually impossible to control - it was all over the place, mostly above my head and shoulders. A friend who was with me likened the experience to that of walking through Edinburgh with a nun having a bad-hair day (and that's just how it felt!).

An umbrella would not have afforded much protection on that day, and besides I had a suitcase in each hand, but I usually find that a brolly is as good as anything to keep the Sussex rains off me.

Take care,
Ham.

**ForresterModern** · 16th February 09, 08:26 AM

Although they specialize in period and reenactors designed clothing, twinrosesdesign.com sports a whole variety of capes and cloaks, including the Dickensian, their version of the Inverness. I have one which was custom made for me of heavy weight tweed last year, and should post some photos next time I think of it. I love it, but do not really often encounter the weather to warrant wearing it out as much as I might like.

A true tweed or barathea Inverness is available at a reasonable price from our own sponsor tartanweb.com for around $400-450 US right now, if any are so inclined to purchase an off the rack cloak. They look rather nice, I think. Aside from twin roses this is the cheapest wool fabric Inverness I have come across, after a long and exhaustive internet search.

**Jock Scot** · 16th February 09, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

They may be 'traditional' - whatever that means - but I really cannot come to terms with the Inverness Cape as being anything other than a piece of rather theatrical costume. I'll admit they are probably the most practical piece of inclement weather kit for a kiltie and, indeed, I have a black nylon version (designed for pipers?) which I have worn but two or three times. Last time I wore it, the wind was blowing a hoolie and the rain was lashing horizontally, and the wretched thing was virtually impossible to control - it was all over the place, mostly above my head and shoulders. A friend who was with me likened the experience to that of walking through Edinburgh with a nun having a bad-hair day (and that's just how it felt!).

An umbrella would not have afforded much protection on that day, and besides I had a suitcase in each hand, but I usually find that a brolly is as good as anything to keep the Sussex rains off me.

Take care,
Ham.

When the weather is that wild, Hamish, we give up and just get wet! As they say up here ;"if you don't like getting wet, you will never get anything done", they are right!

**Panache** · 16th February 09, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

... I have a black nylon version (designed for pipers?) which I have worn but two or three times. Last time I wore it, the wind was blowing a hoolie and the rain was lashing horizontally, and the wretched thing was virtually impossible to control - it was all over the place, mostly above my head and shoulders. A friend who was with me likened the experience to that of walking through Edinburgh with a nun having a bad-hair day (and that's just how it felt!)...

Ham,

I have modeled one of those Mr. Anthony nylon rain capes for a friend's website (though I must have not a very good job as he hasn't sold it at $55!
We obviously need a better model, are you free Ham?

)

It seemed very good for the rain and they fold up into a very small pouch for ease of carrying. However because they are so light weight I can't imagine they do well in the wind.

The one I was fortunate enough to purchase from a friend is a wool / poly blend and the weight is such that even at the fierce winds at the beach yesterday during a rainstorm did not make it unmanageable.

You saw this picture on my Valentine's Day hat thread.

The ability to access one's coat pockets and sporran without exposing oneself to the elements is unmatched by any any overcoat. I happen to have two overcoats (including a wonderful London Fog trench coat that I am sure will be in use by my children's children long after I have passed, great quality!) and they are very nice indeed.

I like my inverness cape better!

By the by Ham, a nice deer stalker cap would save your Lairdship's hair from becoming unkempt.

Cheers

Jamie