Gear Review Boreal Shirt (Empire Wool and Canvas)

Discussion in 'Functional Gear & Equipment' started by Brokor, Jun 22, 2012.


  1. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Boreal Shirt link: Empire Wool Coats Vests and Shirts Natural insulation (80/20 wool)

    Lester River Bushcraft link: Home Page (100% wool)

    Here it goes, guys. I have been wanting this shirt for a while now, and I finally had the opportunity given from Jason at LR Bushcraft to purchase a Boreal Shirt of my own. There is a waiting list, especially since Empire Wool and Canvas had to subcontract the work out to Lester River Bushcraft, who actually do an excellent job at making them and work closely with Empire Wool. Coming in July 2012, the ordering process should be open again and the world will know how amazing these shirts are. I have wool blankets, 100% wool and heavy military --but they still are not as thick as the wool used in these shirts. Also, they are sewn really well, double stitched and grommets as well as special nylon pockets and equipment keeper rings. Cost: about $200. Yes, it's steep, but you're welcome to sew one up yourself if you like...good luck, it's hard to beat this quality and the features. For about $185 you can buy one at Empire Wool but it is 80/20. For those who want 100% wool, you will have to buy it through LR.



    Why wool? It's naturally fire resistant, stays warm even when wet, it's resistant to bacteria and mold (to what extent I do not know), hypoallergenic --and can last a lifetime. You can spend thousands of dollars on expensive name brand clothing, some of which is quite nice (Goretex for example), but the practicality and usefulness of wool just can't be beat.

    I wanted to give a thorough review of my own, but I will have to wait until I purchase a new video camera since all of my digital equipment was recently stolen. ***The shirt pictured below is exactly the color/type I have. My cinch rope at the chest is paracord, not nylon rope.***
    borealf.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 18, 2014
    Bear and ditch witch like this.
  2. HK_User

    HK_User A Productive Monkey is a Happy Monkey

    Looks good.

    A man should buy what he wants and then take care of it.

    After many years of searching I came across a BRIGHT red all wool Double Mackinaw Cruiser Coat.

    Just like the one I had years ago.

    No moth holes and fits to a "T".

    Spend them FRNs now before its worthless.
     
  3. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Another video on the Boreal Shirt. The grommets on his shirt are not black like mine are. This video does show you a bit more about the internal pockets.

    Wool Hoodie from Lester River - YouTube
     
  4. melbo

    melbo Hunter Gatherer Administrator Founding Member

    We need a LOVE button.

    I've got to have a couple of these - big wool fan here.
     
    ghrit and Brokor like this.
  5. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Lester River Bushcraft (link above in first post) is now accepting orders for the Boreal Shirt.
     
  6. VisuTrac

    VisuTrac Ваша мать носит военные ботинки Site Supporter+++

    wool is an awesomely stealthy fiber. Ever go walking through the woods with a nylon or synthetic outer? ZIP !!
     
  7. Witch Doctor 01

    Witch Doctor 01 Mojo Maker

    wish they made them in real mens sizes....o_O
     
  8. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    You can email Jason (at Lester River) your measurements and he can probably get to work on one. They are sized a bit large, too.
     
  9. Gunny Highway

    Gunny Highway Hard Work and Sacrifice blessed by God's Grace

    Nice Stuff
     
  10. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Updated links to site, prices went up a little bit, but only a few dollars for the 80/20 blend. The 100% wool shirt from Lester River is $250 currently, but you can special order custom sizes now (during spring months only) for $15 extra. I do not receive anything for pointing you to this great product, I just love to share a great find when I see one. I own a Boreal shirt and I absolutely love it.

    Stocks might be low for the season, but it can't hurt to be placed on a waiting list.
     
  11. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 18, 2014
    VisuTrac and melbo like this.
  12. melbo

    melbo Hunter Gatherer Administrator Founding Member

    I still want one
    [HASHTAG]#wool[/HASHTAG]
    [HASHTAG]#boreal[/HASHTAG] shirt
     
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2014
    VisuTrac and Brokor like this.
  13. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Mine is a little too big. I am thinking about getting a small since sizes run a little large. It measures 20" from cuff to armpit, and 24" from cuff to top of shoulder. The length is a bit too long, running a full 30" from base to shoulder. The waist is able to be cinched, and fits up to 45" no problems, but that's way more than I need to worry about. I might let it go for $200 shipped to U.S. if somebody really wants it bad enough. ;) This one is special because it's one of Jason's and it has 550 cord lacing.SOLD.

    DSC00333.JPG DSC00334.JPG
    Below you can see the grommets in the waist for drawstrings.
    DSC00339.JPG
    The interior pocket is amazing, very strong. A zipper to keep everything inside, too:
    DSC00337.JPG
    This is the loop for hanging, sewn into the collar inside:
    DSC00335.JPG
    And a ring sewn on each side of the main pocket area for clipping your keys or EDC items:
    DSC00338.JPG
    Adjustable wrist closure with heavy duty snaps:
    DSC00336.JPG
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2014
  14. melbo

    melbo Hunter Gatherer Administrator Founding Member

    I would probably want a small too even though I now wear a medium in most shirts / jackets.

    I wouldn't think you'd layer under it.

    My waist is ~30"
     
  15. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    DSC00340bb.
    Do I look warm? LOL! No need to layer underneath, you are right. I am making an overcoat for it for weatherproofing, made from heavy canvas.

    Yeah, you have the same waist as me then Melbo. I do have a massive manly chest though.

    [HASHTAG]#wool [/HASHTAG]
    [HASHTAG]#boreal[/HASHTAG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2014
    VisuTrac and melbo like this.
  16. PLA

    PLA Monkey++

  17. Witch Doctor 01

    Witch Doctor 01 Mojo Maker

    can you beat a 56?
     
  18. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    LOL, can you bench press 2x your own body weight? ;)
     
    Witch Doctor 01 likes this.
  19. Witch Doctor 01

    Witch Doctor 01 Mojo Maker

    not since I broke my neck...


    and put on a few extra lbs...


    but I can still score high expert with a side arm... so I think that makes up for it;)
     
    Brokor likes this.
  20. Hanzo

    Hanzo Monkey+++

    A few days ago, I was corresponding with Jason, at Lester River Bushcraft. I wanted a large boreal shirt without the neck gusset. I figured without the gusset, it would vent better for potential Hawaii wear. Believe it or not, it can get cold here. I have frozen my ass off deep in the mountains in my youth before I learned about ground insulation and hammock under quilt. He is sending the gusset anyway, just unattached. I figure I can rig a way to put it on if I go somewhere really cold or replace it with a scarf. But no venting would make it not likely to be comfortable here.

    Jason's service is awesome. Yesterday, he emailed me to tell me my shirt would be ready and shipped on Monday. Frankly, the past week has been busy and I just never went on the site and ordered yet. So after I got home last night, I rectified the situation by paying for it. Looking forward to getting it in the next week or so.

    Will probably pack my new wearable blanket when we go camping next month. I am hoping it will be cold!
     
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