Vollebak Lumberjacket

When it comes to innovative outerwear, the team at Vollebak are invariably a first port of call for us here at The Coolector and it’s because of amazing releases like this brilliantly named, Lumberjacket. This Thorn Proof Edition from Vollebak is crafted from a thornproof fabric that was first invented 200 years ago for life in the woods. Lumberjacks built modern America. Four hundred years ago, when the first settlers arrived in Jamestown, Virginia – a land of “goodly tall trees” – it was man vs nature on a grand scale. Back then there was no radio-controlled machinery, computer-optimised log cutters or health and safety so they needed apparel that was fit for purpose.

The Vollebak Lumberjacket is priced, rather extravagantly, at £445 but, truth be told, there are many pieces of outerwear on the market more robust and resilient than this one so you’re getting what you pay for in terms of both quality and performance. From Earth’s poles to the surface of Mars, the guys at Vollebak come up with jackets to cope with some of the most demanding conditions in the universe. And the Lumberjacket is certainly no exception. It’s purpose-built to be one of the most versatile items in your wardrobe rotation. Nearly two centuries since it first put in an appearance, Vollebak have taken the lumberjack’s default uniform and rebuilt their own high-performance version, applying contemporary techniques to its original principles. And it’s amazing.

ROUGH AND READY APPAREL

Part shirt, part jacket, Vollebak’s Lumberjacket is a ridiculously hardwearing outer layer that’s built for adventure in any forest, country or city. It is crafted from an advanced three-layer system that would work in any era. The outer layer is engineered from hardwearing wool and centuries-old know-how. The middle layer is built with compressed and lightweight insulation for those colder months. While the inside is lined with ultra-durable Cordura. It makes the Lumberjacket versatile in any conditions, from exploring the four billion hectares of forest on the planet, navigating new cities, or just heading for a few craft beers in the local taproom.

To put together the Thornproof edition of the Lumberjacket, the chaps at Vollebak worked with one of the oldest woollen textile mills in the world. Having been in continuous production since 1772, Fox Brothers were the original inventor of flannel so, needless to say, they come with a pretty impressive pedigree in this regard. Their customers have included Cary Grant, Winston Churchill and the British royal family so you’ll be in pretty esteemed company if you add this Lumberjacket to your wardrobe rotation.

In the colder parts of the year, the Lumberjacket’s outer layer will keep you toasty courtesy of the the wool that traps millions of pockets of warm air next to your body in its hollow fibres. And as the natural curl of wool fibres traps more air than straight fibres, the microscopic texture of the fabric itself will also keep the heat enclosed. Wool will also stop you overheating in higher temperatures as it simply releases its warmth if you’re getting too hot. In summer, wool’s coil-shaped fibres draw heat and moisture away from the skin, helping you stay cooler. Basically, this is the jacket you’ll be reaching for all year round.

buy now | £445