Umbrellas in Vancouver are free ;) on any rainy+windy day you can usually find a dozen abandoned ones. Me personally I use the hood on my coat unless it's a torrential downpour.
Submitted by Rashkavar on October 31, 2011 - 12:32pm.
I think cloaks were waterproofed with beeswax in their day. Not sure if you want to go completely medieval or rely on something a little more technological for your waterproofing.
That said, waxes in general are pretty darn hydrophobic - it's probably the best you can do without industrial chemicals.
Submitted by John Edward Casteele on October 31, 2011 - 10:06pm.
I used to have a really nice cloak when I was active in the Society for Creative Anacronism. Was made from double layers of canvas, so even without waterproofing it did fairly well in the weather for a little while at least. You could always tell when the rain soakage had reached critical mass because there'd be a sudden wetness in the center of your back. :(
Submitted by elsbethrenee on November 1, 2011 - 12:41am.
Wool also has some fairly good water-repellant properties because of the sheeps' natural oils. If you're looking for something to wear in a real storm, though, I would suggest augmenting that with a canvas layer, beeswax, etc.
Submitted by Ayshela on November 1, 2011 - 10:16pm.
Felted wool is actually pretty darned waterproof. It's used as the outer layer for cloth diapers, after all! If it can stand that kind of torrent It can handle some weather. ;) (though that IS related to what I often heard Pacific Northwest weather called, all the years I lived there.)
Submitted by Rashkavar on November 3, 2011 - 1:05am.
Diapers may have to handle messier flows, but there really isn't all that much coming through. A November storm on the West coast, on the other hand - that's a lot of water.
I wouldn't be going so much for accuracy as awesomeness. I'll probably just find out what the most reliable way to waterproof fabric is and go with that. Thanks for all theinfo, though! Very informative! =D
Submitted by omniwarrior on November 4, 2011 - 4:53pm.
Hmm... How about we see some real pictures of you and this coat so we, your audience, can make that determination. Personally, I have never much liked off the rack clothing. I always have to make some alterations. And, No, sewing is not just for girls. Although I do have to admit that my wife is better at it than I am.
![[45] - Rain Rain Rain](http://www.wastedtalent.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/comic_square/comics/2005/wt_raining.jpg)
#566omniwarrior
#565JB
#564copperhamster
#563Fuseblower
#562lozzles
Comments
We, hoods get my vote. Umbrellas are anti-social, and I can't stand water dripping down the back of my neck! And that's a good colour for a coat!
Umbrellas in Vancouver are free ;) on any rainy+windy day you can usually find a dozen abandoned ones. Me personally I use the hood on my coat unless it's a torrential downpour.
Ah, yes, good old self delusion - I couldn't survive without it, myself! ;)
You have encouraged me to make myself a real cloak.
Note to self: waterproof the outside layer.
I think cloaks were waterproofed with beeswax in their day. Not sure if you want to go completely medieval or rely on something a little more technological for your waterproofing.
That said, waxes in general are pretty darn hydrophobic - it's probably the best you can do without industrial chemicals.
I used to have a really nice cloak when I was active in the Society for Creative Anacronism. Was made from double layers of canvas, so even without waterproofing it did fairly well in the weather for a little while at least. You could always tell when the rain soakage had reached critical mass because there'd be a sudden wetness in the center of your back. :(
Wool also has some fairly good water-repellant properties because of the sheeps' natural oils. If you're looking for something to wear in a real storm, though, I would suggest augmenting that with a canvas layer, beeswax, etc.
Felted wool is actually pretty darned waterproof. It's used as the outer layer for cloth diapers, after all! If it can stand that kind of torrent It can handle some weather. ;) (though that IS related to what I often heard Pacific Northwest weather called, all the years I lived there.)
Diapers may have to handle messier flows, but there really isn't all that much coming through. A November storm on the West coast, on the other hand - that's a lot of water.
oh, I know. Lived in Whatcom County, WA, for over thirty years. =)
I wouldn't be going so much for accuracy as awesomeness. I'll probably just find out what the most reliable way to waterproof fabric is and go with that. Thanks for all theinfo, though! Very informative! =D
Are you this adorkable in real life?
Gives me hope for finding a nice geeky girl.
Not sure if stylised rage comic, or just coincidence :)
Hmm... How about we see some real pictures of you and this coat so we, your audience, can make that determination. Personally, I have never much liked off the rack clothing. I always have to make some alterations. And, No, sewing is not just for girls. Although I do have to admit that my wife is better at it than I am.
I can't believe no-one made A Dungeons and Dragons cartoon comment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JjhQ1Oi_3k
I personally feel like a jedi. Here's my badly drawn response strip =P http://sparrowsabre7.deviantart.com/art/Perceptions-276163195