Gear Review Boreal Shirt (Empire Wool and Canvas)

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.***

 

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

 

We need a LOVE button.

I've got to have a couple of these - big wool fan here.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

Update from Lester River:
Our current ship time is estimated at 2-3 weeks from when you place your order. We may ship sooner than that, but we will contact you if there are any delays.

Price is $250 plus $17 S&H

100% Wool Boreal Shirt - Wool Hoodie - Empire Wool & Canvas - Exlcusive

 

I still want one
[HASHTAG]#wool[/HASHTAG]
[HASHTAG]#boreal[/HASHTAG] shirt

 

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.


Below you can see the grommets in the waist for drawstrings.

The interior pocket is amazing, very strong. A zipper to keep everything inside, too:

This is the loop for hanging, sewn into the collar inside:

And a ring sewn on each side of the main pocket area for clipping your keys or EDC items:

Adjustable wrist closure with heavy duty snaps:

 

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"

 

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]

 

LOL, can you bench press 2x your own body weight?