The North Face Brown Label Fiberfill II Coat

Posted on by Rob Drews
The North Face Brown Label Fiberfill II Coat

Vintage The North Face Brown Label Fiberfill II Coat.  Virtually the same pattern as their iconic down coats with a Fiberfill insulation. Not nearly as poofy,  but equally as warm. The beauty of Fiberfill over down is there’s no feathers to come spewing out!

This coat features:

  • top and side entry front pockets
  • snap closure storm flap
  • YKK two-way zipper
  • bottom hem draw cord with original cord lock
  • optional snap closure at wrist
  • reinforced stitching at stress points.

This coat has the smaller non-embossed snaps, which I believe predate the embossed. Estimated mid to late 70s production.

Hi-Gear 60/40 Parka.

Posted on by Rob Drews
labelVintage Hi-Gear 60/40 Parka

Japan made Hi-Gear Parka. The outer shell, technically 65/35 blend is fully lined  with a 100% nylon interior.  A Burgundy western-cut yoke extends up in to a three-piece hood, while also forming the top flap for two snap close breast pockets. The Burgundy snap fronts and stitching are continued throughout the piece for a nice contrast. Top and side entry front hip pockets. Arm pit grommets for ventilation Cotton hood and waist draw cords along with snap closure cuffs help keep the weather out.

Banana Equipment Anorak Parka

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Banana Equipment Anorak Parka

Banana Equipment was a label born in Estes Park Colorado, at the foot of Rocky Mountain National park in the 1970s. Like the other Colorado companies of that era, they created quality goods for the serious outdoors men and were early to incorporate advancements in materials such as Gore-Tex.

This Anorak parka was produced later on in the company’s life time. As suggested by the color combination and logo, this piece was probably produced in the mid 80s. An earlier label would have included ‘Estes Park USA’ under the Gorilla.

Rather simple by design, this parka consists of a single layer poly/nylon fabric lower and double layers around the yoke. A nylon draw cord at the bottom is used rather than the more popular waist placement of that era. The front of the yoke reveals a small kangaroo pocket when unbuttoned.

Production runs of Banana Equipment products were small and these pieces are harder to come by than similar era outdoor equipment manufacturers.

Holubar Down Vest

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Holubar Down Vest

This is a great vest from my personal favorite vintage Colorado brand. The cut and quality of Holubar’s designs shines through making for a visual nice, yet very functional piece. The tall collar can be laid flat or buttoned all the way up to keep the neck warm. The front pockets are side and top entry with a down layer on the outer to keep hands warm.

Like Gerry, Holubar is another outdoor gear pioneer founded in Colorado.  The company was a leader and innovator in outdoor gear through out the 50s,60s &70s before being bought, sold and put out of business. Recently the label has resurfaced in Italy making outerwear that pays homage to the original brand with a bit more flare for fashion.

 

Gerry Green/Blue Reversable Down Vest

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Gerry Reversable Down Vest

Here it is, one classic Gerry reversible Green/Blue Down vest. This vest features two hip pockets on the Green side with embroidered Gerry Triangle Logo. The label lives inside one of the pockets making for a  clean Blue reverse side. Both sides have the logo embroidered snaps.

Gerry is the iconic label that pioneered a new era in outdoor gear. Founded in the mid 1940s by Gerry Cunningham in Colorado the company was responsible for several outdoor gear innovations and a leader in quality and technology through the 1970s.

Measures:
Pit to Pit: 21 inches
neck to hem: 25.5 inches

The North Face Brown Label Gore-Tex Jacket

Posted on by Rob Drews
The North Face Brown Label Gore-Tex Jacket

This North Face Gore-Tex jacket is quite the piece. Full Gore-Tex outer and nylon inner lining. It’s as yellow as a pvc rain coat but rest assured its not. Very stylish and still functional as a windbreaker, the Gore-Tex has lost most of its repellent properties but could be treated with an aftermarket treatment if one so desired.  The label boast the remnants of the former owners last name in faded permanent marker. and from the W-L tag it’s assumed a women’s large but it fits like a short mens medium as well (see measurements).

Features include:

  • Two zippered front hip pockets
  • Zippered internal chest pocket
  • The North Face embossed snaps and zip front closure
  • Two-piece hood with compression over the brow and 2.5 inch bill independent of draw string.
  • Nylon/elastic draw cords with  Fastex spring loaded toggles (hood and waist)
  • Velcro wrist closure.

Gore-Tex received its first patent in 1976 and that combine with the brown label would date this jacket late 70s early 80s

Levi’s big E Type II 507xx jacket

Posted on by Rob Drews
Levi's Type II Big E 507xx Jacket

Vintage Levi’s second generation 507xx big E selvedge denim jacket.

This jacket is in very nice condition with no holes, rips or snags. Denim is still dark and vibrant with only some lightening at pleats. Selvedge finish down the inside front, red line has since faded out. Stitching still bright and clean. Loose threads along bottom inside hem the only imperfection.

Two breast pockets, no side pockets. Waist compression tabs in the back

  • Red pocket tag reads: LEVI’S both sides
  • Inside tag reads LOT 507xx SIZE 38
  • Riveted cuff seems read L S & CO – SF –
  • Buttons read LEVI STRAUSS & CO * S.F. CAL*

Natural Comfort for REI 65/35 Parka

Posted on by Rob Drews
Natural Comfort for REI 60/40 Parka

Natural Comfort for Recreational Equipment Inc. This piece displays all the cut and quality of rivals of its day like Holubar, Woolrich, Gerry, and Bauer.

  • Dual layered 65/35 poly/cotton through out with fully lined Nylon sleeves and lower.
  • 2 Top and side entry waist pocket, 2 chest pockets, zippered inner breast pocket, 2 inner waist pockets and one zippered external duck pocket.
  • Heavy Duty YKK Double Zip in Grey contrast to the beige inner.
  • Embossed snap closure
  • Thick Velcro adjustable wrists
  • Awesome Blue and White cinch cord around hood and waist with leather button keepers on the end.

Relatively little is known about the maker itself but the quality is definitely on par with what REI demanded. REI contracted other manufacturers to make gear for the Co-op such as Thaw, a Seattle based company producing down gear. This jacket has good weight and good lines. I especially like the hood construction consisting of two pieces one wrapping around and up the back and the other capping off the top and down the front side.

Pendleton Wool Poncho Blanket – Knockabouts

Posted on by Rob Drews

Knockabouts by Pendleton 100% virgin wool poncho/blanket. This Gold, Red. Brown, and Navy Plaid poncho measures 51 inches along the tassel side and 41 inches down the other. In the center is a 16 inch long double zipper which allows the poncho to become a solid blanket.

Made in the USA by  Pendleton Woolen Mills of Portland, Oregon