OILSKIN JACKETS AND COATS

Oils skin is created from rugged canvas by treating it with oils and then performing different process on it to give it feel, texture and appearance. Oils skin is without a doubt the most rugged of outerwear materials and is the material of choice for sailors, bikers, rangeriders, hunters and many other vocations that pit man against the elements.

The Gunner Inspired by a 1903 Czech Gunner coat & constructed in our classic heavy duty Gunn Worn Canvas, The Gunner coat comes loaded with twin buckle belt, adjustable cuffs, underarm vents, adjustable neck tab & Australia map lining on 100% cotton. ItemNumber: 5O23 Price: $139.00 Size: <Not Selected> XS S med large XL XXL XXXL Color: Mustard	The Gold Coast A heavy Gunn Worn Canvas coat with removable cape, cowhide collar & cuff welts, double stacked bottom bellow pockets, back action pleats, hidden security pocket, storm collar placket over a snap closure. The very best in Oilskin. ItemNumber: 5J18 Price: $135.00 Size: <Not Selected> XS S med large XL XXL XXXL Color: <Not Selected> Tobacco Mustard
The Pilbara Jacket A heavy gauge canvas jacket featuring large double stacked bottom bellow pockets, two piece cowhide collar & welted breast pocket, draw cord & adjustable waist tabs, double back vents, floating back yoke, action pleats, brushed cotton plaid lining & double headed metal zip covered by a snap down storm placket. ItemNumber: 3J02 Price: $119.00 Size: <Not Selected> XS S med large XL XXL XXXL Color: <Not Selected> Tobacco Mustard	The Princeton Jacket A rugged sports jacket made from our classic Gunn Worn Canvas, reinforced with brass rivets, padded elbows & equipped with two multi-use inner security pockets. Cotton lined Dressy, but waterproof and rugged. Created by Kakadu of Australia using their special finishing techniques ItemNumber: 3J02 Price: $119.00 Size: <Not Selected> XS S med large XL XXL XXXL Color: <Not Selected> Tobacco Loden
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I'm sure most of us (I include myself) have never paid attention how oilskin is made, where it comes from and why it is so rugged. However, cowboys, range riders, bikers and sailors know all-to-well not to be caught in stormy weather with out it. Oilskin has been around for many decades, but Australian manufacturers, taking cues from the needs of the rough outback, have made many improvements since Oilskin's invention. Kakadu has incorporated these improvements into stylish outer-wear for those who battle the elements every day.

The simplicity of the invention of oilskin is amazing considering how fast it became a staple in most outdoor vocations. because of it's two main ingredients, canvas and oil, oilskin has the ability to survive harsh treatment from outdoor work environments that would ruin most other clothing, while being totally waterproof, windproof and warm. Oilskin coats have become the ultimate in harsh weather protection; sailors and bikers alike don't want to be caught without it, but let's get to the story behind this wonderful product.

It all began in the late 1800's when a Scottish sailor, Edward Leroy. Edward retired from sailing and settled in Australia. In need of a new means of support and not much chance of finding a job, Edward looked for a way to earn a living. As ships docked at the port near him, they took time to replace their worn and torn canvas sails. The old canvas was being discarded. Edward discovered that if he soaked this old canvas in linseed oil, it renewed the canvas and made it waterproof and wind-resistant.

Having fought the storms while on ship as a sailor, it didn't take much imagination to use this new oilskin material to make waterproof jackets. He cut the "oilskin" canvas he had invented and sewed the pieces into capes. Sailors that docked at a near-by Australian port were enthused to try anything that promised some protection from those cold, wet storms.. Word spread quickly that Edward's capes could withstand the monsoon rains that wore down every sailor, keeping them warm and dry. Edward had created a lucrative niche business. It did not take long before this "Oilskin" product was shaped into actual coats and sold to Australian outback cowboys in need of the same protection. Tales were added, slits were put in the tails to allow the Long Coat to be comfortable while riding a horse, and tie-downs added to keep the wind from lifting them. I doubt that Edward ever had a notion that is little invention that simply earned him a living would become so sought after throughout the world.

Edward's original oil-soaked canvas has gone through many transitions, but the principle is still the same. Newer methods of finishing the material, ways to soften it and make it more attractive, coat designs that have kept up with the ages, but still Edward's principal is the same. The Oilskin coat has taken sailors and range riders through the roughest weather for over a century, and Bikers have made it the clothing of choice to carry when they travel light. There are many makers of Oilskin clothing, and a lot of imitations, but Australia still remains the quality producer of this wonderful material.