The Bushman’s Raincoat
Introduced in the Fall 1985 “Notes from the Outback” catalog, the Bushman’s Raincoat is one of the more distinctive items BR produced. It’s about as dramatic and interesting as a raincoat gets and will make you look like you stepped right out of the 1982 Aussie film “Man From Snowy River”. It was offered in Khaki Tan from Fall/Holiday 1985-Fall/Holiday 1987, with one appearance of Olive Drab in Fall 1986.
From the catalogue: “During the Aussie rainy season–known as “the wet”–a jackeroo’s oilskin raincoat is nearly as vital as his horse. It’s vented to keep the saddle dry, built with a roof-like cape for run-off, and made from a historically tough fabric. A Scottish sailmaker created oilskin in 1793 by soaking sailcloth with linseed oil to make it shed water. A wonderfully effective process, but we’ve made it even more efficient. Our Bushman’s Raincoat is made in England from fabric supplied by the same Scottish sailmaking company, using the finest long-fiber cotton with a special oil-and-wax finish. A true miracle fabric–waterproof yet breathable, and nearly as durable as Ayers Rock: The jackeroos commonly keep their raincoats 20 years or more.”
Photos from eBay
