What is all this I hear about a new fan-inspired jacket? Recently we have announced the availability of an accurate reproduction of an original Raiders of the Lost Ark Jacket. The story behind how this jacket came to be is worthy of the time and effort to get it out there, and we expect to do so in the next few weeks. Suffice it to say that an original jacket from Raiders of the Lost Ark was located and specifications taken from it. Those specifications were turned over to the very capable people at Flight Suits, who then were able to make a jacket that will soon be available for purchase. All of this began in 1984 with Lee Kepler. His drive to get an accurate jacket for the fan has covered a lot of ground. Over time, he brought Michaelson into this project, who in turn brought me into the fray. In the end, we have a jacket that is as faithful a reproduction of the original as we can imagine possible.

Stay tuned for more info! Patterson

What kind of jacket is the Wested? The Indy Wested Jacket is a marvelous combination of craftsmanship, style, and quality. I am completely overwhelmed at how well this jacket was made. It is soft to the touch and has deep rich luster captured in the classic, elegant Indiana Jones style. This is the best grade of leather that I have ever seen, yet it is the perfect weight and is extremely durable. There is an inner pocket that is deep enough to hold just about anything you may carry, and the hand warmer slits are perfectly placed.
This jacket is cut to your specs so it fits the way you want it to, not like some off-the-shelf apparel. The side adjustment straps are ideal for giving the jacket the exact fit that you want with whatever you are wearing. The cargo pockets are deep yet subtle, and just blend into the jacket -- not flashy or silly looking like most leather jackets. You'll have to experience one to understand. If you are blessed with the opportunity to own one of these, don't hesitate to buy what I consider to be the best leather jacket ever made... you've got to get a Wested! But don't just take my word for it -- after one look, one touch, and one wearing, you will understand the quality of workmanship that went into making this jacket -- and might I say, you may never take it off again. Mike Davis

It's finally here! In fact, it's sitting on my lap right now. I can't even begin to express how satisfied I am with this product. I'm sure you've heard all the positive comments before, but I figured I'd just add a few of my observations. First of all, the weight: This is a light jacket, but I feel that some may have overemphasized this fact. I also own a standard A2, and the Wested jacket is obviously significantly lighter than the A2. However, the Wested jacket definitely still has some weight to it. I was expecting something equivalent to the weight of a flannel shirt, but was pleasantly surprised. If anything, I'd compare the overall weight to an average business suit jacket - maybe slightly heavier. I ordered a cotton lining, and after wearing the jacket for some time now, I would say that I could comfortably wear it in temperatures ranging from 40 - 75 (just my personal feelings). I ordered my sleeves a little long (about 1 1/2 inches longer than my standard measurement, and I have to say that this worked out beautifully. My fit is very similar to Indy's in Raiders (note the intro scene as Indy holds up the tattered map at the brook side). The texture of the leather is simply outstanding. As a base of comparison, I don't know if any of you have any experience with a full hide jacket (like the A2). The leather of my A2 is slightly bumpy and grainy to the eye and to the touch, but the Wested jacket is so smooth and soft that you can't help but touch it repeatedly. It is the most unique leather feel that I've ever experienced, and I have owned 4 other leather jackets in my lifetime (and probably tried on 100 or so). As I type while wearing the jacket right now, I notice how the leather flows and moves to the shape of my bent arms like soft silk or high quality cotton. Not only is it super soft, but this leather is also extremely durable. I've pulled on it pretty firmly in a variety of places, and I have no doubts about its lasting toughness. This jacket is undeniably unique. I've worn it just twice, and already I've had to explain its unique origins to my inquisitive and fascinated neighbor. I know it sounds ridiculous, but this jacket has brought me so much joy. They say that money can't buy you happiness, but for about $270 or so, you can sure rent the hell out of it. John

Just got back from a trip to the Indonesian island of Bali and Singapore. In addition to the scuba diving and boogie boarding, I did do some cultural stuff which include visiting some of the incredibly old (8th century AD!) Hindu temples. One of the sites I visited was called Pura Dalem, which means "Temple of the Dead". It's in this forest and populated by numerous monkeys. Since Hindu law forbids a non-Hindu from entering the inner grounds, I was sitting on the exterior wall looking inward and examining the stone carvings. One monkey ambled over and, forewarned, I gave him a small banana. He sat down next to me and I kept giving him bananas. When I ran out, the little bastard got angry, jumped on my back and bit me! Fortunately, I was wearing my jacket because he put some pretty good teeth marks into it. It hurt but at least he didn't reach my skin. Monkey bite proof at the "Temple of the Dead". Now if that doesn't sell a Wested, I don't know what will!
Major Paul

Upon removing my jacket from the packaging and putting it on, it fit me like Peter had taken personal measurements from me, and made the jacket to my EXACT specs. It fit me perfectly with absolutely no adjustments of straps or otherwise. I cannot add anything else to what has already been said all through this forum except my surprise at the extreme light weight. To those who have ever picked up a pair of regular dress shoes, then picked up a high quality pair of Rockport dress shoes, you'll then understand the difference. Every seam, pocket, etc. was perfectly made. You can see the pride in the craftsmanship. The certificate that comes with it states it is indeed a duplicate of the jacket made for Harrison Ford for Raiders of the Lost Ark, and is signed by Peter Botwright. The posting we saw to Micah from him was true, and if you didn't get a certificate from him with your coat, I would indeed contact him for one.
....for all of you folks out there who want to purchase one of these fine jackets, but have doubts, be assured that we are speaking the truth. Just ask any satisfied customer. These jackets are made of the finest, most supple dark brown leather, cut and stitched to perfection with the utmost attention to detail. Each one has high quality, heavy-duty buttons and zippers, as well as brass ring fittings with adjustable leather straps for sizing. There is an inside right breast pocket which is surrounded by leather, and is about 5 inches deep. The cargo pockets have snaps which are hidden under the front flap. Handwarmer slits located behind the pockets are designed more for holding the leather straps, rather than warming your hands. My hands only fit in after a brief struggle!!! And, as stated by our good friend Michaelson, these jackets are very lightweight and durable. They come with a beautiful sheen and the strong scent of new English leather. Be warned, whatever room you keep your jacket in will smell like leather for about three or four weeks!!! Too bad they don't turn it into a cologne scent!!! It would be called: Essence of Wested. Or something of that nature. And maybe each bottle would show a coiled bullwhip!!! I'd better get out of here.... But before I go, here's my shameless plug: BUY A WESTED LEATHER JACKET!!! HANDMADE BY BRITISH CRAFTSMEN!!!! I will say this in favor of the rich leather smell, you always know which room you left this coat in without even looking! Michaelson

JOCK, START THE ENGINES!!!! It's here! After waiting what seemed like the longest 6 weeks of my life, my Wested Raiders jacket has arrived. As you may recall from my Emails Indy, I was nervous about sending off to England for this jacket. "This was like nothing I had ever gone after before." Would the size be right? Would the lining be as I requested? Would the sleeves be the right length? Well, let me tell you Wested is indeed the experts that you and the others at Indy Gear said they were! The jacket is a perfect fit! The weight of this jacket is a much discussed topic on your website, but to all that may be considering ordering one, let me assure you this is a substantial piece of goods. Once you see it you quickly understand that you own a jacket of the highest quality and craftsmanship. Whether going to The Mall, or Nepal, the Wested Jacket gets you there in style. Peter Botwright continually provided updates as to where my jacket was relative to production, and a USPS tracking number so I could follow my shipment. "Fortune and glory kid, fortune and glory," that's what a WESTED JACKET is. Thanks to Indy Gear, and the entire Indy Gear staff, I now own the most sought after leather jacket in the world. Forrestal

How do I order a Wested? Will they reply or confirm my order? Send your complete jacket measurements along with your payment. I don't recommend sending your credit card info via email--it is not a secure method! Faxing or calling is much better; you could even mail it. Wested is not a big emailer. If they do respond by email it will be to confirm your order or shipment...Peter receives all kinds of email, and doesn't have the time to respond to every inquiry. I recommend that call to track your order. Peter has been gracious enough to accommodate our requests, it should be our courtesy to him by not flooding his email account. Indiana John

How long will I have to wait for my Wested? As far as the wait for the jacket...Peter has always been fair in his business; rest assured that you will get your jacket. It generally takes, a little over a month to arrive. Patience is the key..."good things come to those who wait." Try to take your mind off it. When the package arrives, you will be unexpectantly delighted. Indiana John

The wait time can really vary. There is a seasonal component, i.e.spring and summer seem to be better than fall and winter. Also, remember Wested's primary line of business is film and TV. If there is a film project in the works, it may delay delivery of your one-off order. The fastest you'll probably ever get one is 5 weeks. Don't start worrying until you get to 7 or 8. Rest assured, you'll get your jacket. Patterson

I've recently noticed a number of posts to the IndyFan forum talking about delays in getting their jackets. Whats causing the delays? Thank you for your concern and comments It is true that we have had some production problems mainly due to the supply of leather. The tannery supplying the pre distressed skin ceased production and it took several weeks to resource the skin. Then having got that sorted we got a bad delivery of Brown lambskin which then had to be remade with a tanning time of three weeks. In between this problem we were inundated with film work for Mummy 2 and Star wars 2 Having got that out the way I now have a good reserve of skin and we are right up to date with the predistressed orders and within the next week we will catch up on the brown lambskin orders. We are ware of our shortcomings and I have decided to set up a separate unit purely to deal with e-mail orders and this will operate from Wested Leather Co, Little Wested House, Wested Lane, Swanley, Kent and all enquiries will be to there. Full notification and web changes should go out by the end of the month. Peter Botwright

Are the Wested jackets authentic to what I'll see on the screen? This is a tough one. Everyone seems to see details differently when they watch the movies, and truth be told, there probably is some degree of variation between individual jackets used in the production of the same movie. There are some variations the detail-minded observer will note, especially on the Raider's and Temple of Doom jackets. I believe the Last Crusade jacket to be the most authentic offering Peter currently makes. Patterson

Why do some of the jackets seen in Temple of Doom look different from the Wested Jacket? I actually talked to Peter Botwright about this. Apparently, In making the second movie, jackets left over from Raiders were used by the stuntmen. Peter did make some new jackets worn by Harrison but during the production some extra jackets were needed. Instead of going to Peter the production had a company in France make copies of the jacket for them. It must be these jackets you are seeing which are different. Abner

The jacket seems light, is it tough enough? I understand your surprise concerning the "light weight" condition of the leather, but let's back up a second and look at this again. I understand there are many grades of leather out there. As I understand from reading and questioning folks around here in south central Tennessee, don't be fooled by the lightweight material.

We have two tanneries here in Tullahoma because Worth baseball factory is based here, as well as a large leather coat factory that make Navy G-2 flight jackets as well as A2's under contract for the US government. Apparently, according to them, the "weight" doesn't denote the strength of the item. Goat skin and lamb skin (the material in the Raider's jacket) are listed as the densest animal "fiber" available for production of jacket or clothing material because of it's ability to withstand stress and abrasion. Kangaroo is listed as up there too in the exotic leathers (David Morgan's whips). Horsehide is next down (baseball/softball material), then good old cow skin, the tried and true "heavy weight" material, but least expensive of the lot.

The lamb skin used by Peter Botwright is the lightest quality part of the hide, and is used only in items that will experience extreme stress, and not tear or fray at seams. So while it is that tough, it also is light enough to be worn on a summer day without cooking you, as my regular cowskin A2 does. I hope this is helpful information. I thought the same thing when I received a goatskin vest as a gift, and wondered if it would even last a month considering how light and soft it was. That was 4 long years ago, and believe me, it's as tough as nails. Incidentally, it is used as motorcycle leather material, too. If that ain't tough, nothing is! Michaelson

Allow me to further what Michaelson said. The leather is light and tough, the proof itself is on film. The movies do the advertising for you. I mean, the man gets dragged behind a diesel truck on a hot, rocky desert road with his jacket zipped up. The proof is right there!!!

The jacket aside, the whole Indy outfit looks good, as well as being completely functional. The lightweight and comfort are the bonuses. If you can make an item tough, as well as light, soft, and comfortable, then you have an all-around great product. For me, my first impressions of authentic Indy gear were those of sheer joy and awe. Just the fact that these items are the REAL THING is worth the price you pay. But, as mentioned before, they are fully functional as well- not cheaply-made movie "props". This is the best there is, and they should last for many years to come, with proper care. But, as well-built as they are, I wouldn't try to test their limits- I mean, anything can break. Just use them, enjoy them, take care of them and they will take care of you. Dale

Well, just don't try dragging the jacket behind a truck yourself! Peter Botwright informed me that they used up five jackets filming that scene! Trucks aside, this is an excellent quality jacket, comfortable over a wide range of temperatures, and although light in weight, it is TOUGH. Abner

Is there a leather treatment recommended for the jacket? Peter Botwright (Wested Leather) recommends Leather Groom by Letap. It is available through him, and is sold by the can. Michaelson

The Leather Groom is not available for international purchase due to the pressurized nature of the cans.
Michaelson is keeping an eye out for a stateside alternative--in the meantime, he recommends Pecard & Lexol as a suitable treatments. Indiana John

I'm going to address this mainly toward my knowledge and experience with the wonderful Wested products, as that is what I have and owned to date. We must break the information into two categories, though...the Wested lamb SKIN versions, and the lamb HIDE version, or any HIDE version that they make. I must admit that I have just recently become a Pecard leather dressing convert, as I have had difficulty finding this dressing to be the fix all as described, and to be honest, it really hasn't been my experience with this product. Once again, I stress, this is in MY experience. If you have had nothing but wonderful experiences, good for you! I must state that I do NOT find this dressing to be particularly good on the lamb skin finish, since it has a beeswax base to it, it takes much longer to soak in, if indeed it soaks in at all. If you have sanded the seams for your own jacket distressing and got just a LITTLE to deep to suit you, this is great for refinishing the highlighted leather, preserving the leather and actually darkening it down to the color you want. I would not advise using on a new or relatively new non-distressed lamb skin jacket. It seems to remain tacky and does not totally soak into the leather. I used some on a jacket a couple of months ago, and to date it still maintains it's tacky feel. If you are fortunate to have access to the Letap leather groom that Peter Botwright sells and recommends, now you're talking turkey! This is EXACTLY what this leather loves. It goes on as foam, but immediately liquefies and soaks into the leather. After drying overnight, you lightly buff with the good old clean dry cotton tee shirt, and you're good to go until the next season, or even a typhoon storm. This is great stuff. We're in the process in attempting to find a source here in the US for this product, or a like product that we can recommend. Products like Lexol are excellent too, but the lanolin seems to take a long time to soak into the leather. I have heard from many folks who swear by the Lexol products, this is all that I used on my whips. This research goes on, so stay tuned for updates. Now Pecards on the hide jackets, man you're now talking about a completely different experience! If you have a pre distressed Wested, you no undoubtedly have seen how quickly the surface continues to "break down", for lack of a better term. Take a look at the picture that Abner put up on IndyGear of his Last Crusade predistressed jacket. Now if you like this look, you're in business. I have access to one that came to me, not in Abner's coat's shape, but getting on the band wagon and going in that direction. Though I liked the look, I did not like the direction that the surface was going. On recommendation of our good friend Patterson, I applied a generous coating of Pecards dressing to the entire surface of the jacket. I then hung the jacket on a good strong hanger and allowed to dry overnight. In the morning I could NOT believe my eyes. The surface had obtained almost the same color of a new Raiders lamb skin, but maintained the character of the distressed pattern in the deep brown surface. It had a healthy sheen to the leather, and the
To finish the jacket.... The Pecard's dressing will also waterproof the jacket, so be sure to completely coat the entire jacket as described. Michaelson

For a predistressed jacket, I HIGHLY recommend a good coating of the Pecards leather dressing. This not only restores the moisture to the jacket, but it will make your jacket shiny again, as well as giving it a good rich dark coloring that you're looking for. I know, I've done it to mine, and am tickled to death with the results. The Pecards also weather proofs the leather, so you're doing three jobs at the same time, darkening, restoring moisture, and water/weather proofing the leather. I only recommend Lexol on the non-distressed lambskin. This is my personal practice, so I know it works. Michaelson

Since it's my first leather jacket I'm trying to figure to figure out which Pecard's Leather product I need to order. Got any Ideas? The treatment you use really depends on the material you've chosen for your Wested new finish lambskin, new finish cowhide, or pre-distressed cowhide. The cowhide products respond well to the standard Pecard Leather Dressing. The lambskin seems to respond best to products offered by Lexol - separate cleaners and conditioners. Indy Gear has links to both companies sites, but I've enclosed them below. Also checkout the FAQ under the jacket section, where Michaelson gives an excellent narrative on the subject. The Lexol products actually work well on either material, however the Pecards has provided remarkable results on my pre-distressed cowhide. It REALLY works well on this material. No not, however, use it on the lambskin. It will take forever to absorb, if it does at all. Depending on your climate, treat once or twice per year. If the climate is unusually wet, you may want to condition a little more often - 3 or 4 times per year. Patterson

Can someone clarify the lining for the jackets?. The lining is evident in the plane fight in raiders. When Indy is getting punched around the air field by that big bald nazi, the reason the jacket is flopping around and SLIDING all over his back is because the lining is silk(?). You can actually see the lining several times as he's getting punched around and the jacket flies up, but you have to watch close.

Plus I spoke to fellows at Wested when I ordered my jacket, and they said that indeed the original jacket had a silk lining, but you are able to have a cotton one put in if you like, as silk can be uncomfortable in hotter weather. My jacket when it arrives will have the silk lining, because I live in NYC and it can get pretty cold, plus I'm a stickler for detail (no offense to you cotton lovers!) Also: The chaps at Wested also said that they still have the original patterns to all 3 films.....and you can order the jacket from whichever film you want. So even though they advertise under the term "Raiders Jacket", you can order the different variations used in temple and last crusade. Stephen

Just to clarify Stephen's comments , I spoke to Peter specifically about the linings and asked about silk linings. He said he never used silk, and wouldn't recommend it as he didn't think it would hold up to the wear and tear. Perhaps Stephen is actually referring to the satin lining which simulates silk. Satin Acetate is a synthetic fabric that didn't exist in the 1930s but it is very similar to silk in appearance and feel. According to the now defunct Willis & Geiger, the original Horsehide A-2 flight jackets had silk linings. However, you will find many WWII flight jackets with cotton linings. I believe this is because silk was conserved to make parachutes. (after all, during the war women couldn't get silk stockings anymore and painted the seams on their legs.) As far as the movie jacket linings are concerned, Peter told me the linings were Cotton Silesia. I have seen both, and I prefer the cotton and its darker color over the satin even though it grips your clothes a bit more. Also according to Peter, any difference in warmth is negligible if nonexistent. The only real consideration is the look and feel of the fabric. Personally, I like cotton because it is a natural fabric. Abner

I was confused as to which lining was the most authentic for the "Raiders" jacket, cotton or satin. So before I ordered, I emailed Wested. Mr. Botwright replied and said the cotton is more authentic. I was also contemplating getting a "Crusade" jacket instead of the original, because of the larger collar and studs. Mr. Botwright replied that the studs do not make a functional difference, and the collar was about 1/2" larger. Paul

Which type of leather, new or predistressed, was used for the movie jackets? How was it aged? The answer is "both". Actually, all jackets Peter provided to the production company were new finish lambskin jackets. These were then turned over to the likes of Noel Howard, et al, for them to work their magic. The jackets were subjected to everything from very fine sandpaper, brick walls, steel wool, mink oil, boot polish, petroleum jelly, and rubbing alcohol (by some accounts). Remember, they were going for a "look" and didn't really care how long the jackets lasted. Patterson

With regard to the films, I emailed Noel Howard about the distressing of the leather jackets. This is what he told me: "On the jackets we used a VERY FINE sandpaper around the collar edges and pockets. Also Mink oil and boot polish were used in moderation. Abner

I was wondering if the Disney jacket and the Wested jacket can be worn in the rain? I have worn my Wested jacket in the pouring rain and it didn't seem to phase it at all! I just shook it off a little and that's it. I would be less likely to wear my Disney jacket if I thought it was going to get soaked. But I have worn it in the rain,and it was ok.Just as long I don't spend a lot of time in the rain like I can in the Wested. The leather of the Disney seems more absorbing. Capt. DeWayne Blumburtt

The Disney jacket was my first purchase (February 1999). After returning home, I took it into a local leather care place. They told me I needed to have the jacket waterproofed, so I did. When I received my Wested, I naturally thought I needed to get it treated as well. When I brought it in, they wouldn't take my money. I was told that the finish and overall quality of the leather used on the Disney jacket was marginal, and was more likely to spot and stain. They told me that the Wested would hold up with no problem, even if I decided to go swimming in it - no salt water or chlorine pools though! The only thing I needed to worry about was letting it dry naturally. If it did get REALLY soaked, they said it would be a good idea to put a conditioner on it once it did dry. After my Cooper arrived (yea, I've bought a lot of jackets this year!) they gave me the same speech as the Wested. While the cowhide was not quite as good a quality as that used for the Wested, it was still clearly superior to the Disney. Also, the finish/tanning method used would offer more protection then any waterproofing they could apply. Another point on the new Disney jackets - they are not accurate to any of the jackets in the movies. They are cut oversized and have snaps on the cuffs. Also, the side straps are backwards. I understand the jackets sold prior to 1999 were much more accurate. "Adios Satipo..."

Personally, my Wested jacket has been exposed to a lot of rain, even last month's dousing in the seasonal monsoons of Thailand. But by hanging it up and letting it air dry slowly, it's still as supple as the day it came out of the bag. Major Paul.

What tips do you have for ordering? If you are ordering a jacket, take the following measurements before contacting Wested:

• Sleeve Length This measurement should be taken from the shoulder tip to the first knuckle on your thumb.

• Shoulder to Shoulder This measurement should be taken from the top of your shoulder to the top of the opposite shoulder.
  

• Chest This measurement should be taken from the middle of your chest, circling your back, and meeting the middle of your chest.

• Height This measurement is used to determine whether you will need a regular or long jacket.

Please note that each measurement should be taken with a tape measure. If in doubt, have a tailor take your measurements. The absolute most important thing, though, is to talk to Peter and/or Jerry about any sizing concerns you may have. They are in the business of fitting people, and the more they know the more likely you will get the right fit.

If you can wear a 42 regular suit right off the rack, then tell them that. If you know of certain alterations you always need, tell them that as well. It's worth a little more on your phone bill to get the right fit. Patterson

I don't want to get the wrong size; can you give me some suggestions? You might want to tell them your neck size. I did that when I ordered my ToD jacket,(my personal favorite of the 3 styles) and it fits better than the others. DeWayne

Consider ordering the next size up, I've done that myself, and it still could actually be a bigger size, but it fits. I've also seen others mention the same thing. Danno

If you plan on growing, pumping up, eating a lot--or if you like to wear layers underneath; I advise going a size larger. These jackets are custom tailored, as a suit would be--so if you prefer a loose fitting jacket, follow this route. Indiana John

It does seem like you're getting ready to enter the "rapids", doesn't it? Well, don't be concerned. This is one of the most honest and hard working companies I've ever had the pleasure to deal with. It will either be right, or will be made right ASAP. Speaking for myself, all I did was order my regular off the rack size, and the coat fit me like it was tailored specifically for me by Peter. If you've followed the instructions that have been supplied, or are easy enough in your own mind to order your regular size, go for it. It will be fine. Michaelson

The more information you provide, the happier you'll be with your jacket. That has been my experience with Wested. Patterson

Will Wested alter my jacket if for some reason it doesn't fit? Peter Botwright: What a great guy! I needed to get my Raiders jacket altered, and I had not heard back from Wested after 2 attempts. I suspect I had email trouble OR that he was ignoring me. Today I received a reply from Peter that began with: NEVER FEAR PETER IS HERE! He has stated that he was quite willing to alter the jacket even after 3 local tailors refused to even try. Fantastic! If anyone is considering buying from Wested and is concerned about buying a custom tailored jacket from thousands of miles away, as Peter said, "Never fear." He'll make sure you're satisfied with your purchase. Reiger

What are the pre-distressed jackets made from? They are a specially prepared cowhide with a soft lamb finish. They have the weight of cowhide, but the draping quality and scratch resistance of lambskin. The tannery supplying the predistressed hides is the same source for the much talked about new finish cowhide - it also has the same characteristics as the predistressed hides, but with a darker non-antique finish. Patterson

How warm is the Wested? I have a lambskin Last Crusade jacket (new finish). I got it in mid-November, and so far I have been wearing it exclusively. Here in Minnesota the weather's been pretty mild so far (lows in the 20's), but I've been just fine with a heavy shirt under it. I should say, though, that this is a light, thin jacket. I am buying a fleece vest to wear under it for when the REAL cold hits (anyway, that's the plan. I may be singing a different tune when we go sub-zero!) Prestor John

The lambskin isn't super-warm. For our 50 something degree winter days here in CA, it's perfect. For very cold weather you may want to wear it over a sweater. DeWayne

I've worn my Wested through a Northern Ohio winter, and found it could be worn (with a sweater underneath) down to about freezing. Below that, I wouldn't wear it outside for any extended length of time. The jacket worn alone, in my opinion, is best suited for temperatures between approximately 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit (give or take a few degrees depending on your reaction to cold or warm temperatures). Stephen

Ah, a good question. I've had my Wested since May and been mostly in tropical/rainy situations with it - Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Bali, Singapore... Believe me, it's a tough jacket. But fall has arrived here on the Korean peninsula and it won't be long 'til the Siberian Express comes plowing down. I'll get a true picture of it's abilities then. You have to remember, though, that it's a light jacket. I lived just south of Minneapolis for nine years and I can tell you that even with a fully-fleeced bomber jacket, you'd still need to wear polypro long underwear on a minus five day. Remember when Indy was in Nepal with the jacket zipped up and wearing gloves? You get the picture! Major Paul

Q. After adjusting mine to the desired length, I ended up with about 4-5 inches of dangling leather. Should I just let it hang as it is or re-adjust back to halfway mark so the leather has a bit of support to stay horizontal? I used a little leather conditioner on my straps which softened them a little, then folded them over so fall pretty much straight down. You might try tucking them through the D-rings as well. I'd watch Raiders again to get some ideas... Tom

I noticed this too when I first got my jacket. When I pulled my straps all the way through, the jacket lost a little of it's "square" look. When I readjusted them, it just had a little too much extra strap, and wasn't long enough to go back into the slits. I didn't remember seeing this in the films. I folded the extra part of the strap back over itself and put it back through the d-ring. It's hard to really explain. It appears they did this in parts of the films at least. Pause the part in ToD when Indy shakes Chatar La's(sp?) hand when he first reaches the palace. They definitely did it there. Also in Raiders after he gets the Fertility Idol and turns so you can see his side, it's hard to see, but it looks folded. It really adds to the "square" look of the jacket. DeWayne

No, no... They tuck very nicely right into the handwarmer slits. Patterson

Lamb Hide vs. Skin??? I asked Peter specifically "were the jackets lambhide or lambskin?" He told me they were lambskin and that there was no such thing as lambhide. Rather, "Hide" is the generic term, and lambskin is a type of hide. Abner

Not to dispute with Peter, but leather makers do indeed separate the difference between the two, that being basically the age of the animal which impacts the outcome of the tanned hide. Like I've said before, we have two tanneries located within 7 miles of where I'm sitting, and that came directly from their customer/marketing rep. Michaelson