Thread: Protective "Outer Shell" Clothing - more traditional than most :-)

I've used Miklaggard's largest cape (Cape Ullen). It's as heavy as a grown man, but it's a fortress. Keeps your entire body dry in a down-pour. Be great for use in cold, wet bush, where you're not powering along at breakneck speed.



I've tried using it as an emergency shelter. Spent an entire night sleeping in steady, light rain, without a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, or shelter. My core remained warm enough, although my feet were sticking out and were a little frozen by the morning. Not exactly an alternative to modern backpacking gear, but it's a versatile bit of kit.

The Scottish Highlanders wore thick, heavy kilts made from wool-felt. They wore them by the day, and used them as make-shift blankets by night. To be fair, those men were tough as nails by today's standards, but the climate in Scotland is quite similar to ours (windy, wet, cold). Considering that they didn't have fancy tents and sleeping bags back then - it's safe to say they knew how to dress for the occasion.


Wool-felt isn't popular today due to the cost and the weight/bulk. Otherwise, it provides you with everything you could want: breathability, durability, weather resistance & reparability.

There's a time and place for everything. A dedicated alpinist certainly wouldn't wear any of this stuff (be better off with lightweight Gore-Tex, and accepting that you'll have to replace it occasionally). But for most hunting situations in NZ, where you'll spend a lot of time bashing through monkey scrub/bush, and getting muddy...you're better off with something a little heavier that will go the distance.

Been threw 2 full length swannies they are a bugger to get on and off. Couple of jackets.
Just got one left, its one of the last made full length, with a overlapped flap, full length heavy zipper. Love the thing, have stitched up pockets, replaced buttons, re water proofed. Wish swandry would make them again, willn't let this garment die as long as I can stitch it back together.

Guys are saying this is too expensive
Not sure how they come to that conclusion when its competitively priced against the like of Swazi - Arc'teryx the brand AJ (@Frodo) field trialed, and it fell to bits a $900 Jacket for memory ?

This gear is the classic cliche
"Buy once - Cry once"

Originally Posted by Sarvo

Guys are saying this is too expensive
Not sure how they come to that conclusion when its competitively priced against the like of Swazi - Arc'teryx the brand AJ (@Frodo) field trialed, and it fell to bits a $900 Jacket for memory ?

This gear is the classic cliche
"Buy once - Cry once"

Miklagaard is definitely worth the money, but people will naturally be skeptical of new products. Once a few are in circulation and delivering the goods, it should hopefully alleviate people's doubts.

Don't really want to start a brand bashing thread. Everybody's got their preferences. But I've emphasized the qualities of this Swedish clothing, and I believe it'll benefit a lot of people - especially those who do not favor what's currently on the market.

Originally Posted by Frodo

I've used Miklaggard's largest cape (Cape Ullen). It's as heavy as a grown man, but it's a fortress. Keeps your entire body dry in a down-pour. Be great for use in cold, wet bush, where you're not powering along at breakneck speed.

Attachment 162561

I've tried using it as an emergency shelter. Spent an entire night sleeping in steady, light rain, without a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, or shelter. My core remained warm enough, although my feet were sticking out and were a little frozen by the morning. Not exactly an alternative to modern backpacking gear, but it's a versatile bit of kit.

The Scottish Highlanders wore thick, heavy kilts made from wool-felt. They wore them by the day, and used them as make-shift blankets by night. To be fair, those men were tough as nails by today's standards, but the climate in Scotland is quite similar to ours (windy, wet, cold). Considering that they didn't have fancy tents and sleeping bags back then - it's safe to say they knew how to dress for the occasion.


Wool-felt isn't popular today due to the cost and the weight/bulk. Otherwise, it provides you with everything you could want: breathability, durability, weather resistance & reparability.

There's a time and place for everything. A dedicated alpinist certainly wouldn't wear any of this stuff (be better off with lightweight Gore-Tex, and accepting that you'll have to replace it occasionally). But for most hunting situations in NZ, where you'll spend a lot of time bashing through monkey scrub/bush, and getting muddy...you're better off with something a little heavier that will go the distance.

Did you have room for your pack under the cape?

Originally Posted by Frodo

Miklagaard is definitely worth the money, but people will naturally be skeptical of new products. Once a few are in circulation and delivering the goods, it should hopefully alleviate people's doubts.

Don't really want to start a brand bashing thread. Everybody's got their preferences. But I've emphasized the qualities of this Swedish clothing, and I believe it'll benefit a lot of people - especially those who do not favor what's currently on the market.

Brand bashing - nothing wrong with just telling the truth and been honest about it
They (we all know examples of they) Bash the hell out of Mr & Mrs X with all their million $ colour promotions that often are very misleading and somewhat false as it turns out in fruition.
Makes it bloody hard if not impossible for the likes of a little family Company like this to get any traction

Who ever has the most Saatchi & Saatchi credits gets the most sales

Originally Posted by Steve123

Did you have room for your pack under the cape?

Yep. More so when using a pikau or day-pack.

A full size tramping pack will fit underneath, but it will ride the fabric up to just above your knees. Without a full-size pack on, the fabric will go down to your shins or thereabouts.

Lengths can be altered when ordering though, to compensate for this.

When can we order these? im the roughest person I know. I'll take one for a spin..

Order straight off their website


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have been reading up about the felting process and if its done the traditional way they use Urine as part of the process. Can I be assured that @Frodo has not piddled on any of these garments?

I'd be very surprised if you're able to wear one out.

You can order via their website. https://micklagaard.com/products/anorak-abisko


I suggest going for a custom made one, because they'll make it to your exact body dimensions. You can also choose features such as: the overall length of the garment, whether you want shoulder and elbow pads, buttons on your chest pocket (or not), extra leather in some places etc.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

I have been reading up about the felting process and if its done the traditional way they use Urine as part of the process. Can I be assured that @Frodo has not piddled on any of these garments?

Pissing on them is just the first part of the process...

Originally Posted by Bushline

I’m using one of the green swandri lace front bush shirts and love it, bought it about 5 years ago. I treat it with a water repellent. It’s silent for bush hunting, doesn’t sweat and it’s tough as. Might be heavier than the fancy jackets some guys prefer but probably $300 cheaper as well.

which water repellant mate?

A few examples of what customizations they can do to their existing garments.


(Original)







(Custom)






(Original)






(Custom - extra buttons, elbow pads & shoulder pads)

Are there any pockets on the shorts?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk