Middle Earth Ranger Forum

I know every good ranger needs a cloak for not only the elements but also for concealing. I've been thinking of waxing my canvas cloak in case of rain, but I figured it would make the cloak unable to breath in the southern California (my southern Gondor) heat. It already doesn't rain very much here. I was wondering if it would even be worth it to wax my cloak. I also figured I could pair my waxed canvas summer cloak with my wool winter cloak for like a mini bedroll. I was a really big fan of the poncho/liner combo in the military and i really want to replicate it, im just concerned about overheating on summer treks.

Togon wrote: ↑Mon Jun 20, 2022 10:54 pm I've been thinking of waxing my canvas cloak in case of rain, but I figured it would make the cloak unable to breath in the southern California (my southern Gondor) heat.

Just because you wax it doesn't mean you have to always wear it. Keep it rolled up until required

Good point. Got a little hung up on wearing it for "the look."

I think we're all at least a little guilty of that.

Togon wrote: ↑Mon Jun 20, 2022 10:54 pm I know every good ranger needs a cloak for not only the elements but also for concealing. I've been thinking of waxing my canvas cloak in case of rain, but I figured it would make the cloak unable to breath in the southern California (my southern Gondor) heat. It already doesn't rain very much here. I was wondering if it would even be worth it to wax my cloak. I also figured I could pair my waxed canvas summer cloak with my wool winter cloak for like a mini bedroll. I was a really big fan of the poncho/liner combo in the military and i really want to replicate it, im just concerned about overheating on summer treks.

I intend to wax a linen cloak. So it will be lighter than canvas and still protect from rain.

Togon wrote: ↑Mon Jun 20, 2022 10:54 pm I figured it would make the cloak unable to breath in the southern California (my southern Gondor) heat. It already doesn't rain very much here.

Living somewhere with similar heat and conditions I think it would make the cloak close to unusable.

Have you taken the cloak out for a run yet? I would give it a go in both hot and cold and see if it needs it first.
I wouldn't make it uncomfortable for 95% of the time so that it's more comfortable for the 5%.

I was born and raised in Southern California, and there were few days out of the year when I could bear to wear a cloak even ten years ago when rain was much more common there than it is now.

I almost think a Ranger in your climate would welcome a rain, and not bother themselves with worrying about getting wet too much, but rather focus on keeping critical gear waterproofed (ie. oiling sword blades, etc. I definitely wouldn't wax a canvas cloak for shelter, though. I found a number of years ago when trying to make a cloak multitask as a shelter tarp that even waterproofed fabrics absorb some water, and I woke up more than once after a downpour with a wet cloak that I couldn't wear which was quite difficult to carry. You do you, of course, but I personally highly recommend not making shelter materials into garments for this time period; there isn't anything that works quite the same as modern rainwear in the tech of the time.

Thank you, everyone! Lots of good information and things to think about. I think I'll follow Greg's advice and not wax the cloak. I guess we all go through a phase of trying to get things to multitask!

I've definitely been there. A few things can multitask, like a camp knife working as a weapon, but we think SO HARD about multitools in this day and age that we forget that often the best tool is the one made for the job. Keep at it!

May I ask where in So Cal you are, roughly? I'm from Glendora, originally.

I hear you! A lot of modern equipment seems made for multitasking; definately a learning curve doing things Middle Earth style, but it is fun to learn how things were done. Makes me feel a bit like a pioneer.

I'm in Glendale. I normally go out into the foothills, but recently I've been venturing out into the Los Angeles Forest. We moved here not long ago. Much better than the city we left!

I'm a little late to the party but I made a video talking about exactly this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KXIol9wjEo and I think you have made the right decision

Iodo wrote: ↑Wed Jun 22, 2022 6:36 am I'm a little late to the party but I made a video talking about exactly this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KXIol9wjEo and I think you have made the right decision

Hey! I watch your videos! But I missed that one. Good points. Glad I didn't make a mistake with this one.

Thanks