Throughout my childhood there was a framed print of Winslow Homer’s oil painting “Eight Bells” hanging in the hallway between my bedroom and the bathroom. It depicts two New England mariners standing at the bulwarks of a sailing ship on a heaving sea with the dark lumpy clouds closing over them and threatening rain. Both men are wearing sou’westers. That set the standard for me at an early age and sou’westers have been the only kind of wet-weather hats I’ve worn while boating.For the past few decades, I’ve worn a Black Diamond Sou’wester. It’s made of canvas and painted with a black rubbery coating. Mine was showing signs of age—the rubber coating was beginning to peel. The Black Diamond is no longer being made so I had to go looking for something else to replace it. In my search I saw that Best Coast Canvas (BCC) had recently added to its lineup the Nor’wester, a version of a sou’wester named for BCC’s home in the Pacific Northwest. I’d been impressed by BCC’s Verksted Apron and was eager to try the new headgear. Folding the brim up creates a gutter to direct rainwater to the sides so it doesn’t drip in front of the eyes. It still provides good protection for the face.
Photographs by the author
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I highly recommend the waxed canvas smock at Best Coast Canvas. I’ve been putting mine through its paces. I’m a large fellow at 6’7” and broad and thin. When the first smock came it was a bit too short for my arms and torso and Leah reworked it for me so now I have great coverage. Cuts the wind better than any synthetic jacket I’ve had and keeps me warm and dry with heavy rain or spray, day in, day out. Plus I actually look like a sailor.
Thinking about getting the hat after reading this.
I got one of the smocks too, and mine was also a bit short in arms and torso. But I have long arms and torso for my height, so I bet our two experiences aren’t standard. Leah was fantastic to interact with. I haven’t had much need for the smock yet, only one day that’s rained appreciably since I got it and I worked during. So I only wore the smock on way to work, and swapped to an old Filson for work. The smock felt more breathable than the Filson even left open, and fit way better.
I left the Best Coast Canvas brand logo on, and I’ve taken them off on all my other clothes.
I want the hat too, but I am right between sizes. The wool jacket now, that’s what I truly yearn for. I’d like that vest too.
I might turn into a fanboy.