Easy Waterproof Ranger Cloak Improved!

[@johnhuynh2820]

What you can do, to help cover everything like a backpack or backing gear, before cutting your hole for your head, find the center where you would normally cut it and move it about 7 inches to the front. This way the back of the cloak might be slightly lower but now, you can carry a rucksack/backpack with you and wear the cloak to cover everything from the environment. And when you're not wearing the cloak, the straps can hang off the backpack from the top, bottom, or side for storage.

[@3nertia]

Yeah, you can just model it off a military rain poncho lol

[@cnawan]

You probably want more length at the back anyway. I made a simple poncho from fleece and cut the hole at the centre. It turns out your neck is forward a bit, so I recommend cutting about 8"/20cm toward the front. Although, for a Ruana cloak, you might prefer the length in front to have more fabric to swing behind you.

[@neoaliphant]

@@cnawan and some people belt up a ruana with the 2 front sections crossing over diagonally, so you wat more length for that too

[@animusreptorcrafting]

simple change that accomplishes both more length in the back and more in the front, cut along one corner instead of the middle of one edge.

[@sonicplanet9193]

Excellent advice. Thank you.

[@ryanbradley5192]

I made this as a Christmas present for my 20 something daughter who goes trudging through the woods often. She loves it. Her older brother says now he wants one!

[@iancameron9646]

Great timing, I've been wearing capes for just on 50 years (I'm 72) and I've just had to toss out my third one. The 1st one I made in 1975 to go to a costume party as a hobbit was made from a 100% wool blanket, but cut into the more traditional shape with rounded hem and attached hood. I found it was great to wear to watch Motorcross, kept me warm and dry. When it finally fell apart I made another, same patten but only 80% wool , it was good but I noticed the differance in heat retention. The third I changed to this pattern and its great, easier to sew. Lack of a hood seemed stange at first but as I'm no longer charging about sword in hand but sitting watching the others do it, or my grandchildren playing football or racing their speedway bicycles, just folding it over my head worked out fine. The next one I'm about to make I will put in the storage staps, great idea thanks. Keep up the good work!

[@joebonomono]

That was you..? We saw a guy at a motocross event 50 years ago wearing a cape, we've been talking about him ever since.

[@joebonomono]

Good luck with the next cape, enjoy the straps and whatnot, put the hood back on it, Make it yours...!

[@OriginalZo1]

I bow to your greatness good sir

[@MondoMonkeyAxN]

Have you shared the pattern anywhere for your cloaks?

[@iancameron9646]

@@MondoMonkeyAxN the first two I used a pattern from a craft magazine and sorry I lost it years, but simply it was a queen bed size blanket laid out and from two opposite corners mark one curved line with 4" - 5" radius then another the radius of the lenght you want from your shoulder down where you would like to end. Mark a triangle from where your shoulders will be. Cut it all out, sew the back seam together and the shoulder gussets. If you wish to add a hood there are plenty of patterns on the net. You will need a neck fastening, my first I used a belt buckle, the second, leather cord tied from side to side. Best wishes Mate

[@huntressmma1822]

These blankets, were the bane of my existence when I was in the Army! During basic training they shrank so much that they never fit the bunk. But as a cloak it works awesome!

[@dovahboy4015]

I never had an actual rectangle so I was constantly harassed for my blanket looking like crap even though it was tucked correct 😂

[@huntressmma1822]

@@dovahboy4015 Right! Forget hospital corners and every time you got freshly laundered ones you never knew what you were going to get.

[@dovahboy4015]

@@huntressmma1822 Every time I was scared to get something like a triangle, they were barely 4 sided. Started just leaving the bed made and sleeping above the blanket and used the woobie

[@huntressmma1822]

@@dovahboy4015 That's what I did too. slept on top in my cold weather PT gear so I'd be all ready in the morning and just had to pull everything tight!

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

I have one that got washed the wrong way in the sixties, and was my blanket as a kid. As a kid, I wondered why it was so damned small...hadn't learned about wool yet. Still, I think I might just start using it again.

[@paulangelo1974]

Another advantage to wool is that when wet it retains about 80% of it's insulating value. This is why so much military equipment (socks, gloves, watch caps, dress uniforms, blankets, sweaters, and on) is made from it.

[@Michaelfatman-xo7gv]

Used to be.

[@marcchoronzey3923]

When edging woolen fabrics, I recommend using embroidery floss. 1, it comes in an insane variety of colours and 2, it is the right thickness and strength for the kind of application you were using the leather thread you used for the edging.

[@phredphlintstone6455]

Never heard of embroidery floss...I have used dental floss to sew with before

[@rnrhodes9256]

Good to know, thanks. 😁😁😁

[@SkillTree]

I mean... built in minty fresh 🤣

[@phredphlintstone6455]

@@SkillTree non scented....because it came out of my g.o.o.d. bag.

[@ivywindchaser]

I second the idea of embroidery thread but with one recommendation. Since it's intended for pretty top stitching (not garment construction), it's not as strong as sewing thread. Hand embroiderers regularly use beeswax wax to strengthen it and make it easier to work with. Buy yourself a small pack of hand sewing beeswax - it's clear, shouldn't change the color of your thread, and comes in a little flat compact container. After you cut your thread to length, use your finger to hold the thread to surface of the wax and drag it through. It's super easy to thread your needle now, and it waterproofs your thread like the rest of the garment.

[@redknight4561]

6:36 to answer the question a cloak is the medieval equivalent to a raincoat with a hood and could wrap around a person to cover them from the rain while a cape was more a way of showing status and could usually not fit around the person totally and didn’t have a hood

[@BlenderWeasel]

Interesting, most definitions I’ve seen say ether that a cloak is longer than a cape or that a cloak is functional and a cape is decorative.

[@IgnizAnima]

@@BlenderWeasel That's pretty much it. Most cloaks were literally blankets that travelers wore so they could stay warm when it was time to sleep out in the elements. Capes were more of a noble thing worn by people who did NOT have to sleep in the elements on average. Modern History TV has a video about cloaks where he talks about how it's literally just a wool blanket.

[@sericcreativeworks1865]

Cloak: Function Cape: Fashion

[@dave61242]

I like the updates. I also have some ideas. You could continue a thinner band of leather up and around the neck to complete the edge treatment. Add a thin leather strip inside (just around the neck) and attach the straps a little wider. You could add some sam brown buttons to that new strip so you could add a detachable hood that could double as a bag. Put 2 grommet holes up by the neck through the newly added leather for one of those cloak pin things you made to hold it like a cape for hot days. That's it. I'm making one now. lol

[@ru4repeattoo]

Be sure to include hidden pockets along the leather edging for random treasures! 😊❤

[@Ker-f4o]

For comforts sake, you may prefer to keep the wool around the neckline unadorned. The wool will wick away the buildup of sweat and minimize chafing. The leather on the other hand will just encourage the chafing.

[@Rosalee-Eibhlin-Aine]

Fun fact, you can actually use a similar-ish process to this to create a somewhat tradition Scots kilt or plaid. Most people know the kilt for the more modern kilt which is the sort of pleated skirt you will typically see, but traditionally, kilts (or plaids as this style is now known) would be a large piece of tartan (wool) which was normally 8 Yards in length and around 28 to 32 inches in width (depends on your own taste). You can find videos online on how to put one on, you can either throw the excess over your shoulder or when its raining, you can drop it off your shoulder and pull it up as a cloak and you can pin it closed with a brooch or just a simple pin

[@martingindulis5310]

If you use a Mexican-type blanket, you could make it look like Clint Eastwood in the Man with No Name movies.

[@nephicus339]

Another reason you don't want a wool cloak all the way to your ankles, if you don't waterproof it, it will get wet, it'll get heavier, and it'll stretch quite a bit. So if it's ankle length, it'll end up dragging in the mud and over debris, eventually tattering and fraying the edge. As for the difference between a cape and a cloak; cloaks typically have hoods, capes do not. But mostly, capes are fashion over function so are often made of more expensive materials like silk, and cloaks are always function before fashion, typically linens and wools; even though either or can be made fashionable and functional. At least, that's how I was taught the difference. 7:12 - This is why I wear wool and leather when working at the forge. Cotton is also flame retardant; at least, if it burns and you put it out, it'll just be the burnt edge. Polyester and nylons melt and become a molten plastic glob; fuses to flesh; overall unpleasant.

[@NoahOMorainRush]

You're absolutely right on that last point. I went to a trade school for welding, and one of the first things they taught was "NO synthetic materials under ANY circumstances." We asked why that mattered, and after we got our answer, all the students would police each other's clothes and check fabrics for each other, we were horrified by the prospect of clothes melting to your skin 😂 I was also told that if I wanted to cuff my pants (I usually wear them a little too long and cuffed up a bit) then I had to do it the other way, rolled up inside, or not at all. Because, if you think about it logically, welding creates a ton of hot sparks that could potentially fall into the cup made by the cuff, and while unlikely, has the potential to just set you on fire. I don't like my pants uncuffed, but I like being on fire considerably less, so I did as I was instructed 😂

[@nephicus339]

@@NoahOMorainRush - Oh yeah; not even taking into consideration welding on an already very hot plate. When the molten metal just pours off onto your boots/floor. My head instructor called it 'piss on a plate.' I've seen molten metal splatter and pour off the leather toes of my boots a couple of times. :P Although not relevant to this cloak build in the slightest. xD

[@idlewildwind]

I have an ankle-length wool cloak, thick, woven and lightly felted. I've never waterproofed it, but it keeps me dry in light-to-moderate rain just through its natural woolliness. Yes, it gets heavy (even heavier; it weighs 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) when dry) but I've never experienced any stretching. Might depend on the grain direction of the fabric? And yes, it gets dirty, but once the dirt dries, I can just brush it off with a clean shoe brush! I've never had to re-hem it, despite walking the dog on rugged forest paths in it for years!

[@jerrythrasher1289]

I would've totally added pocket pouches on the bottom edges where you added the leather lol. You know how you like your hidey places lol. Great job again y'all.

[@josephinegibbs3902]

Ooo, yes, but make the entry to the pockets through the fabric on the inside so as to be more secret.

[@bridgetgroce4634]

The crow and the comments from her (?) are hysterical! Worth rewinding and watching again to catch them!

[@timbackman5915]

I also got a silly grin seeing the return of the "Raven commentary" 😂 Been missing them.

[@flikkeringlightz7472]

When you use thread like that (double), you might, every now and then, get the thread uneven on your stitch. To prevent that, put both ends of the thread through the eye of the needle and then insert the needle through the loop at the other end. This way, the needle doesn't move on the thread, and you won't get uneven loops of thread in your stitches.

[@novampires223]

Brilliant! Thank you.

[@drekfletch]

fold the loop and thread That through the eye

[@shadowkitsu]

I made one of these for around the house, and it is very warm but heavy. I even made a hood for it. I lined the whole thing with a bed sheet since the blanket was itchy. I love it all winter❤

[@firebrandproductions6040]

Loves the teachers' corner with the chalk board. Professor Cl3ver.

[@Apex-FireAndIce]

if i remember correctly i heard that some real mid-evil cloaks had a rope or chain sewn into the bottom hem to weigh them down in places with high winds

[@winterknightwarden8543]

That looks incredible. I'm going to add this to my project list!!! ❤

[@SkillTree]

Thank you so much!!!!💚

[@pitteby]

Just wanted to comment to thank you, because of your videos i started leather work. I've made all kinds of small things, cardholders keyrings etc and now some chrismas gifts! And it all started from binging your videos! So thanks and greetings from finland!

[@jjmetrejhon1743]

I'm a newish subscriber and I've been enjoying your videos just about non-stop since the algo suggested you. I really love your sense of humour, and your enthusiasm, but most of all how genuine it is. Your passion is contagious and your library of skills is so impressive, and I really appreciate you showing us (and reminding us) when you learn from your past experiences. I love this cloak and I'm already looking for a blanket that suits my measurements!

[@FernandDaggerStudio]

cool! I’m surprised you didn’t add pockets to the inside of the cloak so you can fish a strange letter out of the depths of your garb.

[@TrialAndError8713]

Next improvement...

[@hdbodie2395]

When I sewed my wool bushcraft hoodie, I used tarred bank line (weather resistant) with a sailing needle as the thread and as you did with same blanket stitch for the trim areas.

[@DryerFryer]

This is a genuinely fantastic build. I'm not into LARP but this is a project that I could see really working for me in real life as I commute in London in the rain! And it can just roll away. Plus it's a cheeky blanket for my daughter when she gets extra cold. I think i found my first textile project since school 😂

[@stevenpekrul9647]

I'd like a demo of all the different ways to wear the cloak! Really get into the meat of it, not just the flashes of style in your video.

[@kingtexan6621]

I love the stuff with a camping use as a secondary thought

[@Frazinator1869]

Top work! Check out the Scottish Highlanders' woolen belted kilt, or philamore, that was a garment with 'pockets' and a sleeping bag rolled into one. Wet wool still keeps you warm!

[@alasdairmcwilliams1111]

I made one out of waxed cotton, one out of wool, and used the wool one to line the waxed cotton in (laid them outside-face to outside-face, sewed round the side edges and front slit and neck hole, then pulled the whole thing tthrough so the outside-faces were on the outside) It's lovely and warm, properly waterproof, very windproof, and looks ace 🙂 Because i left the bottom edges open, i can add extra insulation if needed; a scarf pulled all the way through on each side or another ruana cloak. It's great for bushcraft/camping

[@Shifang]

For future reference, if you use sock/fingering weight yarn (I use Patons Kroy sock yarn) and a smaller crochet hook to match it, you can crochet around the edge (just the one time around, what would be the foundation if you did something more decorative) and get something that sort of resembles a factory edging. I've done it to a couple of blanket weight wool shawls and it looks really nice when done in wool yarn! Goes a lot faster than sewing, too. The hook has to be small enough to easily poke through the weave of the blanket without damaging it. I'd be interested to find out if that's possible with the army blankets. They might be a little too dense.

[@vikkicaldwell4590]

another way a cloak can be stored and carried is in a donut - you lay it out and fold into quarters, lay a belt along either the long or short side (whichever works best) with a bit hanging off the fabric, roll the cloak up around the belt and then fasten the belt into a loop which turns the rolled cloak into a donut which can then be slung over a shoulder, or over a head and shoulder, or whatever is convenient.

[@miken7629]

I made Ryan's cloak 34 x 68 inch, this allows me to wear a backpack over the cloak. Look up Bushcraft Ziptie as a cheap easy method to secure a roll. Works best with 1100 Paracord, I use this method to secure gear on my motorcycle.

[@DG-dy4tv]

I think it's fabulous that you validate us and give weight to our input by asking us to comment and provide recommendations/criticisms/other comments so that you are edified. This edifies your community, I am sure. chualaheh

[@PatrickFlerlage]

when doing the blanket stitch, or any hand stitching really, get a fine tip sharpie and put 2 marks on your nondominant thumb. The distance between them will be the length of stitch. line one mark up with the stitch you made and then line up your next stitch with the other mark. that way you just have uniform spacing...you know...just incase that would trigger an OCD thing. but I freaking love this and would be great for bushcraft as well. Thanks!

[@JoannaPiancastelli]

There's got to be a way you can attach the straps so you can pull them round from the inside of the back of the cloak to buckle like a belt over the front of the cloak, to give you a kind tunic mode for when it's cold but you need good freedom of movement in your arms

[@ru4repeattoo]

14:47 -- great handle support

[@neoaliphant]

the ruana, so versatile, a video showing the ranfer ruana used as a bedroll would be good....perhaps it could even be a hammock?? with the leather belts used as tree straps

[@grayshadow1856]

The revisiting projects idea is a fantastic one! Also love the new set design and chalk diagrams, real Daedalus vibes

[@idlewildwind]

Even cooler than your previous one! A worthy upgrade! If you made a large buttonhole somewhere along the bottom hem, you could push the straps in between the leather and the fabric for storage! Maybe carry one strap in each of the front flaps, so two buttonholes. The D-rings would make the straps easy to fish back out, just hooking a finger through. This would add some extra weight, too... Also, being a regular wearer of an ankle-length cloak, I'd have put the leather on the inside instead. That's where it gets the dirtiest, I've found, from kicking stuff up and hitting it on your shoes as you walk. But that might not be an issue for knee-length cloaks like yours.

[@VR_DS]

For your straps. If you want to hide them mostly you can put the straps inside a double layer, and then add some like waste band material. So instead of using the buttons like you did. Sew in two straps of elastic, with leather just long enough for your wrap. And then sew a patch over the entire thing to cover it all up and keep them all in place. This way, you only have two small tips exposed, and it will self tighten.

[@PelenTan]

Very nice. When I get some other project done I might give this a try. As for the neck-hole. If you're not needing to fit your whole head through, which you don't with this, just trace around a regular cd/dvd. Pretty much perfect for almost all necks.

[@canadianpatriot5577]

cool design. would be a great addition for a fall/winter camping pack out. Im not 100% on the instructions for the straps, but I will watch again if I opt to make one. I might do this to my old woobie (poncho liner).

[@ottolehner7249]

I have been using the bedrole trick for a long time, and I can tell you that it works. And especially when I'm going to and from larp, ​​I usually roll the cloak around my weapons, so they're easy to mangege.

[@maillewvr]

good update, perfect timing, was having trouble sewing the original ranger cloak, this gives me the excuse to bail on it for now and start over. ;)

[@tuzden]

Did this same thing a couple years ago. Same blankets even, although I used the green blanket for a tunic and a grey for a ruana cloak and viking hood. Though of course without the special touches

[@SkillTree]

They are super useful! A crafter always has to be on the lookout for materials like it *cough* cheap *cough* 🤣

[@mauriceupp9381]

I remember in the '50s early '60s I found my dad's world war II peacoat and you could go out in the snow in the blowing wind and it was perfect it was you could just squat down a little bit and you had a tent that was warm all over you

[@mannihh5274]

Great piece of gear, and your improvements are kind of ingenius. Quick tip: if you ever sew another one, instead of blunting a leather needle try a sailor's needle, they are well rounded with a parabolic tip from factory, cause they shall go between the woven threads as well. (leather needles are ment to cut, so they are triangular with sharp edges and a pointy tip.) To keep my blanket together in cold weather I use a couple of giant safety pins (3-4"/8-10cm) ment to keep knitting work in order at a break. Rounded the tips like a sailor's needle.

[@kilrkitty0818]

Hmmmmm I have an old Leather jacket I bought eons ago at a yard sale no longer can wear it and it could be Great cloak trim 🤔🤔🤔 Awesome Video🎉

[@LaineyBug2020]

I really like it. I wonder if you could even use the straps in cloak mode to fasten some covert weapons...

[@cadmiral3d146]

Nice job! Only thing I would do is just add some more leather pockets on the inside.

[@RUGRAF-rf8fi]

Nice . I see basic costs for dyi. Tandy is not inexpensive but great quality The army wool basically ranges from 25-75 depending on very used to newer. The waterproof solution, what will that do to the washing machine? Those who don’t have a proper sewing machine that is an investment. Any out there interested in making some for sale? I see about 250-300 minimum on selling maybe more selling point…. I think cloaks are very awesome and very functional!!! How many outdoorsy folks out there? What about peppers? My mind spins with thoughts

[@SkillTree]

If it helps, Amazon has leathecrafting alternatives, which we list in our Amazon page (video description), you CAN hand stitch it, but with leather that thin you could also use a fabric sewing machine (we have a video on that), and the waterproofing solution is designed to go in the washing machine! You might want to run a cycle with no clothes after to clear out potential residue, but it shouldn't harm the machine.

[@xpndblhero5170]

I have a few army surplus wool blankets and they have holes cut in the middle so it can become a makeshift poncho/cloak, they're super cool but I prefer full length cloaks so it can still be used as a blanket and not have a big slice in the middle.... I just added a small panel on the top so it can be used like a hood and it hold the blanket in the right place to lay the top corners over your shoulders to turn it into a cloak. 😁👍 Edit: Also yarn looks way better than thread when hand sewing wool... I nice thick blanket stitch on the edge looks so much better than thin thread. 🧶👌😊

[@werewolf74]

I think I might have tried to sew a hood on the center of the long side. Adding to the original blanket without putting a hole in it. But I love it. 171k subscribers is criminal. Seriously. The quality and content of the content is so much better than like 95% of the crap on KZbin.

[@KarlRoyale]

If you add button holes along the outside edges you can fold the cloak in half TWICE and add ties through each button hole to create a haversack without a strap in the middle, any belt can be used to make a shoulder strap.

[@raktoda707]

Genius...right down to the buttons and rings

[@poniel2123]

Miss you bro!

[@SkillTree]

You are the best! Thank you so much😁

[@mikithekynd]

Great idea with using a woolen blanket with waterproofing. It'll make my future cloak much easier to make! I think instead of cutting a hole in the middle of a blanket I'll rather get a brooch and make a few holes and attach some belt loops to the cloak to make it into more multi-functional piece of cloth, kinda like Fandabi Dozi's Kilt.

[@kida4star]

Okay, finally convinced, i’ve thrown a blanket i never use into the wash in preparation of turning it into a cloak. It’s a bit long so i may cut a few cm to turn into pockets.

[@hellequingentlemanbastard9497]

This is almost a hybrid of the Sagum and the Paenula cloak the roman Legionnaires used. Although they worked a hood into the Paenula, which was cut semicircular out of one piece of wool including the hood. Sometimes the hood was added on after. The Paenula - with hood - I made for a friend of mine was cut out from one piece. It's fairly simple and straight-forward.

[@rubengonzalez5155]

The only upgrade would be some sort of pocket on the inside, maybe even strategically sized to roll it itself into the pocket.

[@coyslusher]

I would definitely add pockets. Everything is made better with pockets. I’d also line the neck hole with a satiny color-matched fabric because wool on my neck is not my favorite feeling

[@MrArthoz]

Historically, the bottom hem of cloaks were sometimes lined with rocks to make them more effective weapons. Cloaks were often made from thick material to protect the wearer from the cold, and could be used to defend against swords. So lining it with leather is correct like how cowboys wear chaps over their trousers and if you also fill it with heavy stuff like rocks or lead, it'll make a reliable bludgeoning weapon to swing at people and good protection if you roll it loosely over your arm. Though initially they weight down the hem to keep them from flapping in the winds but someone might have discovered first how damaging it could be to swing a cloth filled with rocks at people. Edit: you forget to accessorize with a cool big metal brooch. Never forget a brooch when wearing a cloak. Gives you that extra fashion flare.

[@VJK102]

Yay, is in English this time!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@draconovamk3137]

Wool is the perfect fabric for wildwear clothing too because it is the only fabric that has the exact same thermal properties dry and soaking wet

[@ryanmartin5668]

You know what else would be a cool edge finish? Leather lacing. There are a number of braid patterns that can be made with leather lacing. Single, double and triple loop edge lacing, round braid… more than I can list. Really pushes your leather projects to another level. Would love to see you do some.

[@jrf2010ification]

It's a pretty awesome update !! Really good ideas !! Only ting I would have done is to sew on a hood so you don't have to wrap it over your head.

[@thekiltedgunsmith1776]

The ultimate cloak and piece of adventurers kit. Is a great kilt. Multiple ways to wear it, and can be used as a shelter. Channel called fan dabi dozi has multiple videos on such stuff.

[@portlandwombat]

that “inconceivable” shirt. ❤❤❤

[@cnawan]

Ooh ooh! You could do that cool rogue thing and sew coins or other little weights into the bottom, so you can better fling the cloak out wide and tangle your opponent for combat or a heroic escape! :D It would probably help hold the cloak in place when it's flung over your shoulder too.

[@derskalde4973]

I happen to have a wool cloak, and from my experience, it is _very_ warm. I actually wear it during Winter, because it keeps me dry (at least all the way to just below the knee, where it ends, so below that I still get wet, when it rains and is very windy) during rain and snow, and warm and toasty when it's windy and cold. It actually does such a good job at keeping me warm, that I only put on a Pullover or jacket, if it is extremly windy, otherwise, a T-Shirt is usually enough, and even then it gets sometimes too warm underneath. It also has a very long hood, that I can wrap around as an improvised scarf. The Problem is, it's way too warm to wear during Summer, so I wish I had another cloak, that has similar properties as the woolen one I have, but made from a lighter, more breathable fabric, to wear and spend shade during Summer.

[@nathannash7136]

One improvement I'd make is to the leather placement. I would double the width you used and fold it over the edges, that way it better protects the edges from fraying and snagging on brush.

[@CertifiedSunset]

You should add a linking chain or brooch to join the top portion of the cloak together so it doesn't slide off of your shoulders during use, and maybe sew on a dedicated hood aswell.

[@nathanaelszafranski2261]

if the long straps wrap around past the handle, run them through the handle rather than bypassing it, and they will not slip. I really like this, even better than the first video. I am thinking I will be making this for my Winter woods walks.

[@whiteb0rd]

Nice. It needs a dedicated hood. If that means sacrificing another blanket to make one, so be it. One sacrificial blanket = several hoods for several capes. The leather on the bottom is a nice touch. Straps on a proper cape are hard to describe...... to ge the idea, start with a strap by itself long enuf to stretch fingertip to fingertip. Place the center of that on the back of your neck, come over your shoulders and under your arms like backpack straps, then back around to meet on your back under the shoulders. A series of buttons on one end and holes on the other allow for adjustment to accomodate different layers and thickness of clothing underneath. Stitch the 8-10 inches in the center of said strao to the neckline of the cape. To don it, put the cape over your shoulders, straps over the shoulders like a backpack, and button them loosely behind your back. With this in place, you can easily throw one side or the other over your shoulder, or the whole garment over and onto your back. Add a generous hood, and you are in business. With a generous hemline, there is room underneath for a day pack Hunters in Germany use these to this day. Wool sheds water, keeps you warm wet or dry. doesn't rustle or make noise movinf through the woods, and can cover not only your pack, but your rifle. SO, do version three with a hood, and once perfected, give us a pattern for the whole thing, including a generous hood.

[@angelabury1349]

Massive upgrade! I think I would add a small pouch for the straps to though as I feel they would get on my nerves when sitting, or turn it into a crossbody strap for hands free carry. Seriously going to be looking out for a wool blanket when I go thrifting now!

[@rimodalv1]

Anyone else hoping to see a second pass at the backpack of the wanderer they did a while back? Curious to see how that would change.

[@jarekmace1536]

You might consider adding a garment/upholstery leather edge band around the neck hole. This will help reduce strain on the opening and prevent wear/fraying.

[@theeightbithero]

I’d probably. Make the leather a little longer at the ends for a little more coverage and give your a place to sit on your cloak on the dirt or wet earth so that the cloak can stay relatively dry in wet weather. Make the leather long enough so that the leather could cover the head like hood to keep the head extra dry. I’d also give the collar a clasp so that you can throw it out of the way and let it open up more like a cape. I might just do Asian style knot buttons all the way down the front of the cloak to reinforce the poncho aspect of the cloak.

[@williamdecatur4340]

You should absolutely market these! I'd buy one. I'd happily pay $100 for one, maybe more. Actually, PLEASE put these to market. I'd love to have one.

[@Kage339]

It would be cool to see if this could be integrated to the Wanderer gear, perhaps as a summer substitute for the winter cloak, or an additional layer under the winter load out.

[@Vendeevictores]

You should consider a product line for these. I think it would do well. Well done.

[@ChrisLeeW00]

The dedication to utility is nice to see in your builds

[@beeplk7290]

OK unironically I want to wear that around all the time. I love it.

[@tisema17]

This rocks. The cloak video was one of the first ones I watched from you I think. Love to see those getting revisited.

[@earlelzy9975]

I like what you have done with your cloak and it makes me want to make one because I have more than one wool blanket. I almost bought a wool poncho at a fair by my house.

[@jobloggs6528]

Nikwax will make mist, or small droplets bead up & roll off to some extent, on an open woven surface like your blanket or a jumper, but any big droplets go straight through, so not waterproof at all really. Use waxed cotton canvas like the Outhaus Poncho, either unlined, or lined with a wool blanket, with press studs to attach a bedroll😊

[@mikeyallen6758]

How about putting a leather pad across the back of the shoulders for the straps. It might be a bit more awkward to fold up but the fold would keep things rolled up in the cloak to be more secure, plus would add some extra visual interest and keep the cloak clean

[@Flashahol]

I really like this, especially the leather edge adding weight in the right place sounds like it is as practical as it is esthetic!

[@SkillTree]

Originally, the design was for it to go up the center seam as well (to reinforce where I cut the fabric), but I ended up just doing the bottom because it made the weight fall better. I'd like to go back someday and play around with different ways to put the leather on, both up the center seam (maybe a thinner edge to keep it from making the cloak too bulky or stiff) and up both the inside and outside of the cloak (right now it is only on the outside to, again, keep it from being too bulky or stiff.)

[@tornadoTKD90]

One solution for keeping the cloak in a specific position without falling down or sliding is a brooch. Its like the OG safety pin.

[@curtiskimball]

Ive heard that you can use brooches with loose woven wool but it will damage tight woven wool? Not sure which the blanket is but it looks tight.

[@ElliottRodgers]

Bet it would look amazimg with an actual leather hood, same leather as bottom border. Maybe tool in some ranger runs or line of trees on bottom border.

[@jdzencelowcz]

How ‘bout U make an ARMORED CLOAK! Between the layers of fabric, combo riveted/solid ring mail, chest, back, & hood. Might need to outsource the mail.

[@RedKamikaze85]

This is a great update! I'm enjoying the leather touches. Practical and aesthetic.

[@jimlarosee8899]

The blanket stitch is great, but you can just leave a small loop and have the needle go through it instead of making 2 separate moves.

[@PardoFamily]

First ever visit your channel, watching the improved cloak/ ranger blanket. Pretty cool actually. What about making an attached, or semi-attached, hood? Maybe lined with leather outside for water proofing? Anyway, you given a lot of ideas my brain's a-workin'. Very much like your principles, inexpensive! Thank you

[@stangtofastable]

Move the straps so you can use them as shoulder straps inside. that way you can completely toss your cloak back off your shoulders.

[@Mongoose540]

You should look into making a bullseye lantern for larps. So that you can have a period correct spotlight for on the go finding of items at night.

[@chickendanner4087]

I personally would like a potential update to the winter cloak. Or anything winter style

[@wyattsmith1605]

I've been debating making a cloak to wear as winter has suddenly arrived here, and now seeing this video i decided i would actually commit to it

[@gtj2020]

Being a novice, I found your mastery and artistry very inspiring. I would buy it if you made them for sale

[@bloodvue]

That leather base would make for good pockets, you need a way to attach the bundle to the back of your belt

[@sherlock1159]

The cloak looks great and the camera work on this episode was phenomenal! Good work guys!

[@STRAKAZulu]

And just in time, too. Need to replace the last one I made, as I'm in the middle of turning it into a flak vest for my OC Mandalorian.

[@jim7217]

"like a perfectly sane person" nice - Great update to the cloak, but I'd not add the leather on the bottom for my own - but this is great!