The Best Winter Jacket is Not an N1 Deck Jacket: Freewheelers Taildragger Review

[@briansanchez1740]

He said 55 is cold... 🤣🤣

[@almostvintagestyle]

Hey that means you actually watched some of the video! Thanks!

[@DexRobinson]

Yeah :). Great jacket and great video. Wish I could afford that jacket. It's gorgeous. But I live on the Canadian prairie. When someone says 55 is cold, I say, "You mean -55" ? :)

[@almostvintagestyle]

@@DexRobinson Haha I know 55 isn't actually cold, but it feels cold for me now. I used to go out in 35F/0C with a hoodie, shorts, and flip flops while in college. Not anymore! Plus, this jacket was actually bought for my 35-45F mornings which is actually sort of cold haha.

[@Richard-Reloaded]

55 is freezing in LA

[@yankeesfanforlife506]

The N1 Deck Jacket is a great winter jacket .. works great for me 😀

[@almostvintagestyle]

Oh yeah its definitely a classic for a reason.

[@journeymanedc]

I've been looking forward to this review! This is a very interesting coat. I prefer something more symmetrical for myself and picked up Dehen's N-1 recently since I'm not a stickler for repro details. I did chuckle a bit about your comments about 55° and 48° weather as someone born and raised in Michigan but it totally understand that people become conditioned to the climates they live in. Its just funny because those are considered warm spring days to bust out the unlined denim jacket here. Great video as always! Glad you're back on KZbin.

[@almostvintagestyle]

That's a great jacket too. I totally get wanting something more symmetrical. Don't worry, I laugh at myself. I used to be able to handle -15 no problem when I was in college.

[@Sujinjy7]

Jacket aside, this video was great for your insight into other options/brands! There’s a lot out there, and what you’ve heard/know is helpful for us out here with less experience. Thanks for the help!

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks! Yeah, it's actually wild how many N-1 repros are out there. I didn't even mention all of them.

[@Fercho01]

This is a lovely jacket. And yes, the color is also great. And I think you like it more because it’s a flight jacket (Air Force), therefore it’s shorter, whereas the deck jacket (Navy) will tend to be longer (while not being a parka). Thanks for the video.

[@almostvintagestyle]

You are quite right about that! The shorter length is certainly something that I prefer about this jacket. I never found a deck jacket that I liked the length of. I also like the overall design of this one more, but the length was a factor.

[@thevintagefuture6567]

This channel: me watching Jake fondle his boots and jackets 😂 Time well spent 🍻 I’m in Taildragger camp, not that I don’t enjoy a good N1. Badass jacket dude; fantastic pickup. Thanks for sharing; enjoy 🙌🏽

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks Dave I really appreciate that! I like the N-1 a lot as well, but this is a bit more for me.

[@luca-recallclothing9529]

This jacket design is really something. Probably one thing I don't like about the Taildragger is that it doesn't have hand warmers pockets, and I happen to use them a lot in winter. There is also Warehouse doing beautiful reproductions of N1 Deck Jackets and flying jackets, like this season's reproduction of the NAF1168. I do really love my Iron Heart N1, the design is a bit updated ( less "repro" ) but the quality/price ratio is really good and it's just a super easy, comfy and warm jacket.

[@almostvintagestyle]

There are so many great options for N-1 jackets. I can see wanting handwarmers. I tend to prefer wearing gloves if it ever gets that cold so it's not an issue for me.

[@johanjonasson4188]

Freewheelers make incredible clothes. I love that very early 1900s up until WW1 era of clothes. I want to see more of the clothes and materials used in those times but it's hard to find. I especially love the aviator coats.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yeah Freewheelers does amazing stuff, but that era is a bit more difficult to find and most brands don't work as hard to get the level of materials they do

[@johanjonasson4188]

@@almostvintagestyle Would you say that Freewheelers are the best brand when it comes to that time period or do you know of other brands that makes these types of clothes?

[@jimshen0308]

I pulled the trigger on a B-10 after reading your review on the A-2. The B-10 has been my go to jacket and I would like to get more short jackets that allows me to sit down comfortably.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Great choice! I love the B-10. Which brand did you get yours from?

[@jimshen0308]

@@almostvintagestyle Aeroleather, which has a very attentive customer service helping me with MTO measurements.

[@almostvintagestyle]

@Jim Shen awesome! Glad to hear that. I always forget they make jackets like that. Unsurprisingly, I only think of their leather jackets

[@DalesLeatherworks]

Love that jacket!!! It’s great you’re able to get that much wear in it in Cali weather!!

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks Dale! I'm really enjoying it

[@wonpyeongson3436]

What size is the jacket? Is it 40? What is your height and weight? Thank you!

[@almostvintagestyle]

This is a 38. I'm 5'7" with a 41.5-42" chest and a 30" waist. I'm 167 or so pounds.

[@nathancreel8547]

I think this is an awesome jacket. I really think it’s a beautiful design. I have the UES N1 which is really decent for the money. My wife bought it for me for Christmas, so I can’t upgrade for a while 😁.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks! UES seems to be seriously great value for money. I want to try more from them.

[@elmarwaldvogel3383]

Very entertaining review! Your joy about this jacket is catching. 🙂

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks! I appreciate that.

[@orlog3343]

I really love jackets with grand collars or designs that juxtapose the rest of your outfit without throwing anything off. Hard to find a balance of function and nice designs that are also well made tho, maybe I’m just picky! I agree iron heart is good but way overhyped. This is a cool alternative to N1 deck jackets. I think those are like the carhartt Detroit jackets of the heritage fashion sphere lol.. I will have to stick with my overcoats and upscaled carhartt for now

[@almostvintagestyle]

It's a fine balance. This jacket is a bit extreme, but I love it. Certainly a bit of a statement piece. The n-1 is a classic for a reason, but like you said, this is a great alternative.

[@Basboy]

This jacket looks so cool zipped up but I guess most cross body jackets do. That's why I don't like them though, I prefer to wear my jackets unzipped most of the time and I find unzipped, cross body jackets look messy.

[@almostvintagestyle]

That's fair. I think it depends on the specific cross zip model. This one looks good both ways, but does look best done up all the way.

[@FatBroccolii]

What’s your take on this compared to the mister freedoms deck Jacket?

[@almostvintagestyle]

I like the Mister Freedom deck jacket. I prefer the design of this personally and this one is shorter which for me is much better. I think the alpaca is softer by a small margin on this one and I like that this has a Mouton collar.

[@arthurharkinsmusic]

It was very nice hearing about the details of the jacket and seeing how at home you look in it. This was on my radar earlier in the year and now it's back on. I guess that's a good thing and a bad thing but mostly good. Okay bye-bye.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed! Yeah I know what you mean about that being good and bad :D

[@ianarn]

Great comprehensive review! Shame you can’t get along with sheepskin jackets as that is another world of great outerwear!

[@almostvintagestyle]

I'd like one, but it might be overkill given that I already have this

[@ianarn]

@@almostvintagestyle yes given that you’re mostly in a warm climate it would be OTT for your needs!

[@heatwave.2k]

Been looking forward to this review! I've also just realised that we happen to have almost the exact same measurements. Would you ever consider doing a spreadsheet of the sizes you wear in each brand?

[@almostvintagestyle]

If you send me a dm on Instagram with what brands you are interested I can help you out!

[@heatwave.2k]

@@almostvintagestyle Kind of you to suggest this! I have too many clothes at the moment, but I'll be sure to keep that in mind :)

[@almostvintagestyle]

@@heatwave.2k no problem! Happy to be an enabler haha

[@claudetaillefer1332]

Does it come in black?

[@almostvintagestyle]

No it doesn't unfortunately

[@claudetaillefer1332]

It's very difficult to find a Freewheelers Taildragger. So I'm thinking of buying a 1944 N1 Deck Jacket Elephant Skin Asphalt from Pike Brothers. The lining is not Alpaca, but wool. Do you know this version of the N1? If so, how does it compare with the Freewheelers Taildragger? Is it a good alternative?

[@tylerscarlett]

MAYBE I have luddite taste, but I feel like this jacket is a little too flamboyant to be practical

[@almostvintagestyle]

It is a bit flamboyant for sure. However, it is easy and practical to wear depending on the person's needs. I wore mine every day to work last week with no issue.

[@rangerscoach]

They make brilliant stuff I was in corlection just looking at the jackets they had just amazing quality

[@almostvintagestyle]

I'm continuously impressed by the quality. It's especially noticeable on the jackets.

[@fossil-bit8439]

Very cool jacket! I personally wouldn’t probably stick to a more simple classic design.

[@almostvintagestyle]

That's totally fair. This is a bit extreme.

[@operamatthew]

going to have to agree with you on this one. based on your photos, this jacket looks like it was made for you.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks! It certainly feels like it was.

[@slicksauce]

>south Californian experiences one day of weather below 55 >wears a jacket that is not an N1 >declares the N1 as overrated Do I have that right?

[@almostvintagestyle]

Nope. I wake up early and have to deal with 40 degree weather on a consistent basis, which is what I bought the jacket for. I didn't say the N1 is overrated. It's a fantastic jacket design.

[@almostvintagestyle]

I actually had a whole explanation of why I have the jacket and then I cut it out. Probably should have left it in.

[@CatalystOfFire]

I'll be honest, maybe it's because I'm on the complete opposite side of the country and styles vary, but... I just don't like how it looks. It's definitely unique, and it looks nice on you, but I'd probably look silly in that. Japanese finds are always a thumbs up from me, though!!!

[@almostvintagestyle]

That's totally fair! It's a unique design/look and stands out. This means it can stand out in a bad way if you don't like it. That unique cross body design and huge collar are polarizing. There is a reason jackets like the N-1 are more popular. They always look good. I prefer how this jacket looks, but I can't deny that the N-1 looks great and is more versatile due to the fact that it is more simple.

[@telemarktumalo6978]

The elephant in the room... no handwarmer pockets. That would be a big no for cold weather

[@almostvintagestyle]

I know that's a deal breaker for many. This was designed to be worn with gloves, which is what I do if it's in the 30s or lower, but I get why you would want something more practical.

[@holimoli8802]

wow, that is a beautiful jacket, however given the prices ive seen and my own climate (australia, near Brisbane) its just simply not feasible for me to own. nonetheless, my oh my, its a great thing to admire and yearn over given its style; im glad youre getting so much wear out of it! 🎉

[@braddoller6369]

You looked jacked bro. I can see the gains.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks! Definitely working hard on that.

[@christophlaureys4848]

Such a fabulous jacket, great buy Jake

[@almostvintagestyle]

Thanks Chris! I'm thrilled with it.

[@swineburn]

I will stick with My Real McCoy N-1 jacket.

[@almostvintagestyle]

Can't blame you. That's a great jacket. Which version do you have?

[@swineburn]

@@almostvintagestyle the basic plain khaki N-1 jacket. Your jacket is beautiful, but that’s why I can’t imagine pulling it off. It looks very upscale.

[@almostvintagestyle]

@swineburn totally fair. McCoys is incredible quality as well though. This jackets design just stands out more. The N-1 is simpler and more straightforward which is great depending on what you're going for.

[@casuallyworked]

I am sure the material and consturction is amazing but the style/look is just too customy? One reason why the n1 deck jacket is that is looks a lot more normal in a day to day setting

[@almostvintagestyle]

That's totally fair. This is a much more specific and dated look. I like it, but yes N1 jackets are much more casual and versatile

[@rivetgunner]

Jake, I see that you're wearing a union shirt there. Are you into union thermal/waffle shirts? Go check out Jelado's mega thermals. They're warm, durable, and to top it off - they're not as ridiculously long as other J-brands. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYSVg2udiNaoj7s

[@almostvintagestyle]

Yes I am. I will have to check theirs out thanks!