Outback Trading Co. joins Headwear for The Homeless Campaign

Outback Trading joined forces with The Headwear Association to participate in Headwear for The Homeless, a national annual campaign to provide warm hats to those in need.

We took our warm Outback hats up to the Ridge Ave Shelter in Philadelphia, PA where the staff including, Kara & John were just fantastic. They allowed the gentlemen who utilize the services to pick out just the right hat to suit their needs for the upcoming cold temps. Favorite hat among the crowd were the McKinley 1492 and Fairbanks Cap 1448. Hats can be found at www.outbacktrading.com/caps_2009_main.html

Special Thanks to Pia King, who not only helped coordinate but saved us from getting towed, and was an excellent liason and tour guide and Andrew Olejnik for the photos. Pictured, Staff and residents of Ridge Ave Shelter, Kathy Olejnik, Outback Trading Co., Pia King. www.outbacktrading.com

What is Oilskin Weather Protection?

Lately we've been receiving questions lately about the Outback Trading Co.'s classic Oilskin outerwear. See our oilskin collection at www.outbacktrading.com

So here's some great trivia information: What is Oilskin?

Oilskin is an impregnated cotton fabric. The cotton is very tightly woven and then immersed in a special oil bath. The hats and coats are sewn with a special non-wicking thread that is a polyester core wrapped with a cotton outer shell which absorbs the oil.

Why does Oilskin work so well? We asked Wilson King from Outback who told us:

True to the old adage "they get along like oil and water", the reason oilskin works is the oil coating will not let the water pass through the fabric. This is why oilskin works, and is the "Natural Waterproof Fabric". Cotton, as a natural fabric, does have a slight nap to it. Sometimes with heavy rains or long term exposure to rain and mist, the surface of the fabric will "wet out". Wetting out is not an indication of leaking or failure of the protection. This phenomenon also occurs with seam sealed, waterproof, breathable fabrics as they age. The wearer should not be getting wet.

After some years the oil will dissipate. Then, it is time to reproof with Ducks Back reproofing cream. It is especially important to reseal the seams of both hats and coats.