Intrepid BC Vest

Grey Zones
Add to cart ⌃
  • Intrepid BC Vest
  • Intrepid BC Vest
  • Intrepid BC Vest
  • Intrepid BC Vest
  • Intrepid BC Vest
  • Intrepid BC Vest
  • Intrepid BC Vest
  • Intrepid BC Vest
  • Intrepid BC Vest
  • Intrepid BC Vest
1 10
$385.00
$385.00 $385.00
0% off Sold out
ColorHeather Bone Black
Size
Notify Me When Back in Stock

Restock Request

×

Sign up to be notified if Intrepid BC Vest is restocked in .

Sign-Up

We've received your request and will notify you when the selected item is in stock.

Overview

Crafted for the discerning adventurer who refuses to compromise on quality or style, the Intrepid BC vest offers the perfect balance of heritage style and modern performance. 

Beach Cloth (BC) is a heavyweight material first created in the early 20th century in New England. It is now knitted exclusively in Japan with the same proprietary 2-ply wool / cotton blend in a single factory, using the same intricate and laborious techniques as the original fabrication.

Originally developed over a century ago for outdoor enthusiasts, beach cloth features a unique two-layer construction. The front side is crafted from cotton knit using Raschel knitting, while the back is a luxurious wool fleece, giving it a structure similar to a sweatshirt. The wool fleece on the reverse side makes up over 70% of the composition, and a robust brushing process enhances its durability—unusual for a knitted product. The outer surface combines two different thread counts twisted together in two tones, creating the distinctive "salt and pepper" texture and character that defines Beach Cloth.

Slowly and carefully knit on antique raschel knitting machines, beach cloth is both highly capable and distinctive. The high fleece-backed knit provides extra warmth and comfort against cold temperatures. Thick, soft, and tightly knit, beach cloth resists wind and chill with style and grace.

Specifications

Materials: Beach Cloth

61% Wool / 39% Cotton, 

790 g/m² (23.29 oz/yd²)

Napped and fleeced back side

Pocket Bag Lining: 

100% Cotton 

Sanded brush twill

220 g/m² (6.5 oz/yd²)

Rib Trim: 

97% Nylon / 3% Elastane 

794 g/m² (23.44 oz/yd²)

Style Details

Napoleon chest pocket with #5 metal zipper closure 

Hand pockets with snap closure 

Adjustable Waist tabs with snaps

#8 metal zipper at center front 

Herringbone trim detail at inside center back

Drop Tail Hem

Beach Cloth woven in Japan

Cut and Sewn in the USA

Care instructions: 

Dry Clean Only

Cut and Sewn in USA

Natural Protection

Beach cloth provides formidable protection against wind and cold while retaining an elegant appearance and exceptional comfort.

1 3

Subtle Capability

One zippered exterior upper chest pocket provides secure storage and ready access for phones and credentials.

Capable Comfort

Snap-closure hand pockets allow for protection against the elements and quick warming in cooler temperatures.

Deliberate Design

The drop tail design enhances freedom of movement while offering extended coverage at the back for added comfort and functionality.

Proactive Protection

Snap waist tabs allow for slight adjustments in fit, providing a tailored look and added protection against the elements.

Unparalleled Fit

Carefully constructed shoulder seams reduce excess bulk ensuring a streamlined fit that enhances comfort and mobility.

ABOUT BEACH CLOTH

The evolution of outdoor gear dates back well beyond recent decades. In the early 1900s, Brown’s Beach Jacket Co., originally based in Massachusetts, introduced pioneering designs that quickly gained favor among outdoorsmen. Among its standout creations were a hip-length jacket and vest, known for their distinctive metal snap closures, practical pocket designs, and a signature fabric crafted from a blend of cotton and recycled wool.

Founded in 1898 by William W. Brown in Hartford, Connecticut, the company relocated to Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1901. The brand's name traces back to Brown’s association with the Beach Manufacturing Company in Hartford, known for producing fleeced fabrics for undergarments. Recognizing the potential of innovative materials, Brown focused his new venture on a unique fabric made from a blend of 30% cotton and 70% reclaimed wool. This fabric featured a fleece-lined interior and was celebrated for being water-resistant, shrink-proof, highly durable, and exceptionally warm—ideal for harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the use of recycled wool ensured affordability without compromising quality.

The garments gained widespread popularity among early 20th-century outdoorsmen, including hunters, guides, fishermen, and lumberjacks. Their reputation for warmth and resilience even earned them a place in Admiral Richard Byrd’s 1934 South Pole expedition. Over time, Brown’s Beach Jacket Co. expanded its offerings to include other items crafted from its signature all-weather fabric. However, with the rise of synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, the company faced declining demand and ceased operations in the late 1960s after being sold to Jacob Finkelstein and Sons in Rhode Island.

Decades later, the legacy of Brown’s Beach Jacket saw a revival. In the early 2000s, Japanese brands reignited interest in the company’s iconic designs, contributing to a resurgence in the popularity of Beach Cloth, now appreciated both domestically and internationally for their timeless appeal and rugged functionality. Our Intrepid BC Vest contributes to this legacy drawing inspiration from this storied brand and fabric.