Each Spring, I start taking measurements for a custom order Hilltrek ventile cycling jacket. But by mid-April, the choice of features (single or double ventile?), sizing crises, my austerity matrix (see below) and fear of overseas shipping costs stop me from placing my final order. I always console myself by imagining that I will one day visit Hilltrek on some larky Archival Clothing business trip and purchase my a made-to-measure jacket in person.For those who don't know, Ventile is a miracle, heritage fabric that repels water like waxed cotton but vents like a synthetic. Barbour used to sell a ventile "Endurance" jacket and Hebden Cord offered ventile breeks. But Hilltrek now seems to be the main, remaining purveyor of ventile outdoor clothing in the US or UK.
My idealized version of the Hilltrek cycling jacket would be a short waisted jacket in single layer ventile. It goes without saying that I love the Hilltrek jacket's two-way zipper, zip-up map pocket and overall, sleek fit.
Archivist John A. just sent me some detail shots of his own new ventile jacket which activated my Hilltrek made-to-order form filling frenzy a month early.
*Austerity matrix (working version): Will item still be available in three years? If yes--delay purchase. Will I wear item more than 3x a week? If yes--move forward with purchase. Could I wait three weeks before placing my order? If yes--cancel order. Does item cost more than $300--if yes, delay purchase. Unless the answer to three of the four questions is no (or is it the reverse?), I postpone my purchase (typically leading to a complete erasure of the consumer impulse and subsequent regret that the item is no longer available for sale--or company has subsequently gone out of business). I think a point total would help better sort out the system.
My idealized version of the Hilltrek cycling jacket would be a short waisted jacket in single layer ventile. It goes without saying that I love the Hilltrek jacket's two-way zipper, zip-up map pocket and overall, sleek fit.
Archivist John A. just sent me some detail shots of his own new ventile jacket which activated my Hilltrek made-to-order form filling frenzy a month early.
*Austerity matrix (working version): Will item still be available in three years? If yes--delay purchase. Will I wear item more than 3x a week? If yes--move forward with purchase. Could I wait three weeks before placing my order? If yes--cancel order. Does item cost more than $300--if yes, delay purchase. Unless the answer to three of the four questions is no (or is it the reverse?), I postpone my purchase (typically leading to a complete erasure of the consumer impulse and subsequent regret that the item is no longer available for sale--or company has subsequently gone out of business). I think a point total would help better sort out the system.
