Jack Pyke Countryman Outfit

Although I tested the original Countryman Jacket and Trousers when they were first launched, they are included in this feature not only for comprehensiveness but also because they’ve been up-graded in quality along with a design change.

Countryman Trousers

I was pleased to see the Countryman Trousers have been quite radically redesigned and now manufactured from a heavier duty cotton canvas. Reinforced with 600D fully waterproof Oxford Cordura at the knees and seat, there are two front upper lined hand warmer pockets, two cargo pockets with press stud fastened overflaps and canvas tabs for ease of opening. There’s also a rear zip closed pocket. The design of the overflap is interesting as although looking conventional externally, it doesn’t just drop down to cover the top. The rear section of flap is stitched down for a short run onto the trousers. This means no matter how you sit, access something from inside and nothing will fall out as can happen with standard cargo pockets.

The trousers also now feature superior adjustable Velcro ankle fastening straps. At the waist there’s a strong button and zip fly including wide belt loops all helping to make the mesh lined Countryman Trousers ideal to be worn alone or under ‘overtrousers’.

Countryman Over-Trousers

Talking of which, Jack Pyke have recently added a very high quality pair of over-trousers to the Countryman range. Manufactured from what the company term as ‘HARD SHELL’ (a 600D waterproof nylon), and lined with Breatha-tex - a durable high tech fabric designed to be completely waterproof and windproof yet remaining breathable. As the name suggests, over-trousers are manufactured to be worn over ‘standard’ trousers for extra protection from the elements. The design is quite unique as running up the entire outer side length of both legs are two very strong double zips each with a full storm flap and Velcro fastening tabs to keep mud away from the zips. They also add extra protection from the elements.

The way they fasten at the waist is similarly well-thought out. At both sides of the waist at the point the zips end are two Velcro tab fasteners plus two heavy-duty press studs. The waistband is also elasticated and features strong belt loops for good measure. Security at the ankles for both legs is catered for by a 3-position press studded ankle adjuster.

In my opinion this makes them one of the best types of overtrouser for both quick and easy on/off while wearing field boots or wellies.

The Countryman Jacket

The jacket from the Countryman range is also manufactured from the previously mentioned ‘HARD SHELL’ material. This generous cut jacket has a full length double front zip and press stud fasten down storm flap opening, two lower front 9” wide X 8” deep bellows pockets, with double press stud over-flaps and two ‘open top’ light fleece lined hand warmer pockets with rain covers.

The detachable hood has quite a generous wire peak with an adjuster and draw cord fastening. Also at the top and rear is a double-sided Velcro strap adjustment system allowing the wearer to fully ‘tailor’ it to the head depending on personal preference and weather conditions.

There are lengthy runs of Velcro at the wrist for the relatively short, broad and strong Velcro overs-trap to mate up to – this allows for a much wider range of adjustment. At the bottom of the ¾ length jacket is a toggle adjust/fasten hem drawstring. As with all garments in the range all seams are fully taped making the Countryman Jacket 100% waterproof.

Countryman Jumper and Wellies

To compliment this attire further is the Countryman Jumper and for those who prefer traditional style ‘rough shoot’ footwear the Countryman wellies.

The jumper is particularly note-worthy due to its quality and overall design which affords it to be fully reversible. The front fastens with a full length zip. One side of the jumper is manufactured from a knitted wool mix of 30% wool and 70% Acrylic. Worn in this way it has two suede style shoulder and elbow pads, two zipped handwarmer pockets and two internal zipped pockets. Turn the jumper inside out and the other side is made from a light brownish/green 100% polyester non-pill fleece. Again it shows the same pocket configuration and looks quite stylish due to the knitted wool mix collar, cuffs and 2” of the bottom section of the jumper are seen even when it’s in ‘Fleece’ mode. To make this an even more desirable standalone all-weather jumper/fleece, a waterproof and windproof membrane is integrated into the build.

Obviously any JP item can be worn in combination – and there’s also a very wide selection of headwear and gloves that suit this traditional outdoor clothing.

The Countryman Jacket (£85), Countryman Trousers (£53.95), Countryman Overtrousers (£68), Countryman Jumper (£66.95) and Countryman Wellies(£89.95) include a 1-year guarantee – all available in Hunters Green only.

The clothing is well sized from S – XXXL. For more information, contact Thatchreed Limited 01234 740327 or visit www.jackpyke.co.uk