Pentagon Artaxes SF Jacket

My wife’s convinced that I own more jackets than any other human on earth… and it’s true, I do own quite a few. But I don’t wear just any old thing, it’s got to do a job and do it well. Generally, because I’m often out in all weathers, I need a jacket that’s going to be waterproof, as with British weather like it is, you never know when it’s going to rain – not if, but when! I’ve got all sorts of waterproof, camo jackets but I wanted something that I could wear out and about with my family, down the pub and also when shooting. I found the ideal garment last year, in the form of the Pentagon Artaxes SF jacket in coyote brown. In fact, I liked it so much, I recently bought another one, in a different colour, wolf grey!

Just the Job

The Pentagon brand makes some really nice kit and their Artaxes SF jacket is typical of their products. The Artaxes is of the ‘softshell’ style and has hardwearing outer fabric, with an inner ‘Grid Tech’ fleece lining; sandwiched between these layers is a ‘Storm Tex’ laminated membrane, waterproof to 8000mm and breathable to 3000mm. The membrane keeps the rain out without making the wearer clammy from perspiration. The jacket is what I’d call a ‘bomber jacket’ and is cut slightly lower at the back, so that it doesn’t ride up so easily when moving around and bending. The hem can be adjusted for a snug fit using discrete elasticated cords and push locks, and the cuffs can be adjusted by rubberised tabs and more Velcro. There are ventilation ports under each armpit and they can be opened using the zips.

Zip It Up

The high collar has an in-built hood, accessed by undoing the rear zip, and it has an adjustable peak and volume, adjusted via more elasticated cords. The rear of the hood has a removable reflector, which is a neat touch and there are Velcro type pads to keep it closed when not used. There are plenty of pockets all over the jacket. There’s one each side at the front, with smaller pouches within them, ideal for items such as keys and loose change. There are pockets at the top of each sleeve and another above the left wrist. There’s even another large pocket on the rear of the Artaxes, with a zip each side; I’ve used this for all sorts of lightweight kit and is great when out cycling. And is perfect for storing a map. Quality YKK zips are used throughout.

The Pentagon Artaxes SF jacket is warm in most conditions and is perfect when worn in conjunction with a couple of inner layers. I’ve worn it in some pretty atrocious weather conditions and it’s kept me both warm and dry. Mud and dirt don’t seem to stick too badly and a lot of soiling just wipes off with a damp cloth; if it gets too bad, you can just pop it in the washing machine at 30 degrees.

I’m obviously quite a fan of this jacket and I can heartily recommend it. Available in wolf grey, red, black, coyote and grindle green at £71.95 from Heinnie Haynes.