Jack Pyke Argyll Smock

While many presume the Smock to be traditional attire of the Scottish deerstalker, there are many more areas where you’ll encounter a garment referred to as a smock. To trace the most likely true origins takes us back to the 18th Century. During this period, there was the ‘smock-frock’ which was an outer garment traditionally worn at the time by rural workers, especially shepherds and waggoneers in parts of England and Wales.

There are also references to military snipers at the end of WWI creating Ghillie suits by attaching different earth tone coloured cloth strips to such a garment, to enable them to be better camouflaged.

Build specifics

The Argyll Smock from Jack Pyke is a garment that I have used when conditions dictated for nigh on 2-years. The tough 3-layer build consists of a 100% polyester brushed tricot outer, with a laminated waterproof membrane plus mesh inner. It’s very generous ¾ length design features an extra length, baffled rainproof front neck zip with press-studdown storm flap, high standup collar plus a removable hood with toggle fasten drawcord and adjustable peak.

Not just the one

For storage, it forgoes the usual large front pouch pocket in favour of two upper pockets and two lower angled pockets, which all feature waterproof zips. This is a USP of the Argyll, resulting in it being a highly desirable and more versatile garment because the pockets are also deep, giving plenty of storage space, plus for comfort, they have a soft lining.

The generous cut makes it very unrestrictive when worn and easy to put on and take off. Neoprene inner cuff bands provide comfort and protection from the elements, plus adjustable Velcro cuff straps also give extra protection from water ingress. To tailor the garment to your build there’s a strong drawstring with outer toggle adjustment just above waist height. The longer length of this smock ensures that the upper legs are also fully protected from the elements, as rain simply runs off, even when moving, kneeling, or sitting.

Conclusions

Generally speaking, this type of hooded over-garment is designed to be windproof, have a generous cut and be waterproof, or at the very least be highly water-resistant, it ticks all the boxes in that department. In fact, the spec sheet states a waterproof rating of 10,000mm, breathability rating of 5,000g/ m2 24hr plus it’s fully windproof. These are the usual ratings given to a highperformance outdoor garment and in use, I’ve found it’s more than lived up to expectations and stated performance levels. The pocket layout is certainly a game-changer, as is the very generous hood and substantial neck area, as they provide an almost unrivalled level of protection.

Yes, the Argyll certainly helped win me over to this style of apparel and like others of this quality, one will always have a place in my outdoor clothing wardrobe.