Jack Pyke Countryman Jacket, Countryman Trousers, Countryman Overtrousers, Countryman Jumper and Cou

Although I tested the original Countryman Jacket and Trousers when they were first launched they need including in this feature not only for comprehensiveness but also because they’ve been up-graded in quality and/or have had a slight design change.

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 cleverly designed one press stud fasten overflaps and a rear zipped close pocket. These pockets are quite unique as they fasten at the forward section only and have a canvas tab for ease of opening. However even more interesting is the design of the overflap, 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 are sat, access something from inside and nothing will fall out the rear of the pocket as can happen with standard style cargo pockets. The waist band is part elasticated at the sides, has a generous amount of belt loops with front button fastening and zip fly.

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

Talking of which - Jack Pyke have recently added a very high quality pairto 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. Over trousers by the very nature of the garment are manufactured in a way they can 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. Not forgetting also adding extra protection from the elements at this point. 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 strong press stud 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 is also manufactured from the previously mentioned ‘HARD SHELL’ material.The 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 set above with rain covers. The detachable hoods quite generous wire peak has 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.

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 pil 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 as a waterproof and windproof membrane is integrated into the build.
Obviously any J P item can be worn with any of these garments – preferably if they’re green to stay with the overall Countryman styling.For instance, if the weather isn’t that cold there are plenty of light to medium upper body clothing from the company that you can use to build a layer system for regulating body temperature. There’s also a very wide selection of headwear and just as many options of gloves that suit this traditional outdoor clothing.

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For
Design, quality of build and all featured have the necessary attributes all-weather clothing needs

Against
Not a Lot

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Verdict: Jack Pyke continue to develop, up-grade and add quality product to their already comprehensive range of hunting clothing and accessories for all sectors of the shooting sports