Woodline booster jacket

The Woodline Booster Jacket and trousers use an M-Tec membrane to couple a lightweight spring/ summer weight suit with dependable breathability and water/windproof properties keeping the rain out. Both items are well cut and follow the traditional Scandinavian style for slender legs yet a spacious jacket for sub layers to insulate from the cold. I have worn these items in most weather conditions from snowy February days with an ice-cold wind right through to a balmy April bank holiday, in T-shirt weather and continually been pleasantly surprised at the performance. They combine well-sited stretch panels in the knees, legs, shoulders and back as well as the crotch and seat of the trousers to give amazing versatility and wearable comfort even when filled with long johns and bulky fleece or woollen jumpers.

The outer fabric has a soft peach-like finish that, when new, was a little noisy, although this has diminished after a few washes where dirt and marks were also easily shed, even at 30 degrees in the wash. The lower legs are still a little scratchy when walking if you rub your ankles together, although a zippered 30cm long gusset at the calf snugs everything in, assisting with wind proofing as well as bramble avoidance. An elasticated draw cord at the waist will also cinch in the jacket.

Spandex Ballet

A good old-fashioned button at the waist cannot be beaten, and belt loops are there as expected – coupled with braces, buttons and a high back cut make proper outdoor kit just that little bit more comforting in the cold. The usual array of hip, thigh and waistline pockets adorns the trousers, with rubberised zippers adding waterproofing and valuables’ security. Similarly on the jacket, Napoleon pockets, hip pockets and a full width poacher’s pocket across the back allow masses of storage, although it’s easy to lose items in all these places, especially where they overlap one another. A radio and breast pocket are present with a full-length tab down the two way zippered front which zips up high around the face and neck to further assist environmental resistance.

Both items are fully lined with a camouflage material that’s totally soft to the touch and wicks any moisture off your skin and maintains a comfortable feel in all conditions. Inner ankles have a further insert panel with heavy duty abrasion-resistance, yet the stretch panel along your calf makes for the most comfortable yet snug trousers I have ever worn, comfort for which I can forgive that tiny amount of noise. That 12% Spandex in the polyester nylon mix might seem inconsequential but in a lightweight item gives a snug fit yet masses of movement.

 

Conclusion

I was pleasantly surprised how the light weight of this product concealed amazing windproof and insulating properties with great comfort from the tiny Spandex addition.

Prices run at: Jacket: £349, sizes 36-50 inch chest; Trousers: £279, sizes 30-44 inch waist. Contact Hammond Country Sporting Goods on 07765 465 174, email to info@ hammondsporting.co.uk or head to the website at www. hammondsporting.co.uk.