Jack Pyke Clothing

Now known for their own-designed English Oak camo wear, Jack Pyke has a burgeoning range of clothing. I picked four from the range to look at; the Field Jacket and Trousers and the XT Armour Top and Field Smock.

The Armour Top can be worn as an undergarment or in warm weather on its own. The build goes for a pull-over style with half zip top and long sleeves; it’s manufactured from 100% polyester breathable and relatively windproof. JP calls this material ‘SMARTWEAVE’, which we are told is the latest in high wicking, soft knit fabrics, whose unique construction gives an increased surface area which causes the evaporation process to accelerate, thereby rapidly moving moisture away from the surface of the skin.

Though it can be worn as an under or over garment I’d choose the former as not only is it superb at keeping you warm when you need it, and equally cool when you don’t, the zip neck allows you to further regulate your body temperature. Also the green colour ‘honeycomb’ construction underarm panels really do make this one of the best of its kind for body temperature regulation and eliminating ‘clamminess.’

Field Wear

Now to the Field Jacket & Trousers. The strides are made from 100% cotton so as you’d expect they are relatively light offering moderate protection from the elements and are of the traditional 6-pocket combat design. There’s a zip fly, button fastening with belt loops at the waist while the legs have draw string bottoms. For more protection, if you wanted to stay true to the camo the company’s Hunter Trousers being of an over-trouser design would be the perfect complement to them should the weather turn nasty.

The ‘matching’ Field Jacket is more substantial as it shows a 100% cotton rip stop outer with a removable, padded, polyester lining. It has a concealed hood in the collar, zip and press-stud front fastening, epaulettes and four, front, over-flap, button- down pockets.

An interesting feature of this ¾-length jacket is the design of the cuffs. Rather than just having Velcro fasteners to cinch around the wrist, they can be worn ‘turned up’ at wrist length due to Velcro fastening pads but when unfolded the cuffs extend downwards with the outer part of the hand being fully covered due to this portion being triangular shaped.

Once unfolded you can then access the Velcro strap to cinch it around the wrist to attain more protection from the elements. However, if you don’t do it too tight the design still allows ventilation should the jacket be being worn in warmer, wet weather with the padded liner removed. Certainly a good idea and one I’ve never seen on any jacket of this type. Add to this the draw cord at the hem and this is a well thought out design suited to various weather conditions.

Smocking Allowed

Alternatively there is the Field Smock. This is the only garment featured that uses the renowned Stealth Fabric for the outer and for many will be of most interest as a ‘lighter’ alternative to the Field or Hunter Jackets. I say this because it isn’t internally padded but rather has a breathable mesh lining. It’s breathable, wind and waterproof and the ‘Parka design’ features an adjustable and detachable wired hood, as well as large, Velcro strap adjustable cuffs, adjustable waist draw cord and has a heavy-duty, rustproof, 2-way zip and press-stud storm flap front fastening. Stowage is by way of two large flap/press stud bellows pockets with two, hand-warmer slots positioned above on the sides.

A garment you’d definitely want on an unpredictable day whatever the season, depending on what you were wearing underneath. Or as JP says: “a versatile jacket for all seasons.” I can’t argue with that!

The quality of Jack Pyke clothing is impressive and the range seems to be growing by the month. They have a large selection of gloves, face veils, caps, hats etc. all available in their English Oak while some garments are also available in green. Prices are very good and I’d recommend you look at their catalogue for the full choice.

For – well built and versatile

Against – not a lot

Verdict – good kit at good money

PRICE:
£29.95p, £29.95p, £59.95p and £59.95p respectively