Jack Pyke Winter camo clothing

You can’t say Jack Pyke are standing still or resting on laurels with their ever burgeoning range of clothing in their own English Oak camo pattern. From my view I’ve hardly tested a suit or garment when something else comes along to add to what surely must be one of the most comprehensive ranges of camo pattern clothing currently available.

As we’re soon to be in the grip of winter there’s no better time than now to look at their cold weather fare, and a garment that could so easily slip unnoticed as it does slip under the jacket – but more on that later. The crux of this review originally was to revolve around the new 3 in 1 Jacket. However, if you want to garb yourself out in all things ‘Oakey’ this winter - not forgetting what a useful pattern this is - then the selection I’ve got here combines to have you fully concealed as much as protected.

Stealthy Does It…

To save on repetition, unless otherwise stated most of the garments featured are made from the company’s own Stealth Fabric. Using a 100%, Polyester, brushed, Tricot outer shell the material is silent and uses a Breatha-tex membrane which offers waterproof and windproof protection yet still with the ability to breathe. In other words sweat from inside is allowed to wick away to the outside moderating your body temperature, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable.

So with that established, I’ve teamed up a high specification Jacket with the company’s Hunters trousers. Personally I find these to be one of the best designed overtrousers currently available due to the attributes of the fabric and certainly the design.

Usually over trousers give you a quick pull over extra protection from the elements. In the case of the Hunters you have two handwarmer pockets, two side ‘cargo’ pockets with flaps and press stud fastening plus a full 14” leg zip fastening for easy removal and fitting. They have a strong, broad, elasticated waist with toggle drawcord and are reinforced at the seat and knee.

Generous Cut

The generous cut makes them extremely comfortable and the leg bottoms are amongst the best I’ve encountered for ease of use and strength. As well as the zip fastening for putting on over any high field boot this is covered by an overflap with press stud fastener to secure in place and strong Velcro adjustable ankle straps to cinche tight around footwear of choice.

Next up over the XT Armour Top I’ve reviewed in the past I tried an item I really do hope gets the recognition it deserves, that being the incongruously named Mesh Vest. Obviously this isn’t of Stealth Fabric but due to the lightweight build don’t be fooled into thinking this only of use in conjunction with the lighter summer wear. It scores highly here in my opinion for the amount of stowage it affords and the fact it’s so unobtrusive and unrestricting worn under any Jacket. In fact there’s another ‘light’ faceveil that worn under any of the company’s caps that is again a clever way of combining lightweight camo for concealment with heavier warmer garments of the same pattern to achieve the desired level of concealment and warmth. More on this reasoning later, as I’m getting ahead of myself!

Multi-Pocket, Multi-Use

The Mesh Vest could have been designed with the airgunner in mind as in my opinion it’s a must have item. Manufactured from 100% ripstop cotton it has a total of 10-pockets and all of a size and position that the hunter will find useful. Apart from the poacher’s pocket at the rear which though at first seems inconsequential I did find it useful for heavier gloves or ‘stashing’ a relatively large size of camo netting should you want to wait up prone and throw this over your rifle.

All other pockets are found on the upper, mid and lower front sides of this front zip fasten plus single strap press stud fastener and drawstring bottom for extra security. Various sizes and two lower zip fasten pockets make this ideal for holding pocketknives, multi-tools, gloves, faceveil, magazines, pellets et al, the list is endless…

I must also praise the Hunters Mittens. Again possibly the finest design for the airgun hunter they’re made from ‘Stealth Fabric’ but include polarfleece cuff and lining with leatherette palm. As well as the usual ability to peel back the finger cover the mitts allow trigger and thumb to be folded back and all including the full finger mitt cover can be ‘held back’ in place by strong magnets fitted under the fabric. The icing on the cake are the outer zipped ‘pockets’ on the gloves - ideal for storing pellets or a spare magazine.

Three In One

Last but not least the 3 in 1 Jacket, this is very similar to the Hunter Jacket albeit with a detachable, zip-out, laminated fleece inner garment. When in full jacket mode, as in inside it gives two large internal open pockets either side of the hem. When unzipped out and the internal Fleece is worn alone you retain these and gain full zip up front, stand up collar, elasticated cuffs with thumb holes in the sleeves and two handwarmer pockets - a very useful garment in itself.

The main jacket has two lower front bellows pockets with internal cartridge holders and stays, two hand warmer pockets, 2-way zip with press stud fasten storm flap. Elastic weather shrouds on the wrist with outer Velcro strap sleeve adjusters and there’s an integrated fold away hood and a large fold down, waterproof Game Pocket that can be zipped down to be used as a seat flap.
 
There’s so much choice of well priced, quality garments available that it’s hard to decide what to team which garment up with. That’s why I mentioned the very useful faceveil which can be worn under the Stealth Baseball Cap and Fleece Bob Hat (shown) or any suitable headwear.

I say “Let the weather decide”, as the garments in the English Oak range are all well worth investing in. Choose the right selection and you’ll be prepared for all weather conditions and any hunting situation.

For:
Exceptionally comprehensive range of some useful clothing and accessories

Against:
Maybe another pattern as well as English Oak

Verdict:
Good kit, good price and a good selection

PRICES:
Hunters Trousers £45 (S-XXXL)
Mesh Vest £25 (S-XXL)
Hunters Mittens £18 (M-XL)
3 in 1 Jacket £125 (S-XXXL)
Stealth Baseball Cap £6.50 (One Size)
Fleece Bob Hat: £8.50 (M-XL)
Light Mesh Balaclava £9.95 (One Size)