Garlands Ltd Sportschief Jacket and Trousers
- Last updated: 26/01/2017
The Sportschief brand of outdoor wear seems to have been with us for aeons. However, though always good quality, both jacket and trousers have changed style slightly, the top now being termed an ‘All-year 3 way coat.’ This is due to the zip out inner fleece, that can be worn on its own, or removed and the jacket worn ‘fleece-less’ in warmer weather.
However, that’s just one of the features that’s changed, and even this I feel makes the jacket more appealing. Firstly I’ll detail what both jacket and trousers are manufactured from as there are a few hi-tech materials and membranes that make this ‘combo’ hard to ignore.
Both are manufactured from Durasupple, a high strength water resistant fabric in its own right. The length of time I had my original ‘combo’ bears testament to that. The recognised Aquatex membrane is used to ensure the garments are totally waterproof, windproof and breathable.
The Jacket
The jacket has ‘action cut’ arms meaning there’s no restrictive feeling even if you’ve put too many mid layer garments under the internal zip-out fleece, which this winter I didn’t feel the need to do.
It fastens up the front with a heavy-duty two way zip with press stud fasten down storm flap. The hood is detachable, generously sized and has a well formed protective peak, that are useful but often omitted on other brands. It adjusts by a three way ‘stretchy cord’ toggle fastener/adjuster. The hood is easily removed or replaced while wearing the Jacket due to it being zip attached at the rear with two heavy-duty press studs on either side. These attach to the outer edges of the high storm collar offering a high degree of face/neck protection.
The pocket layout for external stowage is seen as two large press stud flap pockets with roomy hand warmer pockets directly to the side of each. Above on the upper chest are two zip fastening pockets with rain protecting flaps. Very discreet and very handy - the same applies to the inside 9” zippered wallet or FAC pocket. Even more by way of tailoring and comfort is the inclusion of an inner drawcord, a poppered rear ‘drop down’ flap for sitting and the wrists have strong Velcro adjustable straps.
The jacket’s zip out fleece is very handy as a stand-alone garment due to the camo pattern being the same as the jacket (shown here in Hardwoods Green). Features include two side zip pockets, a high collar and elasticated cuffs
The Trousers
These are manufactured similarly to the jacket but with an Airmax Thermo lining. They are an overtrouser design with an elasticated waist, wide nylon webbing belt loops and buttons for attaching standard hunting braces. Two zip fasten hand warmer pockets with rain cover flaps and at last, this is a pair of overtrousers that have a zip fly (it’s a man thing!). The ankles have two stage adjustment with three stud fasteners at the ankles for cinching tight to your boots.
The Sportschief Jacket and Trousers are one of the better brands of outdoor clothing that seems to be getting better with age and integrating new features that hunters will benefit from.