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Jack Pyke English Woodland LLCS suit

Jack Pyke English Woodland LLCS suit

It’s been two years since I tested Jack Pyke’s LLCS (Light Leaf Camouflage System) in their English Oak camo pattern and I have to say it is highly effective! Tough too, as its been worked hard and still looks fit for a few more seasons of use. So it would seem only logical that as JP has recently launched their new English Woodland pattern, which I understand is going down very well, that they should now offer the LLCS in this camo option too.

Old With New Bits

Obviously, like the original, it offers much the same by way of garments; however it’s nice to see another useful optional extra this time around – more on that soon. The build is still a lightweight mesh suit with panels of half/full ‘cut’ leaf sections stitched to it and it’s this ‘loose leaf effect’ that is the strength of the design.’ These ‘leaves’ are overlaid yet integrated in the build of the garments to hang free from the clothing they are attached to. This is exactly why the system works so well at camouflaging the hunter, as not only is the pattern effective but the 3D-type build disrupts the hard and doubtless recognisable (to animal eyes) outline of the human form.

LLCS is a ‘modular-system’ that builds up to offer the hunter complete concealment. The main items are a two-piece Ghillie Suit. Like other garments, all are bought separately. A nice touch, as some will go for the whole thing, whereas others can choose to match up face and hand cover from JP’s own alternative items in the English Woodland range. However, LLCS ‘optional extras’ include gloves, balaclava, baseball and boonie hats and even a rucksack cover. Not forgetting the leave strip kits that are designed to allow you to camo/conceal your rifle too, for the full effect. To show their effectiveness, I used the appropriate ‘leaf strips’ for a full ‘rifle’ cover up. Though I’ve previously detailed how to fit them in the past, I’ll briefly give pointers at the end of this piece as well.

Generous Ghillie

The major garment of the LLCS range is the two-piece Ghillie Suit. This comprises of over-trousers and a pullover smock with hood. The trousers have an elasticated waistband with drawcord, while the ankle area is elasticated but not overly tight so they can be pulled on over field boots. The smock has elasticated cuffs, lower hem to prevent riding up and an integral hood with drawcord fastening.

Both items are generously cut as befits lightweight over-wear. The gloves don’t hinder trigger use in the slightest. They use the light-leaf cut on the outer side only with the inner having a slightly raised palm dot grip. They are so light and tactile most won’t need to cut the tip of the trigger finger, whilst the extended, stretch-fit cuffs offer an ideal amount of camo material to go under or over the sleeve. Which negates the bare white patch of wrist that often shows unless the garments offer a full cover up.

The rucksack cover is a superb idea and design. It’s fully elasticated around the outer edge so will slip easily over up to a 65ltr pack. I like them due to the fact that if laying in ambush; sometimes you can simply use a suitable size rucksack for some quick, frontal cover. Now using full LLCS you and your kit really does blend into the landscape.

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Blot On the Landscape

I opted to use the LLCS boonie with face veil. Not my usual headwear of choice, but due to the design it did seem a more useful option for the warmer weather hunting. The reason I say this is the mesh is much lighter so if looking for quarry a glance around using your eyes rather than having to move your head, is a bonus. The brim was shorter so no scope eye-bell conflicts either. Frankly it’s one of the better designed boonie I’ve used.

The English Woodland strips for covering your rifle still come in packs of five separate light-leaf strips. Their design and lightness does give them certain advantages but it takes time and patience to fully cover your rifle. If you don’t want to have your gun in a permanent camo pattern, these are a very cost effective alternative.

As before, best way to attach them or wrap them around the rifle is to use small green or clear elastic bands and strategically placed No Marc Camo tape to secure. You can superglue leaf strips together to make longer runs for wrapping around longer areas like barrels or to use less securing material. You don’t have to camo all the rifle either as the butt section is largely going to be concealed by your body, more so concentrate on wrapping and attaching the ‘leaves’ to the forward section and scope.

Close Up & Personal

Most airgun hunters needing to get close, or ambushing quarry will be concealed sufficiently if they use these to disguise the ‘hard outline’ of the rifle back to the magazine loading area. Or if it’s a break-barrel, carefully dress the tube so as not to hinder cocking then stop. Check its working freely, then work back along the forend covering as much as you prefer. When you don’t want to use the leaf strips you can, like the clothing – remove it.

In my opinion, the LLCS system is still the most cost effective way of fully concealing yourself without using a hide for certain ambushing situations, especially when you might want to change positions as the session progresses. Also where there’s little cover, at any time of year (wearing the suitable LLCS camo pattern) you have a better chance at blending into areas of gloom or shade. Build quality is of a high standard and all garments are light and very comfortable to wear.

FOR - A excellent and effective, total camo system
AGAINST - Not a thing
VERDICT - Takes the Ghillie suit concept firmly into the 21st century

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