Jack Pyke Countryman Jumper
- Last updated: 25/01/2017
Jack Pyke as a brand have become very popular, even trendy, over the last few years, but the good news is, that they’re really rather good. I’ve had several items from their range through for review, periodically, and I’ve yet to be disappointed. Part of the Jack Pyke lure has to be the way they consistently come up with products that are up to the job, and suitable for a variety of applications, and the company’s range has expanded accordingly.
Under the spotlight here is their Countryman Jumper, and for any enthusiast of the great outdoors, this just has to be a winner. Cosy is a word that springs to mind once you pull this garment on, and the attention to detail, fit and finish, are all something to note.
Specified in what Jack Pyke term Hunter Green, and fitted with elasticated cuffs and waistband, it’s a stylish little number into the bargain. A chunky full length zip means you can’t overheat too easily, whilst reinforced suede-style shoulder and elbow pads add strength and a little grip where it may be needed- certainly if you choose to shoot in it. I requested size XXL, as it always pays to have jumpers and jackets on the large size in my book, and this fits a treat. Two zipped hand pockets and two internal zipped pockets are all part of the design, so there’s plenty of handy stowage to play with.
But what really makes the Countryman Jumper so appealing is that it’s genuinely reversible, and can instantly become a fleece. I say ‘genuinely’, as so often reversible products look just turned inside out, and a little weird. Well forget that, because this product is the result of some serious design work. The jumper side is a knitted wool mix of 30% wool/70% acrylic, whilst the other side is 100% polyester non-pil fleece.
All this ultra-soft cosy feel belies the technical performance on offer however, since the ‘Breatha-Tex’ reversible material features a fully waterproof membrane which is also windproof and breathable. The designers claim that this allows moisture vapour to escape, and prevents the wet getting through. I can certainly vouch for the waterproof qualities, having taken it out in some inclement conditions, but as for the breathable side, I still find most clothing just gets a little too hot at some point, (normally when you overdress for a mild day) and you’ll sweat slightly regardless. This observation aside, I would wear this product just about anywhere, as it’s all about total comfort.
I’ve been seriously impressed with Jack Pyke clothing over the last few years, and this Countryman Jumper earns its place in the line-up on merit. Superbly comfortable, yet flexible- in fact the only problem seems to me; it could be too nice to shoot in!