Jack Pyke Hunters Jacket

Few companies can have made such an impact in such a relatively short space of time, as Jack Pyke of England. Over just a few years, they’ve cemented their place in the market place, by offering a range of products to suit the outdoor enthusiast. Clever design, and ultra practical features combined with modern materials, give their products an edge, and I for one have been most impressed with what I have seen of their wares so far.

Pass Me An Olive

Their Hunters Jacket is a highly popular option, and it’s no surprise, since it offers just such a specification, with a host of features; all for a very reasonable asking price. Camo patterns are of course much in vogue these days, and the level of research and detail applied to the latest designs, is impressive to say the least. Jack Pyke’s English Oak, English Woodland, or Wild Trees Grassland options, give the shooter real variety for a number of shooting scenarios, yet I opted for the rather more staid, and smarter Olive Green option.

Big and Beautiful

These jackets are available in a variety of sizes, but I know from experience, that big is beautiful. Having more room than you need creates a cushion of air, as well as leaving room for layers underneath. I plumped for XXL, which suited my large frame perfectly, but they go to XXXL for the big and beautiful among us! Slightly oversized also means more manoeuvrability with coats as far as I’m concerned, and this Hunters model feels great when moving around.

Put the jacket on, and the first thing you notice is the super comfortable feel - the result of that ultra soft material; itself a combination of polyester brushed tricot and a laminated membrane. The sheer cosy softness belies the fact that these garments are 100% waterproof too, which is a clever combination if you ask me. When I first encountered these jackets, I just couldn’t believe that such soft stuff could keep the rain out, yet I’ve seen it in action.

Feature Packed

If it’s features that you want, then how about this for starters: full length double opening zip, 2 large cargo style pockets in the front, both featuring elasticated cartridge holders. Two hand warmer pockets, and one internal chest pocket. The sleeves have elasticated internal cuffs too, for yet more snugness, whilst the main outer sleeves have Velcro straps for adjustment. The top half of the jacket also features an internal liner, apparently made from brushed polyester mesh and taffeta, which certainly adds to the airy comfort overall.

At the back, two large zips come together to reveal a super large waterpoof seat flap, which can just as easily double as a game bag in the field.

As for the high tech material, Stealth Breatha-Tex is how the manufacturers term the stuff, and the idea is that the material is a near silent, durable fabric, designed to be completely waterproof and windproof, yet remain capable of breathing. The theory being that the membrane evaporates any sweat to the outside, moderating the shooters body temperature, and keeping him/her dry in the process.

Field Test

In use, I find on a warm day, these jackets can be overkill, but in cool to cold conditions, they really come into their own. The manufacturers claim it is silent in use, which I wouldn’t quite agree with - but it is almost noise free, with rustles kept to a minimum. The relative lightness is another factor worth mentioning, and given the performance to weight ration, overall, I can’t rate the Hunters Jacket highly enough.

With an RRP of around £82.95, this product represents great value for money too, so a good bet all round.

As mentioned, the Hunters Jacket from Jack Pyke is available in Olive Green, as seen here, English Woodland Camo, English Oak, and Wild Trees Grassland Camo. Sizes range from small up to XXXL. The Jack Pyke Hunters Trousers are available in the same designs RRP £54.95.

For stockists and a free catalogue, call 01234 740327 or email [email protected]   More information is available from the company’s website at www.jackpyke.co.uk