Snugpak Shirt & trousers

Snugpak produce a huge range of clothing and outdoor accessories. Their fi rst product was a high-tech sleeping bag and they went on to produce insulated vests and jackets etc. and even invented a synthetic alternative to natural down called ‘Softie’. They also make base layer clothing, tents, bashers and rucksacks.

Piling on the features

I’ve been wearing a Snugpak Venture Pile Shirt and Trousers over the winter and, although we haven’t had long periods of freezing weather this year, we have still had some extremely cold days and especially nights. These garments are designed to be worn next to the skin, to draw perspiration away from your body. The thick pile lining provides great warmth, and the lightweight, water-repellent Paratex outer shell keeps you dry, down to -10ºC.

The ‘shirt’ is more like a smock, as you put it on over your head and there’s a large, zipped, central pocket on the front, ideal for storing maps etc. There is even a smaller ‘kangaroo pouch’ on the front of the main compartment that is perfect for housing a compass and there’s even a ‘D-ring’ for extra security. Beneath this, there is another one, this time accessed by zips on either side; it can be used for storage and for keeping your hands warm. To regulate heat, there are double ended zips on either side on the main body and they also help you gain access to any garments worn underneath. There are also hook & loop adjuster tabs that can be used to cinch the garment tighter if required.

Added extras

The high collar has a zip that can be used to keep the draughts out and there is a shock cord adjuster on the rear. The upper sleeves have Velcro sections, to allow the fi tment of morale patches etc. and there are thumb holes on the bottom. Available in Black, Olive and Electric Blue, this great garment only weighs 1350 grams. Included is a removable hood, complete with a drawstring and a stuff sack for storage; compressed, the package is 33 x 21cms.

Hot legs!

I was also sent a pair of (almost) matching pants/trousers; I say ‘almost’, as the ‘olive’ isn’t quite the same as the shirt for some reason and is more like dark green. They also have the same inner and outer build and the thick fl eece-effect pile lining is lovely and warm. The legs have full-length zips, so they are easy to put on and the bottoms have reinforced sections fi ve inches high, which is a great idea to prevent wear from boots. There are hem adjuster strips on the bottom and it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into these garments. There’s a zipped fl y and hook and loop adjusters at the waist. Two side pockets are provided, and the rear section of the waist is higher than the front and really stops chills getting in. Well, I’ve been kept extremely warm while foxing and out on my motorbike and I must admit that I can’t fi nd anything that I don’t like about these great garments!