Jack Pyke Featherlite Jacket & Viper Fleece

Jack Pyke and Viper are sister companies under the umbrella of Thatchreed Ltd. While Jack Pyke caters more for the hunter, Viper is the brand that specialises in ‘tactical’ products

J P Technical Featherlite Jacket

First up I choose to look at the Featherlight from Jack Pyke. The materials used in manufacture are a Tasion Nylon outer with a mesh lining, making the jacket breathable and fully waterproof as well as being very tough yet light in weight.

It boasts two lower front pockets with zips and a weatherproof zip closure chest pocket. The detachable zip attached hood has a generous peak and the top adjuster and elasticated draw cord allow it to be ‘pulled in’ snugly around the head. The generous size of the hood and amount of adjustment means that when required it can protect a relatively large proportion of the upper and sides of the face. For a tailored fit it also has an elasticated waist cord and the cuffs are both elasticated with generously sized Velcro fastening cuff adjusters.

The front fastens with a double-zip and a Velcro tab secured storm flap. With the hood removed the stand-up collar is reasonably high, easily protecting the neck area from the elements should you choose to wear it this way. There are also underarm zip fasten vents to help regulate body temperature. All zips have generous elongated tabs and are self-sealing to ensure they’re fully weatherproofed.

Viper Tactical Fleece

The Viper Tactical Fleece is manufactured from 250GSM Polyester Gridfleece. This material is characterised by its ‘holey’ grid configured outer appearance. In between the blocks of solid fleece that make up this ‘grid like’ look are millions of tiny holes which help insulate the garment as they trap in lots and lots of air. However, they also work to make it far more breathable and allow it to be lighter in weight without sacrificing any of the insulating properties. Fleeces made from this material are often as warm as much heavier ordinary ‘full fleece’ garments.

It features two lower zip fastened pockets and one chest pocket. The full zip open front ends in a generously sized collar, the cuffs are elasticated for a snug wrist fit and the bottom of the garment has an elasticated toggle ended draw cord.

As befits a fleece with a ‘tactical’ denotation, it has two large Velcro patches on the upper arms and directly to the side of each are two useful zip fastening pockets. All zips are strong and weatherproof and have elongated easy grip tabs for ease of use.

Conclusion

I’ve worn both these garments regularly throughout this winter, the Jacket saving me a drenching on many a day, while the Viper Tactical Fleece is as useful worn as an outer when conditions allow or as an inner insulating piece of clothing.

Both are extremely light and comfortable to wear and due to their design are very easy to pack away for easy stowage. The Jack Pyke Technical Featherlite Jacket is available in Hunter Green only with a price of £56, while the Viper Tactical Fleece is available in Black, Green and Coyote and costs £39.95. Both are available in sizes S – XXXL. For more information on nearest stockists, contact Thatchreed Ltd on 01234 740327 or visit www.thatchreed.co.uk