Recommended Jackets

Braces Airgun Masters
C

Caberhill

Well-Known Member
Hi All,

I'm in the market for a new all round jacket. Needs to be waterproof and allow enough room for a few layers under it if it's chilly.

I've looked at a Barbour and Fjallravens Montt 3 in 1 so far, anything else worth looking at? I am going to buy online due to lack of options locally.

Cheers,
 
Look at the different offerings from Country Covers, they are very good but do check the sizing and make sure you get it right as you will have it for a long time! My first one is five years old now and has been in daily use (when required) and it is still going strong, a couple of my mates have had them for ten years plus. Highly recomended. Glyn.
 
I have a Musto Highlands which I like. I wear it in situations where the mil surplus stuff might not be suitable - like travelling to hind stalking by plane.

Recently I've taken to wearing mil surplus windproof smocks with the Nikwax waterproofing for cotton washed into them. My experience has been such that they are now my jacket of choice, and I'm not short of jackets, for stalking however due to cammo colour and not exactly being viewed as "neat and tidy" they are probably not suitable as an all round jacket if you have to nip into town or wear them on the plane or similar. What I will say is that you can pick them up on ebay for a few quid so they are a good value jacket.

You will be surprised at how waterproof the windproof smocks are when the Nikwax is washed in and if you require something totally waterproof you can always add a mil surplus goretex jacket worn UNDER the smock so you keep all your pockets and their contents. As was pointed out to me recently prices on the mil surplus stuff appear to be going up as I think many people are catching on to how good value they are and how suitable they are for many outdoor activities.
 
I know what you are saying Caorach, I've still got my last DPM windproof at home and when waterproofed it is as good as any... It's still even got my name, TRF, union jack, and specilist badge on!

But it's really an all rounder I'm after, my girlfrined got a Lady pro hunter from work recently and it does look very smart considering but to hell if I'm shelling out that sort of money.
 
Go on then ill tell you about my nomad. It's bloody brilliant. So warm and water proof. Even when crawling through bog. It's light weight and every one who handles it can't believe it keeps water out.
 
Glyn 1 said:
Look at the different offerings from Country Covers, they are very good but do check the sizing and make sure you get it right as you will have it for a long time! My first one is five years old now and has been in daily use (when required) and it is still going strong, a couple of my mates have had them for ten years plus. Highly recomended. Glyn.
Click to expand...

I bought mine after seeing Glyn with his! I had another 3 gamekeepers out stalking last year and they all had Country Covers gear. used and abused daily and like Glyn says, still going strong after several years.
 
Just received my Country Covers smock - had a couple of extra pockets added as in my opinion was lacking in this area, however initial thoughts are very positive - it's extremely light & well made so will field test in S.Ayreshire next weekend.
 
Glyn 1 said:
Look at the different offerings from Country Covers, they are very good but do check the sizing and make sure you get it right as you will have it for a long time! My first one is five years old now and has been in daily use (when required) and it is still going strong, a couple of my mates have had them for ten years plus. Highly recomended. Glyn.
Click to expand...

+1 for country covers
DJC
 
Arktis gets my vote too but as an acknowledgment of both the quality and generosity of the now defunct Shark Group I would have to mention their Nordstrom jacket. Twelve years of winter use and still going strong:

shark coat 2000.webp

Cheers

K
 
I tried to look for an all-round jacket but gave up. To cover the shooting I do I have ended up with 3 jackets: winter shooting coat for driven game; a multi-pocket utility jacket for stalking which is easy to wash; and a light-weight breathable shell for summer use. All waterproof and durable and should last me years.
 
scotch_egg opinion seconded
I recently took possession of a Nomad smock, absolutely cracking bit of kit it is too.
Great big bino pouch on front, good fit, maybe a bit on the warm side for true 4-seasons use.
BUT, soft, totally silent and wind/water-proof.
glad to be able to say all of that, cos it wasn't cheap..........
 
I have the Harkila Pro jacket. Only had it a year but so far so good. Keeps me warm and dry in the winter and has vents with zips for when its a bit warmer in the summer. Has some handy pockets as well.
 
Dave88 said:
I have the Harkila Pro jacket. Only had it a year but so far so good. Keeps me warm and dry in the winter and has vents with zips for when its a bit warmer in the summer. Has some handy pockets as well.
Click to expand...
+1 for Harkila, I have one and rate it very highly. Although a bit too nice to go out onto the marsh in!
 
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I have a Nomad smock, very warm, very waterproof and quiet too, but few pockets.

But, and it's a dilly, I bought an Arktis waterproof smock and have to say it is just about the most ideal stalking jacket for Autumn, Winter and early Spring that I can think of. They even do them in all sorts of patterns too, even though I just bought the plain olive one. The pockets take just about everything you could need on a morning stalk, they are very well made and supremely functional. My next purchase will be an unlined, non waterproof Arktis smock for Summer and warmer weather. I can always buy a waterproof liner from them for it, they make them specially for it! The only downside to them is they are not as quiet as the fleece based coats, but I have yet to find one half as well made or designed as the Arktis range. You can throw them in the washing machine and tumble dryer and it will do them no harm.

Arktis have been brilliant to me, I have no stakes in the company, do not know the people who run it, but I have yet to find any company half as good to deal with. Quality gear from a british company!

Simon

PS: I forgot to mention the hood, it is the full on mountaineering three way adjustable hood, without doubt the best design of any hood made.

S.
 
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Nomad hooded smock, an excellent bit of kit for colder weather or sitting still for long periods.

I have had a Swazi Tahr for 3 years and rate it as the best waterproof I have ever used, this includes a misspent youth being sponsored by some of the big mountaineering clothing companies.. to climb mountains in their kit in shite weather.

My most recent purchase has been a Fjall Raven Anorak No8. I needed a showerproof smock for work and stalking. Eye wateringly expensive.. it will need to last many years of heavy use to be cost effective. So far I really like the smock. Big useful pockets, side zips for dumping heat, and a inspired hood. The hood needs special mention, when folded down it creates a weatherproof face concealing very snug collar. I have just treated this smock with Nikwax Cotton proof to try and enhance water beading.

Regards

Ed

NFWM
 
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