QUICK COMPARISON
SPECIAL FEATURE
WINTER CLOTHING FOR THE SPECIALIST
ANGLER.
TESTED BY DUNCAN CHARMAN
Last winter was one of the wettest on record, yet just because it’s bleak
outside, doesn’t mean it has to be uncomfortable. This is were
matching the correct clothing with the style of fishing you do needs
to be considered carefully.
Being an all-round
specimen angler, one that often roves a venue without an umbrella,
having the correct clothing is paramount, as not only does it need to
keep me warm and dry but it also needs to be flexible, allowing a
full range of movement. It also needs to be able to withstand the
constant bombardment of the non-forgiving countryside and for me the
Nash ZT Duo jacket and trousers fits the bill perfectly….
NASH ZT DUO JACKET £119.99,
TROUSERS £89.99
Anglers Mail – Best Buy
Trendy green Jacket and trouser combo,
both with understated graphics and a 100% Nylon outer shell with PU
coating, water resistant to 8000 and breathable to 3000. Fleece lined
trousers and removable inner to jacket create a very versatile system
whilst retaining extreme comfort and complete movement. Endless
features include, high quality protected zips, numerous
internal/external pockets, easy to adjust and removable braces,
elasticated adjustable cuffs, steam taped, wasteband and ankle gaters
to name a few. The knees and butt are also reinforced and the hood,
although obscuring eyesight, fits away within jacket behind the
comfortable fleece lined collar. (Second Skin £34.99, Neck Warmer &
Winter Hat, both £9.99)
Features 10
Performance 10
Value 9
SCORE: 29
NAVITAS ‘AGENT’ JACKET £109.99,
PANTS £64.99
Available in green or Camo the outer
shell of the Jacket is made from 100% Nylon Taslon, water resistant
rating of 5000 and breathable to 5000. Trousers are made from 50D
Polyester with a slightly lower specification rating. Unbelievably
comfortable and allows complete freedom of movement. Oozing features
throughout such as numerous internal/external pockets, fully taped
seams, high quality storm flap zips, storm cuffs, boot gaters, the
list is endless. Extremely trendy and attention to detail is second
to none. Elastic waistband and comfortable, easily adjustable and
removable bib and brace system. The hood is fully adjustable and
although the knees and seat are reinforced, could have done with
being harder wearing. ( ‘LO-FI Beanie £9.99 & ‘ATLAS’
Fleece £29.99)
Features 10
Performance 8
Value 9
SCORE: 27
WYCHWOOD EPIC JACKET £149.99, BIB
& BRACE £79.99
Stylish olive green jacket and bib and
brace, water resistant to 5000mm, yet breathability not stated. The
material has been taken from extreme mountaineering clothing and
although comfortable, does restrict movement and is slightly pinchy
around the knees. Extremely warm though due to the hollow fibre. The
jacket has a removable fleece inner making it very versatile and both
have numerous features including, fleece lined collar, durable hard
wearing quality zips, multi-pocket design inside and out, fully
laminated seams, adjustable elasticated shoulder straps, zipped leg
openings plus a fully adjustable hood which again seems to be
oversized obscuring view. (Solace Boots £49.99 & Slouch Beanie
Hat £9.99)
Features 10
Performance 9
Value 8
SCORE: 27
CARP KINETICS NATIVE WHISPATEX SUIT
SET £100.00
Eye catching featuring the
‘anti-rustle’ camo design and created from the Whispatex/Windstop
fabric, water resistant to 8000 HD and 100% breathable but actual
specification not shown. The jackets inner is quilted lined for extra
warmth, and both jacket and trousers have Teflon reinforced areas for
wear resistance. Both jacket and trousers are oversized and feature,
chunky zips with protection, adequate internal/external pockets, plus
a discrete internal wallet/phone pocket, high, thermal collar,
adjustable cuffs and waist band, plus zipped ankles for easy boot
removal. The hood is removable but lacks adjustment and once again
obscures eyesight. (Camo Boots £25.00)
Features 8
Performance 8
Value 8
SCORE: 24
SUNDRIDGE RETEX MK4 SUIT £79.99
Dark green jacket and trouser combo
made from highly durable Polyester with a quilt insulation and water
resistant rating of 5000mm, breathability not stated. Comfortable,
warm and snug which does restrict movement slightly. Plenty of
features throughout including, fleece lined collar, knitted cuffs,
adjustable and removable hood yet again impairing vision, quilt and
fleece lined, numerous external/internal pockets however just one
zipped, adjustable waist cord, reinforced knees, Velcro ankle straps
plus stretchable ‘H’ braces.(Sleep Skin Top £19.99, Hot Foot 008
Boots £ 39.99. Full Finger Gloves £11.99; Fingerless £9.99 &
Pilot Hat £14.99)
Features 9
Performance 9
Value 10
SCORE: 28
30PLUS SNUGZZ 30/50 JACKET £75.00,
SALOPETTES £59.99
This olive green jacket and salopettes
is made from a PVC Nylon with a Polyester lining and has a waterproof
rating of 5000 and a breathabilty of 3000. Although the material
feels comfortable, the jacket lacks padding and is quite tight on the
upper body and the straps to the salopettes are not fully elasticated
creating tightness in movement, yet these are well fleeced and warm.
Features include adequate internal/external pockets, adjustable waist
band, quality protected zips, high fleece neck collar, adjustable
wrist bands and without a doubt the best hood of all tested which
cleverly fits behind the collar. (Fleece £45.00, Woolly Hat £6.25)
Features 8
Performance 8
Value 9
SCORE: 25
TF GEAR THERMO-TEX TROUSERS £59.99,
JACKET £59.99
Soft green sleeping bag feel material
with moisture dispersion, yet neither the breathability, waterproof
rating or material makeup is mentioned which causes concern, however
tested to -10 degrees centigrade, so warmth guaranteed. Extremely
comfortable allowing unrestricted movement and spacious with
reinforced lower legs extending to the knees. Would the material
withstand the versatility of the specimen angler in the countryside?
Good bivvy clothing though. Straps are fully elasticated and easy to
adjust and features include adequate internal/external pockets, full
length zips, adjustable hood which doesn’t interfere with eyesight
and elasticated wristbands and the long leg zips are great for
removal of muddy boots.(Peaked Beanie Hat £9.99)
Features 7
Performance 8
Value 8
SCORE: 23
ESP QUILTED JACKET £94.95 &
QUILTED TROUSERS £74.95
Made from a 100% extra tough ripstop
nylon outer and a Polyester filling and lining this jacket and
trouser set has a waterproof rating of 25’000 and a breathability
of 10’000 so neither can be questioned. The material quality and
rating comes at a cost as it’s quite noisy and although spacious
does restrict movement slightly. Attention to detail is paramount and
features include numerous internal/external pockets, well fitting
adjustable hood that can be stored within the high fleece lined
collar, water resistant wrist bands and adjustable cuffs, quality
zips and seams, yet although the trousers are elasticated and
adjustable they don’t come with elasticated over the shoulder
straps.
Features 9
Performance 9
Value 9
SCORE: 27
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