WOODLARK TROUSERS
£145
The Aperture Jacket – there’s a clue in the name – is aimed primarily at outdoor photographers, but should work well for anyone who wants a tough jacket that will carry a lot of stuff and keep the wind and rain out.
Not just pockets
The Aperture is very well made and feels tough – I think this jacket will take some abuse. Its 12 pockets should be enough for anyone – I wouldn’t want to load up every pocket, but you have options. The four ‘patch’ pockets, two upper and two lower, are voluminous, easy to access, and have double-poppered flaps. Each has side elastication at the top, which takes some of the strain of heavier items and allows wider opening – it’s good. The lower ones have big hand-warmers behind (no fleece lining but slightly brushed fabric) which I liked, and a zip-up pocket inside, one with a key clip.
These are big pockets – one will take a standard iPad and the Collins Bird Guide. Or my Lumix G6 with a 100-300mm lens – which didn’t feel too heavy. Or, believe it or not, a Canon 7D MkI with the 100-400mm zoom (lens hood reversed) – though the body does stick out the top of the pocket. Take the lens off the body and you can do up the pocket flap. Or you could carry the 7D with a battery pack in that pocket. Or a substantial lunch. There are two vertically-zipped chest pockets, which sit ‘in the coat’ behind the upper pockets. These are seriously large. An OS map is a piece of cake. That 100-400 could sit in there. Or another substantial lunch. The upper chest pockets are big enough for the 7D body – but not with the battery pack.
The hood may be the best I’ve encountered. It’s comfortable, spacious and
protective. It has a wired peak, a drawcord to pull it closer, and volume adjusting straps at the rear. Cinch it close and it turns with your head – which is what you want. The cuffs adjust with a strap and poppers rather than velcro – which keeps noise down and won’t get ‘clogged’. Unusually, the main two-way waterrepellent zip has its protective placket on the inside – it’s easier to access but still keeps the elements out.
In a shower or two
I liked the fit of this jacket. My ‘medium’ could accommodate a not too bulky down jacket underneath and allowed very good arm movement – not all jackets pull that one off. I liked the cut, too – its scalloped rear providing a bit more buttock protection.
I paired the Aperture up with CI’s Woodlark Trousers and took them to the RSPB’s Ouse Fen. I felt protected, and when the rain came, it beaded nicely on both garments. The fabrics aren’t completely silent, but I didn’t think any noise they made was an issue. It didn’t stop the Otter appearing – Fox in the foreground, Otter beyond – this jacket must be good… To test the waterproofing more, I took a five minute cold shower. The water hit me at close range with torrential force, the hood and shoulders taking the brunt of it. Both garments were very impressive. Paper in the cargo pocket on the trousers, the lower patch pocket and the vertical chest pocket stayed dry. A little water entered an upper patch pocket. The zip kept the water out. Inside, a T-shirt sleeve was a bit damp – but this was an extreme test – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this jacket for real world use.
Woodlark Trousers
I felt particularly well protected when I wore these trousers, too – most of us make do with lesser strides, even in the winter. Wear them over wellies and you really can take on the mud and wet. They are well made with ample hand pockets, each with a zip-up pocket inside, one rear pocket, and a cargo pocket with a zip-up pocket tucked away behind it. The knees are articulated (like mine) and there’s some elastic in the waist for comfort. They are heavier than the average trouser, cosy to wear and very good. The only downside is you need to use a special product to wash them.
Jacket: 1,500g. S-4XL. Trousers: 600g. 30-48 waist, 10-28 for ladies. 32’’ leg. With nylon belt. Both: Cotton outer with waterproof/breathable lining. Larger sizes cost a bit more. For care Country Innovation recommend Storm Cleaner and Waterproofer.