Tom Mutter tests Jack Pyke’s countryman hunters vest in the field
The first thing I’m going to say about this shooting waistcoat from Jack Pyke is that it looks much more expensive than it is, which so often isn’t the case. The waistcoat is stylish, it’s made from a heavy cotton canvas with suede effect material on the shoulders, so it doesn’t matter if you are right or lefthanded, and has the perfect material for protection and for gun mount. The heavy fabric also gives a good fit, it isn’t flimsy and it’s proved to be hard wearing. Personally I would have liked it to be treated with some sort of waterproofing because I’ve got wet in it a few times after misjudging the weather – it doesn’t hold the rain off at all. But, to be fair, it doesn’t claim to be waterproof and the price reflects this, so I just need to check the weather forecast more frequently!
It’s a versatile waistcoat suitable for game or clay shooting, and ideal for pigeons and rough shooting. The two large cartridge pockets with pin up studs hold plenty of cartridges but, disappointingly, the vest I was sent to test only had one popper attached, the other one had pulled through the material. Hopefully this was a quality control error, but it was annoying. So make sure you check yours carefully before you buy it. The cartridge holder band above the pockets hold another dozen shells. This does mean that the vest got a bit heavy, but the tough material ensured it didn’t pull forward which is ideal for rough shooting because you don’t have to carry a cartridge bag – perfect for me as I hate carrying a bag when walking with my gun. The hand warmer pockets were in just the right position as well.
All in all this vest from Jack Pyke is a great piece of shooting clothing. I’ve worn it a lot, rough shooting and out on the clays. It's hardwearing, smart and tremendous value for money. The only downside was the missing popper.