Argyll and Galbraith smocks - Jack Pyke

Two new smocks from those makers of well-specced shooting gear, Jack Pyke

Deer stalkers like smocks. My Nomad and Swazi items are two of my most used and trusted garments for hunting, but they are at the pricey end of the market. Jack Pyke of England has just released a range of new clothing – beginning with the Galbraith smock and Argyll smock. Jack Pyke is famed for offering well-specced shooting gear at competitive prices and these are no different.

The top-of-the-range Argyll is packed with the kind of features you expect of a garment costing significantly more (it is priced at £175). It is waterproof and breathable with a quiet brushed tricot outer that allows stealthy stalking, a laminated membrane and a mesh liner to help keep you cool.

The front zip is extra long to allow for ‘ease of entry’ and is also baffled to keep the elements at bay. There is a hood with drawstring and best of all (from my point of view at least) it is removable. I prefer to wear my own choice of headgear and generally prefer to do without a hood – not an option on my Swazi or Nomad.

There are two upper ‘kit pockets’, stylishly angled and featuring weatherproof zips, and two lower hand-warmer type pockets. There is a drawstring waist (for those of you who still have a waist) and neoprene inner cuffs to stop rain running up your sleeves while glassing. The smock is cut generously long, allowing you to sit on the tail, which is my preference. Available in green or moss brown and in sizes from S to XXXL.

The other smock in the parcel is the Galbraith. At £78, this is a lighter, shorter garment more suited to spring and autumn stalking. It has a similar brushed tricot finish, which is really quiet, and a useful front ‘pouch’ for binos and the usual kit we like to carry.

The cuffs are adjustable and there are two further lower pockets. All the pockets feature weatherproof zips. As well as the plain green and brown, the Galbraith comes in the company’s new Forest brown camouflage. Jack Pyke has always done good solid matches for UK conditions, and this new offering looks like a fine all-round option whether for wood, marsh or field. It features more HD imagery, giving the 3D effect we have become used to, and that really does help break up your outline.

Argyll RRP: £175

Galbraith RRP: £78

www.jackpyke.co.uk