A while ago I had a conversation with Andywink about my SASS smock and how it was the best field smock I owned, but as it was DPM I would not wear it anymore. He offered to reverse engineer it and make me one from Ventile in his clothing factory.
I took delivery of the jacket on Tuesday, and as I am on school holidays have worn it a few times now.
First impression were very good. It had the familiar SAS / combat jacket layout of 4 large pockets on the front with a FFD pocket on the right sleeve with a pen pocket on the left sleeve...
It has a large velcro fastened storm flap, and all the Ventile labels which Andy is required to put in...
For the next picture, I have turned the smock inside out. You can clearly see the double layer that Andy has positioned at the top of the jacket, to give extra protection to the shoulders and upper body. You can also see the inside pocket, which is attached to the inner layer and is big enough to take an OS map.
You can also see the reinforcing strip of Ventile on the back of the pocket. this is on all the pockets, including the sleeve pockets.
The only mod that I have made, was to sew a button on the outside of the hood and a loop of paracord, which allows me to roll up and secure the hood when not in use.
You can also see the quality of the stitching job.
Modelled by yours truly...
And the back view, with the hood up (You can see the button which I sewed on too)...
I wore the jacket to the park today in a down pour, everybody ran to their cars but my kids were happy to carry on playing, and I wanted to test the jacket, so we stayed.
As expected I stayed dry, and as happens with Ventile, the jacket stiffened up slightly as it got wet. This wasn't a problem and to be honest was barely noticable - until I took the jacket off!
Would I buy another off Andy - yes. Would I recommend his stuff to a friend - yes!
I can see this jacket becoming my jacket of choice for all but the wettest of weather, and expect it to last for many years.
Usual disclaimer - I have no link to Andywink or his business, but am a very satisfied customer!
Simon
I took delivery of the jacket on Tuesday, and as I am on school holidays have worn it a few times now.
First impression were very good. It had the familiar SAS / combat jacket layout of 4 large pockets on the front with a FFD pocket on the right sleeve with a pen pocket on the left sleeve...
It has a large velcro fastened storm flap, and all the Ventile labels which Andy is required to put in...
For the next picture, I have turned the smock inside out. You can clearly see the double layer that Andy has positioned at the top of the jacket, to give extra protection to the shoulders and upper body. You can also see the inside pocket, which is attached to the inner layer and is big enough to take an OS map.
You can also see the reinforcing strip of Ventile on the back of the pocket. this is on all the pockets, including the sleeve pockets.
The only mod that I have made, was to sew a button on the outside of the hood and a loop of paracord, which allows me to roll up and secure the hood when not in use.
You can also see the quality of the stitching job.
Modelled by yours truly...
And the back view, with the hood up (You can see the button which I sewed on too)...
I wore the jacket to the park today in a down pour, everybody ran to their cars but my kids were happy to carry on playing, and I wanted to test the jacket, so we stayed.
As expected I stayed dry, and as happens with Ventile, the jacket stiffened up slightly as it got wet. This wasn't a problem and to be honest was barely noticable - until I took the jacket off!
Would I buy another off Andy - yes. Would I recommend his stuff to a friend - yes!
I can see this jacket becoming my jacket of choice for all but the wettest of weather, and expect it to last for many years.
Usual disclaimer - I have no link to Andywink or his business, but am a very satisfied customer!
Simon
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