Flecktarn Jacket - "Poacher Pocket"?

[Sasquatch71]

Hi there,

Hope this post is in the correct forum?

I have a flecktarn parka/ jacket and I would like to add a "poacher pocket" to it. I was wondering if anyone has done this before and what sort of material would you recommend using for it? I Was thinking some sort of canvas would be best? Any advice would be very welcome.

(I do not intend any "illegal activity" with this pocket)

Cheers

Sasquatch71

 

[Toddy]

Where on the jacket do you want the pocket ? front flaps, behind your backside, up near your chest or down below the waist ?.....and what size are you thinking of ?

The biggest issue is finding support for the pocket. If you can attach it to the seams that are already on the jacket, then that somewhat simplifies matters. If you can't or don't want that size, then you have to think about what weight the lining will support, or you have to stitch through the jacket outer and that can compromise waterproofness.....and leave visible seams thus rather spoiling the whole 'hidden' nature of the poacher's pocket.

If you're not intending anything terribly heavy then ripstop nylon works well enough, so long as you deal well with any edges so they don't pull apart.
Canvas is a tad muckle unless you can fix it on through the whole jacket.

So, a bottle, a bit of hunting.......hiding your wallet, phone ?

It all rather depends

 

[Urvin]

Just buy a yard of 500D Cordura and a heavy-duty YKK zipper so you don't accidentally dump your "legitimately acquired" pheasant in the parking lot. Canvas gets heavy and gross when wet but Cordura is basically indestructible and matches the surplus vibe perfectly. Post pics when you're done or we’ll just assume you’re using it to smuggle tactical snacks

 

[Sasquatch71]

Where on the jacket do you want the pocket ? front flaps, behind your backside, up near your chest or down below the waist ?.....and what size are you thinking of ?

The biggest issue is finding support for the pocket. If you can attach it to the seams that are already on the jacket, then that somewhat simplifies matters. If you can't or don't want that size, then you have to think about what weight the lining will support, or you have to stitch through the jacket outer and that can compromise waterproofness.....and leave visible seams thus rather spoiling the whole 'hidden' nature of the poacher's pocket.

If you're not intending anything terribly heavy then ripstop nylon works well enough, so long as you deal well with any edges so they don't pull apart.
Canvas is a tad muckle unless you can fix it on through the whole jacket.

So, a bottle, a bit of hunting.......hiding your wallet, phone ?

It all rather depends

Hi folks, thanks for the advice. I'll be putting the pocket on the inside of the jacket at backside level. I was starting to think of cordura too. It'll either be sewn on by my own fair hand or I might even break out the sewing machine. Don't really intend to store anything too heavy in it. Probably a sitting mat and some other odds and ends. Aye, canvas could be on the muckle side to be honest. I think the jacket is from the early 90s so it's not ripstop or any of those new fangled materials.

 

[Falstaff]

A couple of my jackets came with a poachers pocket or a full panel width to support the external pocket off the seams as Toddy says. I just sewed up the bottom of the panel to the hem seam and lo' a pocket.
However, add enough additional fabric on the poachers to accommodate whatever you are putting in it. Otherwise it bulges outward, giving the game away, or wears out the external pocket lining. I find the lower front panel is the easiest for access and support. It also shows less, as I just appear a little bit more portly than I really am.

If you expect to put mucky or wet stuff in it, say, ahem, a bottle dripping with condensation, then consider how to dry/clean it. I just stuff a cheap disposable carrier bag or other plastic bag in there, doesn't seem to make any noise.

 

[Buckshot]

I think i would have a look in the charity shops and get a camo jacket or trousers as the donor material.
might not be the right camo but ...

 

[Herman30]

I think i would have a look in the charity shops and get a camo jacket or trousers as the donor material.
might not be the right camo but ...

Were it me, I would want the pocket pouch on the inside of the jacket.

 

[Sasquatch71]

Yes, the pocket has to most definitely be on the inside.
I have acquired a few jackets/smocks over recent years and the number of pockets is a big factor in the ones I've bought. I've modified trousers, barrack shirts/combat shirts to have more pockets too. Quite new to doing my own mods and while they can be a bit crude,I'm getting there. My better half just rolls her eyes when more surplus arrives.

 

[Buckshot]

Were it me, I would want the pocket pouch on the inside of the jacket.

I don't understand this at all?
Of course it's on the inside, that's what a poachers pocket is.
but why does the source material dictate where a pocket is located on a garment?

 

[Herman30]

I don't understand this at all?
Of course it's on the inside,

Why then did you say:

might not be the right camo

Camo does not matter when the pocket is on the inside. Pocket can be pink with yellow flowers printed even.

 

[Buckshot]

Some people can be very particular about camo.
Overly so IMO.
I have seen people reject something because it doesn't 'match' the other camo stuff they have.
Even on the inside of a coat, some people might not be happy.

 

[TLM]

Even on the inside of a coat, some people might not be happy.

Apparently you have met a few specimens of a species that are never happy whatever ...

People who oppose mods and are strict about camo generally have been in the supply side of an army.

 

[Toddy]

If you want your clothing alterations to look as though they really are part of the garment, then detail matters.
It really matters if your aim is for a hidden pocket, or a concealed access.

 

[Herman30]

When I had a seamstress make a breastpocket on inside of my smock I did not care about the color match, important was that it had to be mesh fabric so that by opening the zipper bodyheat could be ventilated out.

 

[Falstaff]

S'funny I have the opposite problem. A UK army jacket with big mesh ventilation chest pockets, which the velcro keeps catching or preventing doing up. So I'm going to have to come up with some form of cover, or like the later offical versions, replace the mesh with fabric.

 

[Toddy]

Ripstop nylon or polyester ....it's strong, very lightweight, doesn't catch on stuff, washes easily, comes in a multitude of suitable colours, easy to stitch, fold over the edges and they're strong

You can buy breathable or waterproof or heavy coated....and it's reasonably priced too

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