Bison Bushcraft Guide shirt (with pics)

[Snufkin]

I've already posted my first impressions on Paganwolfs thread but I decided to post my own preliminary review in a separate thread. A week certainly isn't enough time to get to grips with any product but I'm sure there is alot of interest in this item, given Swanndri's uncertain future.
Firstly I have to compliment Bison Bushcraft on their prompt service. I ordered from their website http://www.bisonbushcraft.co.uk/ on a Thursday night and the shirt was delivered on Saturday. It cost £70 plus postage.

I shall have to compare the Guide shirt to the Swanndri Ranger as that will be the item most of you will be familiar with and, as Bisons website states, the guide shirt was made to replace it.
The Guide shirt is made of a much denser wool in a very nice greeny grey and brown check, that is not as overtly "lumberjack" as some of the Swanndri patterns. It has a grandad style collar with buttons rather than the zip of a Ranger. I'm not fond of zips as they are usually the first thing to fail on clothing. Having said that, I've not had a problem with any zip on a Swanndri product. Still, I like the buttons . It has one unflapped pocket on the left breast with a nice subtle leather patch bearing the Bison Bushcraft logo.
So, into the field. I've worn it now on three forays to my local woods, I've not managed an overnighter but I've been out by 5.30am and it's been a bit parky of late! I forgot my camera last Sunday when the ground was frosty and the sunlight was glorious but remembered it today. Sadly it was overcast which reflects in the pics.

The denser weave of the Guide definitely blocks the wind better than a Swanndri, making it suitable as a mid/outer layer. When worn under a ventile wind shirt it is as efficient as the Ranger. However the more open weave of the Ranger means that it insulates as well but for less weight and bulk, something to consider if you are packing for a trip.
The Guide shirt is comfortable to work in when sawing and axeing. I would prefer double buttoned cuffs, as this would make it easier to roll the sleeves up. A minor niggle for me but if you have Popeye forearms this could be an issue.
It hasn't rained, so I am unsure how the Guide will fair but I intend to update this thread when I've had more use out of the shirt.
For now though, I can say I'm impressed.

 

[Doc]

Good shirt, good review.

The open weave of the Swannie means that in windy weather you really need something on top. My solution to this is to wear a pertex Arktis windshirt on top when necessary. These weigh next to nothing, cost £16, are very, very windproof, add a bit of insulation, and fold in to a stuff sac about the same volume as a packet of cigarettes.



The colours of the Guide look good - I often think brownish is better camouflage than greenish.

 

[Snufkin]

The colours of the Guide look good - I often think brownish is better camouflage than greenish.

True, especially in autumn/winter/early spring when you'd expect to use this shirt.

 

[SOAR]

Nice one Snufkin I am waiting on mine to be delivered and was hoping you would do a review, what size did you get?. I ordered a large, I hope its not too big for me.

Simon.

 

[Snufkin]

Nice one Snufkin I am waiting on mine to be delivered and was hoping you would do a review, what size did you get?. I ordered a large, I hope its not too big for me.

Simon.

I ordered a large too. Fits me fine so you'll do alright if that's your usual size.

 

[SOAR]

I ordered a large too. Fits me fine so you'll do alright if that's your usual size.

Yeh normaly I go for a large, although I had a large ranger and that was huge so I sold it.

Cheers.

Simon.

 

[Lurch]

given Swanndri's uncertain future.

Do you really think Swanni have an uncertain future? A falling out with a distributor is hardly unusual and doesn't necessarily indicate imminent failure.

Regarding the shirt, I really hate the colour/pattern. I don't care how much it blends in, it's 'orrible. If they do an OG version or something more like the Swanni check then I've cash waiting, 'til then I'll pass thanks.

 

[Snufkin]

I was under the impression that Swanndri was for sale...

 

[Lurch]

Didn't hear that.
Shame.

 

[Snufkin]

Didn't hear that.
Shame.

Actually it seems it's been sold.
Taken from the Ray Mears website

"PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SWANNDRI COMPANY HAS BEEN RECENTLY SOLD AND THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY UNABLE TO OBTAIN FURTHER SUPPLIES OF THIS PARTICULAR GARMENT."
Hopefully they'll sort out a deal for distribution over here, it'd be a shame if they disappeared from the scene.

 

[Lurch]

It's not so long since I had email from Swanni regarding reselling, I didn't want to take on a lot of product at the time or else I could have stocked their product. Could the Mears site be referring to the disti?

 

[Angus Og]

From the horses mouth.

Media Release
14 November 2007
NEW OWNER FOR ICONIC KIWI BRAND - Swanndri sold to Longbeach Holdings

Successful Christchurch apparel company Longbeach Holdings Ltd today announced that it has acquired one of New Zealand's most well known and respected brands, Swanndri.

Longbeach specialises in developing supply solutions and product for the apparel sector. It has operations in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, UK and China.

The company has been working with Swanndri as a major product supply partner for the past two years including developing new innovations in fabric and styling.

The outgoing Chairman of Swanndri, Bryan Pearson, said the Board and Management team of Swanndri has spent the past four years repositioning and growing the business. "We all felt the time was right for a major company like Longbeach to come in and take Swanndri to the next level.

Longbeach has the expertise and infrastructure to support further growth of this great Kiwi brand in New Zealand and international markets. Their existing relationship with the brand, their established position in major markets beyond New Zealand and their specialist skills, make them the natural owners of Swanndri".

Longbeach Chairman, Ken Sparrow, says this is a great deal for the Swanndri brand, and for both companies.

"The Swanndri brand is a national icon that we look forward to developing globally. We have plans to leverage and capitalise on the hard work that has been done over the recent years"

.
http://www.swanndri.co.nz/default.aspx?I=5003

 

[Angus Og]

Good review about the Bison Bushcraft Guide shirt, the shirt sounds good just not so sure about the colour.

 

[Zammo]

Longbeach's website, doesn't seem to work atm.

http://www.longbeach.co.nz/

 

[Karl5]

I ordered a large too. Fits me fine so you'll do alright if that's your usual size.

Say Snufkin, how would you compare the Bison sizes to the Swanndri sizes?
The same? Bigger? Smaller?
I'm normally a medium, but for the Swanndri Ranger size small is more my size.

/ Karl

 

[Tiley]

Like Snufkin, I am a satisfied customer. Mine arrived on Thursday and I have only really taken it off to sleep. The fabric is great and I would say not that much heavier than my Swanni. The collar is superb, as are the buttons to do it up - a huge improvement on the Swanni zip, which tends to work its way undone, with wear. The real high point for me are the sleeves - they are a great cut and long enough for my gibbon-esque arms.

I have no connection with Bison Bushcraft, et cetera but I do think that this is very definitely a British-made alternative to the Swanni that is pretty much superior in all areas.

 

[Snufkin]

Say Snufkin, how would you compare the Bison sizes to the Swanndri sizes?
The same? Bigger? Smaller?
I'm normally a medium, but for the Swanndri Ranger size small is more my size.

/ Karl

I'd say that the large sized Guide that I have is a little larger than my large Swanni Ranger. But it is only a slight difference.

 

[Karl5]

I'd say that the large sized Guide that I have is a little larger than my large Swanni Ranger. But it is only a slight difference.

Cool. Thanks snufkin!!
That means I should choose the same size for the Guide as I would for the Swanni Ranger.

/ Karl

 

[spamel]

It certainly looks like a good bit of kit. I'm happy with my Swannis though and need to watch the poennies these days so won't be buying, but it's nice to see another member who likes natural material equipment too. Nice bag Snufkin!

 

[Snufkin]

It certainly looks like a good bit of kit. I'm happy with my Swannis though and need to watch the poennies these days so won't be buying, but it's nice to see another member who likes natural material equipment too. Nice bag Snufkin!

Cheers mate. The bag is one of my favourite bits of kit. It's a No Name pack from Alder Stream Canvas. Handmade with custom available and cheaper than Frost River or Duluth.
http://alderstream.wcha.org/
And if you like traditional gear and natural materials you might like this site http://www.jackmountainbushcraft.com/gear.html#tump
Which is where I found the link to Alder Stream.
I might have to do a review of the pack .