Ventile Clothing by "Country Innovation"

[falcon]

At the Midland Game Fair a few years ago, I came accross a stand selling products by "Country Innovation" who I think were based in the South-west, possibly near Bath. They had a whole range of ventile jackets (single and double layer) and trousers as well as other products including sleeveless waistcoats. I can't seem to find any trace of them now and wondered if any member can offer any clues?

Thanks

 

[al]

Outdoor clothing designed especially for the birdwatching market. Specialists in Ventile fabric. Brasher Boots, socks and poles. Tilley Hats. A variety of bags and rucksacks to suit all.
Tel: 01934 877333
Fax: 01934 877999
Email: sales@countryinnovation.com

 

[al]

http://www.countryinnovation.co.uk/index.htm

 

[tenbears10]

Their stuff looks good. Shame there isn't a picture of the ventile smock as quite a few people have been asking about something similar recently. The trousers look quite good as well.

Bill

 

[Gary]

My first Ventile was one of theirs - good jackets.

 

[Ginja]

Yeah - agree with all below, good company. Bought a rucksack off them earlier this year; friendly and efficient service (though the 'sack was actually manufactured by Haglofs, but no matter).

For Ventile shirts I'd also recommend a UK manufacturer called Snowsled. Don't own one myself - though am planning to - but have had them highly recommended by various mates, instructors, etc. Bit on the pricey side, but even Mr Mears speaks highly of 'em! Not that price is an issue to him, of course!!

Check:

http://www.snowsled.com

Best advice is to call them up and ask for a brochure, as their site is a bit pants ...

Hope this helps.

G

 

[falcon]

Grateful for the information, folks - have a good weekend outdoors.

 

[Oakleaf]

First rate jackets.

I met them at the Keepers fair Shugborough in the early 1990's. They hadnt decided on a name at the time.

I bought a single layer Ventile off them - think callked 'stalker'. Ten year plus on - albeit with a couple of proofings - and its still my daily jacket ( and still windproof and water tight ).

The cuffs are wearing away from shear use and abuse, nothing else has gone on it.

Their stuff ( the ventile jackets anyway ) is made by Keela to their specification.

I bought a double ventile about 5 years ago - really 'just cos I wanted to'. Rarely wear it as the single is so good.

Just looked around house - apparently the double ventile is now the property of my better half! :?: She says its great!

 

[falcon]

Hi Oakleaf - I've got one of the single layer jackets branded by Keela which I bought just before CI appeared on the Country Show circuit about 10 years ago I guess. This is still in use but in extreme conditions has let some water in around the elbow area. I've never thought of proofing it - what did you do with yours?

Cheers

 

[leon-1]

Hi Oakleaf - I've got one of the single layer jackets branded by Keela which I bought just before CI appeared on the Country Show circuit about 10 years ago I guess. This is still in use but in extreme conditions has let some water in around the elbow area. I've never thought of proofing it - what did you do with yours?

Cheers

Falcon, I have a couple of Ventile Jackets, the best thing for general reproofing is Cotton Proof, it is made by Nikwax and is part of the TX10 range of products. They also provide a soap that does not adhere to the fibres of your jacket causing the waterproofing to be less effective, that is called tech wash. You can get a similair thing for washing the jacket in called pure soap made by Grangers, I hope this is of use to you

 

[CLEM]

How about some pics of your smocks/jackets as iam on the look out for a quailty jacket ect.Have thought about Arktis or Sass sas smocks.

 

[HAM]

Another option . . . .Theres a company in Aboyne on Royal Deeside (near Aberdeen) called Hilltrek that specialises in making Ventile gear for Ghillies (gamekeepers). They specialise in smocks and trousers. I don't have one of their smocks (yet!!) but I swear by their ventile trousers and use them for all outdoors pursuits from Golf to Canoeing. I think I paid about £65 for them, and thats made to measure. I'm pretty sure that Hilltrek do mail order.

I also have a snowsled ventile shirt, its also very good, but I find it quite clammy if you're wearing a rucksack all day but great for around camp once you're set up.

Steve

 

[bigjackbrass]

http://www.hilltrek.co.uk/hilltrek/country_ventile.htm

That smock looks to be quite a bargain (not that I need another one, but you know how it is...)