'Traditionally, once loaded up - multi pocket waistcoats are subjected to some serious strain, particularly where pockets are joined to the garment. The companies technology has produced a 'rip stop weave' and together with reinforced stitching in stress areas, goes a long way to providing the strength to combat this strain.' - J Hamilton, Ed
FIRST LOOK: Country Innovation's New Raptor (15 Pocket) Waistcoat
WORDS by James Hamilton
Pockets galore... image: © Country Innovation
Somerset based Country Innovation, renowned for producing high quality clothing for birders and outdoor enthusiasts, have launched a new product - which has been two years in the making... the new Raptor Waistcoat.
The new waistcoat features a tough load-bearing workhorse made from a military grade fabric and comes with a mind boggling fifteen (yes - 15) pockets.
Traditionally, once loaded up - multi pocket waistcoats are subjected to some serious strain, particularly where pockets are joined to the garment. The companies technology has produced a 'rip stop weave' and together with reinforced stitching in stress areas, goes a long way to providing the strength to combat this strain.
Are all these pockets really necessary? Well, in short - yes. The 2 upper bellows pockets have press studded flaps and incorporate 2 pen slots. Then there are the 2 really big vertical zippered pockets which are the size of the whole of the upper part of the garment….easily large enough for birdguides, notebooks etc.
But of particular note however are the lower pockets….6 in all! Each of the lower bellows pockets has an inner zippered security pocket and side entry pockets to put your hands in, but the really clever bit is that the top opening of these pockets has been elasticated to not only be able to create a bigger opening (opens to approx. 15cm) but also to again take the strain off of where the pocket joins the garment. The large external and internal rear pockets and 3 inner pockets (one of which is ideal for smartphone or pager), make up the total tally of 15.
Additional features on the Raptor include padding in the shoulders for comfort when carrying heavy loads, and shoulder epaulettes to secure binocular/camera straps. A two way main zip means that the Raptor can be undone from the bottom for ease of movement and additional ventilation, and the side adjusters can be pulled in for a neater fit. A rear pleat gives that little bit of extra room across the back and the slightly longer scalloped back is of a good length for comfort.
The Raptor is available in sizes S, M, L, XL at £125.00 RRP and XXL, XXXL at £135.00 RRP. We'll have a full review for you in the near future.
Further information on Country Innovation’s Raptor Waistcoat and comprehensive range of country clothing and accessories, can be found at www.countryinnovation.co.uk or by calling 01934 877333.
The new waistcoat features a tough load-bearing workhorse made from a military grade fabric and comes with a mind boggling fifteen (yes - 15) pockets.
Traditionally, once loaded up - multi pocket waistcoats are subjected to some serious strain, particularly where pockets are joined to the garment. The companies technology has produced a 'rip stop weave' and together with reinforced stitching in stress areas, goes a long way to providing the strength to combat this strain.
Are all these pockets really necessary? Well, in short - yes. The 2 upper bellows pockets have press studded flaps and incorporate 2 pen slots. Then there are the 2 really big vertical zippered pockets which are the size of the whole of the upper part of the garment….easily large enough for birdguides, notebooks etc.
But of particular note however are the lower pockets….6 in all! Each of the lower bellows pockets has an inner zippered security pocket and side entry pockets to put your hands in, but the really clever bit is that the top opening of these pockets has been elasticated to not only be able to create a bigger opening (opens to approx. 15cm) but also to again take the strain off of where the pocket joins the garment. The large external and internal rear pockets and 3 inner pockets (one of which is ideal for smartphone or pager), make up the total tally of 15.
Additional features on the Raptor include padding in the shoulders for comfort when carrying heavy loads, and shoulder epaulettes to secure binocular/camera straps. A two way main zip means that the Raptor can be undone from the bottom for ease of movement and additional ventilation, and the side adjusters can be pulled in for a neater fit. A rear pleat gives that little bit of extra room across the back and the slightly longer scalloped back is of a good length for comfort.
The Raptor is available in sizes S, M, L, XL at £125.00 RRP and XXL, XXXL at £135.00 RRP. We'll have a full review for you in the near future.
Further information on Country Innovation’s Raptor Waistcoat and comprehensive range of country clothing and accessories, can be found at www.countryinnovation.co.uk or by calling 01934 877333.
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