Swazi/Ray Mears AEGIS Tahr XP Anorak

  1 of 31

  Having deliberated if I could justify the cost of this jacket I took the plunge and ordered. I am so glad I did! I have now worn it in anger and can say hand on heart it is the best jacket I have ever owned and worn for walking and hiking. It is extremely well made, waterproof and comfortable beyond belief! Well worth the price. If I could change one thing about it I would include some pockets at waist level too.  

  Gareth B

  2 of 31

  After purchasing a Ridgeline smock and found its breathability sadly wanting, I was really damp from sweat, I finally decided to stretch to purchasing a Swazi/Ray Mears AEGIS Tahr XP. Unsure about sizing (I’m a 44 chest, so between a Large and Extra Large), I asked for advice and received a prompt and helpful response from Diana Taylor, the Assistant Director at Woodlore Limited. I ordered a large and it fitted comfortably. I have worn it a number of times on the hills of Northumberland and it has already seen plenty of wind and rain (the delights of a British summer). It is at least as waterproof and more breathable than any waterproof jacket I have previously owned and is performing much better than my Ridgeline smock. The hood is excellent and, as described, provides good peripheral vision. The hand warming pockets are good, but would be improved if there was an inner, smaller, fleece lined pocket for the hands, or, if the entire pocket had the same lining as the inner “palm side”. I like the neoprene stretch cuffs but I think that the jacket would benefit from having them recessed behind the Aegis sleeve. My Ridgeline smock has this feature and it reduces the dampness on the neoprene in extended wet weather. I have yet to establish the need for the extended-length drawcord at the waist. My only complaint is the length of the sleeves – they must have very long arms in New Zealand! The full length of the neoprene cuff is beyond my fingertips, I have tried turning the cuffs up (inside and outside) to make it more wearable, but this does not look or feel right. I wonder if when they added the cuffs, did they compensate by reducing the Aegis sleeve? It would be interesting to know if the standard Aegis XP sleeve length is the same? It is a real problem for me and not a problem I’ve had with other waterproof jackets (my Ridgeline fits perfectly – if only it were more breathable). I will try to have the smock sleeves tailored, otherwise it will put me off wearing the smock.  

  Steve W

  3 of 31

  Excellent heavy shell. I'm a slim 6 foot tall runners build (38 inch chest) and the size medium is perfect for me. I wore it out in a rainstorm last weekend while setting up camp in the Canadian forest. It protected me very well. I felt warm and dry and the hood provided excellent vision while protecting my face. Although I'm sure it's breathable, it is not breathable enough for anything in the summer aside from standing still. This is not a fault, just the price you pay for the level of protection you get. I own a very expensive waterproof breathable from a top world renowned brand, and it suffers the same fate in hot weather, it's only advantage is pit zips. I'm taking a 4 day canoe trip in October this year, and while I normally wait on the weather and cancel a trip if it's too wet, I think this shell has given me the confidence to go out regardless of precipitation. Really top notch shell, I'm very glad I finally purchased it, I can't imagine using any other coat now, and have been browsing the Swazi website for a shell for my girlfriend. As an aside, it's very nice that the jacket is made in New Zealand and the tailors name is put on each piece. A really nice touch. Thank you Sue for the great coat!  

  Jeremy Jurksztowicz

  4 of 31

  As expected, this is a top quality outer layer. I've already put it through its paces, wearing it whilst setting up camp in the recent storm. It kept me warm when working with just a single underlayer beneath it. The wide cuffs are handy as they allow for pushing the sleeves up to the elbow when walking with a pack on to help vent heat. I'm a fairly big build and the XL is baggy on me but comfortable and allows easy space for more layers when the winter comes. The waist drawstring is very long and I'm not sure exactly why, I've ended up just hanking it up, have to ask Ray why he asked for it that way! All in all, very impressed.  

  Richard V

  5 of 31

  This is a top product. I have tested it in the mountains here in Norway and it is an anorak that I feel well protected against the weather in these conditions. Love the lenght and fit. Also like the big pockets and think the way you can pull the cuffs up on the arms is a very clever idea and makes handling game/ fish etc very easy without getting blood on the clothes. Perfect on reindeer hunting and other activities in the outdoors. Thank you Woodlore.  

  John D Borgen

  6 of 31

  Amazing jacket. Worn in driving rain in Scotland. Dry and comfy, great length to allow sitting down. Generous fit but great for freedom of movement. Cuffs are very useful and sleeves can be pushed due to generous arms. All round it’s great. Only small criticism is that the Velcro tabs on the cuffs catch the fabric of the jacket when cuffs are pulled tight.  

  Napier

  7 of 31

  At first I thought this was a bit much but I have watched Ray wear and enjoy these for years. So I bucked up and bought one and I will have to say I understand now. This is one of the best pieces of outdoor clothing I have now. I love it. I would love to meet the designers these are incredible.  

  David L Milligan

  8 of 31

  Excellent product. Kept totally dry and comfortable during an extended hike in torrential rain recently. I would thoroughly recommend this coat and look forward to many years of use from it. Excellent service from the Woodlore team, item turned up within a couple of days of the order being submitted.  

  Gtab

  9 of 31

  Been 'lucky' enough to have a huge variety of weather in the 2 weeks I have been wearing this & it has handled it all perfectly, driving heavy rain, heavy snow, hot, cold, muggy, gale force winds you name it we have had it! Always felt completely protected from the elements. Breathability has been great, high intensity uphill hikes with a 32L pack on felt spot on. The cut & general feel of the jacket is top notch, I love it. Perfect service from Woodlore as usual.  

  J Castillo

  10 of 31

  I have tried lots of coats over the past 25 years, and they have all been good but this coat is in a different league altogether. The simple design is key, with the extra length solving the problem of the gap that naturally happens between waterproof trousers and other jackets.  

  Paul Cox