Swazi/Ray Mears AEGIS Tahr XP Anorak

  1 of 45

  On first inspection, it seems to be very well made though I'm not sure that I particularly like the neoprene cuff arrangement; it seems that the more up-to-date models have a modified version of this, which look as though they might work better. I do like the fabric - that bit of stretch is great - and I'm sure I'll get used to looking like an ersatz Friar Tuck. Its big test will come when I return to the Highlands shortly to put it through its paces properly. As ever, the service from the Woodlore team was exemplary.  

  Richard Tiley

  2 of 45

  I had an issue with my first Anorak. I sent it back to Woodlore, as requested. After a thorough testing, found the garment was faulty and replaced it without question. Good response from emails and very informative.  

  Jim Flower

  3 of 45

  The jacket is no doubt very proficient at shedding water, which is my main need. The hood is an excellent design too. Also the windproofing is excellent. However having to pull the jacket over one's head is a little awkward, but it may be that there is no better solution possible.  

  Anthony M Gott

  4 of 45

  Excellent jacket. Absolutely perfect for canoeing (with the neoprene cuffs) and fishing. I am often outdoors in really wet and windy weather when no jacket is completely waterproof, but I believe this will be as good or more likely better than any other jacket I own. Not had it long enough to wear on a stormy day, but I have every confidence in it. Sizing is accurate too. I love this jacket.  

  Graham

  5 of 45

  My passion is hiking in the wilderness and I have completed quite a few long distance trails in the national parks in Norway and in Finland, staying over night in a mixture of wild camping and wilderness huts. The clothing I normally wear while hiking there is Fjällräven which I have always been very pleased with, in the performance, quality and durability of the clothing. I particularly like the outer jacket which has given me excellent protection against the worst of the wind and rain. As I am planning a long distance trip to Kuusamo in Finland later in the year, it was a good opportunity to replace my jacket. I was tempted just to purchase the same jacket but after reading several reviews I decided to purchase the Swazi AEGIS Tahr XP Anorak. The service from Woodlore was excellent and I received the anorak in just two days after placing the order. I have now been using the anorak for just over a month, on my 10 to 15 mile training hikes around my home in Suffolk. The weather has been mainly cloudy with sunny periods but with a mixture of strong cold winds and ambient temperature has been between 2 c and 10 c, but with the wind chill the temperature has been more like -2 c to -5 c. The weather has been quite dry for this time of year but I had the opportunity to try the the jacket out on a 10 mile training hike during the resent uk storms. Unfortunately I have mixed reviews as a result of the hike. Positive: The wind protection was excellent. I particularly liked the high neck line, which on occasions has been used to protect my chin from the wind and cold. The hood is very good and can be adjusted to protect you from the worst of the elements. I also like the long length of the jacket which on me covers my upper legs to just above the knee. The two deeps pockets are very good and are used to carry my gloves, hats, head torch and I have carried binoculars in them. I have also used the pockets to warm the hands on cold mornings. Negatives: One of my criteria I considered before buying the jacket was the jacket needed to be waterproof. After reading several reviews claiming the AEGIS Tahr XP Anorak to be 100% waterproof this was one of the major points that swayed me in buying this anorak. Unfortunately the performance of the anorak in the rain was poor. After just 5 miles of my hike I felt the water starting to penetrate through the anorak and after 10 miles my mid layer clothing was wet, particularly my arms and shoulders. I know this may have been extreme weather but I would have expected this anorak to cope with the conditions, especially a jacket of this quality and high price tag. I now have purchased a larger bottle of Nikwax, hopefully this will help to waterproof the anorak. If not I may need to bring my old Fjällräven jacket out of retirement for my trip later in the year and use the Swazi for day winter hikes in Suffolk. One minor point, the anorak is quite bulky when rolled up for a day pack.  

  Kevin O''brien

  6 of 45

  Immense anorak that just feels right. I’ve used it for canoeing, out in the field & around camp. It simply keeps the elements out.  

  Steven King

  7 of 45

  Excellent. It is so warm and dry. Very impressed.  

  Dion Howells

  8 of 45

  Fantastic jacket and superb quality. Just used it in what seemed a monsoon and still managed to stay dry. I like the fact that you can open the front of the jacket if you get a tad hot and want to cool down. I highly recommend the jacket whatever you want to use it for!!.  

  Nicholas John Bell

  9 of 45

  Great service from Woodlore Ltd - experienced, helpful & knowledgeable staff helped with my product selection & sizing. Having worn the Swazi Aegis Tahr XP anorak everyday since purchase, including the ‘Beast from the East 2’, with temperatures down to -6c, the smock lives up to the reputation. Very well made, the smock is watertight, windproof, and comfortable. After several miles hard walking over difficult terrain I remained dry & didn’t overheat. Moreover the hood allows good movement and doesn’t restrict visibility in rain and snow. Bite the bullet, the cost is worth it - recommended.  

  Chris Bishop

  10 of 45

  Fantastic coat, 100% wind and waterproof. Use it all the time in my work as a deerstalker, would recommend the Swazi coat to everyone.  

  Paul Foggin