Swazi Kagoule Anorak

Swazi is known worldwide for top quality hunting gear. The Kagoule is very versatile, hard wearing, breathable, and waterproof—a top jacket from New Zealand.

I am amazed that there is no Swazi manufacturer listed in the options. In my world they are known worldwide as a premium brand of hunting, hiking, and outdoor apparel that will take on all conditions.

Swazi make a number of models, including the Tahr, Wapiti, and Kagoule. I have worn them all over the years. They are made of three layers of a special material called Aegis, which Swazi claim is soft quiet and waterproof, and trust me it is.

The Kagoule has a chest pocket with a radio antenna slot channeled through a rubber chest panel and an opening within the jacket to allow microphone access. There is a top opening pouch pocket with handwarmer pockets on the sides. The hood is well known for being able to turn and have excellent peripheral vision when it is up, with a wire front to keep it in shape in the roughest weather conditions.

The jacket, being an over-the-head smock type with no shoulder seams, is excellent at keeping the weather out. All the seams are taped and Swazi claim the Aegis fabric "breathes", however, I have found that if you have too much on underneath in warmer weather it can still get a bit sweaty. So all I ever use for normal conditions is a base layer and add a thermal vest if it's really cold.

It is generously cut and long enough to keep the wind out. There is a drawstring at the base for when it's really blowing.

Swazi coats are expensive, this one is £400, but they last for years and are very well made. You even get the person who made it put their name to it, comforting in these days of mass production.

Here is mine.

Background

I have all sorts of hunting, shooting, and fishing coats, jackets, and smocks for nearly every occasion. It usually transpires however that I pick the wrong one to wear on the day!

I have worn my Swazi anorak jacket in the wilds of western Tasmania and Alaska. It's supremely waterproof, tough, and versatile.

Prior to my expedition around our earth I was seeking the best equipment possible. This means equipment that l was dependent on for my survival.

So after much deliberation and testing I chose the Swazi kagoule because of its aforementioned qualities:

• Supreme durability, waterproof, warmth, and compact versatility.
• The multiple pockets and excellent zips.
• Specifically it's so bloody waterproof. 

I recommend buying one size larger than your accustomed size, in case you need to use it as a bivouac, as l have done various times.

I'm 6,2 so l invested in an xxL size. Just tighten the hem cord a lot.

p.s. l purchased it at Australian Survival Supplies.

Background

I have worn this jacket from Southern Tasmania to northern Alaska.
And it's protected me all the way