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Swazi Kagoule & Rifleman Jacket Reviews
Hi all,
As promised here is the review for both the Kagoule & Rifleman Jacket.
The Kagoule
First impressions were that this thing looks like a quality jacket. I'm 83KG and made the right choice going for size medium, it has plenty of room to fit a large puffer jacket underneath + other layers if necessary. You could easily fit 3/4 layers if you're the 'feel the cold' type. It is able to be packed down inside its hood which isn't too bulky for a bombproof warm & waterproof jacket. Weighing in at about 900 grams this is definitely in the region of being regarded as a light jacket, I wouldn't say ultralight.
I've taken this jacket on 2 big trips. Haast was the most recent and the weather was shit. The kagoule was fantastic, constant drizzle in the rain, busting my ass through thick crappy bush. When it started to get REALLY thick I'd zip up my hood and I would feel indestructable. The hood is very comfortable, roomy and ridid, I felt like I was under a bomb shelter.
Throughout this hunt I only wore 1x long sleeve merino and the Kagoule on top and I was warm throughout the day. I have been in some seriously howling winds in the tops hunting for tahr and it is 100% windproof, I was pretty surprised. I felt very protected with this jacket on.
Big bonus/essential with this jacket is the length, it hangs just below your backside, perfect length in my opinion. I have done a substantial amount of KM's walking with a heavy pack with this jacket, not once did it ride up under the bag.
The zipper only goes down half way, this could be an issue for some however I didn't find it a problem at all. It is a boxy fit which means taking it on and off is a breeze.
The pockets were very handy, very simple and easily accessable. The chest pocket was great, can't fault it.
The material is quite soft and quiet, I think this would go well when stalking.
To summerise; if you're after a highly waterproof, warm, tough, quiet, comfortable and very light quality jacket then this could be for you.
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The Rifleman
First impressions; Sheesh this thing is insanely light! 295grams for size Large however I purchased size Medium. The jacket packs down very small which is a major bonus.
The fit is pretty boxy, much like the Kagoule. You can easily fit 3/4 layers if necessary. The hood is of the exact same quality but a lighter version of the kagoule. I had a fair amount of rain on this tahr trip, it was awesome watching the water bead off like a ducks back! I had this right up in the tops with a fair amount of wind and I was comfortable. 100% wind proof for sure.
Once again the length is great, pretty much identical to the Kagoule. It has 1 pocket by the chest which appears to be very waterproof but does not have the waist pockets like the Kagoule. I don't think having waist pockets would be necessary with this jacket.
The material is definitely not quiet, is it quite noisey however for me this is not an issue when hunting tops/tahr/rain.
There's not much more to say about this jacket. The weight and packability is the selling point for me, there's no reason not to have one in your day bag. It is seriously light. It is high quality, ultralight, good length & comfortable. I will be taking this one on my Tahr trips and leaving the Kagoule at home most likely, depending on the time of year. I'd take the Kagoule in winter.
I am stoked on both, each serve a purpose in my hunting arsenal. Let me know if you have any questions. First review on a product for me, I hope it was an easy read! Cheers
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