 First let me mention Swanndri kit generally, it's good! The company has been around since the 1800's and has become part of New Zealand's identity, this is because they have spent so many years testing it to the limit in their harsh hot and cold climate, and it has passed all their tests!
First let me mention Swanndri kit generally, it's good! The company has been around since the 1800's and has become part of New Zealand's identity, this is because they have spent so many years testing it to the limit in their harsh hot and cold climate, and it has passed all their tests! The idea now is for it to pass ours! There are quite a few items in their range, the most suitable for the outdoors person come from their classic range.
 The Mosgiel Zip Fronted Bush Shirt that we have been reviewing for the winter has stood up well to the rigors of the lovely, but very wet winters we have here in the UK. The first thing that I should mention though is the fact that this is not a shirt, I know, it says it is in the description but this is much more a fully-fledged coat. Saying that it is definitely not a technical garment in any sense of the word! It is made completely of wool, good wool mind you, and has a detachable hood and full length two way zip and the one we have is green, although they are available in a couple of bright checker patterns!
Let me tell you what the manufacturers think of the garment’s suitability for the outdoors:
Very water resistant due to a secret waterproofing formula that they use. Both warm and cool due to it being made of pure wool, which has excellent breathability and insulation properties. The hood can be removed, the sleeves rolled up and the zip opened if you want to be cooler.
Tough and hard wearing. And, us? We agree! The coat was all these things, now it is lacking a little in its water resistance which is probably due to the absolute soakings it has had over the last months. It is tough for sure, and one tough feature that I particularly like and makes this coat better than most for the outdoors is it is highly fire resistant. I have managed to put a small hole in the sleeve, and another in the lining, but compared to the damage most other coats would have sustained it's brilliant. I use it over my sleeping bag if I am sleeping in spark range of the fire, and there have been a couple of times I have been grateful for this bit of foresight!
The hood is huge, which is great when you are taking shelter but not so good when you’re moving about, so I put another hat on underneath it. This improves visibility because the hood turns with your head more when you are looking around, without something to take up some of the volume you end up looking at the nice grey hood lining. It’s also good at keeping your head dry! It zips on and off with ease and also has a chin strap to keep you all snug when the weather turns British!! Although I must mention that this does not do up around my rather large neck, but I have not heard of this problem from anyone else so it is not something to worry about.
The main coat is quite heavy compared to technical Jackets, but it really is tough and does give generous protection in the environments that I have used it in. For some reason I cannot bring myself to using a £250 Gortex jacket as a kneeling pad on muddy ground while I dig myself an Indian well, apart from the fact that this would clog up the fabric and thus inhibit its ability to work it is just not done! But with the Bush Shirt I have no problem, it can handle it all in its stride. The full length two way zip works well, it sealed me up nice and snug when needed and I can adjust it to suit whatever activity I am involved in.
If the bush shirt gets too warm the cuffs can be opened fully by just adjusting the tab and button arrangement. If this is not enough then I roll the sleeves up, open the zip, take off the hood and it is cool enough for all but the summer months, although it would still have a use when the sun goes down and the temperature drops. The wool can be a bit itchy on bare skin, I notice it when I first put it on but then I do not give it a second thought, if you have really sensitive skin then wear something thin with full length arms underneath.
It has 4 pockets, one chest that is fairly small, 2 hand pockets and a small internal pocket. I use the chest pocket to carry a small LED torch, my blazer pocket torch (jet lighter) and a small folding knife. ( it is often full of birch bark as well!) The hand pockets are a good size and the internal pocket is good for odds and ends, but there is no chance of getting a map in there, which is a shame.
The bush shirt I have been using is crying out for re-proofing as it gets sodden quite quickly now, for this there is a couple of choices.
1. Send the whole thing back to Swanndri in New Zealand for re-proofing with their secret formula. Which is going to cost rather a lot.
2. Get yourself some cotton proof from Nikwax, remember to wash the garment first with Tech Wash.
Now I have not got around to treating mine yet, but the lovely lady at Nikwak assured me that the cotton proof was the right one to go for. We will let you know in the not too distant future how it turns out.
Swanndri clothing can be purchased in the UK, but is probably going to be cheaper if ordered from New Zealand. Sounds wrong, but it’s true!
Conclusion
Excellent piece of kit, in harsh weather it would be wise to have a waterproof to go over the top, or get to some shelter. It is tough and hardwearing, keeps you warm and cool depending on the environment and will not let you down. This is an item of clothing made for Bushcraft!
Pros: Cost, durability, fire retardant
Cons: Weight, can be a bit too warm.
Rating: (for Autumn, Winter and Spring use) 9/10
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