Why We Chose The Ferox Apalone Jacket: Properly tough, protective, and breathable
We like new brands on the block here at Outdoors Magic. They often throw up some interesting kit, thinking-outside-the-box kind of stuff. This Apalone Jacket from start-up British brand Ferox is a case in point. Three young British guys are behind it, all bringing their backgrounds in outdoor, military and equestrian into the design process and they’ve managed to create a very decent product.
Who Is The Ferox Apalone Jacket For?
With its neutral colours, subtle logos, admirable protection and super tough durability, we’d say this is one of those jackets for the Filson crowd who are more into the bushcraft side of the outdoors than the sport of it all. The brand also state that they had the armed forces in mind with this as well. In fact, they offer a 10% discount to anyone employed by the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
Materials
The membrane they’ve opted for here is by Porelle. Based in Norfolk, they’ve been making waterproof fabrics for a long list of brands for a number of years now. Ever tried out Sealskinz waterproof gloves or socks? If so, then you’ve tried Porelle. Their top spec Extreme fabric is used here, a three-layer system with a claimed waterproof Hydrostatic Head rating of 30,000mm and breathability rating of 25,000 g/m2/24 hours. Decent numbers then – similar to Gore-Tex Pro.
“There’s also extra reinforcement right across the forearms where Ferrox have placed a high tenacity 350 Denier polyamide yarn”
As well as its tough twill weave nylon shell fabric throughout, there’s also extra reinforcement right across the forearms where Ferox have placed a high tenacity 350 Denier polyamide yarn. On the inside, there’s a backer fabric, again, similar to the one you’ll find on a Gore-Tex Pro waterproof jacket.
Features
Lots to talk about here. We’ve got two big zipped napoleon pockets across the chest that’ll both easily fit an OS map and that can be accessed while wearing a harness. There’s also a small sealed pocket placed on each bicep and one zipped pocket on the inside for storing those valuables like your keys and phone. Long two-way pit zips are there for when extra ventilation is needed. Neat adjustment toggles and a wired peak on the hood create a good close, reliable and protective fit when it’s needed, while it can also open up to just about accommodate a helmet. The cuffs have rubber-backed Velcro adjustment tabs and adjustment on the hem can be done one-handed via a toggle that’s built into the walls of the jacket. Finally, there’s also a stitched in RECCO reflector.
