The experts’ favourite piece of technical kit and an absolute outdoors essential, this week we’re honing in on the Vatersay Cape.
When it comes to designing our technical outerwear, performance is always front of mind. Multi-layered construction, resilient fabrics with shooting-specific details and state-of-the-art software, such as RECCO® GPS tracking devices, have won the approval of professionals and novices alike. As Purdey Technical Designer Abigail Little notes, it’s all about versatility outside of a sporting setting too. “We’re creating fully waterproof technical-wear with a luxury sportswear feel – with pieces that can be used in all surroundings, whether you’re shooting or walking the dog or wanting to keep warm and dry while watching a rugby match.”
One of the design team's hero ingredients is Sympatex®, a durable and lightweight material that’s arguably one of the most innovative used in technical outerwear today. In many ways, it’s similar to Gore-Tex, with an impenetrable three-layer membrane that is 100% rainproof, windproof and breathable. What further sets Sympatex ® apart is the fact that its textiles are produced from recycled and recyclable monomaterials, scoring highly in the sustainability stakes.
Given the above accolades, Sympatex® is now used to fabricate much of Purdey’s technical outerwear, including the standout unisex Vatersay Cape. The cape is named after the southernmost inhabited island in the Outer Hebrides, known to be the windiest place in the UK, underlining its ability to withstand extreme conditions.
Beyond the fabric, it features a drawstring waist, a detachable hood that can be packed away, two-way side zips for convenient access to your trousers beneath, large bellowed cartridge pockets with retainer straps on both sides, plus fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, an internal chest pocket and adjustable velcro cuffs. Its full length covers your entire body, sitting over the top of a pair of wellington boots, and double storm flaps maximise the protection.
While we’re on the subject of high-performance wear, it’s worth mentioning our technical tweeds, which are new for 2024. Essentially everything we love about tweed, but better, this innovative fabric would get the approval of any century-old weaver. The Technical Tweed Field Coats are central to the capsule collection, constructed in three-layer Scottish woven tweed, with the addition of nylon (for increased durability, and to create a lighter material for active days out). Already naturally water-repellent, the technical tweed has a laminated waterproof membrane and taped internal seams, plus a unique action back so you can move more easily. Add the removable quilted liner for warmth – in HD wool fleece from a Yorkshire herd, and with a new house tattershall check pattern – pair with matching breeks and you’re good to go.
Start building your own technical collection with the Vatersay Cape, and before you know it you’ll be head to toe in performance wear that works whether you’re stationary on your peg, manoeuvring up a fell, stalking amidst a swarm of midges or just out for a particularly wet and windy countryside walk with the dog. You’ll be quite literally covered from every angle.