Stealth Gear Review

When I was asked to review the new products from Stealth Gear I resolved not to become too involved in the technical aspects of what is used in the garments construction. I am interested in whether the clothing is good value for money and will solve the perennial problem for outdoor photographers – keeping us and our kit warm and dry and allowing us easily to carry the tools of our trade.

Before my Stealth Gear arrived, I had for the previous 12 years, used Browning clothing in a woodland camouflage pattern. The fabrics are Gortex sandwiched between two brush-pile layers. The clothing is waterproof and windproof but is designed more for hunting than photography, with only 2 large pockets on the outside; photo kit storage was very limited.

First Impressions:

When my Stealth Gear kit arrived, my first impression was that it was far more rugged than the clothing I had used historically or anything I had seen on the market, with copious pockets too. I was however concerned that it might not offer the same degree of waterproofing. How wrong could I be?

My first excursion wearing the Extreme Photographer’s Jacket and Extreme Trousers was on the marshes here in North Norfolk. It rained all day – stair rods! I remained dry, warm and, more importantly, the equipment carried in the pockets, remained dry and ready for use.

I handle my photo gear with kid gloves, but see clothing as a consumable item. It was evident from my first trip out wearing the Stealth Gear that I was able to concentrate on capturing images rather than being concerned about the abuse my clothing was subjected to.

Stealth Gear is practical, rugged, quiet and the fabrics used are in “nature’s colours”. The fabric appears indestructible – we will find out – I will update this review in three months.

On examining the garments a little closer it was obvious that Stealth Gear’s management and design team had worked wonders. They have created a quality product designed to meet the needs of photographers seeking rugged outdoor wear and quality protection for photo kit on the move.

Detail:

Fabric and Quality - Both the jacket and trousers are constructed from a 100% polyester micro-suede which feels like the moleskin clothing I used to wear; the important thing to me is that it is waterproof, quiet, soft and comfortable. The areas of high wear are faced with abrasion resistant material; the shoulders, yoke, elbow, knee, seat and lower inside leg are constructed of tough heavy nylon. Something that might not appear too important are the zips used; they are YKK zips which are the best there is. The brass studs too “snap closed” avoiding any risk of spilling kit from pockets.

Extreme Photographers Jacket/Vest:

Loading the pockets of the jacket makes gear much easier to carry, more accessible and is a balanced load. As a consequence my day pack is lighter or (more likely) has more room for other kit. Having the jacket loaded with equipment ensures that things are ready at hand, rather than in a bag.

I found the “SAS” – sit anywhere seat – a terrific asset as an impromptu seat. To be able to sit down when needed and stay dry, is a tremendous feature of the jacket. If necessary I can also use this pouch to carry a 300mm 2.8 lens.

The jacket appears to be designed for the most inclement weather. It is a garment for early spring, autumn and winter and would also be ideal during summer months in more extreme climates, coastal locations, mountains and moorland. However, if you zip out the sleeves you have is a very durable photo vest suitable for all but the hottest weather. I will certainly use the garment in this form on my trips later this year to Kenya and Madagascar,

There are so many compartments, zipped pockets, internal mesh pockets – this really is a wearable photo bag! The two lower large pockets at the front will take, with ease, a professional camera body on one side and on the other two short zooms and a mid range zoom lens. Throughout the jacket there are pockets sufficient to carry spare batteries, together with many other items that would have usually been carried in my photo bag.

Extreme Photographers Trousers 2

On wearing the trousers, straight away I was conscious of comfort and the great cut of the garment.. I thought immediately they would become my trouser of choice, and so it turned out.

With Velcro fasteners keeping them up, belt loops if you prefer and an elasticated band at the rear they are a joy to wear.

They are made from the same fabrics as the jacket. The nylon areas at the seat, inside ankle and of course the knee pads are all placed logically in areas of most potential wear. Again like the jacket there are plenty of pockets some zippered , others secured with brass studs.

At the ankles there are Velcro fastened straps to make the ankle area a tighter fit and to keep out unwelcome visitors. We all know how uncomfortable it can be to overheat. To help overcome this there are zipped panels at the hips and the internal elasticated cuffs at the ankles can be adjusted to allow a greater flow of air.

Summary

This is a one horse race, the Stealth Gear range of Photographers Outdoor Gear is the only choice for my photographic outdoor work. Whether photography is your hobby or your work, this range of clothing is the pre-eminently practical solution.

Stealth Gear have a real winner in this concept, with their eye for design and quality at a competitive price they are surely the market leaders.

Mike Powles March 2010