Solar Tackle SouthWesterly Suit

 

With our climate becoming ever more unsettled, with torrential rain a possibility any time of the year and with winter months developing into some of the coldest on record, anglers are now looking for clothing that can handle all extremes of our ever changing climate. With all these factors to be taken into consideration the correct choice of clothing or a clothing system to cover all eventualities is now being sort after by the carp angler

One suit that has caught many anglers eye over the past few months is the Solar Tackle SouthWesterly suit.
This clothing system has been met by rave reviews with Carp TV’s presenter Joe Morgan regularly being seen on the winter editions wearing this stylish and practical apparel. So when Solar Tackle’s Martin Locke offered UKMA the opportunity to review the SouthWesterly suit, we took it out for four months of extreme all-weather testing.

SouthWesterly Outer Jacket
RRP £99.95

Features

• 2x2 ripstop nylon shell
• PU breathable backing
• 5000mm breathability
• 8000mm waterproof
• Removable hood
• Removable neck gaiter
• Velcro adjustable chin flap
• Neoprene cuff
• Mesh lining
• Storm flap zip
• Zipped outer pockets
• Adjustable waist cord
• Jet wash proof!

Solar Tackle has really gone to town, pulling out all the stops to produce this superb all weather jacket. On the SouthWesterly jacket you’ll find all the basic requirements are in place and the standard of manufacture is top notch.
With quality stitching, hard wearing zips throughout, warm comfortable Neoprene cuffs, a removable hood with an adjustable wire peak, a Velcro adjustable chin strap, an adjustable waist cord and totally wind and waterproof, it ticks all the boxes.

TOP FEATURE

One of the biggest problems with conventional ¾ length jackets is the ability for cold winds to access the jacketaround the neck area even when the hood is up and securely fastened.

To eliminate this problem Solar have introduced a removable neck gaiter. This is anexaggerated zip-in collar that works like a polo-neck jumper; it creates a comfortable seal around the back and sides of the neck eliminating any chance of bone chilling winter winds getting inside the jacket.

SouthWesterly Bomber Jacket 
RRP £39.95

Features

• 190T nylon shell
• 120g holofill lining
• Zips into outer jacket
• Can be worn on its own
• Inner mobile phone pocket
• Two zipped outer pockets
• Connecting tabs
• Shower proof

To compliment the Southwesterly Jacket, Solar have released this stylish bomber jacket. Not only does it work superbly as a second layer that is manufactured to zip into the ¾ length jacket giving you extra warmth on those freezing winter sessions. The Southwesterly Bomber Jacket is in its element when worn as an outer layer, with a stylish urban look that would look just as good in your local pub as it does on the bank doing the job it was designed for.

TOP FEATURE

The attention to detail on the simple things have made the Solar Southwesterly bomber jacket stand out in the already crowded world of all weather clothing. Although light weight the bomber jackets 120g holofill lining retains your body heat, ensuring your bank side comfort. Another plus for me was the addition of an internal phone pocket which is a must have these days and the two external pockets have reliable zips with ample Solar pull tabs.

SouthWesterly Trousers
RRP £79.95

Features

• 2x2 ripstop nylon shell
• PU breathable backing
• 5000mm breathability
• 8000mm waterproofness
• Adjustable waist band
• Reinforced button & zip fly
• Nylon lined main pockets
• Cargo Style Pocket
• Mesh upper lining
• Nylon lower lining
• Zipped adjustable calf gusset
• Jetwash proof!

The Southwesterly trousers are the muts nuts, with their sleek combat style looks, second to none waterproofing, breathability and all round comfort; I personally haven’t tried anything better. From the nylon lining in the main pockets to the taped sealed seams, all the elements of the manufacturing have been carefully thought out and the finished result is exceptional. Even after a good coating of mud and sludge, I was able to machine wash them and they still keep the wet stuff out.

TOP FEATURE

There is nothing worse than a pair of over trousers that when you sit down pull your under layers down at the back creating the unfavoured “Builders Crack” to elevate this problem an adjustable Velcro waist band has been fitted that works in conjunction with the elasticated waist making the dreaded “BC” a thing of the past.
Another nice touch was the addition of an adjustable gusset over the side leg zips; this simply enables the individual to adjust the trouser bottoms to fit perfectly over their chosen footwear.

Final Thoughts

Over the past 4 months we have put the Solar Tackle Southwesterly suit well and truly through its paces. All stitching, taped seams, zips and buttons are still in tact and performing like new. Even when caked in mud, the 8000mm waterproof material still managed to keep the water out and the under garments perfectly dry. The removable neck gaiter fitted to the Southwesterly Jacket proved to be an absolute blessing on those days when I was being battered by a freezing easterly wind.
Would I recommend this versatile, all-weather clothing system to anglers who want a one suit for all seasons? The answer is a simple “yes”. The Southwesterly components give the angler the flexibility to create a protective layer that will protect him or her from the worst of conditions Mother Nature can offer. If you shop around you should be able to pick up the complete suit for around £190.00 which in my mind is superb value for money for a superb all weather clothing system.

For further information on any of the Solar Tackle products, please visit the website by clicking the image below.