Fortis Field Jacket

Fortis is a family-run business based in Axminster, and its origins can be traced back to 1997. The company designs and produces its own clothing, and we are talking high-end, high-grade kit here, which is reflected in their retail prices admittedly. However, the quality of Fortis is in a different league, and I have actually invested in this Fortis Field Jacket as my number one for serious outdoor work when I need reliability.

Main credentials
So, what do we get with Fortis? In a word, detail! Keeping the wearer cosy, whilst keeping out the elements is the main brief, and an impressive spec sheet is a testament to that. ‘Fortis’ derives from the Latin word for strong, and the main material used is Ripstop polycotton fabric, crafted by Fortis, which is designed to be lightweight, waterproof, breathable, and tough. Inside, there’s a waterproof drop liner. ‘Fortex’ material is also incorporated, offering “20,000mm hydrostatic head and 20,000mm breathability”, which means little to me, but rest assured, the technical credentials are in place to keep me dry in the wet stuff.
Pockets are an essential detail in any jacket, and this has two angled lower pockets with waterproof zips and an over-flap with popper closure. A waterproof zipped chest pocket features on either side, plus a handy inside zip-up pocket.

Additional features
The chunky main zip has a double storm flap with popper studs, so full protection against water ingress is assured. Neoprene cuffs feature on the sleeves and keep everything nice and cosy, whilst Velcro straps can be used to narrow the sleeves if necessary. The drawcord waist allows for a tailored fit, which looks good and can help keep things snug. The jacket is also fitted with a ‘scoop back tail’ – a deeper section at the back for added coverage, which is the sort of feature that sets this garment apart.
Further attention to detail comes with the fully detachable hood section and having had fairly good jackets in the past that totally fall down in this area, I’m pleased to say Fortis has nailed it! The hood attaches with a Velcro strip but also fastens securely with pop studs. However, with that significant raised neck section on the main jacket, sitting up against the hood and overlapping inside, a guaranteed seal is assured. The final detail is an adjustable Velcro strap on the back of the hood, so the amount of overhang can be dramatically shortened, and for those of us who find the loss of peripheral vision when wearing a hood a minor irritation, this small detail makes such a difference.

Investment
The marketing line for this jacket mentions durability and performance, in the town or countryside, and it’s hard not to be impressed. In short, this Field Jacket is stylish and supremely functional, with a specification to satisfy the most discerning outdoor enthusiast/shooter, who doesn’t plan on getting wet. The quality speaks for itself, and whilst the cost represents a significant outlay, consider the number of years a quality coat lasts and it’s worth every penny. The usual one-year warranty applies, but the comprehensive Fortis after-sales care is also there for peace of mind.