Rover Jacket  

Customer Reviews

1. Excellent product Review by Les James

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   Hi, I have used Goretex since it came out and always liked it except for when a leak developed. I tried a Ventile jacket made by Barbour in the 80's, whilst it was stored in my garage a field mouse family took refuge from the winter and chewed large holes in it. I was devastated Ventile proved to be far superior to the goretex I had before it. I have looked for a replacement for years and finally have found it. The Rover not only is made from a quality material it's design and manufacture is second to nothing I have ever owned before. With it's current offer of a free fleece it's a bargain. Thank you (Posted on 23/04/2012)

2. Want another one but this one won't wear out. Review by Mike Neal

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   Nothing to add to the other reviews really, but apart from high summer, this jacket is never off my back when out and about.
   
   When it's too hot to wear the Rover I have to carry a "man bag" to accomodate all the gear that's usually in the capacious pockets of the jacket. (Posted on 04/04/2012)

3. Amazing all weather jacket Review by Janet

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   This jacket is simply the ultimate in all weather protection - it really is windproof, waterproof and breathable and despite the recent cold weather it has not been necessary to wear a fleece underneath.
   It is also very stylish, very hard-wearing but extremely soft and comfortable to wear. There are loads of pockets too.
   Extremely good value for money! (Posted on 23/02/2012)

4. Tough Comfortable Security Review by Geoff Hallett

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   Value
   Quality

   It's a quarter of a century since I became acquainted with Ventile at a time when membranes de-laminated and coatings wore off. Since then the jacket I bought remained a reliable and comfortable companion, but alas I grew not so much away from it but out of it! Thus it became time to search for a replacement, and it was not long before 'Rover' hove into view.
   
   Ventile jackets have always been scarce and often ultra expensive. It was evident that 'Rover' offered stiff competition to its competitors on price, design and facilities. Once in its company there was no doubt that this is a jacket you can rely on in any conditions year upon year. When the rain increases from drizzle to downpour you know those fibres will expand and shut out the elements keeping you warm and cosy inside.
   
   On top of all this there are the pockets, capacious for storage, zipped where you need security and warm lined when comfort calls.
   
   We recently bought some Ventile as my wife wanted to make a coat. We did not realise the tightness and strength of this stuff until trying to push a needle through it - it requires leather needles machine driven. So like a pet Ventile is likely to be a lifelong companion unless you grow out of it.
   
   The 'Rover' is not a good jacket it's a great one, ideal wear from late autumn to early spring. (Posted on 21/02/2012)

5. Best outdoor jacket ever! Review by David Mitre

   I think I was one of the first customers of Country Innovation some 15 years ago, and have recently purchased another of their fantastic Rover jackets. This Ventile jacket is quite simply the best outdoor garment I have ever owned. It has become a faithful companion over the years, and although looks quite worn (well lets face it so do I!), is still protecting me from wind and rain. I have used it predominately as a birdwatching jacket, but it is also superb as a general hillwalking and country jacket. When everyone else around me is getting wet and cold, I stay lovely and warm and dry. If you want the best, its worth paying the money for something that will last and never let you down. (Posted on 15/12/2011)

6. A Master Stroke of Design Review by Jonny Crocket - Survival School Nov 11

   The Country Innovation Rover Jacket has been a constant companion of mine for years. As a Survival Instructor out in every sort of extreme weather it is utterly indispensible. It’s tough, windproof and waterproof jacket, spark proof around the fire made from ventile and has enough pockets to fit everything I need. Ideal for walking, birding or bushcraft activities. It’s a master stroke of design. 10/10.” (Posted on 10/11/2011)

7. Rover Jacket, couldn't find anything better Review by Andrew

   I had been looking for some while for something to replace my ageing Barbour and also for something more durable than my Paramo. My main use for a replacement was for walking the dog and general bird watching so it had to be robust and not prone to catching on brambles etc.
   
   After reading a number of reviews and calling the shop for advice I took the plunge and purchased the Rover Jacket. It is early days to fully form an opinion but so far having been caught high on a featureless hill in a hail storm followed by heavy rain and strong winds it performed perfectly. keeping me warm and dry, if only I had waterproof trousers on I would have been dry all over.
   
   The jacket is very well made looks like it will last a lifetime, enough pockets to carry all I need and with the colder weather now here the hand warming pockets have already been put to good use. simple attention to detail makes all the difference, like the moleskin collar, make it so comfortable especially when carrying binoculars around the neck. the strong ventile fabric takes all that a muddy dog jumping up can throw at it.
   
   Its not cheap but its built to last. If asked would I buy one again the answer would definitely be yes, but somehow I think that I will be wearing this one well into retirement.
   
   
   (Posted on 21/10/2011)

8. 10 years and still a good friend! Review by H. Dance

   I've been pulling my Rover out of the car boot and slinging it on whenever out birding, walking or generally anywhere wild and windy for over ten years now and its still the business.
   
   My most favourite elements of this jacket is the cut and the materials. The Ventile is quite simply 'comfortable' - soft, supple, quiet and comfortable. As simple as that. I've had all sorts of technical and special breathable weatherproof garments over the years, which are good, but I've always felt I have to treat them a little preciously, and as they age, they look terrible. The Rover feels like it improves with age and I don't have to treat it too tenderly at all as its simply really rugged cotton - no membranes or coatings to damage. A relaxed jacket with no fuss!
   
   Finally, I'm always amazed as its broad range of comfort zones regarding temperature? From mild spring days through to winter sleet, apart from the hottest of the hottest high summer days naturally, this jacket is sooo versatile. I suffer from getting too hot when out and about on the countryside (which is a problem aggravated with conventional hi-tech waterproofs, no matter how "breathable"), but this Ventile jacket breaths as well as my cotton shirt with never any problems.
   
   I'm trying to wear it out to justify another one!
   
   (Posted on 30/03/2011)

9. Fantastic! Review by A satisfied Customer!

   Dear Country Innovation
   
   My double Ventile Rover jacket has had a lot of stick from the weather over the last few years and has never let me down. I took the Rover along with a new pair of Falcon trousers - I had never worn them 'in anger' - to Donna Nook in Lincolnshire last weekend to photograph grey seals.
   
   The weather wasn't too bad - driving wind and rain on day one and driving wind and fine sand on day two but the real test for the clothing was laying down in wet sand - puddles of water - to get shots of the seals. The jacket and trousers kept me absolutely dry despite this abuse! The bonus of the strong dry wind on day two was that the clothes dried off in fairly short order.
   
   They've now both been through the wash - after hoovering the sand out of the pockets - and they're as right as ninepence.
   
   Fantastic!
   
   Nigel Bewley (Posted on 08/02/2011)

10. My Rover was excellent in the bitter chill of Great Orme! Review by Alan Davies

    There was a real bitter chill to the northerly wind as I stepped from the car. Up here on the Great Orme, North Wales it can be bleak and you need the right gear if you are to enjoy your visit. Reaching for my new Rover jacket I was reassured by its feel, rugged. Pulling the jacket on the wind was instantly shut out, the heavy duty zip was pulled up and I at once felt ready to face the elements.
    The rover jacket is a product that oozes quality, it is put together to last, it feels a serious bit of clothing. It is, of course, completely water proof as I found when caught out in a very nasty shower driven in by the northerly wind. I was dry and warm throughout not a drop of water or any of the chill air got through this tough garment. The Rover comes with a detachable hood, ideal for birdwatchers who tend not to use this unless the conditions are really grim, important to hear passing birds! The collar has a draw-string which helps keep body heat in when you need it. The rugged zip looks like it will last, and take anything you can throw at it. A Country Innovation fleece can be zipped inside if you are in extremely low temperatures or are sitting still for long spells. There is also a push buttoned flap covering the zip giving extra protection from the wind. Other draw strings at the waist and at the bottom of the jacket keeps the wearer snug and when combined with over trousers completely dry. Adjustable cuffs ensure the weather does not sneak in here. Two angled breast pockets are handy hand warmers but a little shallow for much else. The lower pockets are large and deep, will easily take an OS Map or a field guide and or snacks and notebook.
    All in all this is a perfect jacket for taking on the outdoors! My birdwatching trips are going to be a lot more comfortable with my Rover Jacket, bring on winter.
    (Posted on 29/09/2010)