The Bishorn II Insulated Jacket is a cosy winter waterproof top layer from Craghoppers that really fits the bill, writes Mike Gormley.
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It’s that time of year when a cosy wind- and wet-resilient jacket is required. This one from Craghoppers fits that bill.The Bishorn II is a chunky full-featured jacket that quickly makes you feel warm soon after you put it on. It is made from Craghoppers AQUADRY fabric that keeps the rain out, as well as the chill wind at bay, but allows your body to breathe when things get a bit too cosy on the inside.
Named after a 4000+ metre Swiss alpine peak, the Bishorn II has a raft of useful features. There are 15 pockets in all on this longer than regular jacket which helps keep the ‘nether regions’ protected. Starting on the inside, there are both zipped and open top poacher’s pockets each side. Further up there is a zipped chest pocket which has a security tag and inside has a RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) shielded inner pocket and on the left side is a see-through secure pocket.
On the outside there is also plenty of stowage capacity. Large flap-topped and press stud secured pockets on both sides, behind which are ‘hand warmer’ pockets, which are also zipped. Above these are chest pockets with slanted zipped access. On the left arm is a flip-top pocket, again with a vertical zipped pocket on the outside. Handy for those smaller items such as keys so as not to lose them in the larger pockets. The Bishorn really has plenty of stowage for those items required for cold days, such as gloves and hats and not forgetting munchy bars.
¤ The slanted chest pockets are generous and the same on both sides
¤ The front zip is full length and has a press stud secured storm flap
¤ This is the inner see-through pocket which able to take a mobile phone
¤ Internally on both side are large poacher pockets with an additional zipped pocket behind
¤ Perhaps one of the most important of the many pockets is this zipped and secured inner pocket with added RFID protection
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There is a waist drawcord adjustment to keep the breeze from blowing up any higher. The sleeves have the essential windproof inner cuffs to keep the draft out and warmth in. There is, of course, a generous hood with side adjusters. This hood has a removable faux-fur trim zip-attached so, depending on conditions, it is simple to choose to have or have not and there are plenty of places to stow it if not in use.
As ever with Craghoppers, this garment is partly made for the likes of recycled plastic bottles and other materials. There are four colours to choose from including this appropriate Avalanche Blue. I must say as I sit here writing this with the Bishorn across my knees I do feel really nice and cosy on a chilly evening.
[images © Mike Gormley]
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