Swandri Jackets

[melvyn]

Quite like the look of the swandri jackets for general out and about wear,but I hear that they are not made in New Zealand anymore,now made in China and not the quality they once was.Is this the case ? Would appreciate comments as they are a bit of an outlay.

[jpbeaver]

my mate has a few for work and says ray mears shop was the cheapest place he could find them.

[Frank]

Not sure. Have you been on the original swan-dri website and done some reading?

[Saw-sick Steve]

Have worn ''Swannis'' for years, far to hot to work in, but great for 'out and about' as you say, and things like watching the match or walking the dog.

I've still got 4 ''original'' Kiwi made ones, the only one I've ever actually worn to destruction is the lightweight 'Ranger' shirt type, and that lasted me over 5 years - the heavy weight ones will last for ever.

Regarding the Chinese made ones, I'm sure the Kiwis on the board will confirm or deny, but what I've gathered from friends in NZ is that the quality has gone downhill sharpish.

Shame really, as they were a good product. An object lesson to many companies about how cost-cutting can devalue a brand.

[melvyn]

Yes,it's a bit of a dilema.Maybe their is an alternative waiting to seize an opportunity in the market:confused1:

[Charlieh]

my mates in NZ have told me not to bother with a new one from china, i have a orignal bush shirt and its ace, but i would love an original ranger extreme, but at about £100 if you can find them they wont be cheap or easy to track down

[pjr]

You can still buy Swandri style clothing made in New Zealand by this co.

 

We Love Wool

[Charlieh]

seriously looking at one of these uk made, UK wool and designed as a replacement for the swanndris Bison Bushcraft - Boots, Clothing & Outerwear

[Stephen Blair]

If you are after a good jacket then i would go for a Swazi, made in NZ and much better than a Swandri, Swani are ok gut basically a glorified donkey jacket.

[Taupotreeman]

I have two of the last kiwi made swannis and they're excellent for out and about stuff but a bit heavy and thick for climbing in. I use them for ground work or for wearing over just a tshirt in winter as you don't need anything else. They are now made in China and although the company reckons they're of the same quality you can draw your own conclusions from the usual stuff that comes out of China. Not sure if Swazi are still kiwi made either as there was some kerfuffle last year about them maybe going under or selling up. Be careful you don't get the lined swazi jackets as you sweat like a pig in them and then freeze to death. Anything that's made from 100% wool or preferably merino wool should do the job but don't expect it to be a lightweight climbing jacket.