Tested: Hinter + Hobart Hawick men's waxed jacket

Want a jacket that covers a 6am dog walk, a longer spring stroll and the commute to the office, all in a tried-and-tested traditional style? Mountain Warehouse’s new waxed jacket does a very good job at a very good price, says Steven East.

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By Tanya Jackson

Published: May 3rd, 2023 at 5:02 pm

Tough, smart, practical, and self-assured, this waxed multi-purpose jacket makes a welcome addition to any porch.

Mountain Warehouse has moved into the smart country wear market with its Hinter + Hobart collection. Designed to ‘reflect the glorious countryside landscape that inspired them’, they’ve entered hunting grounds where Barbour and have long been the alphas. But this offering is a serious contender at a much lower price.

Like many in this market, the Hawick is not attempting to reinvent the wheel, because the need doesn’t really require that. Waxed jackets are not the best for sub-zero temperatures, or a quick half-hour scramble to a peak, or indeed for packing in a rucksack in case of rain on a day’s hike over the downs in April. The need they best fill is for a walk from the house where you need to stay warm, dry, and don’t want to go out looking like an over-enthusiastic hiker on what is only a hill.

This jacket is water resistant and the waxed cotton stands up to wind and rain very well, providing an effective barrier from the elements. The durable treated cotton is also tough, perfect for withstanding a bit of gorse, hawthorn, or a brush with barbed wire when it’s just an old fertiliser bag to get you to the footpath on the other side of the fence. The zips are study and waterproof. Again, nothing too fancy, but durable and functional and do what’s required for when the squall hits.

It has two larger well pockets with two buttons each to keep hold of any items you don’t want to lose, and two comfy lined pockets above them for your hands to slide into when it’s chilly. Also, very useful for when you’re striding out are the underarm ventilation openings. There’s also an internal pocket for valuable items.

The look is very smart, with corduroy collar and cuffs, as well as the zip lining, which looks classy when opened at the top, and brass branded buttons to finish.

The fit is comfortable rather than slim, allowing for extra layers underneath if it’s hovering around the freezing mark.

Unsure? Check out our review of the Best Waxed Jackets for men and women.

See our review of the Barbour Men’s Explorer Chop Jacket.

Smart, reliable and comfortable, this short boot is ideal for walking the dog, watching your children play rugby and tidying up the garden. With a 100% waterproof rubber upper and memory-foam underfoot inside, we found these boots cosy and easy to slip on and off. The sides are soft and flexible, so the feet are cushioned from all angles. They’re lightweight, but despite this, they keep your feet toasty during cold snaps, too.

The boots come in black and moss colourways – both of which blend amiably with whichever mud you happen to be walking through in your area.

Looking for something to keep the wind and rain out? This classic waxed hat from independent company Hoggs and Fife should fit the bill. With a cotton twill lining, it’s comfortable – keeping your head dry during wet weather and cool during the summer, helped along by double metal ventilation eyelets on either side. The fedora shape is a flattering and practical piece of British heritage that looks set to continue long into the future. This also makes a perfect Christmas gift if the man in your life enjoys testing his waxed cotton coat against the elements – or at least watching Phil Harding doing similar in old episodes of Time Team.

Digital editor

Tanya Jackson is a digital editor and writer for countryfile.com. She lives in Wiltshire and loves campfire cooking, swimming in the sea, rural folklore, barn owls and walking her Welsh collie in the misty hills. Tanya also has a passion for English food and drink – although nothing tastes as good as tomato soup out of a thermos on a crisp woodland walk.