Mike Concannon poses wearing Snowbee Offshore Over-Trousers with 5/8ths length Jacket Wednesday 16th April 2008 Photo courtesy of Patsy Concannon

Mike Concannon poses wearing Snowbee Offshore Over-Trousers with "Skipper" short jacket Wednesday 16th April 2008 Photo courtesy of Patsy Concannon

I am a man of 5 feet 9 inches with a 44 inch chest.  The XL size salopettes and both jackets fit me very well.  The salopettes are quite high waisted.  A taller person could wear the salopettes a little lower on the fully adjustable braces and they would fit them equally well.

A couple of years ago, I smashed my right femur in several places.  The metal rod inserted to support the bone left me with limited flexibility.  I am able to fully dress myself in the “Snowbee Offshore” salopettes, pulled on over my ¾ length “Dubarry” yachting boots without difficulty.

Both the jackets and over-trousers are incredibly comfortable to wear, whether the conditions are hot and moist, or cold and wet, you will not suffer from perspiration and condensation, because the fabric is able to breathe.  It lets out moisture from your own body within, but does not allow the ingress of wet from the outer surface.  This is not a particularly original concept, but this patented fabric, used by “Snowbee”, which has been tested and tried over several years, really does work.  It is so waterproof that I believe you could spray it using a high powered fire hose and the moisture would not penetrate the fabric.

I will get technical and by reference to the manufacturer’s literature, tell you that the top quality breathable material consists of an outer layer of 100% Nylon material laminated with Vapour-Tec^® Moisture transfer system membrane, to ensure you stay 100% dry and comfortable in all weathers.  Areas subjected to the worst of the weather and wear, have additional hard wearing 600 denier Polyester breathable material, in a contrasting black colour.

The join seam on the jackets has grey reflective piping added and there are reflective panels on the back of the collar for additional safety at night.  All garments use a high quality, breathable lining, with a silverised heat-reflecting backing for additional warmth and wearer comfort.

This range of “Snowbee Offshore” clothing is available in a bright red fabric with black over panels.

It is not excessively bulky which increases the comfort for the wearer.  If you seek flotation, then Snowbee can supply an automatic self-inflating lifejacket, which you can wear over these garments without discomfort.  There is no in-built flotation material included in the construction of this suit.  I like that.  I hate to feel like a huge fat man, restricted by garments which are bulked out by foam flotation blocks.

Snowbee ‘Offshore’ Breathable Waterproof Jackets:

• Super heavy duty YYK corrosion resistant, Nylon 2-way front zips

• Double storm flaps with rubberised stud fastening on the outer flap and stitched  “rain gutter” on inner

• Double cuff design, with waterproof inner adjustable Neoprene cuff

• Zipped, fleece lined hand-warmer pockets

• Zipped security pockets under front storm flaps, but outside main zip, for easy access to mobile phones, car keys etc.

11200 Snowbee Skipper Jacket:

A short length jacket designed for the boat fisherman who wants style and comfort, together with wind & shower protection.  Made from the same quality materials, it is totally waterproof, but does not feature a hood, like the ‘Offshore’ jacket.

11201 Snowbee ‘Offshore’ 5/8 length Jacket:

All the above features, plus:

• Concealed hood in collar

• Fleece lining to inside of collar

• Adjustable draw-cords to waist and bottom hem

• Two additional bellows pockets

 This model is designed for the boat or shore angler, who wants total protection from the elements, in all conditions.

11202 Snowbee ‘Offshore’ Over-Trousers:

To complement the Breathable Jackets, matching Breathable Over-Trousers provide cool, dry comfort all day long. 600D Polyester reinforcing to the Knees, Seat and around the back of the trouser hem, for additional wear and abrasion resistance.

• Fully waterproof, high waist style over trouser with high back to ensure you stay warm and dry when sitting in a boat, or on a seat box

• Fully adjustable, elasticated braces, with quick release, opposed plastic buckles, so you can’t get them crossed

• Rear elasticated section, plus two side gussets, with Velcro adjustable side straps at the top ensuring a snug fit, with up to 12” of adjustment on the waist to fit all shapes and sizes

• Front stud fastening waist, with a full length, easy access fly with 2-way zip. A feature, which will be appreciated by any angler who has fished all day in the rain! An inner waterproof gusset ensures the fly remains waterproof, even when sitting

• Two zipped, fleece lined side hand-warmer pockets

• Two front & one side cargo pocket

• Side Pliers/Tool pocket on right leg, with D-ring for lanyard

• Lower legs are fitted with a zip and waterproof gusset for easy on/off over boots or waders, plus a Velcro ankle strap to hold the leg hem clear of the ground.

Colour: Red/Black

Sizes:  Jackets: S-36/38” ; M-38/40” ; L-40/42” ; XL-42/44” ; XXL-44/46”

Over Trousers: M(32/34”), L(36/38”), XL(40/42”), XXL(44/46”)

Retail Prices:

Model No.        Description                                                                  Price

11200               Skipper Boat Jacket                                                     £99

11201              Offshore 5/8 Length Jacket                                           £129

11202              Offshore Over-Trousers                                                £109

There is nothing worth owning for nothing in this world.  Real quality inevitably costs money.  Anglers who demand the very best protection from the elements, combined with supreme comfort would be well advised to spend their hard earned cash on a set of these superb garments.  At the above prices, these items of clothing are a real bargain.  On a lighter note, Patsy tells everyone that I live in mine.  I have even been known to wear the Skipper Boat Jacket, without fish slime, to go out to the shops or to the Angling Club.  I strongly commend this superbly designed and made range of durable outdoor garments to you.  I know you will not be disappointed.

You can contact Snowbee (UK) Ltd at Drakes Court, Langage Business Park, Plymouth, PL7 5JY,  telephone +44 (0) 1752 334933  or Email flyfish@snowbee.co.uk for details of your nearest retailer.

Wednesday 16th April 2008 - (c) Mike Concannon - www.fishingdartmouth.co.uk 

Snowbee "Offshore" Sea Angling Clothing Update - Back in mid-April 2008, more than a year ago, I reviewed the range of breathable Snowbee "Offshore" Sea Angling Clothing.  I purposely used it for several weeks and wore it hard, interspersed with  frequent washing, to keep it looking fresh and new; that was before I reviewed it.  You can read my original in-depth above.

I have worn it every time I have been to sea since then, that's more than another 15 months of hard use in some appalling conditions.  This Summer has been one of the wettest on record, with more than three times the average rainfall for this time of year.

I have worn the Salopettes every time I have been to sea, which has been often, as I have spent this Summer crewing aboard Ian Noble's Dartmouth charter boat "Samuel Irvin 3", plus numerous "Fishing Dartmouth with Mike Concannon" days aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter boat "Gemini", and other days aboard numerous different local boats.

I didn't realise how much I would love the side holster built into the Salopettes with a "D Ring" where I can attach and access my "Accurate" pliers and cutters, ready for instant use.  Snowbee really have thought of everything.

I have worn the 5/8th length jacket far more than the blouson jacket.  This has been entirely the fault of  circumstances.  I love the "Bomber Jacket" style blouson top.  I anticipated it would be ideal during the Summer months.  Indeed, had we enjoyed a normal Summer, that would have undoubtedly been true.

Consequently, I have made more use of the 5/8th length jacket, which has an integral hood and storm cuffs.  It has afforded the best protection from this Summer's frequent driving rain and high winds.

The outside of my suit is a little marked by stains from hard use, but is otherwise completely in-tact and thoroughly waterproof.  The seams do not leak.  There are no loose threads.  It is comfortable in use and does not trap perspiration, quite unlike so many other suits I have owned over the years.

It is not a cheap item of clothing, but in my view it has been worth every penny.  It's the best weatherproof clothing I have ever owned.  I thoroughly commend it to you.

Monday 3rd August 2009 - (c) Mike Concannon - www.fishingdartmouth.co.uk