REVIEW: Vodnik Softshell Jacket by PITCHFORK SYSTEMS

A softshell jacket should be robust, wind and water-repellent, and meet the changing demands of everyday use. With the VODNIK Softshell Jacket, the Swiss gear forge PITCHFORK SYSTEMS has brought a jacket to the market that is designed to meet the challenges mentioned above. SPARTANAT took a closer look at this softshell.

The VODNIK is a softshell. The outer material is made of 92% polyester and 8% spandex. Hydrostatic pressure is >10'000mm H2O. This means that from 10,000 mm onwards, you are on the safe side for many activities with a rain jacket. The jacket was worn, tested, and highly rated in the rainy month of November.

The lightweight fleece lining inside is 100% polyester. The fleece provides good insulation and temperature regulation.

A hood is rolled up in the collar of the VODNIK. Accessible via YKK two-way zipper.

Voila! The hood is already on the jacket. A slight shimmer of a logo on top.

A look inside the laminated hood. The hood can be fixed to the collar with Velcro, so it doesn't flutter around during movement and lies flat on the jacket.

The hood is attached to the jacket with a YKK zipper and can be removed at any time.

The spacious hood, adjustable in size, is adjusted on the side with shock cord and cord stopper.

There is a further adjustment for size at the back of the head.

The hood can be adjusted well and fits. During the autumn rains, the wearer was able to keep their hair dry. A warm hat fits well underneath.

The front zipper is a YKK two-way zipper.

The zipper is also easy to operate with gloves thanks to ribbed tabs and ends at the top with a fleece-lined chin guard. This is very comfortable to wear, as nothing rubs or chafes against the chin.

Both sleeves of the VODNIK have 100 x 150 mm large velcro areas on the upper arm pockets in the typical PITCHFORK style. The division with the vertical, angled cut makes the sleeve and the pocket underneath more flexible and not as stiff as a board. Matching patches are available HERE with us.

The upper arm pockets of the VODNIK are large and spacious. A tourniquet and Israeli bandage can be stored in them without feeling overloaded.

Cable outlets in both upper arm pockets allow for covert carrying of communication devices or playback equipment.

Small pocket with YKK zipper on the left sleeve end for small easily accessible items such as first aid gloves or keys.

Adjustable cuffs with velcro closure in size close the elastic cuffs well.

The cuffs close well and the plastic buckles do not rub against the forearm.

Zippers in the armpit area of the VODNIK provide better ventilation and thermal regulation.

In the lower half, there are spacious side pockets on the left and right. Inside, there is an elastic band with a D-ring to securely fasten items.

In both front pockets of the VODNIK, there are cable outlets for covertly carrying radios and mobile phones. Both pockets are lined with a soft material.

The zippers on the pockets and armpits are hidden under zipper garages.

There is a small document pocket on the inside of the VODNIK on the right and left.

Behind the front pockets, there is enough space to hold electronic devices, maps, scarves, or other equipment, qualifying them as inner pockets.

The size of the VODNIK can be adjusted through a bungee cord in the jacket hem.

In the lower third, there is a so-called game bag. Both sides can access the contents through YKK zippers. The bag is large enough for a scarf or poncho.

The jacket is cut in a straightforward and roomy manner, and size L fits perfectly at 183 cm. A fleece jacket like the FAHRIUS by PITCHFORK SYSTEMS fits as a warm layer underneath.

CONCLUSION: The craftsmanship and selected materials of the VODNIK Softshell Jacket are excellent. PITCHFORK SYSTEMS emphasizes functionality through simplicity. The quality reflects the price range and even slightly surpasses it. The VODNIK offers enough storage space and being wind- and water-resistant provides good protection against wind and light rain. What is very pleasant about the softshell jacket from PITCHFORK SYSTEMS and immediately noticeable to us is that the hook-and-loop fasteners, zippers, or Trident logos perfectly match the main material of the jacket.

The VODNIK Softshell Jacket is available directly at PITCHFORK SYSTEMS in the colors Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, SwissCamo, and SwissCamo 2 Tone for a very friendly 134.95 EUR or at retailers carrying the brand.

PITCHFORK SYSTEMS online