Bite Me! (Review of Nordstrom Suit, Pete Moore, Shooting Sports Oct. 2002)
In a market near dominated by the USA, it's good to see a British company turning out some quality camo clothing. Pete Moore revisits Shark Group's Nordstrom suit, now in Realtree Hardwoods Green HD.

Order from Shark Shop

Shark Group are a UK company run by Bob Nolan and I first became aware of their products a couple of years ago. Originally
they specialised in survival clothing for the offshore oil, marine and aviation industries. So it's plain to see that they know a thing or two about what you need to wear when the going gets tough, and their various products have won their share of awards for excellence. Since then they have expanded and now address the needs of the hunter and outdoorsman with a range called Shark Country.

Items include neoprene dog coats and bootees, chest waders, socks and gloves.
And for hunters who want a descent set of camos that can take the worst the weather has to throw at them, there's the Nordstrom Suit. This is not my first look at this garment as I tested an early version in Advantage Classic pattern about two years ago, and I have to say I was impressed. Build, fit and finish were 100%, as was the protection factor - I was out for eight hours in the rain without any problems.

Hardwoods Green HD
Though nothing is perfect, the new Nordstrom comes pretty close, and shows a few modifications and improvements - most obvious are the new camo patterns. The old favourite Advantage Wetlands is still available and now there's Advantage Timber, and the brand new Hardwoods Green HD. If you're slightly more conservative, you can also opt for Loden Green.

Typically, the Nordstrom uses hi-tech materials in its build. Shark Group selected a water/wind proof, burr-resistant fabric called Nortec. It's a high quality microdenier brushed polyester, combined with a breathable laminate to keep the weather out but allow perspiration to escape. I can attest to its waterproof qualities as I spent much of that eight hour downpour on my knees or prone, and I reckon that Nortec offers about one hour's full protection before water penetration on hi-pressure areas like knees. I stress here that this is above and beyond its normal rain-repelling ability.

The build is impressive too; all the seams are taped for added protection and the outer shell has that suede-like feel to it, which means quiet movement out in the field with reduced rubbing noises from the garment or foliage.

Good Hood
The jacket is 3/4 length with two large box pockets with press-stud flaps and drain holes at the lower front. Above these are massive, fleece-lined hand warmer pockets. Closure is by a 2-way, heavy-duty YKK zip, with a double studded storm flap to stop wind and rain getting in.. The collar is high and shaped at the back to offer more neck protection. Included in the package is a detachable hood and this one's a real winner. In fact I'd go as far as to say that an outdoor coat that doesn't offer a hood is definitely missing the point. It features a peaked front and draw cords so you can snug it down onto your head and, in conjunction with the collar, it provides excellent protection.

The sleeves are long with an internal Jersey cuff and Shark Group provide a zip-in/out removable fleece liner. This really does turn the Nordstrom into a 4-season coat as when fitted it will keep you warm and snug. Without it the breathable material offers reasonable comfort in more temperate weather.

The trousers are of the pull-over type with a half-elasticated waist, though they have a zip fly. Wide belt loops are included and there's a twin press-stud closure at the top. On the front of the thighs is another pair of large cargo pockets similar to those on the jacket. The lower legs are gusseted and zipped so that the trousers can be quickly put on over your boots.

Having tested the Nordstrom suit before I was able to compare new to old and I have to say that performance hasn't changed a bit, which is very good news. The only aspect of the design I find a little odd is the positioning of the leg pockets. They are fine when standing, but if you are prone or kneeling then you have no easy access. Personally I would have thought they would have been better on the sides, but it's a small point when compared to the rest of the package which is excellent.

Now it's available in Hardwoods Green HD, which is possibly the best pattern for the UK, the Nordstrom suit is the sort of item that will probably last you for your foreseeable shooting career. Overall an excellent piece of clothing design offering many practical features and superior build quality. And without trying to sound too jingoistic, it's British - which is a rare thing in today's camo market, and something I feel should be supported.

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