Best Abacus Winter Apparel

Abacus Druids
Windvent trousers 

RRP £99

Abacus is a Swedish brand that has a strong tradition of producing weatherproof gear: so much so that they have clothed the last six European Solheim Cup teams. 

They offer a range of trousers to suit all weather conditions. The Druids windvent trouser is designed for cold, windy, dry weather and it works admirably in this regard. They are made from a stretchable softshell fabric with a brushed inside. The fabric is water repellent but not waterproof. 

They are certainly comfortable, quiet and they are extremely toasty. They have four roomy pockets and a two-button closure at the front. The only design feature I’d have liked to see is a gripper waistband. 

You certainly won’t feel the cold in these trousers, and, although the fabric is badged as breathable, it’s possible to get too hot in less than Arctic conditions. And they aren’t really suitable to layer over with a waterproof due to the thickness of the garment. However, should I ever go on a golfing holiday to Scandinavia, then I’d be sure to pack these! 

PROS

• Well constructed
• Comforable
• Very warm

CONS

• Use limited to cold and dry conditions

Sizes: Waist 28-40 & Inside seam 30-34
Colour: Navy / Black

 Abacus Men’s Links warm waterproof trousers 

RRP £110

Abacus is a Swedish brand that has a strong tradition of producing weatherproof gear: so much so that they have clothed the last six European Solheim Cup teams. 

The Links warm waterproof trouser is badged as appropriate for wet weather in a variety of temperatures. It is made from a waterproof and breathable fabric with sealed seams. They are rated 10,000 for waterproofing and the same for breathability. This means they will combat most downpours and be breathable enough for golfing activities. The trousers have a brushed tricot lining for added warmth. There are four practical pockets and a two-button closure at the front. 

What I love about these trousers is their practicality and versatility. They fit nicely, the material is stretchy and breathable, and they have kept out the water on all the times I’ve worn them. On one occasion, I had to go out to play in filthy conditions, and I was able to layer a dedicated waterproof trouser over the Links without any difficulty. 

I first wore these trousers in April this year and certainly expect them to be a go-to piece of apparel over the upcoming cooler months. They come highly recommended! 

PROS

• Well-constructed and smart looking 
• Comfortable and quiet
• Practical in a variety of weather conditions

CONS

• None

Sizes: Waist 28-40 & Inseam 30-34
Colour: Navy. Black

Abacus Men’s Grove Hybrid Vest

RRP £115

Abacus is a Swedish brand that has a strong tradition of producing stylish and weatherproof gear: so much so that they have clothed the last six European Solheim Cup teams. 

The Grove hybrid vest is the successor to last year’s Elgin vest that rated very highly. There are a lot of similarities with a seamless, quilted and padded windproof fabric to the front and back with side panels made from stretchable fleece, which is now brushed on the inside. The gilet features a full-length zipper, which works well in all positions. There are also a couple of roomy side pockets with zip closures. 

I tend to go up a size in Abacus outerwear and the large size fitted my non-athletic 74kg, 173 cm frame just right. I have loved wearing the Grove on and off the course. It is warm, comfortable to wear, looks good and layers well. 

It comes in a wide range of colours so you’re sure to find a shade to suit. 

PROS

• Warm & comfortable
• Premium construction
• Useful zippered pockets

CONS

• Slightly bulky to stow away

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colour: Sunset, White/navy, Dark cobalt/black, Navy/light grey, Black, Black/anthracite, Navy/harvest

Abacus Men’s Pitch 37.5 rainjacket 

RRP £269

The Pitch sits at the top of the range of waterproof apparel on offer from Abacus and is an unashamedly premium product. It has a high waterproof rating of 20,000 and an industry-leading breathability score of 50,000. That means it is very waterproof and extremely breathable. The material is lightweight and offers 4-way stretch.  

Further features of the jacket include a rubber anti-slip print on the shoulders to aid bag carrying, adjustable drawcord closure at the neck and extra elastic at the sleeves to enhance the fit. 

I tend to size up in Abacus outerwear and the Large fitted my 74kg, 173cm frame comfortably. On the course the Pitch performs admirably. The technology of the fabric aims to optimize the body temperature (at 37.5’c) and I have to say it works. The apparel is waterproof, comfortable, easy to swing in and quiet. It’s worked well over a base and midlayer, and on occasions, over a gilet as well. Furthermore, it packs away nice and compactly which is an important consideration for those that carry their bag. 

It’s no surprise that the Pitch 37.5 has won several awards, and it comes highly recommended. 

PROS: 

• Premium construction 
• Waterproof 
• Stretchy and breathable 
• Practical features 
• Good range of colours 

CONS: 

• Fabric may be a little thin for some 

Sizes: S-XXXL 
Colours: Midnight Navy, Skydive, Black, Grey, Red. 

Abacus Men’s Pitch 37.5 rain trousers

RRP £229

The Pitch sits at the top of the range of waterproof apparel on offer from Abacus and is an unashamedly premium product. It has a high waterproof rating of 20,000 and an industry-leading breathability score of 50,000. That means it is very waterproof and extremely breathable. The material is lightweight and offers 4-way stretch.  

Further features of the trouser include two zippered front pockets and a single rear pocket, a velcro adjustable waistband and a zippered opening of the lower trouser up to the knee. 

I was pleased to see that a range of sizes is on offer. The 32 waist, short leg fitted nicely. On the course the Pitch performs admirably. The technology of the fabric aims to optimize the body temperature (at 37.5’c) and it works. The apparel is waterproof, comfortable, easy to swing in and quiet.  

The pocket configuration was a bit fiddly. The front pockets are rather small to access, and there is an opening, with velcro closure, that allows you to access trouser pockets beneath. But that’s a minor consideration for what is an otherwise excellent product. 

PROS

• Premium construction 
• Stretchy and breathable 
• Good range of sizes 

CONS

•  Awkward pocket configuration 

Sizes: Waist 30-42 & Inseam 30-32
Colour: Midnight Navy, Black

Abacus Men’s PDX waterproof jacket 

RRP £249

The PDX jacket is part of the premium X-series rage from Abacus and offers both waterproof and insulating properties. Features include heat-pressed quilt at the front (for insulation), 4-way stretch fabric to the sleeves, back and sides, a drawcord adjustable stand-up collar, drawstring at the body bottom and two roomy front pockets with waterproof zippers. All this adds up to a seriously practical and useful piece of apparel. It has a waterproof rating of 15,000 and the same score for breathability. Those figures aren’t quite up there with the Pitch but they are pretty reasonable. 

I tend to size up in Abacus outerwear and the Large fitted my 74kg, 173cm frame comfortably. On the course the PDX works well in appropriate conditions, namely the cooler and showery conditions so common for golfers in the UK. It is really comfortable to wear and works well over a base and midlayer. Due to the nature of the PDX, it’s very much an outer garment, so I don’t think it would work so well in heavy, persistent rain. That said, it’s another strong offering from Abacus and will get plenty of use on and off the course. 

PROS: 

• Premium construction 
• Warm and waterproof 
• Stretchy and breathable 

CONS: 

• Bulky to stow away 
• Lacks a hanging loop 

Sizes: S-XXXL 
Colours: Midnight navy, Black. 

Abacus Men’s Lytham Softshell Jacket

RRP £90

The Lytham softshell jacket is made from a stretchy fabric that is also very breathable. Abacus designate it as a ‘completely windproof’ garment, but it also has a waterproof rating of 8,000 which means it will deal with light to medium showers.

It is a full-zip construction with two roomy front zip pockets and an elasticated hem with drawcord adjustability. At the top, there is a nice high collar with a chin guard for the zip.  

I tend to go up a size in Abacus outerwear and the large size fitted my non-athletic 74kg, 173 cm frame just right.

I tested the version in a lovely navy colour. Initially, it looked a little plain, but the material does have a subtle texture, which may not be visible on the pictures. It’s easy to layer under due to the stretchiness of the material.

Although you can cover the Lytham with a dedicated waterproof jacket, that doesn’t work particularly well. So, if significant rain is forecast, save the Lytham for another day. Other than that, it works nicely in a range of weather. It is windproof, practical and comfortable to wear and swing in. As a bonus, it’s also a useful general-purpose jacket for a range of outdoor activities. 

PROS

• Warm & comfortable
• Wind & shower proof
• Useful zipped pockets

CONS

• Slightly bulky to stow away

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colour: Royal blue, Navy, Black

Abacus Men’s Kinloch Midlayer jacket 

RRP £85

The Kinloch midlayer jacket is essentially a thin full zip midlayer. It is constructed from Drycool fabric, which is breathable, stretchy and wicking. The fleecy inner is brushed for added comfort. Elastic binding at the sleeve and hem of the jacket enhances the fit.  

I tend to run medium in Abacus midlayers and large in their jackets (or outerwear). The large size I tested was possibly a little too big for my non-athletic 74kg, 173 cm frame. I tested the version in navy, which has some sky blue/white contrasting stripes on the sleeves to give a sporty look.  

The Kinloch is a joy to wear. Because it’s so thin and stretchy, it’s easy to layer over and/or under. This makes it particularly useful in the variable conditions we’re so used to seeing in the UK. 

I realise that the casual sporty look may not suit everyone, but I loved it! I also loved how easy it is to pack away in my carry bag as the weather changes. It comes highly recommended. 

PROS

• Soft and comfortable material 
• Stretchy and breathable 
• Excellent layering piece 

CONS

• Styling won’t suit everyone 

Sizes: S-3XL
Colour: Navy/sky blue, Navy/fairway, Anthracite/white

Abacus Men’s Spin Long Sleeve
Base Layer

RRP £38

The humble baselayer is the essential building block of any layering system. The Spin longsleeve from Abacus is made from 100% polyester Drycool fabric, which is breathable, stretchy and wicking – all the attributes you want from a baselayer. 

Abacus base and midlayers tend to run true to size for me and the medium size fitted my non-athletic 74kg, 173 cm frame just right. I’m not a fan of the close compression type of layer so this more relaxed cut suited me well. The turtleneck collar helps keep the warmth in, and the body and sleeve lengths are spot on.  

On the course, the Spin behaves just as you’d hope. It is comfortable and there’s no restriction to swinging. There’s nothing not to like about this piece of apparel. It comes in a choice of four colours – I tested the navy. It can be used for a variety of outdoor activities and is very good value.  

PROS

• Soft & comfortable material
• Stretchy & breathable
• Excellent value

CONS

• None

Sizes: S-XXXL
Colour: Navy, Dark cobalt, White, Black

Abacus
Edison Knitted Hat

RRP £20

Insulating headwear is an essential component of the golfer’s winter wardrobe. It would be a mistake to wander out onto the golf course in the middle of winter without a warm beanie in your golf bag.

The Edison knitted hat is a simply designed but smart bobble hat that comes in a choice of three colours but just one size. I thought the dark grey melange looked really classy. 

There is a fleecy lining for comfort and warmth. The size of the hat allows you to pull it down over your ears and the subtle ‘Abacus’ sign means that this is a piece of kit that can be used off the course with ease. It’s also good value, so it comes highly recommended. 

PROS

• Comfortable and warm 
• Smart appearance  
• Good range of colours 

CONS

• One size only

Sizes: One size 
Colours: Dark grey melange, Navy, Black. 

Abacus Gullane Warm Mitten

RRP £30

Sometimes less is more and the Abacus Gulland Warm Mittens prove that theory very well. The simple one size, one colour design of these mitts is what a lot of golfers are after, and the design can’t be grumbled about. The all-black design features a blacked-out Abacus logo on the cuff of the mitt which looks very smart.  

The elascticed cuff help the hold heat in the glove and inside there are slots for each finger. There is a brushed fleece lining which is very soft but not overly fluffy. There is still plenty of warmth provided from these.  

Although these gloves aren’t listed as being showerproof the outer coating can certainly hold up well if you’re caught in an unexpected shower.  

If you’re partial to losing things, these mitts come with clips so that you can keep them together/attach them onto your bag rather than squashing it all inside.  

PROS: 

• Fleece lined 
• Showerproof 
• Plain and simple design looks smart  

CONS: 

• Only one colourway/style 

Colours: Black 
Sizes: One size 

Abacus Lds Druids Windvent trousers

RRP £100

Abacus aren’t shy to a pair of winter trousers and these windvent trousers are great quality. Unlike the other pairs these can be distinguished by the twisted rope design around the waist and pockets. Out of the pairs I have tested, these are the thickest with a fleece lined inner and a windproof and water resistant outer.  

I wore these in my standard uk size 10 which was a perfect fit. The fly zip fastening uses a silver button and then a secondary clear button which can’t be seen when on. There are four pockets with the back right pocket having a grip patch to prevent valuables such as your course planner from falling out. 

The slim fit design helps to maintain warmth when out on and course and these would even be ideal when tackling other outdoor adventures during the colder months. The block colour navy design is very smart, but Abacus does offer these trousers in a jazzier checked design. 

PROS: 

• Thick and fleecy 
• Waterproof outer 

• Handy spare buttons 
• Grips in the back pocket 

CONS: 

• Pricey

Colours: Black, Navy, Harvest Check, Pine Check 

Sizes: XS-XXL 

Abacus Lds Gleneagles Thermo Midlayer

RRP £85

The Gleneagles thermo is my idea of a perfect mid layer jacket. The 92% polyester 8% spandex construction creates an incredibly strethcy jacket that is easy to move and swing in. Around the collar/upper of the jacket is a quilted fabric that has light padding for extra warmth. The full zip design looks very smart in the navy which I wore with a silver zip and logo.  

I wore this in my regular uk size 12 top, and I really enjoyed how it looked and fit. The inside is lined with a thin brushed fleece material which is elasticated. I found it to be very breathable not getting sweaty despite being a comfortable temperature.  

The pockets on this jacket were the only thing that let it down for me. They’re a decent size but the placement is slightly odd, and I found myself missing the pocket as you had to vertically place your hand in. There also wasn’t any fasting on the pockets to I felt like my belongings weren’t overly secure.  

Nonetheless, I enjoyed wearing this jacket and it’s a great layering piece that will get plenty of wear this autumn/winter.  

PROS: 

• Very stretchy  
• Lovely design 
• Provides plenty of warmth without being thick 

CONS: 

• Odd pocket design 

Colours:  Navy, Stone, Black, Peacock Blue 

Sizes: XS-XL

Abacus Lds Lytham softshell vest

RRP £80

The Abacus Lytham Softshell vest is a stretchy gilet that looks smart and is very easy to move in. The PFC-free material is both water-repellent and windproof meaning that it’s a perfect addition to any golfer’s autumn/winter wardrobe.  

Despite not having any padding in the fabric is still fairly thick making it a great layering piece and it feels like great quality. Inside, there is a mesh type design which allows your body to breath when wearing it. The full zip design features two pockets with zips which is ideal for keeping your valuables safe.  

I wore my standard medium size as a uk size 12 in tops. I was very happy with the fit, with elasticated cuffs and bottom so a better fit too. It was very easy to swing in and the none golfy look means that I would certainly wear it comfortably off the course.  

PROS: 

• Windproof and water resistant 
• Great quality material 
• Breathable 

CONS: 

• Not the warmest 

Colours:  Navy, Black, Royal Blue 

Sizes: XS-XXL 

Abacus Lds Bounce waterproof trousers

RRP £130

Not everyone likes wearing waterproof trousers but on those dreaded rainy or muddy rounds sometimes its unavoidable. The Bounce waterproof trousers are the perfect hybrid for those players as they fit and look just like your standard pair of trousers but are waterproof up to 15000 mp which is very impressive! 

The standard trouser design features the usual two front and two back pockets. There is a fly zip with a press stud and velcro fasten. There are also belt loops and the back of the waistband is elasticated. The design is fairly standard and comes in three colours but there is the ‘stretchdry’ wording on the front above the left pocket which is unique but works well. I wore my regular uk size 10 bottoms which fit perfect in all areas. There was plenty of flexibility when bending down and reading putts.  

These Bounce trousers don’t have a lining meaning that they’re very lightweight. The sealed seems helped to keep the water out but when the sun came out during the round these trousers did retain the heat meaning that they were a little sticky and not very breathable.  

PROS: 

• Fits really nicely 
• Unique concept 
• Has belt loops 
• Lightweight 

CONS: 

• None 

Colours:  Navy, Grey, Black 

Sizes: XS-XXL 

Abacus Lds PDX waterproof jacket

RRP £249

Abacus primarily lists this jacket as being waterproof but for me this is the ideal all round winter jacket. The wind and water repellent fabric, is PFC free and can resist up to 15000mm of water.  

I wore this jacket in my standard uk size 12 and the fit was perfect. There are adjustable toggles on both the bottom seem and around the collar. In terms of swinging in it the stretchable fabric makes it easy to move in however as this jacket is already fairly thick so I wouldn’t put too much under it.  

The front of this jacket has a quilted design as it’s filled with padding for extra warmth. The zips on the front of the jacket are waterproof like all of the other seems. The plain block colour design is teamed with Abacus logos and wording which is fairly discrete.  

Overall, this is the perfect stand alone jacket for this autumn/winter but it might not be for those players who don’t like thicker waterproof jackets. 

PROS: 

• All round winter jacket 
• Padded waterproof jacket 
• Looks great 

CONS: 

• Might be too bulky for some players 

Colours:  Navy, Black 

Sizes: XS-XXL 

Abacus Lds Woburn midlayer pullover

RRP £110

At first glance, this may not be your typical golf jumper, but this cable knit effect mid layer is a stylish addition to any player’s wardrobe. I wore the Woburn pullover in a medium, which as a UK size 12 in tops was the perfect fit. The colourway that I wore was stone melange which is a light beige shade with black detailing on the outer cuffs, if this doesn’t suit your taste then Abacus offers the Woburn pullover in a navy with pink cuffs. 

I enjoyed how much warmth was provided by this jumper without this being overly thick. As this jumper is textured, I found that it didn’t crease too much when in the being which was good. It also didn’t require too much care after washing as it dried with minimal creasing too.  

What I enjoyed most about this jumper was that I could happily find myself wearing it off the course as it’s very casual.  

PROS: 

• Can be dressed up or down 
• Different but enjoyable style 
• Provides plenty of warmth  

CONS: 

• Might not be everyone’s taste 

Colours: Stone Melange, Navy 

Sizes: XS-XXL 

Abacus Woodhall Knitted Hat

RRP £25

If you’re looking for a bobble hat that’s going to provide a great deal of warmth without compromising style this winter, this Woodhall knitted hat from Abacus is the perfect option. Available in five different colourways, this unisex bobble hat is really for any player.  

One of the first things I noticed about this hat was how stretchy it was. It’s also a thick knit meaning that it provides lots of warmth. Inside there is a fleece lining to keep all the heat in which is perfect for those bitter cold winter days.  

On my head I would say that this hat is a little bulker than some bobble hats but it helps to provide extra warmth so I can’t grumble too much. I like that the bobble didn’t move around a lot when I was hitting, and it felt very stable. Like most bobble hats this one can be worn both on and off the course and I’m sure it will get plenty more outings as the temperature drops.  

PROS: 

• Thick knit 
• Plenty of colours  
• Fleece lining 

CONS: 

• A little bulky 

Colours:  Navy, Grey Melange, Navy/Red, Navy/Orange, Black 

Sizes: One size 

Abacus Lds Kinloch midlayer jacket

RRP £85

 This stylish zip up mid layer is made up from a stretchy yet fleece material that is soft on the inside and silky on the outside. The block colour sleeves look great contrasting the body colour. I wore the navy and white colourway but Abacus does offer this Kinloch midlayer in a range of other colour option. The design includes pockets on each side that has small zips to keep your valuables in.  

As I wear a uk size 12 in tops I wore this in a medium and was very happy with the fit. The bottom hem is elasticated meaning that it doesn’t just hang off you but sits tighter. As the material is made from a mixture of polyester and elastane it is very lightweight and easy to swing in. I found it also washed very well which was a great bonus.  

Overall, this isn’t the thickest of mid layers but it’s fleeced linig does provide some comfort and warmth. As its so stretchy it works great with layers under. This is a great mid layer based one I will certainly be reaching for plenty of times. 

PROS: 

• Stylish design
• Lightweight
• Very stretchy

CONS: 

• None

Colours: Stone Melange, Navy 

Sizes: XS-XXL 

Abacus Lds Compression base layer

RRP £65

A lot of people refer to compression base layers as skins and this one really does feel like second skin. I wore this in a small which is one size down from what I would usually choose as it’s very stretchy and is designed to be well-fitted. The science behind this is that pressure is put on the veins which enlarges them in turn allowing for quicker blood circulation which helps to warm muscles faster.  

The black base design features silver writing on the sleeve reading ‘abacus X-series’ and a larger logo on the middle of the upper back. The bottom hem of the base layer has a plastic grip to help keep the top in place when moving around on the course. One of the best features of this compression top was the mesh patches under the arms that help with breathability.  

Overall, this is a great addition to any golfer’s wardrobe being worn with a polo or layered under other pieces. It would also be great off the course when needing to keep warm. 

PROS: 

• Easy to swing in 
• Second skin feel 
• Breathable 

CONS: 

• None 

Colours: Black 

Sizes: XS-XXL