Safari Jackets

Page Updated: May 2020

If you are shopping for a new safari jacket we can help you choose the right one to fit for function, style and budget.

A Spot Of Safari Jacket History

Safari jackets or bush jackets were garments originally designed only for the purpose of going on safari in the African bush. Nowadays the style has been adapted for many other activities such as photography and fishing.

Popularized by turn-of-the-20th-century Anglo African adventurers, safari-style jackets were engineered for comfort and function.

A traditional bush jacket is commonly a lightweight cotton drill or poplin jacket, usually khaki in colour, with a self-belt, often with epaulettes and four or more expandable bellows pockets. Safari jackets have been worn as mainstream casual clothing since the 1950s. They are particularly popular with photographers, as their many pockets allow a convenient way to carry film, lenses, flashes, and other photographic equipment.

The traditional safari jacket was often worn with nothing on underneath, rather like a shirt, with a dapper neckerchief to mop up the sweat.

This long-established jacket style has been largely superseded by fleeces for cold weather wear, the hunter (or his tracker) carrying a day bag, rather than using pockets for all his immediate requirements in the field. Nowadays safari jackets or fleeces are just worn on chilly mornings on the back of the truck or on chilly evenings around the campfire. Most hunters take them off and leave them in the truck before going off on foot, despite the cold, because they are only an extra thing to carry when it gets hot later.

Essential Safari Jackets Guidelines

Comfortable, lightweight and unrestrictive construction for possibly many hours of wear.
Made of natural or hi-tech fabric that will be sweat absorbent and quiet if wearing it while stalking.
Cooling features possibly vents and mesh but warm enough on cold mornings.
Optional zip-off long sleeves to convert to a vest.
Pockets - better to have buttons rather than velcro which can be noisy. Too many pockets can be a disadvantage for hunting if you can't remember where you put something and have to rummage through all 21 pockets to find it.
Other optional features - cartridge loops, shoulder padding for shooting.
Khaki, green, brown colours rather than white or any bright colour.

Recommended Safari Jackets For Men

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(Click on images for full details & colour options)

This rugged and versatile jacket is made of stretch cotton Bedford cord shell that's been micro-sanded for a softer feel and resists thorns and brambles. It has panelled sleeve seaming and gusseting under the arms to allow a wider range of movement. It is lined with microfleece with vents under the arm for breathability. Ample pocket space includes an interior zippered pocket and three exterior pockets. Buy Now

This waterproof jacket has the highest rate of breathability. It comes with a packable hood for full coverage, a drawstring waist to cinch the jacket tight, articulated elbows and plenty of pockets inside and out. Buy Now

This jacket has cotton/polyamide blend shell which protects from light rain and wind. It is lined in an orange colour and comes with a metal, two-way zip on the front, handwarmer pockets, covered placket, snap closures and brass-finished hardware. Buy Now

The Zambezi safari jacket is back. It comes with a two-button closure, one chest and two lower pockets, leather trim details, partial lining with power mesh for airflow and two interior zip pockets. Buy Now

This fleece jacket is warm, windproof and water-resistant. It is fully lined with a windproof fabric and is treated to help shed rain, while a waterproof chest pocket keeps your belongings dry. Full-zip front for easy on-and-off and paneled sides for easy mobility. Buy Now

This men's jacket is made of cotton and has adjustable cuffs and hem. There is 1 inner pocket, 1 zip chest pocket and 2 slant pockets. Buy Now

This lightweight jacket is made from a nylon/cotton-blend fabric with a water-repellent finish and is an ideal layer for cooler days and it won't overheat you on warmer days. It has a squared-off collar with two-button closure. Rib-knit waist and cuffs. Buy Now

This warm, windproof and water resistant softshell jacket offers generous stretch in the fabric for full freedom of movement. It comes with a microfleece lining, contrast zippers at the centre front, handwarmer pockets and vertical chest pocket. Buy Now

This full-zip style fleece jacket uses the most advanced fleece fabrics for optimal movement, moisture wicking and temperature control. Coating in body and arms provides superior abrasion resistance without sacrificing stretch. The side panels manage heat and moisture to keep you warm and dry through any activity. It has a zippered chest pocket and handwarmer pockets. Buy Now

Or you might prefer the half zip version of this fleece

This jacket is made from 100% cotton and features a spread collar and four pockets at the front. Buy Now

This lightweight vintage-style safari jacket is made of soft, washed 100% cotton fabric. It features 4 Pockets with button flap closures, front zipper & button up storm flap, concealed hood and drawstring waist and hem to adjust the fit. Buy Now

This classic jacket style comes with a high collar with concealed internal hood, zipper front with storm flap secured with press studs and buttons at the collar and the bottom. There are 4 buttoned down front pockets and an internal sleeve pocket with hook-and-loop. It also features internal waist adjusters, button adjustable cuffs, pleated back and back slit with press studs, under arm vents and shoulder epaulettes. Buy Now

On cool, early mornings, this hunting pullover will give you the extra layer you may need. When the day warms up, it packs down small enough to fit in your vest or pack. The fabric finish sheds moisture and the highly breathable double-weave fabric resists punctures and keeps you cool during activity. It has ample stretch in both body and side panels, this pullover moves easily through the shot. The low-profile, welded-stretch chest pocket holds small valuables safely. Stretchy contour cuffs have a comfortable close fit, and provide extra protection from the elements and brush. Buy Now

This classic, versatile jacket is pre-washed for a soft feel and maximum comfort. It has long sleeves, button down collar, belt, shoulder straps and designed for hunting and any outdoor activities. Buy Now

Khaki convertible safari jacket and vest is made of stonewashed cotton and comes with a mesh lining, 19 Pockets a vented back, adjustable waist belt and zip front with snap closure. Buy Now

This Tag classic safari jacket is constructed from light weight cotton fabric. There are two buttoned flap chest pockets and two cargo pockets at the belted waist and epaulettes keep a pair of binoculars or a canteen from sliding off your shoulder. Functional tabs keep sleeves neatly rolled up. Generously sized for comfort, it can be worn alone or over other clothing. Buy Now

This jacket has a microfleece-lined collar, zip-off sleeves to convert from jacket to vest, 10 pockets, security zip chest pockets and hand pockets and ddjustable cuffs and elastic cinch cord at hem. Buy Now

This Tag safari jacket for men is lightweight and designed for layering when on an African safari. It provides ample storage with two buttoned chest pockets above two larger dual buttoned cargo pockets at the waist. Roll-up tabs secure sleeves and the belted waist allows for expansion and maximum flexibility. Functional shoulder epaulettes secure strapped devices such as a camera or binoculars. Buy Now

This Mac-In-A-Sac is a packable waterproof jacket that is lightweight and folds away into a small convenient bag. Ideal for for taking in your daypack while hunting or bush walking. Buy Now

This packable waterproof rain jacket is indispensable lightweight outerwear. The waterproof, breathable nylon shell protects from wind and water, while adjustable cuffs and a drawcord waist seal out the elements. Other details include a fully adjustable hood, waterproof zippers and a single chest pocket. Buy Now