10 essential items for the hunting season
From your dog's lead and collar to your trusty hip flask, this is the best gear for when you're out in the field
With a traditional flap and buckle opening, and additional zip for easy drying, this shotgun slip from Croots is a must-have in the field this season. The leather shoulder sling makes it easy to carry, a padded fleece lining keeps everything protected and the hand-sewn muzzle end is an indicator of the quality craftsmanship.
Interlined with a waterproof, breathable barrier lining which will keep the wearer dry and comfortable in all weathers, this coat is trimmed with a Ventile drip strip, a two-way zip, Loden collar and Alcantara trims to the cuffs and pocket edges. A hardy Merino and Alpaca mix, made in Austria, the tone of the tweed is suitable for moorland and estate shooting and is extremely durable.
Smart and elegant, this kidney-shaped hip flask is the perfect companion for a shoot. For, not only does the brown crocodile print Italian calf leather make this one of the most stylish flasks in the field, it also contains two 3oz decanters, each with a screw lid, so you don’t have to stick to a single Scotch. We can toast to that.
A flat cap has always been the gun’s faithful companion, part of the uniform. Holland & Holland’s has been made in a soft and luxurious Alder tweed – with each yarn, and colour of the fabric, designed and woven exclusively for Holland & Holland in Hawick, Scotland.
Everyone could do with a pair of ear defenders, and there are none better than these Bisley pair – offered by Oliver Brown. Lightweight and effective, these compact defenders are folding, and and popular among all shooters – particularly shotgun users.
Made in England, the Farlows Nehru collared shooting vest offers increased protection from the elements with the high closing front, handwarmers and patch & flap pockets replicating the field coat configuration. This versatile garment will allow a drive`s worth of cartridges to be loaded into the pockets and the half belt, tunnel and button detail to take the strain on the hips, not the shoulders – for ultimate comfort.
Like the shotgun slip also on this list, we love Croots as their craftsmanship is second-to-none. This Malton cartridge bag is fashioned from Bridle Leather, and has a capacity of 100 cartridges. A hinged speed-load design allows for easy access, the wide cotton webbing shoulder sling is practical, and the decadent suede lining adds that little hint of hedonism we always appreciate.
A distinctive dog collar with an actual brass shotgun hull and plain leather lead both crafted in genuine, finely tanned leather – this is the perfect accessory for your canine companion on a shoot.
A hunting knife with a fixed blade crafted from Damascus steel, this wide, slightly rounded blade and thumb rest make this the perfect knife for hunting out in the field. Each of Rigby’s knives is engraved with their distinctive ‘double R’ logo and a unique serial number – which also adorns the embossed and handmade leather sheath included.
This garment is cut as a traditionally tailored jacket but enjoys the features of an action back, or `Swing Back` as it is sometimes referred. The half belt feature allows the jacket to be brought in around the waist to take the load of pockets full of shells onto the waist, not on the shoulders, which would restrict the shooter. Extremely versatile, and boasting a storm collar, handwarmers and large patch and flap pockets, this is the perfect shooting jacket.
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