As we approach autumn, you can survive sub-zero stalks in the worst weather with our selection of stalking clothing and footwear.
Aigle Parcours 2 ISO Boot
Getting your feet wet and cold can be a killer for any stalk – stop yourself running for the safety of the lodge with the Aigle Parcours 2 ISO rubber boots.
Hand-made in France, these boots boast a neoprene lining and additional insulation in the sole to keep your feet warm in conditions down to minus 20 degrees. The boots are fully waterproof, including the adjustable gusset area.
The outer sole has a strong grip to help prevent slipping in all directions, plus features an additional cushioning system in the heel for additional comfort when walking longer distances.
Price: £180
John Rothery
bisley-uk.com
Deerhunter Pro Gamekeeper
The Pro Gamekeeper jacket is made for professionals, as the name suggests. It’s made with a wind, waterproof and breathable Deer-Tex Performance Shell membrane, which is also four-way stretchable for flexibility and comfort.
Just like the original Deer-Tex membrane, it can be washed or dry-cleaned. The jacket also contains many pockets – and on top of that it’s backed up by a five-year warranty.
Price: £189.99
Deerhunter
07766 323683
deerhunter.eu
Harkila Heat Jacket
This isn’t just a jacket – it’s also a full-on heating system, with with built-in heating membranes that can be set to exactly the temperature you desire. So it won’t just keep you protected, it’ll actively warm you up on frigid stalks.
The jacket can also be packed into the supplied drybag, so it’s easy to carry if temperatures rise. This makes it an excellent choice for both a mid-layer and outer layer for a wide range of hunting and outdoor activities in the cold weather.
Price: £269.99
Harkila
gb.harkila.com
Palearctic Clothing
Part of the Merkel Gear range, the Palearctic jacket and trousers make a formidable combo. First, the trousers: an all-season garment for the mountain hunter and lowland stalker alike.
Breathable, elastic and robust, these trousers are ideal for traversing rough terrain. They’re paired with the Palearctic 365 Jacket, which is abrasion-resistant, light and windproof. The three-layer-laminate and waffle-fleece backing are breathable but protect from damp and cold.
Trousers £180.14, Jacket £270.23
Viking
01423 780810
vikingshoot.com
Blaser Hybrid suit
The Hybrid set-up comprises a three-in-one stalking outfit, with an outer jacket with wind and waterproof outer layer and a removable thermal Primaloft jacket inside.
This multi-use jacket packs in tonnes of features including removable storm hood, Aquaguard pocket zips, adjustable cuffs, and multi-use pockets. Added to the waterproof trousers, this gives you a robust stalking suit for use in just about any season in the UK.
Price: Jacket £515, trousers £240
Blaser Sporting
01483 917412
blaser-group.com/uk
Ridgeline Warrior Hi-Top Boots
The Warrior is an affordable yet super-high-performance high-cut waterproof boot, fashioned from full-grain nubuck leather and sporting a durable-fast lacing system.
Its HydroGuard waterproof membrane offers superb protection while its 200g Thinsulate insulation gives excellent warmth, breathability and comfort. On the bottom are multi-directional traction lugs on a Vibram sole. The boot also boasts self-cleaning rubber outsoles and moulded PU midsole.
Price: £189.99
Highland Outdoors
0345 099 0252
highlandoutdoors.co.uk
Ariat Catalyst Defiant
The Catalyst VX Defiant, seen here in its high-leg form, is constructed from waterproof leather, with a Gore-Tex membrane as well as X-Static layer for odour protection.
Meanwhile, the 400g Thinsulate Ultra insulation provides exceptional warmth. The Vibram outsole offers traction and durability, the protective rubber rand prevents scuffs and scratches, and the PU midsole dissipates impact. In short – these boots offer the ultimate in comfort and performance.
Price: £320
Ariat
01367 242818
ariat.com
Swazi Wapiti Coat
The Wapiti is a water and windproof coat that remains highly breathable thanks to the AEGIS fabric. For hill stalkers that prefer a more traditional jacket to a smock, this is an ideal choice.
A waterproof chest pocket keeps your mobile or OS map dry when crawling, and the famous hood is present, giving maximum peripheral vision while keeping the worst of the weather from your face. On drier days, roll it into the neck to keep it out of the way.
Price: £450
Available from Fin and Game
01573 224066
finandgame.com
Grampian Hooded Smock
Seen here in the Grampian Tweed pattern, Nomad’s time-proven hooded smock is functionally designed for stalking, made from a silent, stretchable, waterproof and breathable fabric.
It’s long-lasting, too – Nomad say they have re-taped some 15-year-old smocks that are still in perfect condition. You get all the practical accoutrements you need, too, including a full folding hood, an extended front zip, and pockets for binoculars, extra magazines, keys, and so on.
Price: £430 (Grampian/Argyll tweed), £340 (olive/khaki)
Nomad UK
07736 255100
www.nomaduk.biz
ShooterKing Digitex Softshell
The ShooterKing Digitex Softshell has been designed around the Digitex camo pattern with reversible brown lining and internal Shoottex membrane, which makes the design of the softshell jacket partially waterproof, completely windproof and highly breathable.
Other features include four YKK zip pockets, which are accessible from both sides, elasticated cuffs and an adjustable hem. The design is also lightweight and suitable for all seasons and is available in a women’s version.
Price: £119.95
Thomas Jacks
01789 264100
thomasjacks.co.uk
More kit options from Sporting Rifle
- Stalking kit: The essentials
- Stalking kit: eight of the best technical options
- All the kit you need for foxing
- Red stag season – all the kit you’ll need
- Kit you’ll need for foxing
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