Brocklehursts Blog

Our Country Life

Tweed breeks, shooting stockings and brown walking boots worn while seated in a country vehicle.

Walked-up and rough shooting: dressing for the days that aren’t driven

Dressing for a walked-up day means dressing to move. Unlike a driven day spent standing on a peg, rough shooting can involve hours of walking over uneven ground. The aim is to stay dry and comfortable without overheating.

Ask the host first

Rough shooting includes just about any type of shooting except for formal drives. For example, this could include one or two guns using a dog to flush pheasants or partridges, a few people walking with a keeper and dog handlers, or an arrangement where two groups alternate between beating the area and standing.

Whichever process you engage in will determine how to pack your kit.

At least as important as packing the right kit is the assurance of safety. Always walk at the speed of the slowest person in your group, and remain aware of the position of fellow shooters and dogs.

Layer for the walk, not the wait

Dark Barbour fleece gilet alongside the zip neck and label of a Brocklehursts knit.

Merino wool and/or synthetic materials should be worn as the base layer. Cotton holds moisture and can leave you feeling chilled when you stop. It is recommended to wear a merino or synthetic base layer, followed by a lightweight insulating mid-layer – like our Quarter Zip Merino Knit – with a gilet-style fleece that allows you to shoot without restriction. Unlike down-filled garments, fleeces retain most of their insulating properties even when wet. Take a look at our article on shooting gilets, waistcoats and clay vests for a comparison.

This principle also applies to anyone who combines walking with periods of standing still; long walks with your dog for example, days spent in the beating line, or simply walking behind a shoot to observe the activity.

Visit our Men's Zip Neck Knitwear and Women's Zip Neck Knitwear pages.

Lighter outer layers

Close-up of an olive shooting jacket pocket alongside an olive hooded women's shooting coat.

A full-length, heavily insulated, waterproof shooting coat is generally too bulky and heavy. It will weigh you down throughout the day and likely cause you to sweat inside it. Instead look for a lightweight, breathable waterproof coat that provides enough space to comfortably mount your gun. Useful features to look for include:

  • Underarm ventilation that allows excess heat to escape on warmer days.
  • A quick-access cartridge pocket located on the arm. This is particularly useful if you need to reload quickly.

The Beretta Thorn Resistant EVO Jacket features additional protection against abrasions at the shoulders, elbows and hem and incorporates a built-in game pouch. The Seeland Woodcock Royale Eve Jacket uses a stretchable, waterproof material combined with an action-back design providing easy access to your gun and cartridge pockets.

Visit our Men's Shooting Jackets and Women's Shooting Coats pages.

Breeches, gaiters and boots

Olive breeks worn with burgundy shooting stockings, with a close-up of the adjustable leg fastening.

Wet vegetation, brambles and uneven ground make your choice of legwear and footwear especially important. If you are wading through bramble or soggy crop, normal trousers will rapidly become soaked through and catch on branches. Breeches and gaiters help prevent this problem. Schöffel Moleskin Breeks are stretchy cotton with a water-resistant treatment, while the Seeland Hillside Harriet Breeks for women incorporate a waterproof membrane in a quiet fabric. Our own Scarba Plain Stockings are a Scottish-made merino-blend fabric and the Seeland Buckthorn Duro Gaiters are specifically designed for brambles and wet vegetation. See our Guide To Breeks & Twos + Fours for advice on choosing fitting breeches.

Close-up of a gaiter over a worn walking boot alongside a pair of Beretta walking boots.

For longer walks over uneven ground, supportive walking boots are often a more comfortable choice. Wellingtons may suit wetter conditions better. The Meindl Peru GTX and Peru Lady GTX models are waxed nubuck walking boots featuring a GORE-TEX liner.

See our Men's Walking Boots and Women's Walking Boots pages.

Carry less, dress practically

When you are responsible for carrying all your gear (cartridges in your belt or jacket pockets, gloves, hats, water, food etc.) there is less chance of superfluous items weighing you down. There are however some general guidelines that should always be adhered to regardless of whether someone is checking your attire. Choose muted colours, quiet fabrics and footwear suited to the ground—and clothes you’re happy to get muddy.

Visit us in Bakewell to try breeks, stockings and boots together. Bring your usual layers so you can check that your jacket fits comfortably and allows you to move freely.