TRIED & TESTED

WHAT IS IT: Berghaus Hydroshell TM Elite waterproof trousers (RRP £90). I WANT IT BECAUSE: They are light, comfortable, help keep you warm and drier for longer. They are also covered by a lifetime guarantee – it’s reassuring that Berghaus puts its money where its mouth is. USEFUL FOR: Hiking and trekking in most conditions; cold, wet and snow. In summer, the odour-resistant finish apparently reduces next-to-skin cling. HIGH POINT: They were comfy and easy to wear thanks to the ¾-length two-way zips for venting and elasticated waist. They also stuff down nice and small for packing. LOW POINT: The leg length. I’m 5ft 8ins and a 14. I got the men’s style and still the leg length was about an inch shorter than I would have wanted. WHAT IS IT: London gunmaker John Rigby & Co have launched a new selection of shotgun cartridges (20 bore, £75 per 250 cartridges); 12 bore 28 gramme £73; 12 bore 30g £77; (www.johnrigbyandco.com)

I WANT IT BECAUSE: They are loaded by award-winning Royal Warrant holders Hull’s Cartridge Co.

USEFUL FOR: At 65mm in length, they fit both traditional side-by-side shotguns and under-and-overs. HIGH POINT: I shot alternate drives with this and my usual cartridges and could really see the difference. LOW POINT: The 30g No.5 shot was so powerful it mangled the breast of a pheasant shot at a decent range.