Jacket required

These innovative coats will ensure the weather doesn’t spoil your day, says Mark Layton

It is safe to say that the warmest days of the year are behind us and everyone heading out in to the field is looking to take something with them that will keep them protected from the wet weather and the chill in the air. Well, tweed might be the traditional choice for the fieldsports enthusiast, but there are plenty of innovative coats to choose from, many designed with shooting in mind, if you’re willing to try something a bit more modern. Here are six that caught our eye.

There is no escaping the weather when out on a shoot and those skies can be rather fickle at times, so you want to make sure you are fully covered when the sun vanishes and the rain begins to pour. A decent waxed jacket will keep you dry, but if you want something that will also keep the wind from your bones and ensure breathability then look for a coat made with one of the many specially developed membranes – such as Gore-tex, Seetex or Musto’s BR1 and BR2. A detachable hood is also a bonus – it will keep your head dry when you need it and can be set aside when you don’t.