Verney Carron Perdrix outfit
Style, function, comfort and affordability are prime considerations when choosing shooting attire. Mat Manning tries out a French set that aims to tick all the boxes
When it comes to choosing clothing, I think it’s fair to say that most of us tend to get stuck in the rut of sticking with two or three familiar brands. But it’s good to try something new for a change and if the different option promises comfort, style and, most importantly, good protection from the elements, then it has to be worthy of consideration.
Verney Carron clothing had managed to slip under my radar until I happened across the Perdrix range this autumn. Produced in France, it feels very well made and looks neat enough for driven days while also being
JACKET • The waterproof, windproof and breathable Sagitex shell is finished in a versatile olive green and has a similar texture to moleskin • Shot game can be carried in the large rear poacher’s pocket, which has a waterproof PVC lining • The combination of two large front pockets, two handwarmer pockets and several internal pockets provides plenty of space for accessories • A popper-fastening storm flap provides additional protection over the sturdy two- way zip casual enough for knocking about after pigeons without feeling overdressed. Most impressive of all, the whole set of jacket, vest and trousers retails for less than £260.
This gear is constructed from a waterproof and breathable material known as Sagitex. I’m sure something has been lost in translation there, but the important thing is that the mix of polyamide and polyester is pretty quiet and does a decent job of sealing out the elements.
On the jacket, which costs £125, all seams are taped for added water resistance and the chunky two-way main zip features a popper-fastening storm flap. I haven’t been able to subject it to a full-on washout of a day yet but it has already fared well in some substantial showers.
Available in khaki, although it looks more like olive green to me, the outer shell has a finish that looks something like a cross between moleskin and waxed cotton. It’s soft and extremely smooth, which really helps when it comes to quickly mounting a gun into your shoulder.
It’s fully lined and has excellent stretchfit cuffs that do a great job of preventing draughts from creeping up the sleeves.
Too many shooting jackets have inadequate hoods but the one on the Perdrix is just about big enough to fit over a set of ear defenders. It features toggle-adjustable drawcords to tweak its fit, and has a Velcrofastening front strap to close it up over the high collar, which has a soft lining.
You won’t find yourself short of storage with this jacket. Externally, there are two zipup handwarmer pockets and two spacious cartridge pockets with popper-fastening flaps at the front. The back of the jacket incorporates a very large zip-up poacher’s pocket with a waterproof PVC lining and there are two zip-up chest pockets and a Velcro-fastening phone pocket on the inside.
Super functional
It’s available in sizes from Small to 4XL. I’m just over six feet tall and of average build, and the XL jacket fits me well with room to spare for additional layers in very cold weather. It really excels when it comes to functionality, the sleeves don’t creep back when mounting the gun and the fit across the back remains comfortable and unrestrictive even at full stretch. It’s long enough to keep the rain off your backside and there are zip-up pleats if you need to relax the fit around the lower section.
The £64 Perdrix Trousers are made Stretch-fit cuffs block draughts and stop the sleeves riding up in use
from the same waterproof and breathable material in the same colour with brown trim. Lined with polycotton and also incorporating taped seams, they’re available in sizes from 30 to 44in waist. A clever feature is the grippy rubberised lining around the inside of the waist. Combined with the popper and hook fastening and sturdy belt straps it does a great job of preventing them from slipping.
I like my trousers to have a fairly snug fit and the 36-inch option feels just a bit too roomy for me, although they don’t feel
Gilet plus
Retailing for £70 the Perdrix Vest is a versatile gilet. It slips under the jacket very comfortably when an extra layer is required but I can also see it being worn over a lightweight cotton shirt.
Constructed from the same lined and sealed Sagitex material as the rest of the set and available in sizes from Small to 4XL, the gilet is relatively light and extremely comfortable. It has plenty of pockets: two deep popper-fastening cartridge pockets; two popper-fastening handwarmer pockets and a single zip-up wallet pocket at the front; a large Pvc-lined zip-up poacher’s pocket at the rear and three internal pockets.
Verney Carron’s aim for the Perdrix range was to create functional, stylish and affordable country clothing. They have certainly achieved that and while this kit is unlikely to stand up to the thorns and brambles inflicted on a beater, it is great attire for shooters who want a go-anywhere outfit that looks tidy and keeps the rain out.
“the potential for carrying small accessories is endless!”