Kit on test
Great kit to carry everything you need, and a perfect jacket that packs away too
Härkila Retrieve shotgun slip, cartridge bag and game bag
Härkila is best known for its excellent range of hunting clothing and boots but more recently it has added some first-class accessories to its catalogue. The Retrieve range of clothing is aimed at the gundog handler and, to accompany the various trousers and jackets, Härkila can also supply matching shotgun slips, cartridge bags and a game bag. For my 60th earlier this year I decided to treat myself and bought the set. And, because of its quality, I suspect it will see me out for the rest of my shooting career.
The ‘warm olive’ shotgun slip is 135cm long and will accommodate most guns.
It is made from canvas and hard-wearing full-grain leather, which I hazard will become even more attractive with use. The slip has a soft Sherpa fleece lining and a canvas carrying strap with a shoulder pad for comfort. It has a full-length zip, which makes it easy to dry after use and allows for swift removal and insertion of the gun. The slip also has a flap and buckle opening, as well as a flap with a press stud to secure the zip. There is also a full leather version available, in ‘cognac’.
The matching cartridge bag is made from hard-wearing, full-grain leather with a canvas carrying strap with a shoulder pad, as well as a buckle to close the top cover. It can hold approximately 125 shotgun cartridges. This is in the same cognac colour as the all-leather slip.
The game bag is also made from ‘warm olive’ canvas, with piping in full-grain leather that is carried on to the strap. The length-adjustable shoulder strap has a shoulder pad for comfort. The game bag closes at the top with two buckle straps. The main pocket is lined with a strong polyester fabric, which makes it easy to clean. It also features a large mesh pocket on the outside, ideal for cooling off any shot game. The bag can carry around 20L, which by my reckoning would be around about half-a-dozen pheasants.
All handsome and effective complements to your Retrieve range of clothing. Go on, treat yourself.