Budget novice clothing tips

Ram

Active Member
Hi everyone,

What is the actual bare minimum needed to get out on my first guided stalk? What are some good value brands and websites I can't go wrong with? Am I missing anything from my list that a stalk guide would expect me to bring?

I'm gearing up for my first stalk in 2 weeks and looking for recommendations on essential clothing like boots, trousers, tops, and jacket that can ideally be used year-round that won't break the bank. From reading old forums I've gotten the essentials down of nothing noisy or bright and that surplus is typically a good bet for the items on my list.

My shopping list:
  • Boots (size 9)
  • Trousers (34 waist)
  • Tops and jackets (medium)
  • Cap and neck covering?
What I have:
  • Hunting knife
  • Simple Binoculars

I don't mind second-hand if still in good knick, so if anyone has anything decent gear they're selling (or gifting 😁) please give me a shout! Cheers
 
Hat/Cap.
Ex army boots and trousers and jacket.
You won't need a knife as if you shoot a deer the guide should deal with it.
The above should not cost more than £100.
 
Hi everyone,

What is the actual bare minimum needed to get out on my first guided stalk? What are some good value brands and websites I can't go wrong with? Am I missing anything from my list that a stalk guide would expect me to bring?

I'm gearing up for my first stalk in 2 weeks and looking for recommendations on essential clothing like boots, trousers, tops, and jacket that can ideally be used year-round that won't break the bank. From reading old forums I've gotten the essentials down of nothing noisy or bright and that surplus is typically a good bet for the items on my list.

My shopping list:
  • Boots (size 9)
  • Trousers (34 waist)
  • Tops and jackets (medium)
  • Cap and neck covering?
What I have:
  • Hunting knife
  • Simple Binoculars

I don't mind second-hand if still in good knick, so if anyone has anything decent gear they're selling (or gifting 😁) please give me a shout! Cheers
What have you worn in previous trips in the past say rabbit or pigeon shooting ? I was out this evening shot a muntjac doe, jeans boots and a army desert shirt from the charity shot @ 5 quid. mora knife and I used one of the dog leads to drag it back.
If I go pigeon shooting tomorrow it will be about the same and a cap. :tiphat:
 
What have you worn in previous trips in the past say rabbit or pigeon shooting ? I was out this evening shot a muntjac doe, jeans boots and a army desert shirt from the charity shot @ 5 quid. mora knife and I used one of the dog leads to drag it back.
If I go pigeon shooting tomorrow it will be about the same and a cap. :tiphat:
I would hate to see the size of the pigeons if your using the dog lead to drag them back :oops::lol:
 
Hi everyone,

What is the actual bare minimum needed to get out on my first guided stalk? What are some good value brands and websites I can't go wrong with? Am I missing anything from my list that a stalk guide would expect me to bring?

I'm gearing up for my first stalk in 2 weeks and looking for recommendations on essential clothing like boots, trousers, tops, and jacket that can ideally be used year-round that won't break the bank. From reading old forums I've gotten the essentials down of nothing noisy or bright and that surplus is typically a good bet for the items on my list.

My shopping list:
  • Boots (size 9)
  • Trousers (34 waist)
  • Tops and jackets (medium)
  • Cap and neck covering?
What I have:
  • Hunting knife
  • Simple Binoculars

I don't mind second-hand if still in good knick, so if anyone has anything decent gear they're selling (or gifting 😁) please give me a shout! Cheers
Some thin gloves to camouflage your hands . I find that uncovered hands , whilst kept close to your body to avoid changing your body’s form outline too much , when being moved up and down with binoculars etc against a dark green or camouflage clothed body etc is a little like waiving at the target species…..
I often just use an old pair of those really thin mechanics work gloves - £3 a pair from screw fix or whatever. Just cut a little slit in the index finger with some scissors for taking a shot or picking midges out of your nose.
Kindest regards, Olaf
Ps, also a simple neck tube that you can pull up to under your eyes . It helps with concealment and also the afore mentioned midges and horse flys trying to crawl up your nostrils.
 
Last edited:
Hi everyone,

What is the actual bare minimum needed to get out on my first guided stalk? What are some good value brands and websites I can't go wrong with? Am I missing anything from my list that a stalk guide would expect me to bring?

I'm gearing up for my first stalk in 2 weeks and looking for recommendations on essential clothing like boots, trousers, tops, and jacket that can ideally be used year-round that won't break the bank. From reading old forums I've gotten the essentials down of nothing noisy or bright and that surplus is typically a good bet for the items on my list.

My shopping list:
  • Boots (size 9)
  • Trousers (34 waist)
  • Tops and jackets (medium)
  • Cap and neck covering?
What I have:
  • Hunting knife
  • Simple Binoculars

I don't mind second-hand if still in good knick, so if anyone has anything decent gear they're selling (or gifting 😁) please give me a shout! Cheers
The only thing worth spending on is good boots. Though you’ll get about 30 different opinions on which to get - so best try stuff on and go with what feels best. Any hiking boots will do. If you’re not going somewhere too steep or rugged, wellies are great as well.

Other than that, anything in subdued colours that you don’t mind getting mucky is good. Chances are if you already do some outdoor things, you’ll have most of what you need.

As said: a browse in a surplus shop will sort you out.

The other really good place to look is Decathlon.
 
As everyone has said above just wear what you already have that is non noisy and practicle. You can start exploring the different clothing which will work for you as you go forward with your stalking. Plenty of good used gear on here and if you're looking for new gear I'd look at Solognac from Decathlon/surplus store (as just put above as I'm typing!) Plenty good value gear on Lakeland Country shop on Ebay he's based in Keswick
and has some greeat deals
 
So also look at eBay and Vinted- the latter being a place where you can get some real good bargins.

Equally don’t worry about hunting specie clothing ask your guide or person taking you out if they have a spare jacket in your size - most people have spares.
 
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Don’t over think it. It’s just clothes. The deer done care. Movement is your enemy. You don’t need to spend any money on clothing. Just some drab coloured top and bottom.

Simple binos is fine. For years I didn’t even bother with binos. Now I’m old I can’t see **** so need them.
 
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Most vital thing is to make sure preferably in writing what the day includes. Also potential cost if you shoot a medal buck. Shot fees carcass missed or wounded beast. Rifle hire and ammo costs. What happens if its a complete blank.
D
 
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Asda do nice poly cotton combat trousers, I own pairs in brown/green, a green or brown shirt and/or jumper.

If it’s wet a waterproof jacket, nothing wrong with a wax jacket if you already have one or buy a cheap smock-plenty available under £100 at gun shops.

If lowland stalking then there’s nothing wrong with wellies, if going on the hill then look on eBay for army surplus boots. Haix are good.

Look for binos on here second hand.

Cheap woollen gloves and a scrim will finish it off
 
Pm me your address and I'll send some bits down.... should get you going and probably last you a while.
No boots im afraid but you'll get away with a cheap pair of walking boots from Ebay... haix or altberg or itturri ex military.
 
Decathlon, is cheap and good quality. As said, go for non rustle material. They have green gloves for about a tenner.
I have got fingerless mittens of eBay so you can use the trigger finger.
I have also used Trespass and go outdoors.
You do not need expensive. £350 for a pair of boots is great if you can afford it. I use work boots. Long as they are comfortable and waterproof helps.
 
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