What to wear out on the hill
- Thread starter Acm
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tusker
Well-Known Member
Good pair of stalking boots (waterproof),tough trousers camo or not (waterproof) , Deerhunter type jacket camo or not (waterproof) hat,cap (waterproof)
Tweeds would be fine down to personal preference. Did I mention make sure whatever you wear make sure it is waterproof.
Tusker
Tweeds would be fine down to personal preference. Did I mention make sure whatever you wear make sure it is waterproof.
Tusker
People do still wear tweeds however more and more are switching to being warm, dry and comfortable rather than "stylish" and wet and cold! Layer up so that you can take off or add on layers depending on how the weather turns out on the day rounded off by good waterproof outer jacket/trousers and above all good boots.
I've stopped wearing my +4s as they let the ticks in at my knees. Regards JCS
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
JCS has a very good point re ticks. Also bear in mind that Scotland can be 20 degrees bright sunshine and ten minutes later it can be snowing. I think you also need to consider where and with whom you are stalking. If you are invited guest on a traditional estate then tweeds +4s and gaiters are the order of the day. If you are with a bunch of friends much less of an issue and i would go fallraven / harkila type tousers. The two essential elements are good broken in boots that are of a mountain variety and a sense of humour.
Many walking / shooting boots IMHO are fine for walking on reasonably flat ground, on trails, and up footpaths in say the Lake District. They don't though have enough stiffness to give enough support on Scottish mountains, and by its very nature you will be off track.
I would ask your hosts / stalker for their suggestions. Stalking flattish ground on the east is very different to the vertical hills of the west. Also are you stalking from an argocat, or will you have a 10 mile climb to get sight of a beast.
Many walking / shooting boots IMHO are fine for walking on reasonably flat ground, on trails, and up footpaths in say the Lake District. They don't though have enough stiffness to give enough support on Scottish mountains, and by its very nature you will be off track.
I would ask your hosts / stalker for their suggestions. Stalking flattish ground on the east is very different to the vertical hills of the west. Also are you stalking from an argocat, or will you have a 10 mile climb to get sight of a beast.
The second deer of my life in 1961 shot on one of the `flat trails and footpaths`of the Lake District.
I was a self-taught new-starter then with NO mountain boots and learnt the hard way.
HWH.
Good boots are essential here in the Lake District.
HWH.
HWH.
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
HWH - agreed plenty of the Lakes are very rough and good boots are needed. But I was referring to the general out door walking boots sold to most hikers - they are fine for most of the man made footpaths / motorways that seem to being put in up most of the popular routes, but not for much else. Indeed soft trainer based are probably more comfortable walking on the hard stone surfaces. My Scarpa winter boots are terrible to walk along a road or hard track with, but come into their own when you are walking across terrain as in your photo above.
bewsher500
Well-Known Member
I still wear tweed!
I have yet to find a pair of "waterproof" trousers that was actually waterproof and doesn't make you sweat like a pig. all very well being waterproof but not if the water is on the inside (in the form of sweat before anyone gets any funny ideas!)
I wear yeti gaitors also so I can open the gaitor if too hot.
A "decent" pair of tweed plus 2's allows breathing, shrugs off the rain and will dry very quickly without feeling wet.
I can honestly say I have never been cold from wearing tweed breeks
I have been cold from wearing a waxed barbour that leaked!!
I have yet to find a pair of "waterproof" trousers that was actually waterproof and doesn't make you sweat like a pig. all very well being waterproof but not if the water is on the inside (in the form of sweat before anyone gets any funny ideas!)
I wear yeti gaitors also so I can open the gaitor if too hot.
A "decent" pair of tweed plus 2's allows breathing, shrugs off the rain and will dry very quickly without feeling wet.
I can honestly say I have never been cold from wearing tweed breeks
I have been cold from wearing a waxed barbour that leaked!!
Now that is a really good point!
Wear a good camo jacket as that's what the keepers were wearing on the hill, moleskin breeks which were/are pretty robust and warm, long gaiters to try and avoid the leg/tick interface! Used to wear a nice battered Waxed cotton jacket, but like bewsher500 found that they weren't very waterproof (as long as the sun was out it was waterproof!). Decent hiking boots with good soles - shame that commando soles are getting harder to find now. Cap - although the brim gets in the way if you have your head too near the scope and you look like a chav if you turn it back to front!
. Im sure most estates/keepers will be happy to provide advice for their own ground.
. Im sure most estates/keepers will be happy to provide advice for their own ground.
Moray Outfitting
Well-Known Member
Depends on person, preference, terrain and 'requirement'.
In reverse order - some circumstances/ estates have an expectation. Ultimately as the client you have final say. There maybe a requirement to be shirted & tied etc - if in doubt ask.
Terrain - the Scottish 'Hill' covers a multitude. as has been noted it can be actually quite flat through to giving a Billy Goat vertigo vertical. If in doubt ask. Wellies tend to be a poor choice for anything involving extensive walking. Ankle support is worth its weight in boot leather. But the absolute over-rider is comfort. Boots that cut or blister can make a pleasure purgatory. Occasionally valued comfy boots show a mean streak if you have to move fast, walk a side slope etc. Stopping at John Norris on the way up to get a pair is living life 'on the edge'
Some hills are quite dry, some not. Caithness will soak you through even in head to foot PVC. Expect to get wet and make every effort to avoid, but be aware its a chance.
Including weather in terrain, a full day on the hill can see blazing sunshine, driven rain, sleet or snow, fog etc etc. No one outfit will perfectly cover that - but some come close with the deft use of openings - zipped or otherwise.
If in doubt worth asking as to likely method used when out. Dressed to cope with a stiff climb, you will get severely chilled on a long Argo ride or laying waiting out an animal.
Preference - looking the part makes you feel the part. Its your day ultimately. Nothing out weighs being comfortable.
Person - an ultra thin racing snake is more likely to be concerned about staying warm and a chunker more with staying cool. I love the look of smock type jackets, but know that I'd combust in one on the hill. The official definition of winter in moray is when I zip the under arm vents up on my Ram jacket..
Its an old saw, but layers are wonderful. Never be reluctant to stop and adjust clothes - adding or subtracting as you need and thinking ahead - stop and take that jumper off before charging up a hill etc. As soon as you stop - put it on - dont wait for you to notice too hot/cold.
Material - tweed is popular for many reasons. Its a personal thing, but I think tweed +2/+4 are great. Not keen on itchy/scratchy heavy stuff - really like the Barbour stuff. Ticks are an issue not to be ignored, but not having trouser leg below the knee makes for easier walking over the length of a day.
Modern is good - at times, but nothing breathable turns out to be that breatheable or waterproof. I'd rather rely on good ventilation - under arm zips etc that wonder technolgy - I must be alone in that otherwise some great jackets out there would be fantastic jackets!
I like tweed plus 2/4, with light top shirt, jumper if needed, waistcoat if needed and Ram jacket or similar. If its going to throw it down I find slicks hard to beat - but slow right down so dont get soaked inside.
Gaiters - sorely miss the Kammo ones. Never really gone for just high socks - collects every heather seed on the hill.
Hope that helps. Just be aware that developing the full 'power band' look takes years of dedication....
In reverse order - some circumstances/ estates have an expectation. Ultimately as the client you have final say. There maybe a requirement to be shirted & tied etc - if in doubt ask.
Terrain - the Scottish 'Hill' covers a multitude. as has been noted it can be actually quite flat through to giving a Billy Goat vertigo vertical. If in doubt ask. Wellies tend to be a poor choice for anything involving extensive walking. Ankle support is worth its weight in boot leather. But the absolute over-rider is comfort. Boots that cut or blister can make a pleasure purgatory. Occasionally valued comfy boots show a mean streak if you have to move fast, walk a side slope etc. Stopping at John Norris on the way up to get a pair is living life 'on the edge'
Some hills are quite dry, some not. Caithness will soak you through even in head to foot PVC. Expect to get wet and make every effort to avoid, but be aware its a chance.
Including weather in terrain, a full day on the hill can see blazing sunshine, driven rain, sleet or snow, fog etc etc. No one outfit will perfectly cover that - but some come close with the deft use of openings - zipped or otherwise.
If in doubt worth asking as to likely method used when out. Dressed to cope with a stiff climb, you will get severely chilled on a long Argo ride or laying waiting out an animal.
Preference - looking the part makes you feel the part. Its your day ultimately. Nothing out weighs being comfortable.
Person - an ultra thin racing snake is more likely to be concerned about staying warm and a chunker more with staying cool. I love the look of smock type jackets, but know that I'd combust in one on the hill. The official definition of winter in moray is when I zip the under arm vents up on my Ram jacket..
Its an old saw, but layers are wonderful. Never be reluctant to stop and adjust clothes - adding or subtracting as you need and thinking ahead - stop and take that jumper off before charging up a hill etc. As soon as you stop - put it on - dont wait for you to notice too hot/cold.
Material - tweed is popular for many reasons. Its a personal thing, but I think tweed +2/+4 are great. Not keen on itchy/scratchy heavy stuff - really like the Barbour stuff. Ticks are an issue not to be ignored, but not having trouser leg below the knee makes for easier walking over the length of a day.
Modern is good - at times, but nothing breathable turns out to be that breatheable or waterproof. I'd rather rely on good ventilation - under arm zips etc that wonder technolgy - I must be alone in that otherwise some great jackets out there would be fantastic jackets!
I like tweed plus 2/4, with light top shirt, jumper if needed, waistcoat if needed and Ram jacket or similar. If its going to throw it down I find slicks hard to beat - but slow right down so dont get soaked inside.
Gaiters - sorely miss the Kammo ones. Never really gone for just high socks - collects every heather seed on the hill.
Hope that helps. Just be aware that developing the full 'power band' look takes years of dedication....
Heym SR20
Well-Known Member
Plenty of guys I know hill walk / stalk, with tweed breeks or fleece pants, with a buffalo on the top half. And these keep you warm even if raining. But they do tend to move fast and keep moving. If an argo is involved I take a dry bag - argos are always full of water, with an extra fleece or down jacket and a flask of soup so at least you don't freeze when coming off the hill - tired, wet and then sitting in a cold argo for an hour is horrible end to what has been a really good day!!!
Stalkers I know tend to wear tweed. Either jacket and +2/4 or just +2/4s with a Deerhunter type jacket. Very functional but remember it is also their job, they represent the estate so need to look smart. Footwear is up to you but remember where you are going so wellies or robust pair of boots.To many guests/guns over think this and clothing companies make fortunes as a result. You are heading for a day in the scottish hill so you need to be comfortable whatever the weather, as long as you are sensible nobody will give a toss what you wear or label it carries. Enjoy it !
Hales Smut
Well-Known Member
No experience on the hill. Most Alaskan Brown bear guides recommend Helly Hansen Impertech above any Gore Tex clothing. Saying that PVC sheds water better than anything.
This is backpack hunting in very though conditions.
I discovered : http://grundens.se/en Very similar to the impertech and some of them stronger. Impertech only has 170gr/m²
This is backpack hunting in very though conditions.
I discovered : http://grundens.se/en Very similar to the impertech and some of them stronger. Impertech only has 170gr/m²
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