The decision to choose the best sporting jacket can be a difficult one. The Field’s guide to best shooting jackets is available.
“Choosing the best shooting coat is an important decision for any sportsman,” says Ed Wills, The Field‘s deputy editor. “It is an absolutely essential bit of kit when you venture out in the field. There’s nothing more likely to take the shine off a day’s sport than getting cold, soaked to the skin or even hot under the collar. There are other things to consider when choosing a coat. Protection from the weather is important, but it’s not the only one. When considering shooting coats, ensure your sporting jacket is comfortable to wear and doesn’t restrict movement, not forgetting making sure it also looks good.”
Even the seemingly eternal world of fieldsports has its fashions. Consider the Norfolk jacket. It was worn by every gentleman in the country, including the late duke of Edinburgh, at the beginning of the 20th century. The practicality of the Norfolk was so widespread that George Mallory, who died in an attempt to conquer Everest on 1924, wore it. The Norfolk has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, despite its brief period of disfavor.
Since the Norfolk jacket’s original heyday, there have been huge advances in the designs and fabrics of shooting coats. The choice – from the very latest technical materials to traditional tweed – can seem baffling. The price of sporting jackets can also be very different. Whatever your budget or quarry, we’ve got in covered in our guide to the best shooting coats. And don’t forget to check out our other essential guides, including the best cartridge bags and the best gumboots.
Classic shooting coat
The Check Field Coat (£675) from Cordings is not only a fine example of British craftsmanship but also the perfect blend of tradition and modern innovation. The Teflon coating makes it waterproof, windproof and breathable. Freedom of movement is ensured through the expert cut, while other features include storm cuffs, silent ‘rattle free’ studs and a retaining flap on the large cartridge pockets.
Cordings’ tweed shooting jacket is a fine example of combining tradition with innovation.
You are looking for a lightweight.
Schoffel’s Ptarmigan Cirrus Coat (£499.95) is the company’s lightest shooting coat. This water-repellent and flexible friend is perfect for layering and changing weather. The technical features include fleece-lined pockets, underarm gussets to provide comfort and freedom of motion, and a two way zipper. Plus there’s an easily adjustable hood for really inclement days and a removable recoil pad. This popular shooting jacket is machine washable.
Schoffel’s Ptarmigan Cirrus is not light on must-have features for shooting
A reliable all-rounder
Whether you’re on the rugby side line, at a point-to-point or in the shooting line, you won’t look out of place in Dubarry’s Rosleague Ivy Jacket (£499). The outer shell is made of durable material and the Gore-Tex lining makes it lightweight, waterproof, and breathable. This smart shooting coat also features fleece-lined sleeves, cartridge pockets and tabs. It’s practical to boot, as it can be machine washed.
Dubarry’s Rosleague Ivy offers a great all-round shooting coat with features including cartridge pockets with tabs (below)
Best-value shooting coat
Seeland produces excellent all-round shooting jackets with a lot of practical features, but at a reasonable price. The Woodcock Advanced Jacket (£259.99) is made from stretchy fabric with a tweed-like appearance and is waterproof and windproof. It features adjustable cuffs and a waist as well as large cartridge pockets that are easily accessible and fleece-lined pockets for hand-warmers. The detachable hood will keep you dry on rainy days.
Seeland’s Woodcock Advanced is a stylish, clean cut, good-value shooting coat
Even the most difficult conditions can be met with this product
If you’re looking for a durable shooting coat made from 100% wool but that is water repellent with a waterproof and breathable membrane, consider Alain Paine’s Combrook Field Coat (£469.95). Combrook tweed offers a soft, comfortable collar and a soft, supple handle. A strip hem, two-way zippers, and windbreaker cuffs help keep out the weather. The technical features include an action-pleat, cartridge pockets, hand-warmer pocket and reinforced seams. A ladies’ version is also available.
Combrook’s field coat is soft and durable, just like the best shooting jackets.
Best of British Shooting Coat
Purdey’s classic Technical Tweed Field Coat (£995) is made from a newly developed technical tweed woven in Scotland. It’s a third lighter than traditionally woven tweed boosting both comfort and resilience. The shooting coat has a Teflon coated liner that keeps it waterproof, windproof, and breathable. The coat also has hand-warmer pocket, cartridge pockets that are easy to access and a Storm Cuff.
Purdey’s Field Coat is a classic with a modern twist
Rainy days are no cause for concern
The Gale Waterproof Shooting Coat (£695) from Westley Richards proves protection from the elements doesn’t have to come at a cost to style. This coat is not only stylish, but also has many pockets. Made from a lightweight, membrane-backed Italian material, the hood, sleeves and lining are all removable.
There’s no need to compromise on either style, comfort or practicality with this shooting coat from Westley Richards
Old-school style
The revival in popularity of the Norfolk Jacket shows that shooting coats are not always dominated by classic styles. Farlows Norfolk Tweed Shooting Jacket (£649) comes in a choice of green herringbone or olive green houndstooth milled in Scotland. The jacket is coated with a thin layer of Teflon for increased water resistance before it is marked, cut, and hand-sewn. Not only is the Norfolk’s half-belt feature iconic but it allows the jacket to be adjusted around the waist, taking some of the cartridge load off the shoulders to enable maximum movement. Stormy weather? Turn up your collar and enjoy the storm.
Farlows Norfolk jacket is made of Scottish tweed, and handmade in Northamptonshire
Best shooting coats for young guns
Walker & Hawkes Children’s Derby Tweed Noah Shooting Jackets (£49.95) are made in Britain from Teflon-treated tweed, ensuring little ones stay dry and toasty on shoot days. Given the scrapes adventurous youngsters can get into, these mini sporting coats are designed to enhance freedom of movement – or growth spurts. Available in 2 colours, with matching caps gilets breeks and other clothing.
Walker & Hawkes sells caps, as well as breeks and gilets, to match its children’s shooting coats
A European collaboration
Campbell’s of Beauly’s Struy Coat (£700) is made in the UK but of traditional Austrian loden material. According to legend, this waterproof and warm fabric was invented by Tyrolean Monks during the Middle Ages. Whatever the truth, this sporting coat offers a host of features for the country gent including a comfortable fit, hand-warmer pockets, bellows pockets and side adjusters on the reverse.
Look out for…
In summer 2023 Harkila launched its Pro Hunter Shooting GTX Jacket (RRP £589.99). The Pro Hunter family has been at the heart of this well-respected maker’s range for 25 years so expect another first-rate shooting coat. The lightweight jacket features a game pouch, an adjustable waistband and hems as well as large latch pockets that have drain holes and gussets. Also included are hand-warmer pockets equipped with a quick-loading system.
Harkila’s Pro Hunter is part of their range since a quarter-century.
Want more information on what to wear when working in the field.
Read our guide on the best ear protectors to find out what Sir Johnny Scott, and other experts think about hearing protection. The gilet is a must-have in any countryman’s wardrobe. Discover the best shooting gilets here.
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