Outfish Them All With Carhartt Fishing Gear

There's no better way to unwind with a day's fishing.  To get the most out of your time trying to catch the big one and to avoid any distractions, you'll want to be comfortable , whatever the weather.  

Carhartt have a range of high quality, durable fishing clobber packed full of technologies that will keep you performing at your best.  

Carhartt was founded in 1889 by Hamilton Carhartt based in Detroit, U.S.  Historically known for producing cutting edge workwear and apparel for the U.S. Military in World War I and II, they soon became renowned for high quality, rugged, durable clothing that kept the hard working people of America comfortable whilst working in all conditions. 

Outdoor and hunting gear was introduced by Carhartt in 1930 under the name 'Super Dux' and 'Super Fab'.  It's only in recent years the Outdoor range has expanded to fishing.

Carhartt's entry in to the fishing world began with their employees swapping their fishing stories in the office hallways in Dearborn.  The fish tales soon sparked ideas in the meeting rooms and a new line of apparel was born.

Upon further research Carhartt realised that fishing and hunting were popular hobbies for their customers.  They started seeing photos on social media posted by their customers who went fishing.  The new range went through vigorous testing, including pro anglers to really put the gear through its paces.

The Carhartt fishing range boasts a number of technologies which cross over to the workwear range, including the legendary Force Extremes®, Rain Defender and Storm Defender.   


Force Extremes®

Carhartt clothing which has this technology in its DNA is the fastest drying, odour-fighting gear across the ranges.  

37.5® particles are naturally embedded in the fabric, and will never wash out for the entire lifetime of the garment. The particles don’t just move water around, like traditional wicking does-they evaporate it.

Force Extremes® uses your body’s energy to speed up the conversion of moisture to vapor, keeping you dry and comfortable during your daily grind. It increases your comfort in a wider range of conditions, from hot to cold. Stay dry out in the field longer without having to switch out your gear.

When you wash your Carhartt Force Extremes® gear, the odors are released into the wash and the technology is refreshed to trap odors all over again during your next workday.

Rain Defender®

Rain Defender® durable water repellent technology has your back all day, every day by forcing rain to bead up and roll right off.  You can concentrate on your casting in comfort all day, whatever the weather.

Storm Defender®

This waterproof, breathable technology is engineered to be dependably durable, waterproof and breathable, so wet can't get in, but sweat can get out. 

Carhartt fishing gear combines all these technologies to bring you the best protection in the field, whatever the weather. 

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Ultimate Guide for a Perfect Picnic in the Countryside

A typical country kitchen is just as busy in the Summertime as it is in the Winter.  Swapping hearty roasts and cockle warming rich dishes, for lighter bites and inventing ways to use up the game gathered over the Winter that's sat in the freezer.  

Here we've curated a variety of top tips, recipes, picnic locations and more, so you can get ahead with planning your country kitchen larder picnic.

Recipes

Proper Game Pie 
(source: Shooting UK)

Ingredients

• 1lb stone-ground plain flour
• 1tsp salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 6oz lard
• ½ pint of water
• 6oz sausage meat
• 8oz raw chopped tongue or slices of belly pork
• meat from two lightly cooked birds or 1lb venison
• 1 small onion
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• salt and pepper
• a pinch of mace
• sage
• nutmeg
• ½ packet of aspic jelly
• stock

 Method

1. Warm a mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt into it and make a well in the centre. Put the egg yolk in the well and pull a little flour over it. Bring the lard and water to the boil slowly. Pour on to the flour and mix with a wooden spoon until smooth. Cover and leave in a warm place for 20 minutes.
2. Butter a loose-bottomed tin and work the dough into place, keeping a third to cover the top of the pie.
3. Line the base and sides with the sausage meat, then layer the other meats cut into convenient strips and leaving the centre of the pie less filled so that the jelly can be poured in more easily. Scatter with the onion and lay the hard-boiled eggs on top, then season and add the herbs and spices.
4. Sprinkle 3tbsp of cold water on top. Roll out the pastry to cover the top and pinch the edges together to seal the pie. Make a hole in the top of the pie and with the excess pastry make a star shape to cover the hole, but do not seal it.
5. Bake the pie in a hot oven for 20 minutes, then reduce to a moderate heat and cook for two hours. Take the pie out, but leave the oven on. Stand the pie for 10 minutes, then remove it from its tin. Stand it on a baking tray and paint it with egg wash. Put the pie back in the oven and bake until golden.
6. To finish the pie, lift the star from the hole and, having made up the aspic with some stock, carefully pour it in just as it is about to gel. Fill the pie until liquid can be seen in the hole you have made at the top. Cover the hole with the star and leave overnight.
7. Serve the pie by slicing the crust with a sharp knife, revealing the delicious marbled meats within, encased in a mouthwatering rich jelly.

Pigeon Breast Pita Bread 
(source: tasteofgame.org.uk)

Ingredients

• 8 pigeon breasts
• 4 pita breads
• Iceberg lettuce
• 1 tub of natural yogurt
• Cucumber
• Mint
• Lemon
• Garlic
• Thyme

Method

1. Remove the breasts from 8 pigeons; roast the rest of the carcass to make great stock for the Winter seasons

2. Fry the pigeon breasts in garlic, thyme and lemon juice and serve rare. Then set aside.

3. Empty a tub of natural yogurt into a blender and add a good handful of fresh mint, blend and set aside.

4. Fill the pita bread with iceberg lettuce and chopped cucumber; add the thinly sliced pigeon breasts and mint yogurt dressing.  Serve with some olives and a glass of crisp, cold white or rosé wine.

Venison Sausage Roll
(source: tasteofgame.org.uk)

Ingredients

• 250 grams of venison fillet or steak, 8 inches long.
• 3 thick pork sausages
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp red onion or onion marmalade
• 20 cashew nuts chopped
• 1 pack of puff pastry
• 1 splash of brandy (optional)
• salt and black pepper
• rapeseed or vegetable oil to fry

Method

1. Heat the oven to 180 degrees Gas mark 4.  Heat a pan over a high heat with a tablespoon of oil until it smokes.  Add the venison and sear until brown on both sides.  Leave to rest and cool.

2. Skin the pork sausages and place in a bowl mix with 2 eggs, add 1 tsp of onion marmalade and chopped cashews.  Season with salt and pepper and add a splash of brandy.

Equipment

To take your picnic experience from ordinary to exceptional, make sure you have the right gear to keep your goodies chilled and companions comfortable.  Here's a handy checklist for the ultimate outdoor spread.

• A luxury English-style picnic basket.  Take your pick from a quintessential floral design or a more traditional tweed style, both from British brand, Joules.  When it comes to authentic country living, Joules are definitely in the know!

Joules Floral Wicker Basket

Floral or traditional tweed, which will you choose?

Joules Tweed Wicker Picnic Basket

For those occasions when lugging a picnic basket to your favourite spot isn't practical, you can opt for picnic rucksacks or carrier bags instead...

A spacious picnic cool bag by Joules

A practical, but beautiful, picnic rucksack by Joules

A large, fully insulated, picnic carrier bag by Joules

• Keep your drinks cool.  You want want your bottle of fizz, or crisp white wine to get warm in the Summer sun.  Make sure you have a bottle cooler handy.  Barbour have a beautiful option adorned with their classic tartan check.  Or if you want to keep everything matching, Joules do a version in the traditional tweed which will go beautifully with their picnic basket in the same design.

Joules Traditional Tweed Bottle cooler

Barbour's version in their classic tartan check

• Blankets and chairs.  Whether you're picnicking in the park, on the beach or on a hillside, you'll want something to recline on.  A traditional picnic blanket is a must-have.  For those that prefer to be seated, a picnic chair is a great option.  They're lightweight and collapsible, perfect for transporting to your idyllic picnic spot.

A super soft blanket with a carry strap by Joules

A water resistant fold up picnic rug by Joules

 A traditional tweed effect, water resistant picnic rug by Joules

Best Picnicking Spots in the UK

We've scoured the country for the best spots to lay your picnic blanket and enjoy your nosh.

West Midlands
We'll start with our home county of Shropshire.  Known for its Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Nestled among the Shropshire Hills, is the Long Mynd, a beautiful a heath and moorland plateau.

East Midlands
Get lost in the mythical forests of Padley Gorge Trail. You'll need plenty of picnic snacks to keep you going.

North West
St Herbert’s is the largest of the Derwentwater islands, covering between four and five acres and named after the saint of the same name who brought Christianity to the area in 685 AD.  A stunning spot for a bit of alfresco lunch.

North East
Gibside in Newcastle is one of a few surviving 18th-century designed landscapes and was fashioned with two things in mind: spectacular views and ‘wow’ moments. 

Scotland
The Fairy Pools in Isle of Skye is magical place of outstanding natural beauty at the foot of the Cuillin mountains. Perfect for laying down your picnic rug and taking in the breathtaking views.

Wales
“Wow!” is probably the best way to describe this beach. A small bay backed by dunes and pine trees, accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park. Swathes of golden sand and crystal clear waters, Barafundle has been voted many, many times as one of the best beaches in Britain and the world.

South East 

One of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians.  A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, all ages are captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck.

South West 

The gorge is a great place for an adventure at any time of the year. The wildlife, river, plants and trees provide a stunning show each and every day.

Le Chameau Vierzon voted Best In Test by Horse & Hound

The Le Chameau Vierzon recently came out on top during a recent footwear test by Horse & Hound magazine.  

The boots were put through their paces by international event rider and BE coach Jo Rimmer.  Jo, who combines competing with producing young horses and running clinics for riders of all ages, was impressed with the boots, "As soon as I saw these boots I thought they looked very sophisticated and stylish."

The Vierzon jersey lined boot is an iconic field and country tall rubber boot. Handcrafted from natural rubber, it has a polycotton, tartan patterned jersey lining making the boots comfortable for use in warmer seasons. The boots feature an adjustable waterproof gusset with snap-fastening buckle to ensure a comfortable fit around the calf and leg. The shock absorbing dual-density grip outsole prevents fatigue, resists abrasion and is suitable for all terrains.

Le Chameau added "Handcrafted from secret recipe, Chamolux rubber, our Vierzon boots are resistant to mud, urine and equestrian waste so are perfect for long days mucking out and working in and around the stables.  Whether you are undertaking light yard duties or spending long days pushing wheelbarrows and wading through muddy gateways, the Vierzon boot will keep you comfortable, dry and supported throughout the day."

Jo went on to comment, "Overall, these boots were excellent for me. They were very comfortable to wear around the yard and especially when I was walking cross-country courses while out eventing. I would definitely recommend the Le Chameau Vierzon jersey lined boot to a friend."

The Le Chameau Vierzon Jersey Lined Boot is for both men and women.  Shop the boot here.

A Guide to Looking After and Protecting Your Barbour Footwear

It is important to maintain and look after your kit, treat it well and it will serve you well.

By using the correct products and tools your Barbour footwear will stay serviceable, comfortable and smart for all occasions.  And by taking a little time and with the right maintenance there is no reason why it will not protect you against the weather and last many, many years.

POLISHING

Should your leather footwear become marked or scuffed it will require a cover up.  Use a matching colour or slightly darker boot polish.

Apply with a soft cloth and then leave to stand allowing the polish to be absorbed into the leather.

Then buff with a soft brush to create a shiny polished finish.  Finally wipe over with a plain shoe cloth.

SUEDE CLEANING

Suede uppers will need to be treated differently to polished leather shoes, polish will ruin the texture and surface.

Use a crepe eraser to rub away small scuffs and marks, then use a suede brush to restore the nap of the suede.

After cleaning a spray of 'Suede-Guard' will protect your footwear and provide a water resistant barrier.

LEATHER CONDITIONING

To keep your leather shoes tip top apply a conditioning creme with a soft cloth.

This will prevent your footwear from drying out or cracking and will help to maintain the original finish.

ROTATION

We recommend that although you may want to wear your Barbour's every day, they, like your feet, need a rest now and again.

Alternating between at least 3 pairs of shoes a week is a great way of allowing your shoes to recover, dry out and will increase their life span.

SHOE TREES

Using a shoe tree when your favourite Barbour footwear are off your feet will help maintain their shape and ensure they look as good as the day you bought them.

Another top tip is to stuff your shoes with old newspaper if they become wet.  This will help draw out the moisture naturally and ensure the leather does not crack.

NEVER place them in front of a fire or direct heat but allow to dry slowly.

WELLINGTONS

Always wipe off mud and dirt with a damp cloth and allow to dry naturally.  Never clean with solvents or detergents.

Store in a cool dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight and heat.  We recommend that you don't leave your Barbour wellingtons on car seats, near windows, radiators or open fires and they should not be folded, creased or left with the tops turned down.

As the sole becomes worn, there is an increased risk of slip.  Exposure to oils, solvents and animal fats can swell the rubber and increase risk of slip.

Barbour wellingtons contain natural rubber latex which some people may have an allergic reaction to.

View the full Barbour Footwear range >

Best British Coastal Walks

We love an excuse to get out and about and soak up the beauty of the British countryside. We take a look at some of the more quirky British coastal walks to try out this Summer.

1. Walk in the footprints of dinosaurs

A dinosaur footprint found on the Yorkshire coast. Photo: Tony Bartholomew

Watching birdlife fly above the steep cliffs of Bempton or exploring the sea-sculpted caves and arches of Flamborough Head are both excellent experiences, but on the stretch of coast between Staithes and Scarborough, you can see rocks from the Jurassic period (150 – 200 million years old) all along the coast, but a closer examination reveals even greater detail from that era. The fossilised impressions of ammonites and lizards can be found preserved with startling vividness, but there are also the impressions of genuine dinosaur footprints, pressed into the mud millions of years ago and preserved to this day by being baked hard in the tropical heat (yes, Yorkshire once experienced a tropical climate.) It’s astonishing to think of them lasting to this day, and adds a surreal dimension to this already-extraordinary stretch of coast. The best places to spot the footprints are Saltwick Bay, Burniston and Scalby Bay.

2.Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

Old Harry rocks  Photo: Alamy

This walk alongside white chalk stacks thought to be named after a local notorious pirate, Harry Paye, is one of the best ways to take in the Jurassic Coast. Alongside the beautiful geological formations, those who visit in spring and summer can expect to see scarlet pimpernels, poppies, sheep's bit and harebells, alongside distinctive pink pyramidal orchids. 

Chalkhill Blue butterflies can also often be found feeding from yellow kidney vetch flowers, while it is not uncommon to see peregrine falcons hunting for food for their young.

3. Piel Island

Situated on the tip of the Furness Peninsula, Piel Island is a jewel that the traveller can stumble across and be won over forever, by this charming little fifty acre island. For it has a King, a Castle and a Pub, all steeped in history waiting to be discovered.

The benevolent King of Piel (who also goes by the name of Steve) also allows visitors to camp anywhere in his kingdom. Pitching up next to the island’s 14^th century castle with the sea all around, oystercatchers for company and views over the fells of southern Lakeland is an undeniably atmospheric experience. What’s more, visitors can sit in the King’s throne and be bestowed the title of ‘Knight of Piel’.
The cost for this honour? The noblest thing a person can do, of course – a round of drinks at the bar.

4. Gower Peninsula

Whiteford Burrows was the first land acquired by the National Trust in a National Nature Reserve.  Photo: AP

This walk along the Gower Peninsula takes in Whiteford Burrows, the first land acquired by the National Trust in a National Nature Reserve. Highlights of the landscape include corrugated sand dunes and their pate of wispy, grassy hair while the skylarks, common blue butterflies and marsh irises are also a joy.

This National Nature Reserve and Special Area of Conservation is also renowned for its sand dune flora and insects, its beach strandline communities, and wading birds. The dunes adjoin the extensive salt marsh of Llanrhidian Marsh and the freshwater marsh of Cwm Ivy Marsh and are still moderately mobile, though the inner system has been planted with conifers. The dune slacks (wet hollows) are particularly rich in flowers and lichens.


5. Experience the end of the world

The wild west coast of Foula. Photo: Kevin Serginson

Ancient Roman poet Virgil once wrote of a place called Ultima Thule, a land in the cold far north believed to be the very end of the known world. Various places have been postulated as the real-life location of this land, including Scandinavia, Orkney and Iceland, but go to Foula, one of Britain’s most remote inhabited islands, and you’d have every reason to believe this was it.

People (roughly 30) continue to live and thrive on Foula despite the absence of any pubs, shops, or even trees. On maps, Foula cuts a lonely shape, a single blob of land lying twenty miles west of the Shetland ‘mainland’. Fully exposed to the ravages of the North Atlantic, at its widest Foula is three and a half miles across, but it packs a huge amount of spectacle into its short size.

The huge cliff on the back of Da Kame on the island’s west coast towers 366m/1,200 feet above the sea below, making it Britain’s second highest cliff after Connachair on St Kilda, an even more remote archipelago.

Da Sneck ida Smaallie is smaller in scale but no less impressive in its own way – a 60 metre-deep, two metre-wide cleft formed when a huge block of sandstone slid away from the cliff face, it’s possible (but not really advisable without a guide) to wiggle down its dank base to emerge at a wild and spectacular storm beach underneath towering, geologically-fascinating cliffs hosting teeming bird colonies.

The island is a paradise for birdwatchers and you can expect to see puffins, petrels, divers, glebes, raptors, rails, rakes, gulls and skua (be warned: the skuas in particular can be aggressive in spring, their nesting season.) Never has the end of the world looked so stunning.

Christmas in the Countryside and What You Need to Know

Christmas in the countryside is a beautiful experience, with frosty fields sparkling in the Winter sun and quaint village festivities to get involved with.  Supping mulled wine in front of an open fire in a country pub and taking long, crisp walks with the pup all adds to the wonderful charm of Christmas in the countryside.  If you're thinking of spending Christmas in the countryside, here's a few tips to prepare for the season ahead.

1. You will need a 4 x 4 (or know a farmer with a tractor)

 Navigating country lanes in Winter is an experience in itself.  Especially if you're a country Mum with several excitable children squabbling in the back and at least half a dozen Spaniels and Labradors, whilst trying to successfully wind your way through mud or snow riddled lanes and avoid being squished by on coming farm machinery.

2. Stack up on the mulled wine and mince pies (homemade of course)

Christmas in the countryside is a very social affair.  There's always somebody popping round to drop off a card, a bottle of home made sloe gin (to sample of course) or to catch up on the latest gossip.  Often with a dog or two in tow, so don't be too precious about Winter sludge being dragged through the kitchen.  

This is, of course, unless your nearest human neighbour is too many miles away and you only have to be concerned with neighbours of the cattle or sheep variety escaping in to your back yard.

3. Layers, layers and more layers!

Make sure you have an abundance of knitwear and a decent Winter jacket.  Invest in a good pair of neoprene wellies to keep toes toasty and a hat to keep the rain or snow off.  Country folk are made of sterner stuff when it comes to the British weather so make sure you don't miss out on all the wonderful, and often outdoor, Christmas activities by kitting yourself out with suitable attire.  Fleece gilets are a country staple for layering, along with a robust waterproof and windproof coat. A splash of tweed wouldn't be out of place either - although, we'd recommend avoiding the head to toe tweed ensemble of plus fours, waistcoat, sports jacket and deer stalker hat look (unless you're on a shoot day).

4. The Christmas tree farm visit

Country dwellers tend to appreciate natures gifts more than most, and that includes the Christmas tree.  You won't see a plastic Christmas tree in a country house (if you do, it's a rare breed indeed!).  A trip to the local Christmas tree farm is usually a family outing due to the likely hood of Dad returning with the nearest 'that'll do' tree.  It's usually Mum who supervises the Christmas tree purchase as the dimensions, spread and species are all important things to consider, don't you know!

5. Roasting chestnuts on an open fire is actually a thing, not just a song

A crackling open fire is as common in the countryside as pigeons are to the city.  So roasting a few seasonal chestnuts on one is a rather satisfying and rewarding activity to take part in.  The sweet, nutty flavour of a roasted chestnut is sure to bring out your festive spirit and also gives the man of the house an opportunity to poke and prod the fire some more, which, of course, is the Winter equivalent of a BBQ.

6. Christmas Day down the local

There's something special about taking a stroll in the Winter cold to the local pub and being greeted by log burner warmth and a festive and jovial atmosphere.  With an abundance of waggy tails and friendly faces on Christmas Day, it's a standard tradition for villagers to gather at the local pub for a mulled wine whilst the turkey slowly roasts in the Aga. 

7. Get your walking feet at the ready

If you reside in the country, you will have a dog (or several).  And with a dog comes many miles of walking across beautiful landscapes.  We love our walks, and one of the most enjoyable is the Christmas day post lunch ramble.  Wrap up well and embrace whatever the weather throws at you.  And if you just so happen to pass a country pub on route, it would be considered rude (or mad) not to pop inside and warm up for a while before the long trek home.

Picture Credits: Pinterest

Which are the best Le Chameau Wellingtons for me?

Le Chameau, maker of luxury wellingtons and boots, have refined their collection over the years, adding new technologies and updating old favourite designs.  The Autumn / Winter 2017 collection will not disappoint; reassuringly recognisable, but instantly different!

We all know and love the iconic, hand-made Le Chameau Footwear.  But are you wearing the correct style for the job?  The more popular styles we often see here in the UK are the famous Chasseur or Vierzonord styles.  Both boots were designed for specific country sports, such as the pegged Gun, with cross terrain features, superior comfort and cold-weather protection.  But did you know, there's a Le Chameau boot for all aspects of country life including agriculture, country sports and even for walking the dog!

The Le Chameau Chassuer Range

Famous by the name of 'zip boot' since 1970, the Chasseur provides unparalleled comfort courtesy of its adjusted fit, choice of calf fittings and linings.

Available in both men's and women's sizes, the popular choice of linings are either the full grain leather lining or the 3mm neoprene lining.

The leather lined Chasseur Cuir (leather lined) boasts a waterproof zip, a bi-density sole that's abrasion resistant with an all-terrain grip and a shank reinforcement for better arch support.

Le Chameau Chasseur Cuir (Leather Lined)

Le Chameau Chassuer Neo (3mm Neoprene Lined)

The Le Chameau Vierzon Range

Arguably the best selling Le Chameau boot in the UK, the Vierzon range is a perfect blend of functionality and style.  Designed nearly fifty years ago, the Vierzon boot is a cold weather hero.  Available in both men's and women's sizes and combined with a hard wearing and supportive sole unit, makes a great all round country boot.

Limited Edition Le Chameau Vierzon 50

Le Chameau Vierzonord (3mm Neoprene Lined)

Le Chameau Vierzon (Jersey Lined)

The Le Chameau Cérès Range 

Michelin and Le Chameau bring together their know-hows to create a line of innovative boots for agriculture with great performance.  The Le Chameau Cérès range boasts a sole developed with the same structure as a Michelin tyre with ultraflex technology for extra grip, comfort and resistance.

Available with 3mm neoprene lining (Cérès Neo), jersey lining (Cérès Jersey) and adjustable rear gusset (Cérès Soufflet) to avoid farming niggles such as catching clasps on quad bikes or tractors.

Le Chameau Cérès Neo

Le Chameau Cérès Jersey

Le Chameau Cérès Soufflet

The Le Chameau Country Range

A functionally flattering walking boot for those who still need a performance boot.

Le Chameau Country Vibram Neo (3mm neoprene lining with Vibram sole)

Le Chameau Country Vibram Jersey (jersey lining with Vibram sole)

Le Chameau Giverny (jersey lined walking boot)

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