Air Arms Owners Club

So I`m gonna go on an outdoor course with Ray Mears` company (Woodlore) next year (for my 50th) & I`ll need a thermal midlayer & good waterproof trousers that I can work whilst wearing- specifically, to go with my thermal undies & waterproof top layer, if any member wants to offer a/their complete outfit please do, now before any member starts on my choice, it has served me since the early 80`s when gifted to me, & it wasn`t new back then! so, I`ll be taking my Barbour, I`ll probably rewax it (a couple of times + more on the seams) it`s served me adequately but this course is in North of Scotland next September so I`ll need to add, now, I know there`s modern lightweight kit that`ll kick it into touch but there are a couple of reasons I`ll not shell out for a Berghaus this or Karrimor that & don`t get me started on the kit Woodlore`ll sell you, you`d be forced to live off the land (or out of bins) after coughing up for their kit!
+ the course is a physical challenge & constantly busy so a basic warm & waterproof kit is what I have & what I`ll take,
any advice & reasons/experience of, greatly appreciated. (& pics, we all love pics)

Ahh, Master Bates or Seaman Staines if memory serves!

All my gear is made by Jack pike.Its well made and we'll priced..

Korean jungle wear....

I never wear anything .... but then again, I dont stand out against the mud like you guys

my own kit ATM consists of `normal` thermal underwear, craghoppers coated with nikkowax, a warm jumper & either of my Barbours (I gave one away, regretted it, bought another only for my first to come back to me!) ordinary gloves & a beanie if needs be & Itasca sock lined boots but I`ll need a more serious mid layer for this course.
Fox- which JP kit? there`s loads, which ones are you wearing?

Seeland Keeper jacket, Seeland Keeper trousers, Harkila 12 inch Pro Hunter with zip on gaiters or Le Chameau Vierzonord wellies - neoprene lined but the Harkila boots give far better ankle support. Harkila padded socks, olive green shirt. When it gets colder I wear thermals. Seldom need a fleece or similar under the Seeland Jacket. Carpenters Gloves from Toolstation as these have thumb and first two fingers chopped off at end. Kept out the NE wind today on the high ridges on the farm. That's winter gear.
I also carry a Deerhunter olive green poncho summer and winter - great piece of kit which covers bags, gun and body in a really heavy downpour though with the Seeland gear you don't really need it. I have a Ridgeline Roar jacket as spare along with trousers. This gear, though pricey, allows me to stay warm and dry from sunrise to sunset and beyond. No point in spending hundreds on guns without matching it with decent clothing.

Summer is self waxed Deerhunter jacket, olive coloured trousers from Matalan or John Norris, Harkila boots, olive green shirt.


I think it was Swanndri clothing Ray used to use but he now sells and presumably uses this -

http://www.raymears.com/Shop_By_Brand/Swazi/

Swazi Clothing. I looked at this some years ago and was put off by the price and the declining uk availability at the time. It is supposed to be truly excellent gear - particularly the jackets. Saying that Harkila and other brands are up there pricewise but the Seeland stuff is just as good imo.

Swanndri and Swazi are New Zealand companies - they may even be connected.

If its physically demanding then the weight and non breathable nature of Barbour could be a disadvantage. Layers are the answer with a decent, as light as possible, top shell. Look at the offers in Cotswold and also seek their advice.

i have used Paramo by Nikwax gear for years. it's very, very breathable, yet very waterproof too. For myself it's breathable that counts.
Gary.