The Sporting Lodge Journal

The Sporting Lodge Journal

Your guide to expert advice and the latest updates in the world of country sports and outdoor activities.

Fjällräven Kanken Range of Coloured Bags

Fjällräven Kånken guide: Classic, Mini, Laptop,...

A single, expanded guide to the Fjällräven Kånken family, covering Classic, Mini, Laptop, No. 2 and Re-Kånken—plus comfort, care, fabrics, colours, and what each version suits.

Fjällräven Kånken guide: Classic, Mini, Laptop,...

A single, expanded guide to the Fjällräven Kånken family, covering Classic, Mini, Laptop, No. 2 and Re-Kånken—plus comfort, care, fabrics, colours, and what each version suits.

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Bereta Detailed Gun Engraving

Beretta Since 1526: The Story Behind Shooting’s...

From a 1526 barrel order for Venice to Olympic medals and a full clothing range, this is how Beretta built a reputation for craft, precision, and field-ready design.

Beretta Since 1526: The Story Behind Shooting’s...

From a 1526 barrel order for Venice to Olympic medals and a full clothing range, this is how Beretta built a reputation for craft, precision, and field-ready design.

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Failsworth Est. 1903 Authentic Tweed Hat

Epic Failsworth

Though it started off as the Maypole Hat Works back in 1881 it was early the following century when it’s more recognised name the New Failsworth Hat Manufacturing Company arrived....

Epic Failsworth

Though it started off as the Maypole Hat Works back in 1881 it was early the following century when it’s more recognised name the New Failsworth Hat Manufacturing Company arrived....

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Outdoor Walking Thanks to Allemansrätten, With Fika & Kånken Gear

Allemansrätten, Fika & Kånken

Having just returned from an epic hiking trip in Western Sweden, I have discovered that three things are intrinsically part of the Swedish psyche, which also reflect their love of...

Allemansrätten, Fika & Kånken

Having just returned from an epic hiking trip in Western Sweden, I have discovered that three things are intrinsically part of the Swedish psyche, which also reflect their love of...

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Ragley Hall, stately home, located south of Alcester, Warwickshire

Worth going to Ragley Hall Country Manor? Yes…

Having never been to a game fair, we were unsure what to expect… Ragley Hall was an impressive 1600s country manor with rolling parkland, synonymous with Capability Brown's landscape—a beautiful...

Worth going to Ragley Hall Country Manor? Yes…

Having never been to a game fair, we were unsure what to expect… Ragley Hall was an impressive 1600s country manor with rolling parkland, synonymous with Capability Brown's landscape—a beautiful...

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Our Three New Brady Favourites

The Brady family - how much do you know?

You may be aware of Brady’s iconic, hand made outdoor bags and accessories being amongst the finest in the world but how much do you know about the actual Brady...

The Brady family - how much do you know?

You may be aware of Brady’s iconic, hand made outdoor bags and accessories being amongst the finest in the world but how much do you know about the actual Brady...

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A woman with her arms raised in joy, wearing a Kanken backpack, stands on the Great Wall of China.

Why Are Fjällräven Kånken Backpacks So Popular?

In the late 1970s, the Fjällräven clothing company observed that many schoolchildren were experiencing back problems from carrying heavy, unwieldy backpacks on their commutes to and from school. In 1978, that...

Why Are Fjällräven Kånken Backpacks So Popular?

In the late 1970s, the Fjällräven clothing company observed that many schoolchildren were experiencing back problems from carrying heavy, unwieldy backpacks on their commutes to and from school. In 1978, that...

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Brady Traditionallly Made Products at the Sporting Lodge

Brady Bags: Fast Forward to the Future

For over 50 years, The Sporting Lodge has supplied Brady bags and cases to our customers worldwide. My father, George MacFarlaine, began our working relationship with Brady by commissioning gun...

Brady Bags: Fast Forward to the Future

For over 50 years, The Sporting Lodge has supplied Brady bags and cases to our customers worldwide. My father, George MacFarlaine, began our working relationship with Brady by commissioning gun...

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Malikaa Wig and the Medal Winning Trap Shooting Team

Taking a Shot for all the Right Reasons

Our guest writer Eleni MacFarlaine finds out what makes Malikaa Wig – one of the best shots from India and a friend of The Sporting Lodge – tick. Although only...

Taking a Shot for all the Right Reasons

Our guest writer Eleni MacFarlaine finds out what makes Malikaa Wig – one of the best shots from India and a friend of The Sporting Lodge – tick. Although only...

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House of Cheviot Premium Socks and Garters

Brand Focus - House of Cheviot

Here at The Sporting Lodge we source the finest socks for hunting, shooting, fishing and country pursuits with comfort and practicality in mind. We have been working with the House...

Brand Focus - House of Cheviot

Here at The Sporting Lodge we source the finest socks for hunting, shooting, fishing and country pursuits with comfort and practicality in mind. We have been working with the House...

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Buy British Day

Buy British Day

Here at The Sporting Lodge we are passionate about our history and our roots which are firmly based in Britain. We try wherever possible to source products, manufacturers or individuals...

Buy British Day

Here at The Sporting Lodge we are passionate about our history and our roots which are firmly based in Britain. We try wherever possible to source products, manufacturers or individuals...

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Land Rover Defender Logo

Land Rover: Defender of the Realm

A British icon of the road and field says goodbye . The Land Rover Defender, a workhorse of our countryside, has been withdrawn from production in its present design. I...

Land Rover: Defender of the Realm

A British icon of the road and field says goodbye . The Land Rover Defender, a workhorse of our countryside, has been withdrawn from production in its present design. I...

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Man wearing Tweed Hard Wearing Country Attire with Dog

Country Tweed Jackets and Coats – Buying Guide,...

Country tweed jackets and coats have moved far beyond their old image of dusty wardrobes and charity shop rails. Once the working clothing of large estates, tweed was worn head...

Country Tweed Jackets and Coats – Buying Guide,...

Country tweed jackets and coats have moved far beyond their old image of dusty wardrobes and charity shop rails. Once the working clothing of large estates, tweed was worn head...

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Festival Survival Guide

Festival Season Clothing and Accessories

Festival Season is here again! Festivals – mud, sun, rain, porta loos and hosepipe showers - not the place for your favourite suitcase and Italian leather shoes.  So, what do...

Festival Season Clothing and Accessories

Festival Season is here again! Festivals – mud, sun, rain, porta loos and hosepipe showers - not the place for your favourite suitcase and Italian leather shoes.  So, what do...

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Private White V.C. Clothing Handmade in Manchester

Made in Manchester – Private White

Proud of our northern heritage, The Sporting Lodge is now stocking Private White VC which combines finest English manufacturing in one of our favourite cities, Manchester, England, with an excellence...

Made in Manchester – Private White

Proud of our northern heritage, The Sporting Lodge is now stocking Private White VC which combines finest English manufacturing in one of our favourite cities, Manchester, England, with an excellence...

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Phil Raisbeck wearing a blue Fjallraven High Coast Wind Jacket and carrying a black backpack while hiking in the mountains.

Fjällräven High Coast Wind Jacket: In-Depth Rev...

Phil Raisbeck tests the Fjällräven High Coast Wind Jacket in the Lake District, covering wind protection, breathability on climbs, pocket and hood details, and how it copes with light rain...

Fjällräven High Coast Wind Jacket: In-Depth Rev...

Phil Raisbeck tests the Fjällräven High Coast Wind Jacket in the Lake District, covering wind protection, breathability on climbs, pocket and hood details, and how it copes with light rain...

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Boker Finest German Knifes

Boker Knives - Fine German Craftsmanship

It was during the early 70s when George MacFarlaine, founder of The Sporting Lodge, was touring Germany and came across Boker knives while searching for fine barrel makers for his...

Boker Knives - Fine German Craftsmanship

It was during the early 70s when George MacFarlaine, founder of The Sporting Lodge, was touring Germany and came across Boker knives while searching for fine barrel makers for his...

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Couple wearing Fjallraven High Coast Clothing

Fjällräven High Coast Collection

Explore the Fjällräven High Coast Collection: lightweight layers crafted in G-1000 Lite and polyamide blends. Breathable, quick-dry, and pack-smart, it’s designed for warm-weather adventure, from coastal strolls to easy hikes...

Fjällräven High Coast Collection

Explore the Fjällräven High Coast Collection: lightweight layers crafted in G-1000 Lite and polyamide blends. Breathable, quick-dry, and pack-smart, it’s designed for warm-weather adventure, from coastal strolls to easy hikes...

Read more
Christmas Country Gifts

What Have You Wished For This Christmas?

It’s nearly that time of year again, are you prepared for the hustle and bustle of the shops, or do you fancy taking a more relaxed approach this year? Here...

What Have You Wished For This Christmas?

It’s nearly that time of year again, are you prepared for the hustle and bustle of the shops, or do you fancy taking a more relaxed approach this year? Here...

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Leica Precision Optics Binoculars

What Makes Leica Binoculars a Leading Choice fo...

In 1849, Carl Kellner founded an Optics Institute in Wetzlar, Germany. In 1869, Ernst Leitz became managing director. He created the name we know now, using the first three letters...

What Makes Leica Binoculars a Leading Choice fo...

In 1849, Carl Kellner founded an Optics Institute in Wetzlar, Germany. In 1869, Ernst Leitz became managing director. He created the name we know now, using the first three letters...

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Schoffel Autumn Winter Collection

Schoffel - 200 Years of Excellence

With a history dating back seven generations to 1804, Schoffel clothing is still a market leader among the shooting and hunting fraternity in the UK. The cornerstone of their continued...

Schoffel - 200 Years of Excellence

With a history dating back seven generations to 1804, Schoffel clothing is still a market leader among the shooting and hunting fraternity in the UK. The cornerstone of their continued...

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