Shooting Jackets
Barbour shooting jackets are cut to allow a clean gun mount without the fabric pulling or catching at the shoulder. Key features include reinforced recoil patches to absorb kick over repeated shots, large cartridge pockets with secure flaps, windproof collars, and longer rear hems for extra coverage when seated or crouching in a peg. Fabrics range from waxed cotton to wool-blend tweeds and water-repellent weaves, depending on the style and intended conditions.
For driven game days in mixed weather, a waxed or coated jacket with a full-length zip and storm flap handles rain and wind while keeping cartridges accessible. For walked-up shooting or rougher ground, a lighter, more breathable jacket keeps you comfortable across longer distances without overheating.
Gilets and Layering
A gilet is one of the most useful pieces in a shooting outfit. It adds core warmth without restricting arm movement — important when mounting and swinging. Barbour shooting gilets use quilted or fleece-lined construction and typically include cartridge pockets or bellows storage. Wear one over a shirt in early autumn, or layer it under a jacket on colder mornings when you need the extra insulation without the bulk.
For mid-layers, Barbour's wool and lambswool crew necks provide warmth that sits neatly under a jacket collar without catching. Country check shirts in brushed cotton add comfort and breathability as a base layer close to the skin.
Shirts, Knitwear and Socks
Barbour shooting shirts use country check and tattersall patterns in brushed or flannel cotton — warm against the skin and practical enough to wear on their own in milder weather. Wool jumpers and half-zips layer over shirts without adding unnecessary weight, and long shooting socks in wool blends provide warmth and cushioning inside boots or wellies across a full day on your feet.
Choosing by Activity
What you need depends on how and where you shoot:
- Driven game days: You may stand in a peg for hours in cold or wet conditions. Warmth and weather protection are the priorities — layer up with a brushed cotton shirt, wool jumper, quilted gilet and a weatherproof jacket with cartridge pockets.
- Clay shooting: Freedom of movement matters most. A well-fitted gilet or lighter jacket with a recoil patch and uncluttered shoulders is usually enough. Keep layers minimal so nothing interferes with your swing.
- Walked-up shooting: Breathability and weight are the main concerns. Lighter fabrics and fewer layers keep you comfortable across distance and uneven ground without building up heat.
Why Shop Barbour Shooting at The Sporting Lodge?
The Sporting Lodge is an official Barbour stockist listed on the Barbour website. We stock the shooting range alongside the full Barbour collection, with genuine products, straightforward returns, and advice from a team with real experience in country and field sports retail. Browse Barbour men's jackets if you also need general-purpose outerwear for non-shooting days.
Dressing for a Day in the Field
The right combination depends on the conditions and how active you will be. On cold, wet driven days, start with a brushed cotton check shirt, add a wool crew neck, then a quilted gilet, and finish with a weatherproof shooting jacket. On milder days or at the clay ground, a shirt and gilet may be all you need — keeping your shoulders free for a clean, unobstructed mount. Long wool shooting socks and sturdy boots complete the outfit and make a genuine difference over a full day on your feet. Whatever the conditions, the aim is the same: stay warm, stay dry, and keep nothing between you and a comfortable shot.
