Bonarts clothing range

If there’s one thing you can guarantee about Bonart’s range of clothing is that it’ll be well made, last for years and most importantly it’ll be good value. Ever expanding to cater for the shooting and outdoor enthusiast, Bonart now ensure the lady shooter is as well kitted out as her male counterpart.

The Maggie Blouse

This lady’s cotton mix blouse in Tattersall check, is available in a green and burgundy pattern, my wife Karen found the ‘Maggie’ comfortable, hard wearing and cut to the female form. Made from 55% cotton and 45% polyester blend, the blouse looks the part whilst the generous proportions allowed full movement irrespective of picking up or shooting, whilst from a woman’s point of view it buttons the correct way. Smart and clean cut the ‘Maggie’ will set you back around £34 and is available in sizes 10-12. 

Men’s Ferret & Ladies Moleskin Breeks

Both these 100% cotton moleskin breeks are made in England, traditionally cut and styled, and available in either olive or lovat. More or less identical in construction, generous quantities of thick material provide warmth and resistance to the elements, the heavy-duty brass zips, sturdy belt-loops and buckle fasteners around the knees keeping both pairs fully anchored, no matter how strenuous the movement, whilst the feminine cut of the Ladies model means they fit the female form.

Hardwearing, luxurious to the touch and to wear, a full season’s game shooting has failed to make a mark on either pair whilst their ease of washing means they look brand new each and every outing. Made in sizes 32 – 46 the Ferret’s cost £64.99p per pair, the Ladies breeks are £64.99p and available in sizes 8 – 20.  Both pairs of breeks are well worth the investment.

Raasay & Pat Knee Socks

What’s the best way to join a pair of breeks to a pair of boots? With a pair of Bonart 80% wool knee socks of course, the 20% nylon mix adds that all important degree of resilience. Both loop knit (with the Pat’s having a nice intertwined design woven in), both styles support the lower leg over a full day whilst the reinforced cushioned sole and toes help protect the feet, wicking away sweat and keeping the entire foot warm and comfortable.

The men’s Raasay comes in green and cassat, a pair of matching garters also being available, whilst the ladies Pats come in fetching shades of pink and lilac. Once again structurally durable and able to withstand numerous expeditions into the washing machine, expect to pay £16 for the Raasay and £18 for the Pats, an additional
£13.50p needed for the matching wool garters. 

Alpina Hunter & Trapper Boots

Central to any outdoor outfit are a pair of suitable boots, and Bonart’s range of new Italian built Alpina hunting footwear are new to the UK. What sets the Hunter and Trapper boots apart from the rest is the innovative sole and the sizes. Both constructed from high grade leathers, both mid-calf styles feature a deep, protective rubber rand, soft kid leather cuffs, the Hunter employing hoops and speed hook lacing while the Trapper uses metal hoops throughout.

Similarly, both pair’s ability to breathe along with outstanding waterproofing is courtesy of the SympaTex lining, the proven European alternative to that other well known ‘tex’. Where the boots also differ is in the use of the revolutionary Frasson sole. Impervious to cold, this remarkably adhesive yet noticeably resilient sole combines a tactile rubber and textile mixture that gives stunning levels of grip even on sheet ice, the self-cleaning cleats searching out every fraction of traction. Slightly more standard on the Trapper, either boot displays the same levels of foothold especially on loose surfaces, both offering rigidity when and where needed.

Tested over two gruelling weeks in the Bavarian Alps, both pairs performed faultlessly shrugging off the most abusive treatment, the deep rubber rands resilient to sharp rocks whilst still keeping the feet relaxed, fully protected with excellent ankle support, their lightweight feel making them ideal everyday hunting boots. Where the Hunter wins is in technicality, the Trapper in size options. My wife Karen has small feet and difficulty sourcing hardcore footwear, so to be able to wear a pair of true hunting boots in 3½ was a personal revelation. Expect to pay around £299 for the men’s Hunters and £260 for the ladies Trappers. But whichever you go for I assure you, you won’t be disappointed.