Pros: Great all-round wellington boot that's comfortable and functional. Adjustable girth via quick-release buckle is convenient and effective. Roomy enough for decent welly socks. Heavy duty, grippy soles great when you venture off-road.Cons: Neoprene lining a bit on the thin side, which feels less "premium" than other boots in this price range, and allows cold to seep … [Read more...] about Regatta Rivington Mens Wellington Review
Wildlife Clothing
Review: Wunderbird Clothing for Birders
Wunderbird is a startup company creating a unique range of clothing designed especially for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Their clothing is lightweight, breathable, quick drying and has a number of special features specifically aimed at birders.They sent us one of their "Peregrine" long-sleeved T-Shirts to try out... here's how we got on.Do birders really need … [Read more...] about Review: Wunderbird Clothing for Birders
Gear Review: Rockfish Groundhog Mens Wellington Boot
Pros: extremely comfortable, supportive and robust boot. Fully waterproof and adjustable. Excellent fit with ordinary socks. 5mm neoprene lining keeps feet lovely and warm even on the coldest of days. "Grippy" soles make for a sure-footed walking experience whatever the conditions. Reflective tape on the back a nice touch to help you get seen in twilight.Cons: Functionally … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Rockfish Groundhog Mens Wellington Boot
Gear Review: Muck Boot Arctic Adventure Ladies’ Boots
Pros: Funky contemporary neoprene boot. Light and comfortable. Designed for women with sculpted shape offering excellent ankle support. Good grip on all sorts of mucky terrain. Really warm. Easy to pull on and off. Great all-rounder.Cons: Slight "pinching" at the back of the ankle when new -- eases with use. Light colour neoprene can stain quite easily and is harder to … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Muck Boot Arctic Adventure Ladies’ Boots
Gear Review: Aigle Parcours 2 “Outlast” boots
Pros: possibly the most comfortable thing I've ever put on my feet. Dry, warm, soft lining, supple rubber uppers and very supportive sole... more like hiking boots than wellingtons allowing comfortable day-long walking. Superb grip. Outstanding construction... if you can call it that... more like craftsmanship. NASA inspired "Outlast" lining keeps feet at comfortable … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Aigle Parcours 2 “Outlast” boots
Gear Review: Paramo Valez Adventure Light Smock
Paramo Valez Adventure Light Smock: Short Review Pros: Light weight and convenient to carry; very comfortable to wear; easy to pull on and off; outstanding "directional" waterproof performance; windproof; quiet "low rustle" fabric; robust, despite it's lightweight design.Cons: A bit short on pockets compared to a full-on outdoor jacket -- but apart from that I didn't find … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Paramo Valez Adventure Light Smock
Base Layer Review: Patagonia Men’s Capilene® 3 Midweight Crew
A good base layer makes a real differenceWhen you're out watching wildlife you often find yourself in unpredictable weather, in inaccessible and exposed places, out early in the morning or late into the evening, and often a combination of all those things. If you want to stay comfortable you need the right kind of clothing.While the Irish climate hammered home the … [Read more...] about Base Layer Review: Patagonia Men’s Capilene® 3 Midweight Crew
Gear Review: Paramo Halcon Jacket
Staying dry is one of the most challenging aspects of wildlife watching in Ireland. Keen birder Colin Barton puts Paramo's flagship Halcon waterproof shell through its paces during one of the wettest sea-watching seasons on record.I’d been meaning to replace my old and by now rather leaky Berghaus Goretex jacket for the last two years, but somehow never quite got 'round to … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Paramo Halcon Jacket