NAVITAS MID-HIKER BOOTS
They look like traditional walking boots, but thanks to their retro-style runner soles they aren’t as stiff and chunky.
Sturdy D-rings and metal eyelets offer multiple fastening options, a waxed leather upper offers good waterproofing, while a gusseted tongue and wide, ultra-comfortable fit makes them easy to slip on. In sizes 7-13.
Price: £74.99
Rhino UK Car Bootliner test and review
Rhino UK specialises in customised boot liners and seat covers for anglers, cyclists and dog walkers so when I purchased a new estate car for fishing recently, there was only one place to turn.
I've made a complete mess of the boot and back seat area of previous cars by using a large sheet of tarpaulin as a cover to my fishing gear on. Cheap but only partly effective, as mud and even bait always found its way down the sides and ends of the sheet and onto the interior.
Determined not to let that happen this time, after a little research I went for Rhino's Extended Liner, which is one complete piece for the whole boot and back seat area (with the seats dropped). My first concern was would this fit my car? No worries on that front as you can choose your exact model on Rhino's website and an exact fit is custom made.
You get a choice of 13 different colours and a number of different optional add ons, many of which are tailored for anglers. For example I chose a rod/ski flap, to enable my holdalls to fit through the gap between the front seat, as they are slightly longer than the distance from here back to the boot.
I also went for a side opening to access via the drivers side back seat door. This is because I put tackle such as groundbait buckets in via this door. All these customised flaps and openings are secured up with quality velcro.
Fitting the liner was easily done with velcro strips running alongside the entire length of the outside of the liner. If you have areas of fabric interior then these will stick on to that, or if you have plastic then you get a number of separate velcro strips to exactly match those on the liner.
The strips have an adhesive backing to stick to the plastic interior. My bootliner held itself up fine as it was on the fabric interior in the boot liner so I chose not to make use of the adhesives.
Another useful feature is the elasticated loops at the back of the liner which fit over the headrests of the front seats. These hold the liner up at the driver's end. At the front of the liner as you open the boot, a large flap extends out to protect the body and paintwork here.
The first proper test for the Rhino UK Bootliner was a week's stay at White Acres holiday complex during an autumn festival. Save for my rod holdalls, most of my tackle stayed in the car all week, getting caked in mud and soaked with rain a few times. With the liner in place I was happy to throw it in the boot and not worry about it.
My lovely red liner soon turned brown with mud and spilt pellets and I'd hate to have thought what state the interior would have looked like without it in place. Held up by the velcro and elasticated loops, it retained its shape all week.
When I eventually arrived home, put my kit away and removed the liner, the extent of its effectiveness began to become clear. No mud or damp had managed to get through to the seats or interior below.
The following day I decided to give the liner a good once over with a pressure washer. It wouldn't let any water through so I had to lift the liner and pour the excess surface water onto the garden. Impressive.
THE VERDICT
If, like me, you're out with a full set of fishing gear in all elements, something like this is invaluable. A wide variety of versions are available, including boot-only liners, two part versions for both the boot or boot and back seat area. I say this is money well spent for anybody who uses a car for fishing!
PAY AROUND
£95 for the standard extending liner, with add ons available
For more information visit www.rhinouk.co.uk
Ben Fisk
E-S-P Joggers and shorts
These latest joggers from E-S-P feature zipped handwarmer pockets, hidden cargo pockets, and an improved and super-comfortable cut. Tailored in just the right shade of carpy olive green, their elasticated waistband and ankles make them the perfect carping joggers.
In small to 3XL.
Price: £34.95
These knee-length shorts are made from exactly the same material as the joggers. They feature zipped pockets, hidden cargo pockets and an elasticated waistband, and are just the job for casual summer wear. In small to 3XL.
Price: £24.95
Navitas Footwear
NAVITAS, the carp angler’s answer to Jimmy Choo, has released these carpy green or black/camo XT1 Trainers. With a clean, two-tone midsole, their suede uppers have a water-resistant coating. On a more casual note, Navitas LS1 Sliders combine the comfort of slippers with the functionality of trainers. Finally, Lite Weaves are less chunky than trainers but more substantial than Sliders.
Price: XT1 Trainer Black/Camo £54.99 (sizes 6-13)
LS1 Black/Camo Sliders £14.99 (6-11) Lite Weaves £24.99 (6-13)
Drennan Wind Beater Fleece
PAY AROUND
£99.50
Drennan has just added this super Wind Beater Fleece to its hugely popular clothing range.
Designed to be worn on its own or as a mid-layer beneath a waterproof jacket, it serves as an effective barrier to the wind and reduces the chill factor.
It’s tailored from a polyester fabric that consists of two microfleece layers, with a breathable and showerproof laminate in between.
The jacket features a soft touch collar, neoprene-lined cuffs and concealed waist toggles to help keep drafts at bay. Other features include two zipped hand pockets and an additional security pocket.
Sizes: Small to 4XL
Chub Field Boots
The sturdy Chub Field Boots feature a tough waterproof moulded sole with a hardwearing leather upper and a Thinsulate thermal lining that will keep your feet warm on the coldest of days.
The sole has been reinforced for added durability and the deep non-slip tread will ensure you won’t lose your footing on muddy and slippy banks.
Available in UK sizes 6-12.
Chub Vantage Zip-Up Hoody
The olive green Vantage Zip-Up Hoody is perfect for winter wear when worn beneath a waterproof jacket.
Made from a heavy-duty brushed cotton and polyester blend, it has a heavy-duty front zip, two zipped side pockets and a lined hood for added warmth. An elasticated waist ensures a perfect fit. In Medium to XXX Large.
Chub Vantage Joggers
These warm, comfortable and stylish joggers are perfect to wear on and off the bank. In heavy-duty brushed material, the comfort fit trousers feature a flat cotton drawstring waist with two large side pockets, an elasticated waist and ankle bands.
Made from a blend of cotton and polyester, they team
up well with the Chub Full Zip
Hoody. In Medium to XXX Large.
Chub Vantage Pull Over Hoody
This heavyweight burgundy-coloured Pull Over Hoody is almost too good to wear for fishing. Features include a fully-lined adjustable hood with wide flat cotton drawstrings, and a large, comfy and warm front pocket.
It’s tailored from a blend of cotton and polyester, and the front-facing Chub logo has a modern well-worn cracked design.
In Medium to XXX Large.
Chub Vantage Quilted Bodywarmer
Bodywarmers are currently very much in vogue. This two-tone quilted Vantage model uses Thermatex 300 insulation to keep your body warm and comfy.
It has secure zipped side pockets, a fashionable button-down chest pocket, handwarmer pockets and an adjustable waistband.
In Medium to XXX Large.
Chub Vantage Hybrid Jacket
This Vantage jacket combines insulation with a flexible four-way stretch and wind-blocking properties. The lightweight jacket is ideal for sessions when you need protection from the chill of the wind without sacrificing mobility.
Special features include heavy-duty zips, chin protector and compact packaway design.
In Medium to XXX Large.
Fox Rage Two-Piece winter suit
The Rage two-piece all weather winter suit really does tick all the boxes for the predator angler.
Its modern design looks great and it’s lightweight, fully lined and quiet, perfect for the roving lure angler.
Features include water-resistant zips and pullers, zippered side legs with an adjustable Velcro tab to the bib ‘n’ brace, and adjustable shoulder straps to ensure a comfy fit.
Preston Innovations Tracksuit Jacket and Trousers
Although this stylish lightweight jacket and matching trouser was probably designed for more for summer wear, the jacket’s high zip neck, elasticated cuffs and thin profile makes it ideal to wear as a third layer underneath a waterproof jacket or bib ‘n’ brace.
There are two zipped side pockets, and the soft-touch outer material has breathable qualities. The matching trousers are also ideal to wear as part of a layering system, especially over the top of thermal long-johns or tights.
Trousers are of a black design with white piping and Preston Innovations logo – all small essential items can be stored in the two zipped side pockets. Great items all year round.
Price: Jacket £26.99, Trousers £21.99
Fox Carp Winter Two-Piece Suit
This two-piece carper’s winter suit from Fox is said to keep you warm at temperatures down to minus 20⁰C.
It consists of a bib ‘n’ brace and a three-quarter length jacket with a removable hood. Both these heavyweight garments are made for the coldest of conditions, and feature waterproof nylon Taslon outers with padded polyester linings.
They are surprisingly light, comfy and quiet to wear. This is an extreme suit, and therefore ideal for the angler who will not be stopped from going fishing.
Preston Innovations DF Puffer jacket
Puffa-style jackets are currently all the rage, and this new fully padded version from Preston is quite exceptional.
Very comfortable, it incorporates a robust fibrefill insulation and boasts a simple yet smart black design, with blue embroidery detail and drawcord to retain body heat.
Other features of the jacket include two durable zipped pockets with blue zip pullers that are perfect for phones and wallets in complete safety.
The smart styling and slightly longer length of the jacket enables it to be worn both on the bank and casually.
Matrix Thermal Suit
Judging by the number of Matrix Thermal suits that I have seen at matches, they must be very good indeed.
The heavy-duty jacket and bib ‘n’ brace are both fully waterproof, with reinforcement on all key stress areas. The jacket features Velcro storm flaps over all its heavy-duty zips, the side handwarmer pockets, internal telephone pocket and sewn-in foldaway hood.
The bib ‘n’ brace has zipped ankles to make putting boots on a quick and easy affair, elasticated adjustable braces with quick-release buckles, extra reinforced rear area, two chest pockets and Velcro storm flaps. They look great too!
Prologic Comfort Thermo Suit Max 5
The Comfort Thermo Suit will keep you dry and warm in the coldest of conditions. It is 100 per cent waterproof and windproof and features a durable nylon shell fabric outer and a warm and comfortable fleece lining.
The Max 5 camouflage pattern blends in with nearly all backgrounds. The jacket features a detachable adjustable insulated hood with wired peak Velcro storm flap, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, three large outer pockets and a single zipped inner pocket.
The camo bib ‘n’ brace has adjustable elastic braces with buckles, two large outer pockets and a zipped inner pocket. A wide gusset and Velcro strap at the leg make for easy boot access, and the front zipper has a storm baffle to help keep you dry.
Price: £159.99 (shop-around price £99.99)
Daiwa Sleep Skin thermals
This two-piece first layer undergarment is arguably the best-selling and most recognisable underwear on the angling market. Made from a technically advanced micro-fibre, its thermal properties work by trapping warm air next to the skin.
The breathable garment wicks away sweat quickly, maintaining body heat. Having owned two sets of Sleep Skins, I can confirm that they wear well, and are brilliant for match fishing, keeping you snug as a bug even during a freeze. However, on a long kit-carrying walk you’ll heat up really quickly, so do bear that in mind.
Fox Chunk Bodywarmer
Bodywarmers are back in style this winter, and this super-smart new Fox Chunk version offers the perfect combination of cosy insulation with freedom of movement.
Tailored from hardwearing showerproof nylon, it has a hollow polyester filling, full length baffle-protected zip, fashionable brushed suedette shoulders and a high neck for additional warmth.
Middy Extreme 5000 suit
Stay warm and dry in the worst winter weather and look good on the bank in this stylish suit comprising matching jacket, bib ‘n’ brace and also a soft fleece.
The outer clothing is rated 5000 for waterproofing and 3000 for breathability. It boasts waterproof taped seams all round, and the lightweight thermal lined jacket and trousers are soft to the touch, warm and windproof.
All three garments can be bought individually, or you can save money by buying the outfit as a complete set.
Middy tackle dealers are currently offering big discounts.
