Five of the best shooting coats for the peg

Few garments are as closely tied to the tradition of British shooting as the field coat. On the peg it is a symbol of style as well as a vital piece of kit, keeping you warm, dry and comfortable while blending heritage looks with modern performance. For many, a shooting coat is an investment – as much a statement piece as it is a shield against the elements. After all, no one wants to feel out of place on the Gun bus before the first drive of the day.

When choosing the right coat, materials are key. Traditional tweed remains the gold standard, offering warmth, character and timeless sophistication, but modern technical fabrics such as Gore-Tex, Ventile and advanced laminates provide lightweight protection, breathability and durability for the most demanding conditions.

Nowadays coats have been designed specifically for shooting versus just a day in the countryside, with removable recoil pads, gussets and shaping to allow unrestricted swings, and pockets positioned exactly where they need to be for efficient reloading. From luxury tailoring to rugged workhorses built to last, our selection of the best shooting coats caters for every taste and budget, ensuring you can face the season with confidence, comfort and style.

What are the key features to look for in a shooting coat for the peg?

A good shooting coat needs to keep you warm, dry and able to move freely. Look for:

• Waterproof, breathable membrane to keep out persistent rain.
• Silent, soft-touch outer fabric (no rustling when mounting the gun).
• Articulated sleeves for unrestricted movement.
• Large, easy-access cartridge pockets with drainage and retainer flaps.
• Good insulation without excessive bulk.
• A high collar and storm cuffs to block wind and rain.
• A longer cut to protect your lower back on cold days.
• Reinforcement in high-wear areas such as shoulders and elbows.

What does Gore-Tex mean? And is there anything better?

Gore-Tex is a waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane that stops water from getting in while allowing moisture (sweat) to escape. It’s extremely reliable and widely used in premium country clothing.

Is anything better? Not necessarily “better,” but several brands now use equivalent membranes that perform at the same level. Some are quieter, more flexible or more durable depending on the fabric. Examples include:

• Dermizax (Toray)
• Sympatex
• HWS (Härkila Weather System)
• CTX (Laksen)
• Ventile (not a membrane, but superbly weather-resistant cotton)

These alternatives can match Gore-Tex for performance, and in some cases exceed it for noise reduction and comfort.

Are expensive shooting coats worth it?

Often, yes – but with caveats. Premium coats typically last much longer, stay waterproof for more seasons, and use quieter fabrics, better membranes and higher-quality insulation. They also tend to fit better and move more naturally when mounting a gun.

For occasional or early-season use, a mid-range coat might be perfectly adequate. But for Guns who spend long days on the peg in harsh weather, the investment in a premium coat pays off in comfort, longevity and performance.

Who makes the best shooting coats?

Beyond the names listed in our selection, several other brands produce outstanding shooting coats with strong reputations among field sports enthusiasts that are worth naming:

• Ridgeline – extremely warm, tough and affordable with features tailored to practical field use.
• Musto – especially the Gore-Tex Whisper and Highland Gore-Tex models, known for durability and quiet shooting fabrics.
• Seeland – excellent value with quiet, weather-resistant fabrics.
• Beretta – technical, lightweight coats ideal for active or mixed shooting.
• Percussion – strong value for money and surprisingly capable waterproofing.
• Dubarry – premium coats with exceptional finish and weather resistance.

What is the warmest shooting coat on the market?

For raw warmth, the Ridgeline Monsoon and Ridgeline Pintail ranges are consistently rated among the warmest due to their thick fleece linings and weatherproof outers.
In the premium tier, the Härkila Pro Hunter and Musto Highland Gore-Tex are widely regarded as some of the warmest, most weatherproof shooting coats available, combining insulation with extremely robust, waterproof membranes.