Clothing

Having spent years watching our colleagues on the match and pole fishing magazines wearing Halkun Hunt’s clothing, I longed for the brand to launch into the carp market. The thing is, it was in no rush to produce green versions of the excellent kit, which featured Gore-Tex linings – the number-one waterproof and breathable fabric.
Then, eventually, and exclusively to Yorkshire Carp, the green range was born and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a test set. A year on and that set is my go-to clothing in any even remotely inclement weather conditions throughout the year.

The beauty of the Gore-Tex stuff is that it keeps you absolutely bone dry in even the heaviest deluge. However, because it’s breathable it can do so in the depths of winter and high summer, without you being cold or too hot.

It is, of course, in autumn and winter where it comes into its own. Wind chill is eliminated because it stops any breeze in its tracks. It also offers a surprising level of warmth from the jacket and trousers, even before adding any insulating layers underneath.

On the subject of under layers, as well as the jacket and trousers, I’ve also been lucky enough to have tested the hooded fleece and fleece hat, both of which are brilliantly warm, boast Windstopper technology and are also shower resistant.

If I could change one thing it would be to have worn the bib-‘n’-brace-style salopettes as opposed to the trousers. I do a lot of crawling around, bending down and suchlike to take photographs and I’d much prefer the extra protection offered by these. They’d also eliminate any draughts up the back, which can be a problem with any trousers when compared with salopettes.

The clothing is absolutely top-notch although, granted, it comes at a significant price. I have a counterargument for that, though. If there is one area that you should never scrimp on it is clothing. A warm and comfortable angler is an efficient angler, full stop. I’m sorry to all of the other companies producing clothing of this ilk. There’s plenty of stuff out there that’s okay, but nothing comes close to the quality and protection offered by this gear.

Verdict: Absolutely the best fishing clothing I have ever tested

RRP: £99.99 to £299.99

Website: www.yorkshirecarp.com