PULSAR AXION COMPACT XG35
The new Pulsar Axion Compact XG35 handheld thermal imager is small but immensely powerful, with a sensitive 640x480 sub-40mK NETD sensor and 35mm f1.0 lens, delivering up to 1,750m detection range.
This device may be small enough to fit in your pocket, but it will still allow you to spot potential targets at extreme range. With a field of view of 12.5°, the XG35 is wonderful for scanning a large area, and if you do spot something, it reveals the animal with enough detail to aid both species identification and also recognise important anatomical features.
Armed with a rechargeable and removable Pulsar APS3 battery, this monocular provides up to seven hours of battery life. You can then replace it with a spare to ensure that you will run out of energy before the XG35 does.
A robust magnesium alloy bodyshell provides ample protection against bumps and knocks, and protects the monocular from dust and moisture ingress. As with all current Pulsar devices, the XG35 features eight colour palettes.
PRICE: £1,579.95
WEBSITE: tj-fieldsports.co.uk
BROWNING AMMO ORGANISER
The Browning Ammo Organiser holds 40 centrefire rifle cartridges in repositionable elastic loops. The case comes in a gritty and slightly military-looking coyote tan colour with matching trim. It is made from a hard-wearing polyester and measures 9in wide by 7in long by 1in deep.
This is a great accessory if you are on the range and firing large numbers of shots, or out in the field for more than one day without returning to base. The elastic spacing and firm hold on the ammunition ensure that if it is in a rucksack, there is no rattle that could scare off wildlife.
The Ammo Organiser is also a very sensible method of carrying ammunition in luggage if you are travelling long distances by private transport. It is reasonably priced and should last well.
PRICE: £39.95
WEBSITE: www.ianhodgefieldsports.co.uk
BOOK: STALKING FALLOW
Stalking Fallow is an extensive guide to the management and techniques of stalking fallow deer from the perspective not only of the deer stalker but also of the deer manager and the landowner.
It provides a unique insight into stalking woodland and open ground, and the techniques in the use of highseats. Covering all aspects of fallow deer management and their natural history, this glorious hardback includes how to organise and manage collaborative team culls, recognise and prevent crop damage, take into account any health and safety issues, and disease identification.
The book is engaging and relevant whether you are an old hand or a stalking novice.
PRICE: £25.00
WEBSITE: www.anglebooks.com
SEELAND CELSIUS HEAT JACKET
The Seeland Celsius jacket is something that I might once have teased my pals about using, but having tried one, I have changed my opinion. Imagine being in the great outdoors with the same comfort as slipping into bed with an electric blanket on a crisp winter evening.
Featuring back and chest panel heat technology, this jacket has an adjustable temperature with three distinct heat levels. When you plug in the power bank, which nestles inside in a handy pocket, it should provide up to 10 hours of heating. Enhanced by an insulating silver film lining and synthetic fibre insulation, it ensures optimal warmth retention.
The jacket has stretch panels for mobility and zipped pockets, so nothing crucial will fall out.
PRICE: £189.99
WEBSITE: seeland.com
KESTREL 5700 ELITE WEATHER METER
The Kestrel 5700 Elite is a really clever piece of kit. It integrates applied ballistics software to provide precise, customised ballistic solutions while accounting for multiple environmental variables including wind speed, wind direction, altitude and temperature. This helps shooters make accurate adjustments for their specific firearms and ammunition.
The Kestrel 5700 Elite Weather Meter measures crucial environmental parameters. On top of expected metrics, it also measures, pressure, altitude, humidity and density altitude, which really help to maintain accuracy on long-range shots.
The Featured LiNK connectivity allows the Kestrel 5700 Elite to communicate wirelessly, meaning you can view real-time data on your phone or remotely configure the device. The 5700 also allows you to store multiple profiles for different rifle and ammunition setups and easily switch between them for on-the-fly adjustments.
Built to withstand the rigours of the field, the 5700 Elite is compact, rugged and water-resistant, facilitating easy use even in challenging environments.
PRICE: £956.00
WEBSITE: edgarbrothers.com
SPYDERCO UK PENKNIFE BLUE LIGHTWEIGHT CPM SPY27
Originally designed to comply with British knife laws, the Spyderco UK Penknife has gained a committed following among hunters and outdoorsmen worldwide.
The original SLIPIT model allows you to open the knife with one hand if your other hand is occupied, using the Spyderco round hole. The clip on the handle of the knife is immensely practical if you need to hook the tool onto anything to regain use of both hands mid-task.
This knife features a full flat-ground blade crafted from proprietary CPM SPY27, a cobalt-enriched particle metallurgy stainless steel developed for Spyderco. The handle is manufactured from fibreglass-reinforced-nylon with distinctive cobalt blue scales.
The locking blade is under 3 inches, making it durable, robust, and – perhaps most importantly – UK legal as an everyday carry (EDC) knife.
For the cash-conscious among you, Edgar Brothers also sells the Byrd Tern G-10, a similar product produced by Spyderco’s subsidiary Byrd, employing an 8Cr13Mov steel leaf-shape full flat-ground blade, which can be yours for just £45.00.
PRICE: £149.99
WEBSITE: edgarbrothers.com
ZEISS SECACAM TRAIL CAMERAS
The Zeiss trail camera range provides wildlife enthusiasts and hunters alike with an extraordinary insight into animal behaviour with detailed, high-contrast images.
The infrared flash created by 60 black LEDs, and the highly sensitive photo sensor, allow the trail cameras to record sharp, beautifully illuminated photos and videos even in complete darkness.
The cameras are designed to be simple to operate and practical to use. The forward-facing display allows users to check the coverage area while they are setting it up. They can then cover up the screen with the front flap to ensure it isn’t damaged during use. Once installed, the camera provides quality recordings and crisp images within seconds.
For streaming and storage of the photos and videos, Zeiss has a number of reasonably priced tariffs. You can choose between a prepaid service or a pay-as-you-go package. There are no contracts and no hidden fees.
Price: From £159.99
Website: zeiss.ly/st-trailcams
SWAROVSKI OPTIK’S NL PURE 10X52 BINOCULAR
A good pair of binos are critical not just for hunters but for anyone who is serious about the natural world. The NL Pure 10x52s are hi-spec binoculars perfect for demanding observational situations and particularly in difficult light conditions.
With 10x magnification, they help users identify critical details such as animal age and sex at range, while their wide field of view (130m at 142yd) keeps everything in sight, making them particularly well suited for surveying open landscapes.
The cinched wasp waist of the NL Pure’s ensures that they sit ergonomically in your hand and are easy to grip comfortably for long periods. They have maximum colour fidelity and uncompromising image definition all the way to the edges thanks to Swarovision technology.
Swarovski has long been the king of analogue optics, and these continue that legacy.
Price: From £2,910.00
Website: swarovskioptik.com
BLADE TECH G2 BLACK KNIFE AND TOOL SHARPENER
Knives are only as good as their edge, and this is precisely what the Blade Tech G2 Black Knife and Tool Sharpenergives you.
The G2 is an essential piece of kit for the field, and at just 112g and 4mm thick, it is so tiny it will fit in any pocket or hang from a belt loop by its useful included lanyard.
Made in the UK and available as standard in a tactical black finish with aircraft aluminium body and rivets, and polished tungsten carbide technology, this little item is not just fiendishly practical but durable and aesthetically pleasing.
The G2 will sharpen almost any straight-edged knife, including hunting knives, kitchen knives, fishing knives, butchery knives, pen knives, along with secateurs, scythes, shears, household scissors, axes, garden edging spades, loppers, lawn mower blades, and more.
To use the G2, you simply place it flat on a surface overhanging the edge. Place the knife blade in the centre of the wedge or ‘V’ and draw the knife downwards with light pressure.
The G2 has a slightly larger body than its predecessor, meaning it is easier to secure and use. With its 30-day satisfaction guarantee and Blade Tech’s Evermore Warranty, the consumer is fully protected against defects in workmanship or material.
Price: From £16.95
Website: sportingcutlery.co.uk
HIKMICRO FALCON FQ35 PRO THERMAL MONOCULAR
Thermal monoculars have dramatically changed the hunting game, and few professional or serious stalkers now go out without one. The HikMicro Falcon FQ35 Pro’s <20K NETD sensor is the highest performing sensor on the commercial market. In conjunction with its f1.0 lens, this translates into an exceptionally high-quality image even in the most obfuscating weather conditions.
The 640x512 sensor ensures excellent detail recognition, even down to minute details such as animal hair and the minutiae of the surrounding foliage. This information allows users to build a reliable target picture, making it the ultimate stalking tool.
The Falcon is ambidextrous, with a highly robust magnesium housing and four buttons that control all functions with ease, even in total darkness. The removable 18650 battery gives a run time of up to six hours.
The Falcon Pro also boasts all the normal software features found in Hik products, including a choice of four colour palettes and access to the HikMicro Sight app, which allows users to stream, control, and record. The built-in 64GB memory also enables you to save images and videos directly to the device.
Price: £1,999.99
Website: drewslab.co.uk
CASSTRÖM SAFARI MINI-HUNTER
The Safari is a superb compact hunter’s tool designed by renowned English custom knifemaker Alan Wood, who is well known for his handmade bushcraft and deerstalking knives. This knife is ideal as a skinner for small deer and fits well on a belt.
The knives are made in Sweden from Sandvik 12c27 steel with a hardness of 59 HRC. The blade has a satin finish with a drop point and a plain edge. It is substantial yet light, with a 3mm thick blade but weighing less than 70g.
This knife is a beautifully made item that will more than likely last decades if it is well maintained.
Price: £98
Website: casstrom.co.uk
NEW FOREST CLOTHING SPORT SMOCK
For harsh conditions on the hill, a smock is a necessity. The three-layer laminate construction and durable water-resistant finish is both waterproof and windproof. With a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm, the smock can bear up to even the heaviest precipitation, and with a moisture vapour transmission rate of 3,000g/m2/24hr, it is highly breathable and will keep you cool on the most spirited stalk.
The Sport Smock also features a 100% brushed polyester outer fabric, which is great for stealthy movement, as well as a drawstring to ensure a good fit. The adjustable, detachable peaked hood keeps the worst of the weather out in challenging conditions, and the neoprene cuffs and YKK waterproof zips also contribute to keeping you dry.
This jacket is really practical, and the long cape means you can sit down in the outdoors without getting a wet bottom.
Price: £109.95
Website: newforestclothing.co.uk