Counter Diary

The search for a pair of lightweight, waterproof boots for shooting and picking-up proves tricky. Meanwhile, how have the butterflies fared?

- Tony Jackson

Is there a relatively lightweight waterproof boot or type of legging that is simple to put on, and does not leave you aching and exhausted at the end of the day? For the past few seasons when both picking-up and shooting I, like so many others, have worn a pair of wellies. They were not cheap — in fact they were darned expensive — and while admirably waterproof, each boot weighs 2¾lb. In the light of advancing years and towards the end of a day’s shooting or picking-up, I find these boots increasingly wearisome and leg heavy. This is particularly so if a hill has to be climbed or thick, cloying mud surmounted.

Is there an alternative, a lightweight, waterproof leg protector that offers a reasonable degree of style? I have a pair of gaitors in a lightweight rip-proof material with a front zip and Velcro fastening. There are also two rubber straps that are intended to somehow hook on to your boot, but I have invariably found them to be both fiddly and difficult to keep in place. They are not user-friendly and furthermore they have a crumpled, baggy appearance when worn. The gaiter concept may be the right route but the end result is unsatisfactory.