Realtree President and Designer Bill Jordan has a lot to answer for. He designed the Realtree and Advantage camo patterns that many anglers are now insisting on when they buy fishing clothing.

Camo clothing, although primarily designed for hunters, has become both a practical item and a fashion statement with anglers, but make no mistake, if the camo clothing you buy carries the Realtree or Advantage pattern you can rest assured it is top quality kit that will keep you warm and dry. Realtree don’t give their manufacturer’s licence out to just anybody.

Over the next few months we will be reviewing a number of items of camo clothing in Realtree and Advantage patterns from several manufacturers.


Long and short sleeves available

GARLANDS TEE-SHIRTS
Price: From £ 18.25 to £ 20.95

Available in short or long sleeved in Realtree X-tra, Brown or Advantage Timber in sizes S/M, L/XL, 2XL//3XL.

Made from 100% cotton and ideal for warmer weather or as a layer under waterproof jackets. The tee-shirts have a breast pocket.


Six-Pocket Trousers

GARLANDS SIX-POCKET TROUSERS
Price: From £ 45.95 to £ 52.95

Available in Realtree X-tra, Brown or Advantage Timber in sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL and made from 7oz 50%-50% brushed twill.

Soft, quiet and durable, ideal for fishing. The six pockets include two deep front pockets, two back pockets with button flaps, and two leg bellow pockets with button flaps. There are waist adjustment side-tabs to allow light or heavy clothing to be worn inside and adjustable drawstring bottoms which are ideal for length adjustment over boots and to keep insects out. A nice touch is the extra room in stride and legs for bending and climbing comfort.


Boonie Hat
GARLANDS BOONIE HAT
Price: £ 15.75

Available in Realtree X-tra, Brown or Advantage Timber or Advantage Wetlands in sizes M, L and XL. Made from 65% polyester and 35% cotton.

Classic ‘Boonie’ style hat with cargo loops on headband and an adjustable chin strap. Gives good all round protection from the sun.

Phone Garlands on 01827 383 300 for your nearest stockist and a catalogue.

FISHINGmagic VERDICT

Camo is all the rage in fishing right now, with clothing, bivvies, bags, holdalls and all kinds of gear being manufactured in these popular Realtree patterns.

Be careful though, there’s a lot of rubbish about, with camouflage patterns that look like a little lad’s painted them on, and onto poor quality material at that.

Look for the Realtree logo if you want the best, for this really is top quality gear that is not only smart but very functional.

Whether or not anglers actually need to dress in camo is another question. There may be a necessity for it, for the angler who stalks fish along the river or lake, but what the hell, if you just fancy it because it looks good, and it makes you feel good, then go for it!