Heavyweight performance

While the summer sun cracks the flagstones and sensible dogs seek shade, choosing a coat is probably the last thing on your mind. However, as we all know, the British weather is a fickle mistress.

I am looking at four factors in my choice of autumn sporting coat. First, is it lightweight — can the coat be easily stashed in a gamebag, ready to be donned the moment you hear the first drops? Secondly, is it robust? Thirdly, is it practical for the field? Finally, is it as much at home in the high seat or hide as it is on the hill or heather?

With these criteria in mind, I set about testing four autumn-weight coats over