If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you know that the weather can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Finding clothes that actually keep you dry and warm is harder than it looks. Today, I am looking at a brand called Fortis Clothing. They make tough, waterproof gear in the UK. In this Fortis Clothing review, I will explain who they are, what they sell, and if their clothes are actually worth the price.

Fortis Brand Information

Feature	Details
Brand Name	Fortis Clothing
Founder	Hugh Massy-Birch
Owner	Massy-Birch Family
Founded Year	1997
Headquarters	Axminster, Devon, UK
Industry	Outdoor Apparel & Tactical Gear
Main Products	Waterproof Coats, Smocks, Trousers
Top-Selling Products	Falkland Coat, Field Smock, Sasquatch
Brand Type	British Manufacturing / Sustainable Outdoor

What is Fortis Clothing?

Fortis Clothing is a family-run business based in Devon, England. They specialize in making high-performance outdoor clothing for people who work or play in harsh conditions. Whether you are a farmer, a birdwatcher, a hunter, or a hiker, Fortis aims to keep you protected. Unlike many big brands that move their factories overseas, Fortis still makes most of its gear right here in the UK.

Who owns Fortis Clothing?

The Fortis Clothing owner is the Massy-Birch family. Specifically, Oliver Massy-Birch leads the company today as the second-generation director. The brand has deep roots in the British countryside and remains a private, family-held company. This allows them to focus on quality and long-term durability rather than just chasing fast profits.

The Story Behind the Brand

The Fortis Clothing founder, Hugh Massy-Birch, started the journey in 1997. It actually began as a way to diversify his farm. At first, the company was called “Country Covers” and made personalized tyre covers and car seat protectors. Over time, Hugh’s interest in tough textiles led him to buy into a military clothing firm. He eventually moved production to a converted lamb barn on the family farm, where they began making the rugged outdoor garments we see today. In 2016, the brand was officially renamed Fortis—which means “strong” in Latin.

What products does Fortis sell?

The range of Fortis Clothing products focuses on durability. They don’t follow fast-fashion trends. Instead, they make timeless pieces like:

• Waterproof Smocks: These are overhead jackets that are famous for being windproof and tough.
• Shooting Coats: Designed with deep pockets for gear and reinforced shoulders.
• Trousers: Heavy-duty pants that can handle briars, thorns, and mud.
• Gilets and Fleece: For layering when the temperature drops.

Is Fortis Clothing legit?

Is Fortis Clothing legit? Yes, it is a highly respected and authentic British brand. They provide gear to professional sectors, including wildlife photographers and estate managers. They use high-quality materials like Ripstop and specialized waterproof liners. Their “Made in UK” tag is a badge of honor that shows they are a real, hardworking company.

Best-Selling Product: The Falkland Coat

The Falkland Coat is perhaps their most famous item. It is a long, waterproof coat designed for the worst British weather.

• Features: It has a breathable liner, a high collar, and plenty of pockets.
• Quality: It feels heavy and solid, not like a thin plastic poncho.
• Pricing: It is expensive, usually costing several hundred pounds. However, it is built to last ten years, not two.
• Value: If you work outside every day, the “cost per wear” is actually very low.

Best-Selling Product: The Field Smock

The Field Smock is a favorite for hikers and hunters because it is quiet and tough.

• Features: It has a large front pouch and side zips for ventilation.
• Quality: The fabric is “Ripstop,” meaning if you snag it on a branch, it won’t keep tearing.
• Pricing: Mid-to-high range.
• Value: Great for people who need to move easily without their clothes making a loud “swishing” noise.

Pros and Cons of Fortis Clothing

Pros:

• Handmade in the UK: You are supporting local jobs and getting great craftsmanship.
• Truly Waterproof: Their gear is tested in the wettest parts of England.
• Repair Service: They often offer repairs, so you don’t have to throw a jacket away if it gets damaged.
• Customization: Because they make the gear themselves, they can sometimes tweak items to fit you better.

Cons:

• High Price: These are investment pieces. They are not cheap.
• Heavyweight: Some items can feel a bit bulky compared to ultra-light modern hiking gear.
• Availability: Because they aren’t a massive global corporation, some items might be out of stock while they hand-make the next batch.

Why do people search for Fortis Clothing?

Most people find Fortis because they are tired of “big name” brands failing them. They search for Fortis when they want something rugged that looks professional but performs like military gear. People also search for them because they want to support British manufacturing and avoid the “throwaway” culture of modern fashion.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

The reputation of Fortis is excellent among professionals. On forums for stalking, hunting, and farming, users often praise the brand for its “bombproof” quality. Customers love that they can speak to a real person if they have a problem. While they don’t have thousands of reviews like a giant store, the reviews they do have are usually 5-star ratings from people who live in their gear.

Who is this brand best for?

Fortis is perfect for:

1. Professional Outdoor Workers: Farmers, gamekeepers, and foresters.
2. Nature Photographers: People who sit still in the cold for hours.
3. Serious Hikers: Those who go off-trail and need clothes that won’t rip.
4. Buy-It-For-Life Enthusiasts: People who prefer to buy one good jacket instead of five cheap ones.

Alternative Brands to Consider

If Fortis isn’t exactly what you need, you might look at these reputable names:

• Ridgeline: A New Zealand brand famous for rugged, long-cut waterproof smocks.
• Arktis: Another UK-based brand that focuses more on tactical and military-grade gear.
• Rolf Skeldon: A great choice for those who want premium quality and durable design with a more modern, luxury outdoor aesthetic.
• Barbour: Best for a classic British country look, though usually less “hardcore” for extreme mountain use.
• Fjällräven: A Swedish brand known for being very tough, using their famous G-1000 waxed fabric.

Final Thoughts

After looking closely at the brand, it is clear that Fortis Clothing is the real deal. They don’t spend millions on flashy TV ads. Instead, they put that money into thick fabrics, strong thread, and fair wages for their UK staff. While the price might make you blink, the quality will make you a fan for life. If you need to stay dry in a storm, Fortis is one of the best choices you can make.

FAQs

Is Fortis Clothing made in the UK?

Yes, Fortis Clothing manufactures almost all of its products in their own factory in Devon, England. This allows them to maintain very high quality control and offer a repair service that many other brands cannot provide.

Is Fortis Clothing waterproof?

Yes, Fortis uses high-grade waterproof liners and breathable membranes. Their gear is specifically designed to handle the heavy, consistent rain found in the UK highlands and coastal areas without leaking.

How do I wash my Fortis smock?

You should always check the label, but generally, you should wash it on a cool setting with specialized outdoor clothing cleaner. Avoid regular detergents or fabric softeners, as these can damage the waterproof coating.

Does Fortis Clothing offer a warranty?

Fortis stands by its products. While they have a standard return policy, they are famous for their “repair over replace” mindset. If your gear gets damaged, you can often send it back to them for a professional fix.

What is the difference between Fortis and Country Covers?

Country Covers was the original name of the business. The brand changed its name to Fortis Clothing in 2016 to reflect its growth and the “strength” (Fortis means strong in Latin) of its outdoor and tactical gear.

Is Fortis Clothing true to size?

Fortis gear is often designed with a “roomy” fit to allow for layering underneath. If you prefer a tight fit, you might want to size down, but most people find their regular size works well for outdoor activity.

Where can I buy Fortis Clothing?

You can buy directly from their official website or visit them at major agricultural and country shows across the UK throughout the year.

Is Fortis Clothing good for birdwatching?

Yes, it is excellent for birdwatching because the fabrics are very quiet. This allows you to move through the woods or sit in a hide without the loud “crinkling” noise that many nylon jackets make.