Croots England: The Malton Standard of Field and City
“Croots is the definitive bridge between the rugged requirements of the North Yorkshire moors and the refined aesthetics of the city. Founded on the principle that a sports bag should be as much a piece of art as a tool of the trade, they have spent five decades proving that true English craftsmanship is built to outlast the trends.”
1. The Heritage
The Croots story began in 1978 when husband-and-wife founders, John and Margaret Smith, decided to handcraft the perfect sports bag after failing to find one on the market. Originally operating under the name "Field Sports Products," the business focused on the uncompromising world of hunting and fishing.
In 2004, their daughter Jackie and son-in-law Allistair Croot took the helm, rebranding to "Croots" in 2010 to give the brand a global identity. Today, they are a second-generation family success story, balancing traditional saddlery techniques with modern design.
2. The Location
Croots remains deeply rooted in Malton, North Yorkshire - often referred to as the home of great British craftsmanship. Every single bag, case, and accessory is handmade in their Malton workshop by specialist makers who have spent years mastering their art. The location is a strategic hub for sourcing: their weaving is done in West Yorkshire, waxed cotton comes from Scotland, and their heavy-duty hardware is sourced from traditional foundries in Walsall and Sheffield. This hyper-local supply chain ensures that their "Made in England" stamp is a point of manufacturing pride, not just a label.
3. The Difference
The Material Audit: Croots insists on hand-picking every hide. They use natural, vegetable-dyed leather and bridle leather to ensure a combination of suppleness and long-term performance.
Waterproof Integrity: Their signature cotton canvas is laminated with natural rubber, providing a level of waterproofing that far exceeds standard synthetic coatings.
Saddlery Standards: All products are processed in the best saddlery manner, meaning they are designed to be treated like a fine pair of shoes—regularly cared for and built to develop a personal patina over decades.
Field-Tested Design: Because the brand was born from field sports, even their city-focused laptop bags carry the "DNA" of rugged durability, including heavy-duty Riri zippers from Switzerland.
4. The Hero Products
The Byland Leather Shotgun Slip: A signature combination of style and function. Featuring a traditional flap and buckle opening with a full-length zip to allow for easy drying after a day in the field.
The Dalby Carryall: A masterclass in canvas engineering. Using 100% waterproof rubber-bonded canvas, it is the ultimate weekend bag for those who ignore the weather report.
The Malton Bridle Leather Cartridge Bag: A market leader in premium shooting gear, hand-dyed and built to hold its shape through a lifetime of heavy use.
5. The Essentials
Accreditations: Official suppliers to the Royal Family.
Product Index: Leather Goods, Cartridge Bags, Gun Slips, Game Bags, Travel Holdalls and Laptop Cases.
