Opposite the Cock and 4 Seasons ladies shoes we find a manly establishment in the form of Eastman Army Camp at No. 52 High Street. Unreconstructedly masculine, this shop sells Outdoor Military Workware.

Come inside to buy all manner of overalls, reinforced toe-cap boots, combat attire, jackets, parkas and anoraks. (Tower Boots sells boots of a similar serviceability for outdoor pleasure uses without the militarism).

The tone is set by the window display. Swiss Army knives, a bugle, headlamps, camping stoves, a solid fuel warmer, fishing tackle, a Karabinier with torch attachment, compasses, binoculars, a military first aid kit, water bottles and mess tins. Catering not just to food for free fans of the Ray Mears tendency or dedicated anglers but any off duty mercenaries who may just be resting up in Walthamstow between coups and who want to keep their hands in or hold a parade; this shop also displays ammunition boxes, helmets, brass buttons, whips, bayonets, gas masks, a field telephone, zippo lighters, webbing, foreign bank notes and medals. They seemed to have run out of trenching tools when I last looked in, but I did once buy a knife from this shop for picking mushrooms.

Shoppers here may like HC Briggs.

[Updated 14 July 2009]