The rust-brown shoulder hide of the Northland sheep is a natural, chemical-free product and therefore largely odorless, although it may have a slight, natural scent. Since it is usually mineral-tanned, it should not be washed and should ideally not come into contact with excessive moisture, as the leather can become hard when exposed to a lot of water; however, light rain or fog at a medieval market is usually not a problem if it is subsequently air-dried gently.