British trail running apparel brand Harrier has launched its first trail running jacket. The Harrier Exmoor jacket has a host of features. I have been testing the jacket while running on Scottish trails. I also asked a friend to take it for a test-run, too.
Harrier Exmoor waterproof running jacket: Features list
- Available in men’s and women’s specific cuts.
- Men’s sizes: S-XXL
- Women’s sizes: XS-XL
- Constructed from soft, four-way-stretch fabric
- Waterproof rating: Hydrostatic head: 15,000mm
- Breathable rating: 15,000g/m2
- Waterproof, zipped pockets include a small top pocket for a phone, keys or gels
- Two front lower pockets for snacks or gloves and a large back compartment for map, or more snacks
- Fully taped seams
- Hood with three-way adjustment and peak
- Silicone grippers on the shoulders to minimise movement and increase durability
- Subtle pleated section on the rear of the jacket to allow quick on / off during showers if you want to wear over your pack
- Asymmetrical front zips – to allow access your race vest front pockets more easily on the move
- Pit zips and a press-stud feature
- Integrated thumb holes
- ,Elasticated and adjustable hem
- Reflective logos
- Bumbag feature – turn the jacket into a bumbag
- Packs away into its own compartment bag
- Weight: 331g (Size small)
- Price: £89
- See Harrier.
My thoughts: Harrier Exmoor waterproof running jacket
My first general thought is that this is a belt-and-braces style of waterproof running jacket. It’s not the lightest that I have tested but it is robust and waterproof with lots of features. In fact, the features feel a bit overwhelming when you first start reading about them.
Harrier usefully sends out a leaflet that tells you all the many features. Given the details I am surprised by the price. It’s a very reasonable £89. Compare this to many other brands and you’ll see just how reasonable it is for a waterproof running jacket that can be packed for a race. (Most running race organisers demand that jackets are waterproof with taped seams and a hood.)
Some more thoughts:
- The small feels more like a UK12. I think XS would fit me better as it is quite baggy in the chest area. I am usually a UK10.
- The sleeves are only just long enough for my arms, which means the XS would likely have sleeves that are too short. (I do have long arms.)
- The fabric is lovely. It’s soft to feel and flexible.
- There is no rustling from the fabric, which is good.
- It’s the sort of jacket I would use for winter running jacket or higher altitude in summer. That is, it is not what I would describe as a lightweight running jacket.
- The packable size of the jacket is quite large compared to other jackets.
- The jacket is waterproof and nicely breathable. My friend who also tested the jacket said she was very pleasantly surprised by how breathable the jacket is.
- There are lots of great details…
- …but also there are maybe too many details. The sticky bit on the shoulders isn’t really necessary when you wear a vest pack, in my opinion.
- I can’t imagine ever wearing the jacket with only the press studs in use instead of the zip.
- The double zip feature is confusing! I can see why this has been included, as a way to access the front storage areas of a running pack if you wear the jacket over the top, but I keep opening the wrong zip.
- I have never worn my jacket over my hydration pack but maybe this is something that many other people do so the pleated details and double zip aspect might be the best thing ever for them.
- When zipped to the top the jacket doesn’t flap. When open at the neck, the extra bit of fabric is heavy and flaps about. I have found I need to secure this annoying flappy bit with my vest pack. (A friend has added a press stud to keep this flap in place.)
- The hood is ample. It can be adjusted at three different points to fit more neatly.
- There are lots of pockets. I don’t think I would use many of these. When running I find it annoying to have things in pockets of a jacket because then the jacket moves and bangs around. I always keep kit in my vest pack.
- I can see that the pockets might be useful if using the jacket for walking, but not running.
- The many pockets would be useful if the jacket fit was neater.
- The top outer chest pocket is quite small. A friend who was testing the jacket said she would like a pocket here to fit a phone or a map.
- If you want to take the jacket off, you then need to stow the jacket and all the bits you have put in the pockets in a rucksack or carry like a bumbag. Is this practical?
- I am sure Harrier will be planning to sell jackets in brighter colours. A black jacket is never my first choice. It is better to be seen on the hills and trails, and especially when running on tarmac and where there is traffic
- The jacket could do with more reflective details.
- The zips are good and seem robust…
- …The zip pulls could be bigger. It is not easy pulling them while wearing gloves.
- The front zip is stiff when done up and this makes the jacket take on its own shape at the front. It looks like I have a bulge where my chest might be if I had bigger boobs! Maybe I need a bigger chest for this jacket?!
- The ability to secure the jacket around the waist as a bumbag is useful, although I usually always wear a running pack so I would put the jacket in there.
In conclusion: The Harrier Exmoor is a waterproof jacket with many thoughtful features and at a very reasonable price. It is nicely waterproof and breathable but made from a heavier fabric than other waterproof jackets I own. I would prefer a jacket with fewer pockets and features, especially as I usually carry a running pack for all my bits and pieces.
The jacket was sent to me by Harrier in return for an honest review.