Waterproof Jackets

Harrier Exmoor Jacket | Review

A feature-loaded jacket that should suit those who like to run all the winter

Harrier is a relatively new brand that hails from Derby, near the Peak District National Park. It was founded in 2020 by Kate McKenzie, a keen trail runner and qualified Nordic walking coach, and it seems to be hitting real strides having found a niche by offering affordable trail running kit to all abilities, from beginner to pro. It’s a brand that does seem to stand out from the crowd, not just with its fair pricing (which it says is down to its direct to consumer approach) but also because of its out-of-the-box thinking with its designs, the Harrier Exmoor jacket being a case and point.

Performance and Construction

This is a jacket designed specifically for trail running in bad weather and right through the year. Using a 2.5-layer fabric construction, it involves a stretchy, softshell-like outer fabric, a waterproof membrane and then a printed internal lining. The stretchy outer fabric makes it quite different to many of the other 2.5-layer jackets within the trail running category. It might be a touch heavier but it has a durability to it and it also doesn’t make that nasty swishy sound that most running jackets make. It reminds me a lot of the Rab Kinetic Ultra and also some of Polartec’s waterproof jackets.

Will Renwick using the Harrier Exmoor in the Highlands. Photos: Dave Macfarlane

During my tests it was definitely reliable as a shield from the elements. I used it during a number of runs around my locality in the Wiltshire Downs and also on a trip to the Scottish Highlands exploring the trails around Glencoe and Glen Nevis. The breathability levels are as good as can be expected from a membrane-lined jacket but the trick up its sleeve really helps here. What I’m referring to first of all is the fact that the main zip has two sets of press studs behind it that allows you to get airflow through the jacket without leaving you too overexposed to the elements and there are also two zipped vents on the torso.

What’s more, the same press studs along the zip enable you to quickly roll up the jacket and clip it around your waist, kind of like a bum bag. This means if you just want to take it off for a little while to cool down, you can do this while on the fly and you won’t have to go through the faff of stopping to pack it away into your vest. Normally when I start to overheat on runs, I just think stuff it I can’t be bothered to stop, so I power on and end up getting super clammy – and eventually cold because of this. This smart feature takes away this dilemma.

I also really like the design of the zip at the top of the jacket. This is deliberately crafted so you can throw the jacket on over the top of your running vest while still having access to your squeezy bottles or whatever you’ve got stowed on the front of the harness. Again, it’s another touch that takes away the need to stop while you’re in full flow. The offset zip definitely enhances the comfort around the chin too.

Extra Touches

There are zipped handwarmer pockets which I’ve found to be highly water resistant, though I think it’d be risky to totally count on them to keep your phone dry. These are tricky to access if you’re wearing a backpack with a hipbelt but they’re fine with most running vests. There’s also another zipped pocket that’s located above your backside. I found this to be handy for stashing my phone or snacks on runs without a vest and I could also fit my Montane Podium waterproof trousers in it too.

The cuffs are elasticated and have nice little thumb loops for that extra warmth and sealing in when it’s cold, wet and blowy.

The hood has a foam-stiffened peak that can be tucked back when it’s not required. It has three-point adjustment which I found allowed me to get a good reliable hold in strong winds, and it moved nicely with my head.

There are reflective details throughout the jacket, glove-friendly zipper tabs and there are also smart silicone details on the shoulders which help to keep the straps from a backpack or vest in place while also protecting the fabric from abrasion.

Fit

I’m 5 foot 10 and I tried this in a size medium which is my usual size. I really liked the fit. It’s actually cut a little bit longer than usual, coming down to cover the backside. I’ve tried a lot of waterproof running jackets that are a little bit short on the hem and I end up having to keep pulling them down when running with a backpack with a hipbelt or with a vest. That’s not a problem with this.

It’s slim fitting, but I found that I could still wear a thin mid layer underneath (my Arc’teryx Proton LT). The articulation around the armpits was excellent, even with that layer underneath. I have a 33-inch waist and I would say this was very close fitting around the hips and backside. Something to be mindful of if you’re a bit triangular in shape!

Will’s wearing the matching Dartmoor waterproof trousers here too.

Verdict

There are lots of smart details throughout this and the fabric has reliability and durability. Of course the tradeoff is that this isn’t the lightest running jacket out there, but UK runners who are used to very wet and windy winters might be willing to accept that compromise. I personally can see this as the kind of jacket I’d use for mountain running through winter, for events like the OMM or for something like the winter Spine Race through the Pennines. It certainly felt the right tool for the job when I used it over the course of some very wet and windy runs in the Scottish Highlands.

You’ll find this in multiple sizes, colours and in both men’s and women’s versions. You can read our review of the women’s version here.