ActiveOutdoorsOuterwearHarrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket review: goes the extra mileBritish outdoor brand Harrier’s affordable waterproof shell is ideal for ultra runners and fast hikersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe Exmoor Waterproof Jacket is an affordable shell that accommodates backpacks, while multiple pockets and an asymmetric zipper enhance functionality. Despite its thoughtful design, fit issues may arise, especially for taller users. The jacket is priced competitively, offering excellent value for long-distance trail runners who need a reliable, breathable, and waterproof outer layer.Reasons to buy+High hydrostatic head and breathability ratings+Lovely liner design+Fits over running backpacks+Excellent value for moneyReasons to avoid-Fit could be improved-Back feels too floppy without a bag underneath-Asymmetric zipper might not be everyone’s cup of tea-Might be too warm for someWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveOutdoorsOuterwearHarrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket review: goes the extra mileBritish outdoor brand Harrier’s affordable waterproof shell is ideal for ultra runners and fast hikersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe Exmoor Waterproof Jacket is an affordable shell that accommodates backpacks, while multiple pockets and an asymmetric zipper enhance functionality. Despite its thoughtful design, fit issues may arise, especially for taller users. The jacket is priced competitively, offering excellent value for long-distance trail runners who need a reliable, breathable, and waterproof outer layer.Reasons to buy+High hydrostatic head and breathability ratings+Lovely liner design+Fits over running backpacks+Excellent value for moneyReasons to avoid-Fit could be improved-Back feels too floppy without a bag underneath-Asymmetric zipper might not be everyone’s cup of tea-Might be too warm for someWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
British outdoor brand Harrier’s affordable waterproof shell is ideal for ultra runners and fast hikers
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe Exmoor Waterproof Jacket is an affordable shell that accommodates backpacks, while multiple pockets and an asymmetric zipper enhance functionality. Despite its thoughtful design, fit issues may arise, especially for taller users. The jacket is priced competitively, offering excellent value for long-distance trail runners who need a reliable, breathable, and waterproof outer layer.Reasons to buy+High hydrostatic head and breathability ratings+Lovely liner design+Fits over running backpacks+Excellent value for moneyReasons to avoid-Fit could be improved-Back feels too floppy without a bag underneath-Asymmetric zipper might not be everyone’s cup of tea-Might be too warm for some
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
T3 VerdictThe Exmoor Waterproof Jacket is an affordable shell that accommodates backpacks, while multiple pockets and an asymmetric zipper enhance functionality. Despite its thoughtful design, fit issues may arise, especially for taller users. The jacket is priced competitively, offering excellent value for long-distance trail runners who need a reliable, breathable, and waterproof outer layer.Reasons to buy+High hydrostatic head and breathability ratings+Lovely liner design+Fits over running backpacks+Excellent value for moneyReasons to avoid-Fit could be improved-Back feels too floppy without a bag underneath-Asymmetric zipper might not be everyone’s cup of tea-Might be too warm for some
T3 VerdictThe Exmoor Waterproof Jacket is an affordable shell that accommodates backpacks, while multiple pockets and an asymmetric zipper enhance functionality. Despite its thoughtful design, fit issues may arise, especially for taller users. The jacket is priced competitively, offering excellent value for long-distance trail runners who need a reliable, breathable, and waterproof outer layer.
T3 Verdict
The Exmoor Waterproof Jacket is an affordable shell that accommodates backpacks, while multiple pockets and an asymmetric zipper enhance functionality. Despite its thoughtful design, fit issues may arise, especially for taller users. The jacket is priced competitively, offering excellent value for long-distance trail runners who need a reliable, breathable, and waterproof outer layer.
Reasons to buy+High hydrostatic head and breathability ratings+Lovely liner design+Fits over running backpacks+Excellent value for moneyReasons to avoid-Fit could be improved-Back feels too floppy without a bag underneath-Asymmetric zipper might not be everyone’s cup of tea-Might be too warm for some
Reasons to buy+High hydrostatic head and breathability ratings+Lovely liner design+Fits over running backpacks+Excellent value for money
High hydrostatic head and breathability ratings
Lovely liner design
Fits over running backpacks
Excellent value for money
Reasons to avoid-Fit could be improved-Back feels too floppy without a bag underneath-Asymmetric zipper might not be everyone’s cup of tea-Might be too warm for some
Fit could be improved
Back feels too floppy without a bag underneath
Asymmetric zipper might not be everyone’s cup of tea
Might be too warm for some
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and materialsPerformanceWho’s it for?Should you buy it?Verdict
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and materialsPerformanceWho’s it for?Should you buy it?Verdict
Harrier is one of those British brands not many people know about, but they really should. The Peak District-based company produces some excellent value-for-money gear for trail runners, including the Exmoor Waterproof Jacket, the subject of this review.
I’ve been using the waterproof shell for a few months, and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a brand with roots in ultra-trail running. The Exmoor is comfortable and offers plenty of features to cope with interchangeable weather in the UK or elsewhere.
Does the jacket belong in T3’sbest waterproof jacketroundup, or are you better off looking elsewhere? Who should buy the Exmoor, and who should avoid it? What are the best (and worst) features of this weather-ready shell? Let’s find out!
Harrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket review
Price and availability
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Harrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket is available in three colours in bothmen’sandwomen’sversions for a recommended price of £94.99/ $103/ AU$157. Harrier offers free Royal Mail Tracked 24 on all UK orders over £50. Sadly, the company doesn’t ship products anywhere else in the world apart from the Republic of Ireland at present. As such, US and AU availability TBC.
Specifications
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Design and materials
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Exmoor Waterproof Jacket is constructed from soft 4-way stretch fabric, which is soft to the touch and considerably waterproof with its 15,000 mm hydrostatic head rating. Some waterproof jackets, such as theMountain Equipment Makalu Jacket, have much higher HH ratings; however, unlike the Exmoor, those are designed for slow-paced activities.
The Exmoor also has a 15,000g/m2 breathability rating, which is almost as important as the shell’s water rating, considering that the Exmoor is designed for trail running. To put it plainly, Harrier compromised some of the waterproofing so you don’t get too sweaty under the jacket when you tackle longer distances.
One of the Exmoor’s most unique features is the back pleat. This allows you to wear a decent-sizedrunning backpackunder your jacket without the front being too taut. Some compromise had to be made here, too, as the pleats don’t feel too snug if the backpack isn’t underneath. It’s far from baggy, but admittedly, it feels less body-hugging than thePatagonia Storm Racer 2024.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Exmoor features an asymmetric front zipper, which makes it easier to access the should area, where the end of the water bladder tubes is often located. This is yet another feature that proves the shell is designed with ultra runners in mind.
One of my favourite features is the Exmoor’s liner. Sure, it makes the jacket a bit warmer, but the pattern is lovely and makes you appreciate the craftsmanship much more. It also helps you stay a bit warmer when the weather isn’t great, which helps reduce unnecessary layers/bulk.
Performance
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
I really like the design of the Harrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket, but I hate to say that I found the fit and the performance less impressive. I requested a medium, which is my usual size, and it feels much smaller than the waterproof jackets I tried before. For the record, I’m 6’0” and have a slim frame.
The arms are too short; the thumb loops sit where myrunning watchusually is, way up my wrist. The adjustable hood has a little peak, but because it is also small, it barely reaches my forehead, let alone keep the moisture away from my face.
Now, you might say that the jacket is clearly too small and that I should’ve asked for a large one. However, the front of the jacket, especially in the chest area, feels too large. I mentioned above that the Exmoor is designed to fit a running backpack underneath, but without said bag, it feels way too spacious.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The somewhat rigid asymmetric zippers, which make the front of the jacket push away from the body, also don’t help the situation.
This segues nicely into explaining why you’d need the asymmetric zippers in the first place. The Exmoor is tailor-made for rail running, especially long distances, and as such, the features, including the zipper, are optimised for that activity.
You can feel the tender, loving care that went into the jacket’s construction. There is plenty of storage to put away anything you might need when you’re on your own in the wilderness, and the liner adds that extra bit of warmth to help you avoid getting too cold when you walk into those long uphill sections.
Who’s the Harrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket for?
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
I’d recommend the Harrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket to trail runners who often tackle long distances, carry plenty of gear, and need a warm, waterproof, and breathable outer layer for interchangeable weather conditions.
Should you buy the Exmoor Waterproof Jacket?
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
One of the Exmoor jacket’s most appealing features is its price. It costs as much as an own-brand option (e.g., theH&M StormMove 3-Layer Shell Jacket), but it feels more premium than that. There’s nothing wrong with the H&M coat, though! Be mindful of sizing, and you should be okay.
Verdict
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
I’m in two minds about the Harrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket. On the one hand, I like the quality of the jacket, and I can tell a lot of thought went into its design. On the other hand, the fit isn’t great, and it’s aimed at a niche (but growing) market of long-distance trail runners.
It’s affordably priced and has a lot going for it, so if you need a reliable waterproof shell for running in the Peak or Lake District at basically any time during the year, the Exmoor should serve you well. Just be very careful with the sizing and fit; that’s all.
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