Trail RunningHarrierTrail Running Jacket

Harrier Exmoor waterproof trail running jacket long-term review: no-nonsense protection from the new kid on the block

A budget running jacket with a premium design. We’ve had the Exmoor in our arsenal for several years and put it up against everything the UK can throw at it — including multiple soaking-wet ultras, numerous multi-dayers and over 1,000 miles of training runs.

✓  Best BuyHarrier Exmoor Waterproof Trail Running Jacket HH rating15,000 mmBreathability15,000 g/m²Price£94.99 The good✓  Tons of ventilation options
✓  Central stud — genius detail for open-zip running
✓  Running vest compatible (over and under)
✓  Race-compatible hood with peak
✓  Rolls into its own stuff sack
✓  Thumb loops
✓  Windproof
✓  Quiet — no crinkle noise
✓  Excellent value at £94.99
The not-so-good✗  Hip-belt feature never worked for us
✗  Material tore on a gravel fall
✗  So many zips — can feel fiddly
Check price at Harrier →

At a glance

Overview

Harrier is a British brand founded in 2020 by passionate trail runner Kate Parker. Having previously consulted numerous larger, more premium trail running brands, Kate was aware of the markup added to a lot of kit — especially in the burgeoning trail running space. As running should really be the cheapest form of exercise, she set about breaking down the financial barriers that prevent many people from taking up the sport. With a direct-to-consumer model and a lean product line, Harrier is generally able to offer products at substantially lower prices while still delivering considered design and solid performance.

The Exmoor is one of only two jackets in the range, which means the brand’s R&D resources have been focused on getting this one right. And at £94.99 direct from Harrier, it is multiple times cheaper than similar products from more established brands. The North Face Summit Superior Futurelight trail running jacket packs down smaller and weighs 100 g less — but costs almost three times as much. The Marmot Precip Eco is in a similar price bracket but lacks all the trail-running-specific features the Exmoor comes with. This is a real bargain for the price.

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How we tested

We have had the Harrier Exmoor in our kit room for several years and worn it at least once a fortnight since then. It has joined us on an untold number of wet weather runs (trail and road) across the South West, and on almost a dozen ultras with distances ranging from 30 to 100 miles. We have worn it on warm days along the Thames, on freezing days over the top of Cadair Idris, on supremely wet and windy runs over the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, and on pleasant mid-season training runs to keep sporadic showers off. All in, we have easily racked up well over 1,000 miles in this jacket — so it is safe to say we are well acquainted with it.

Features and performance

Waterproofness, windproofness and breathability

The Harrier Exmoor does exactly what it says on the tin: it keeps you dry in the rain. With a 15,000 mm hydrostatic head rating, quality stitching and fully taped seams, we have found it reliable even in a short deluge. We did notice slight water ingress on a particularly long training run where we ran through sustained rain for around 5 hours — but that is the trail running category, not a Harrier-specific weakness. The jacket is also decidedly windproof, cutting off any and all wind easily and immediately. As the material is thin, you do still feel some cold if it is pressed against bare skin, but wearing it over a baselayer solves that instantly. Thumb loops can also keep the wind off your hands if you run with closed fists.

Breathability at 15,000 g/m² is adequate, but no trail running jacket truly breathes when you are working hard. Harrier’s answer is the ventilation system — and it is genuinely excellent. The main zip, the vest-access chest zip, and the pit zips all let you dump heat fast. Our favourite detail on the whole jacket, however, is the central stud: it clips the material together to stop it flapping when you are running with the jacket wide open. Simple, smart, and something we would love to see on other trail running jackets.

Running vest compatibility and extra features

The Exmoor is fully compatible with a running vest. Silicone detailing on the shoulders prevents slippage when wearing it under a vest. If you wear it over a vest, an extra zip slightly off-centre lets you open the jacket enough to easily access anything you are carrying on your chest — soft flasks, snacks, safety kit. On ultras, this was genuinely useful. The hood is functional — cinchable, with a duckbill peak designed to keep rain off your face. It works better paired with a cap than alone. The race-compatible design means no awkward loops or toggles that snag on a vest.

One feature Harrier advertises is the ability to roll the jacket into its hem to create a hip belt. We could never make it work — every time we tried, it unravelled and trailed behind us like a cape. It is the one feature on the jacket that simply does not land in practice.

Durability

Manufactured from 4-way stretch polyester, the jacket is reasonably durable, though not your typical GORE-TEX mountaineering hardshell. When we slipped running along a steep gravel trail in a disused quarry, we immediately ripped a small hole in the sleeve. On mud or grass, we are confident it would have been fine. Go in with realistic expectations: this is a lightweight running jacket built for the trail, not for scrambling over sharp rock.

“One of the best value jackets out there right now — whether you’re new to trail running or a seasoned racer wanting a well-performing jacket at a good price.”

Our verdictIncredible bang for your buck — over 1,000 miles and still going strong.We really rate the Harrier Exmoor. Coming in at a fraction of the cost of lines from more premium brands, the jacket delivers incredible bang for your buck in a space that is becoming increasingly expensive year after year. Cleverly designed, it comes with smart features that tangibly improve your experience of running through bad weather. The hip-belt feature never worked for us, the material does not tolerate sharp rock well, and there are perhaps one too many zips — but none of that changes the bottom line: this is one of the best value trail running jackets out there right now. Whether you are new to trail running or a seasoned racer wanting solid performance at a good price, the Harrier Exmoor will more than fulfil your needs.Buy the Harrier Exmoor at Harrier →

FAQs

How waterproof is the Harrier Exmoor trail running jacket?Very waterproof for a trail running jacket. 15,000 mm hydrostatic head rating, fully taped seams. We noticed slight water ingress on a 5-hour sustained-rain training run — but that is the trail running category, not a Harrier-specific weakness.

How breathable is the Harrier Exmoor trail running jacket?Rated 15,000 g/m² — adequate for zone 2 running in cool weather. High-intensity or warm conditions will produce sweat, but the ventilation options (central stud, pit zips, main zip, chest zip) are some of the best on a jacket at this price.

Is the Harrier Exmoor trail running jacket worth the money?Yes, absolutely. Trail running kit is getting more expensive every year, and the Exmoor delivers comparable performance to jackets costing 2–3 times as much. One of the best value options in the category right now.