Harkila clothing for shooting/fishing

[grand cherokee]

after many years of using different makes from old Barbours to Musto etc I invested in the Harkila Pro Hunter coat and trousers plus Vindeln fleece and Alaska hat

I fish all year round and in my 'retirement' usually six days per week in all weathers

this clothing is so far ahead of others I have used that I felt its worth a mention (second best is Canadian Sportchief imo)

also I know of no other clothing that has a 5 year warranty (not fleece/hat)

the attention to design detail is outstanding - split pockets/radio pocket etc all in the right place for easy access without gymnastics!

its Goretex of course

I was initially concerned that it was made in China but I carried out extensive and I mean really extensive investigation regarding Goretex 'accreditation' etc and am more than happy with my findings

yes, it is expensive but with extreme outdoor clothing you get what you pay for

if buying I'd suggest a shop that has it in stock as sizing can be difficult particularly the high waisted trousers - I've been sending items back and forth to ensure the correct fit as I bought by mail order

one other thing I can confirm in an email from Harkila is that 'shortening' trousers does not affect the warranty - some companies say shortening their trousers voids the warranty

I paid full price for all my clothing so have no vested interest in promoting Harkila

I bought all mine from Ardmoor in Edinburgh and have had superb service

Edited by grand cherokee on Sunday 1st December 11:30

[vonhoolio]

I'll check out their range. I use Seeland trousers when I'm shooting but I'm in the market for a decent jacket too.
Jas

[grand cherokee]

vonhoolio said:

I'll check out their range. I use Seeland trousers when I'm shooting but I'm in the market for a decent jacket too.
Jas

you will not be disappointed I guarantee

[LotusMartin]

After being massively disappointed by my Chevalier Outland Pro, this is my next port of call. The do look excellent.

[Jem0911]

Lovely gear.
I prefer the traditional look though.
Although one of the guns I shoot with has a full suit he rates the Harkila range very highly.

[otolith]

Very nice, though a bit on the pricey side!

I've found that clothing sold for game fishing tends to be better quality than stuff sold for other disciplines. Very happy with my Snowbee jacket and overtrousers and Greys wading jacket, though I'm sure they aren't as good as the kit you've just bought.

[blackworm]

Ive a keeper mate that bought the Harkila jacket and pants,and they turned out pants!!

There maybe good for standing around in,but beating and general keepering jobs there not in his opinion.

He now uses Paramo and realy rates it,he also uses Nomad for stalking which are on my shopping list.

[Celtic Dragon]

I have a Deerhunter suit (Montana Jacket and Ram Trousers) and I have been very happy with it. Bought the jacket 2 years ago when we had the very low minus temps as I was freezing at the archery club. Last year I was wearing the jacket with zip in fleece and a t shrit and sweating just standing there shooting the bow in -6!

[grand cherokee]

blackworm said:

Ive a keeper mate that bought the Harkila jacket and pants,and they turned out pants!!

There maybe good for standing around in,but beating and general keepering jobs there not in his opinion.

He now uses Paramo and realy rates it,he also uses Nomad for stalking which are on my shopping list.

I'd have to disagree - which of the Harkila range did he buy?

and if he bought the Pro Hunter then the five year warranty would see it replaced?

so I cannot see why he is complaining?

I shoot/fish five/six days per week and my clothing gets serious abuse - not a single problem - in fact after a few washes with the CORRECT Nikwax products I'd say its better/softer than when new

I don't know about your keeper friend, but all the shoots etc I've been involved with the protective/work clothing has been provided by me and that's the standard practise in the UK and I say that as a retired sporting agent/fishery proprietor

Edited by grand cherokee on Friday 21st February 13:29

[grand cherokee]

update

the clothing has been superb - I've fished usually five days per week during the winter in all weathers

BUT

the trousers have a problem - the stitching to the leg cargo pockets on both sides has started to come apart which is really not acceptable on trousers costing this much

if said trousers were made in Germany or the USA these seams would be either reinforced with leather or rivets

I returned the trousers to Ardmoor who agreed a replacement without any quibble but I have to wait until June as there is no stock in the UK/EU

that's the problem with manufacturing in China and waiting for the next slow boat

obviously I cannot go without trousers until June so I have had to pay an extra £30 for the Pro Hunter X trousers that are in stock

Ardmoor would not offer a discount or anything for my inconvenience

edit

since my original post Anthony the MD of Ardmoor has refunded the £30 difference for inconvenience and I have now received my Pro Hunter X trousers

Edited by grand cherokee on Saturday 5th April 10:09

[grand cherokee]

well, I have been wrong and the clothing is actually ste

after a few weeks stitching comes apart - but more importantly it is not waterproof

[Hoofy]

grand cherokee said:

also I know of no other clothing that has a 5 year warranty (not fleece/hat)

That's handy.

[grand cherokee]

I admit when I'm wrong

the clothing performed well to start with but despite treatment with Nikwax etc as recommended by Harkila and Goretex the coat and trousers failed to 'bead' with water and the outer shell rapidly became wet

no water comes through so you are still dry, but the garments are then quite heavy and do not dry out quickly - they need to be tumble dried if you need them the next day

as I fish four/five days a week they are simply not up to the job as 'professional' clothing

they are 'designer' goods - ideal on the grouse moor/driven shoots or the odd days stalking for which they are perfect

but they were sold to me as suitable for heavy continual use

going to see if I can get a refund under the Sale of Goods Act as not fit for purpose?

speaking to a friend who has experience in the mountains of Afghanistan he recommended a Snugpak SJ9 jacket and a ECWCS Gen 3 outer shell

I'm also interested in the Norrona Recon Pro Jkt but at over £500 I cannot find a store with various sizes in stock to try

Edited by grand cherokee on Monday 27th October 12:00

[grand cherokee]

full credit to Ardmoor - their MD has agreed to refund the purchase price in full

that is superb service

at all times Ardmoor have been professional and courteous and I would not hesitate to recommend them to any prospective purchasers of clothing etc

the fault lies fully with Harkila in making a product that does not meet the needs of heavy constant use

[Hoofy]

Good result in the end. Shame it wastes your and Ardmoor's time (and probably money to some extent).

[grand cherokee]

think I'm going to get the Norrona Recon jacket - I like the ECWCS genuine kit but it's only available in cammo, as its made for the forces - Helikon make olive versions but they are not a jot on the US gear made by Propper Industries under contract to the DoD

but the matching Norrona trousers are a problem as I'm 'short and dumpy' - lol

said trousers have zips at the bottom to fit over boots making having them 'shortened' a big problem - given the trousers are just under £400 i'm asking Norrona if they can make a pair with 29" inside leg

I doubt they produce hundreds of trousers per day so a one off should not be problematic - I hope?

Edited by grand cherokee on Wednesday 29th October 11:34

[grand cherokee]

well after much research and talking to Norrona they are not up for consideration - basically trying to add caveats about heavy use

initial contact made through Ray Mears company (woodlore) who dropped my queries like a hot brick despite them being responsible for the warranty

so finally decided it must be USA made ECWCS Gen 3 layer 6 (outer shell)

started looking for some in the UK and its like rocking horse st, as it is in the USA

found the perfect jacket on ebay UK at £207 in my size until I started 'due diligence' and it looks suspicious - generic photo's of the USA made Propper Industries clothing as supplied to US forces

the seller just happens to be a Polish guy

now Poland and Helikon are joined at the hip - Helikon are a Polish company that sell copy ECWCS items that are far below USA standards!

looks like I will have to source from the USA to ensure I get genuine items

so beware - if you want genuine ECWCS you must buy from the USA - but sizes/availability are very limited

Edited by grand cherokee on Wednesday 5th November 02:25

[grand cherokee]

and the search goes on for ECWCS Gen 3 jacket - most US sellers are not interested in supplying outside CONUS as the home market demand is so high and those that sell to UK are getting rid of very 'odd' sizes ie a 6'6" giant with 32" waist

going round in circles soon to disappear up my own arse, lol!

seems the market for professional use is very limited in the UK - why I suppose I used to supply my ghillie with a new 'waterproof' coat every year - ditto my father with the keepers on the shoot

[AeroS]

Thread resurrection!

Looking at the Harkila product line but wary of spending that much on pro x suit and I them not being able to take some decent usage (beating, picking up, shooting).

Grand C - did you manage to find good alternative?

Cheers

Aero

[oddman]

I've got a Harkila Prohunter X jacket.

Did 2 seasons shooting not particularly heavy use. Once the DWR finish goes they get wet and heavy but are dry inside

Pocket seam and shoulder seam came adrift

Replaced with new one without a quibble but I couldn't recommend.