Harrier, a small British trail running brand, has quickly made a splash with its Exmoor waterproof running jacket. Packed with features you didn’t even know you needed, this jacket is ideal for dealing with varied and unpredictable weather conditions.
It’s not the lightest waterproof running jacket on the market, weighing in at 340g (12 oz), but the Exmoor is built for protection and comfort during wet, endurance-focused runs. It’s meant to be worn, not just stashed in a bag to pass a kit check, and that philosophy shows in its thoughtful design and heavy-duty build.
Pros
- Excellent range of features
- Durable construction
- Pleated back allows for packs to be worn underneath
- Dual zips for customised ventilation
Cons
- A fair bit heavier than other jackets
- If you stash anything in the pockets, they will jangle
| RRP: | £94.99 / $105 |
| Women's sizes: | XS–XL |
| Men's sizes: | XS–XXL |
| Waterproofing: | Stretch fabric, 15,000mm |
| Construction: | N/A |
| Weight: | 340g (12 oz) |
Design and features
One of the most innovative elements of the Exmoor jacket is how it allows you to run with your race vest underneath, keeping your kit protected from the elements.
The pleated back section accommodates the extra bulk of a pack without making you look like a hunchback when not wearing one.
Meanwhile, the asymmetric zips on the front allow easy access to the front pockets of your running pack, a feature that’s simply unfeasible in most other jackets.
The left zip runs all the way down, while the right stops at mid-chest, giving you great versatility, whether for accessing gear or ventilation. And let’s not forget the full neck protection—rarely do you find a running jacket that does such a great job of covering your neck without needing the hood to be up the entire time.
Speaking of the hood, it's a real treat. It’s fully adjustable, with three adjustment points, and the stiff peak keeps rain out of your eyes no matter how you wear it.
Personally, I love how snug the hood can get while still giving a full field of vision, though I’ll admit the black-and-white colourway may have you looking a bit like a penguin. But hey, that’s a win in my book.
This jacket also shines in its unique roll-down bumbag feature. You can quickly take it off, roll it up, and clip it around your waist for easy access, something that’s particularly handy when the weather’s unpredictable.
Since the Exmoor doesn’t pack down as small as lighter options like the Compressport Thunderstorm, this feature is a game-changer for convenience.
It’s clearly designed to be worn throughout long wet runs rather than packed away and Harrier has succeeded in creating a jacket that’s both functional and durable. The silicone grippers on the shoulders to stop a running pack from slipping are just one more thoughtful touch.
Performance and comfort
This jacket performs superbly in the rain. With a 15,000mm hydrostatic head rating, it holds up in moderate-to-heavy rain without issue.
The fit covers every inch of your torso, and the hood, when cinched tight, can keep your entire face dry.
One issue, however, is the weight. It does feel heavier over time, especially as the material starts to saturate in very heavy downpours.
It’s definitely not as light as some minimalist options, but that’s not the point of the Exmoor. It’s a heavy-duty layer meant for long, slow, endurance-focused runs rather than quick, nimble efforts.
The ventilation is another strong point. Between the pit zips, front venting options, and the snap closure that allows you to leave the jacket unzipped while keeping it secure, the Exmoor is versatile enough to handle fluctuating weather.
You can adapt the airflow depending on how rainy or warm it gets, which exactly what you need when you live in a climate with changeable weather.
Fit and comfort
The four-way stretch fabric does a decent job of providing flexibility, but I did find the fit a little restrictive in places.
I went up a size from my usual size L to XL and it made all the difference, especially with the thumb loops.
The sizing is worth paying attention to. If you like a snug, athletic fit, stick with your usual size, but for more comfort and range of motion, go one size up. This is particularly important when using the jacket with a race vest or backpack underneath.
Price and competition
The Harrier Exmoor isn’t the lightest or the cheapest waterproof jacket out there, but as I've mentioned, it justifies the weight with its multitude of features and durability, and it's price? Well, that doesn't need justifying.
For less than £100, an all-day layer that can handle the elements like this is excellent value. It's less than half the price of the North Face Summit Superior Futurelight jacket and it has plenty more features.
Though this does fall way below the TNF jacket in terms of overall comfort and speed. Another competitor that's closer in price is the La Sportiva Pocketshell, which also has a good range of features, but is nowhere near as comfortable or adjustable as the Harrier.
Verdict
The Harrier Exmoor Waterproof Jacket is one of the most versatile, feature-packed running jackets I've tested.
It’s designed to be worn throughout long, wet adventures, providing comprehensive protection, breathability and clever solutions to common runners' gripes.
While heavier than minimalist options, its unique features, like the pleated back and double zips, make it a true standout for long-distance, endurance-focused runners.
Perfect for those unpredictable British conditions, it’s a jacket that can do it all.
About the author
Milo Wilson is the resident runner at LFTO, having joined the full-time testing team back in 2023. In addition to being extraordinarily handsome and charming, Milo is also a dedicated explorer whose main focus on the trails is to get lost, then find his way back home.
You may find him running off at lunch for a quick jog, but you're more likely to see him zipping up a full running pack and donning a pair of ultra trail running shoes to last all day on a sun-up to sun-down long run... on a Sunday.