Key features of the Pro Hunter Endure Harkila Jacket
This jacket is absolutely packed with features, and it’s appropriate to start by listing some of them to show just how comprehensive this jacket is:
- GORE-TEX® Waterproof Membrane: Ensures complete protection against wind, rain, and a high level of breathability.
- Durable Outer Shell: Crafted from high-quality materials, the jacket's outer shell provides excellent resistance to abrasions, protecting from the wear and tear commonly encountered in rugged outdoor environments.
- Noise-Reducing Construction: Engineered to minimize noise during movement, allowing hunters to maintain stealth and avoid startling game animals.
- Adjustable Hood: Includes side, rear and peak adjusters to ensure a snug fit and maximum peripheral vision.
- Freedom of movement. Design features including articulated sleeves, generous shoulder cut and stretch fabric allow unrestricted movement and flexibility, enabling hunters to shoot without restricted movement.
- Reinforced Shoulders: Designed to withstand the weight of heavy gear and equipment, ensuring durability and longevity even during extended use.
- Ample Pockets: Features multiple strategically placed pockets for easy access to essential gear, ammunition, and electronic devices, enhancing convenience and efficiency in the field.
- Brushed Thermal Lining: Provides warmth and insulation, keeping shooters comfortable in cold weather conditions without adding bulk or restricting movement.
- Adjustable Cuffs and Hem: Allows for a tailored fit, ensuring maximum comfort and protection against drafts and rain.
- Multiple Shooting Types: The versatile design and quality construction makes it suitable for a wide range of hunting and shooting types, being smart enough for a driven game shoot, and tough enough for stalking in the highlands.
Expert Opinion – straight from an owner of this jacket
When working through the key features I generally find shooting jackets have maybe 80% or 90% of the features I feel are key. The Harkila Pro Hunter Endure is unique in that it has all the features that I look for in a shooting jacket, a comprehensive list of which can be found here.
I particularly love the number of different fit adjustment options, it has a drawcord at the waist, a drawcord on the lower hem, two drawcords on the hood, Velcro adjusters on the cuffs and a further Velcro adjuster on the hood. All of which mean that pretty much whatever shape you are the jacket will work for you.
The number of pockets also ticks all the boxes for me. Dog leads, wallet, keys, phone, radio, poo bags (for the dog), treats (also for the dog) all have their own place. The large poacher pocket through the back will accommodate my woolly hat, gloves and dog lead with room to spare.
One of the things that makes the jacket stand out is how universal it is; it's smart enough for a driven game shooting day, it’s tough enough for rough shooting and beating, and its features are suitable for shooting with a rifle and shotgun shooting. If you’re looking to have just one shooting jacket in your wardrobe to cover you for every type of shooting, this is a great option.
Many of you may not know the Harkila brand: it’s been in the UK for over 20 years, but is still less well known that other names. However, this is changing rapidly and the quality of their kit means that Harkila is growing quickly in popularity, especially since Musto exited the shooting clothing market. I’m often asked ‘who makes the best shooting jackets’ and Harkila is the name on the tip of my tongue when I answer. The design, quality of fabrics and quality of workmanship in constructing the garments mean I can be totally confident in them. This particular jacket is made from an extremely hardwearing Gore-Tex® fabric that I can personally vouch for both the waterproof and breathable performance.
I personally own a Pro Hunter Endure Jacket, and it is my go-to coat for any day shooting and also for walking the dog. Having worked in the shooting clothing sector for over 20 years it’s not surprising that I’ve accumulated a substantial collection of kit. I’ve historically been loyal to Musto for shooting in, but this jacket has now become my number one option.
Pros
- Durability: The jacket is made with high-quality materials that are designed to withstand tough outdoor conditions, making it durable and long-lasting.
- Weatherproof: It offers excellent protection against various weather conditions, including wind and rain, thanks to its waterproof and breathable membrane.
- Functionality: The jacket is packed with shooting features that enhance its functionality for hunters, such as large pockets for storage, adjustable cuffs and hem, and a detachable hood.
- Comfort: Despite its rugged build, the jacket is designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods, with features like articulated sleeves for ease of movement.
- Versatility: It can be used for a variety of shooting tyles and outdoor activities beyond hunting, such as hiking, camping, and fishing, due to its versatile design.
Cons
- Price: Inevitably a Jacket of this quality comes at a chunky price, but few that own one would dispute that it is worth the money.
- Weight: The durable fabrics used in the construction mean the jacket can be somewhat heavy, which may not be ideal for those looking for lightweight outerwear, but does mean it is fit for purpose and rugged use
- Fit: The fit is excellent for the movement required to shooting in, but this means if you are after a more refined look, you may find the jacket to be too bulky or boxy.
- Maintenance: As with all jackets made with technical performance fabrics, special wash and care instructions need following to keep its waterproofing and breathability. It’s a bit harsh to criticise the jacket for this, but it could be seen as a drawback for some users.
Other jackets to consider
If you are considering the Harkila Pro Hunter Endure Jacket there are a couple of other jackets that I think are worthy of serious consideration before you take the plunge:
- Schoffel Ptagmigan Evo Jacket: This is another Gore-Tex® jacket that is packed full of all the features you’d expect. It has an advantage over the Pro Hunter in being lighter and more breathable, but is still very durable. The disadvantage is that for the pro hunter includes features that make it suitable for stalking with a rifle, whereas the Ptarmigan Evo is really only suited to Shotgun Shooting
- Deerhunter Muflon Jacket: This jacket has two distinct advantages over the Pro Hunter, firstly whilst it is still packed with features and quality fabrics, it is a good bit less money. Secondly, it has a much greater degree of insulation, so if you are someone who feels the cold this could be a better option to consider
Summary
This is arguably the most complete shooting jacket on the market, and made with the very best fabrics, and is very well put together. Not surprisingly it’s therefore not cheap, but given the years of wear it will stand up to it is good value for money. I’ve had my Pro Hunter Endure for four years now and have never for a moment regretted buying it.