The Core Verdict: The Harrier Dartmoor trousers deliver an exceptionally quiet, comfortable fit that doubles as an indispensable thermal layer for winter traversing and ultra racing. They offer good value as mandatory cold-weather kit, though their overly short side zips make rapid deployment over trail shoes a frustrating mid-storm wrestling match, and the light-coloured lining is an absolute magnet for UK mud.
Transparency Statement: I purchased the Harrier Dartmoor Waterproof Trousers at retail directly from the Harrier website on 30 October 2024 for £47.94 (including shipping) using a 20% discount code. Harrier had no editorial input, and all opinions remain entirely my own.
At a Glance: Specs, Rating & Trail Matrix
|
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Overall Rating |
★★★★☆ (4/5) |
|
Test Size |
Small (Unisex) – my usual size is UK10/12 |
|
Key Parameters |
Waterproofing: 15,000mm HH Breathability: 15,000 MVP |
|
Best For |
Winter traversing, wet weather hiking, mandatory ultra kit (e.g., Arc of Attrition 50) |
|
Additional Features |
Waterproof back pocket, 4-way stretch fabric (making them exceptionally comfortable), and leg zips. However, as someone who is 5’4″ wearing a size small and size 7 shoes, pulling them on and off is a struggle. Longer zips are definitely needed. |
|
Price Bracket |
Mid-range (~£60) |
The Testing Grounds
Harrier Dartmoor were pushed through the UK’s most abrasive and saturated environments, serving as a critical piece of mandatory ultra-racing kit and general winter protection:
The short side zips make pulling them over shoes a struggle.
Water beading effectively on the DWR-treated fabric.
Testing the athletic fit and DWR performance in wet snow.
Mud-covered after 50 miles at the Arc of Attrition.
Excellent thermal layer for deep snow and cold winds.
Staying warm and dry at an Arc of Attrition checkpoint.
Field Performance
The standout feature of the Harrier Dartmoor trousers is the outer fabric. Most waterproof overtrousers sound like a packet of crisps being crushed with every stride, but Harrier has sourced a material that is genuinely silent. Beyond baseline rain protection, these truly excel as dedicated winter and cold weather kit. When traversing exposed ridges or pushing through dropping temperatures, they provide an incredibly comfortable additional layer that traps warmth without stifling you. Their breathability and fit is so good that I left them on for the entirety of the Arc of Attrition 50.
The fit is tailored and athletic, avoiding the parachute-like flapping common in budget rain gear. Harrier states that the leg zips allow for quick on/off transitions, but my experience was entirely different. At 5’4″ wearing a size Small with size 7 trail shoes, pulling them on over my footwear is a real struggle. The zips are just too short, forcing you into a balancing act where you have to wrestle muddy soles through tight cuffs – which completely undermines their utility as quick-stash emergency gear.
Canine Logistics
When trekking with a large dog, you are inevitably going to deal with mud, puddles, and sudden movements. The silent outer fabric is brilliant – it doesn’t spook nervous dogs and moves fluidly when you need to drop a knee to manage a lead, adjust a harness, or wipe down paws.
The interior, however, is a different story. Harrier opted for a light-coloured inner lining which looks quite sharp out of the box, but it is entirely impractical for UK conditions. Wrestling these on over muddy shoes, or peeling them off after wrangling a wet dog, instantly stains the lining. Since frequent washing ruins the performance of waterproofs, you are forced to just accept it, leaving them looking permanently grimy on the inside after only a few uses.
Durability, Repair & Warranty
Out on the trail, fabric that prioritises a quiet, soft hand-feel usually sacrifices some mechanical toughness, and the Harrier Dartmoor is no exception. Over the testing period across Lake District, they suffered two breaches: a snag on a rogue strand of barbed wire, and a small puncture to the knee after a heavy fall.
Crucially, the fabric takes repairs beautifully. I managed to stitch both tears closed at home without needing specialised patches or professional intervention. For a piece of kit designed for the grit of UK trails, repairability is a massive sustainability win. Keeping gear in rotation with a simple needle and thread beats sending it to landfill every time. Harrier is also a UK-based brand, meaning if you do suffer catastrophic damage, engaging with customer service doesn’t require trans-Atlantic shipping logistics.
Budget vs. Premium
At full price, these hover around the £50-£60 mark, but with a standard discount, bagging them for under £50 makes them an undeniable bargain. Premium alternatives from brands like Arc’teryx or Inov-8 will charge upwards of £130 for a similar weight and stretch, and they will still tear if you catch them on agricultural wire. Despite the short zips, the Harrier Dartmoor’s silent fabric, cold-weather comfort over 50 miles, and tailored fit make them an exceptionally high-value proposition for anyone who needs reliable mandatory kit or a dependable winter layer on the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Harrier Dartmoor trousers actually quiet when running?
Yes. Unlike traditional Gore-Tex or standard nylon rain pants, the Dartmoor utilises a soft-touch outer fabric that eliminates the annoying “swish-swish” sound, making them excellent for continuous running and winter traversing without noisy rustle.
Are Harrier Dartmoor warm enough for winter hiking?
Yes, they act as an excellent additional thermal layer when temperatures drop. While not heavily insulated, the windproof and waterproof nature of the fabric traps heat efficiently, making them a staple for traversing cold, exposed environments like the Cornish coast or Scottish highlands.
Can I put Harrier Dartmoor on without taking my trail shoes off?
Technically yes, but it is a struggle. The side zippers are too short, meaning you have to force muddy trail shoes through a tight opening, which almost always results in getting the light-coloured interior lining dirty and costs valuable time in a downpour.
How easy are Harrier Dartmoor to repair?
Very easy. Simple needle and thread stitching holds up perfectly well for minor tears from barbed wire or trail falls, negating the need to replace the garment after a minor accident and extending the lifespan of the product.
