CLAW GEAR HARPAGUS SOFTSHELL HOODY
This fall, CLAW GEAR comes up with a new lineup of softshell and fleece jackets. We have field tested these jackets during the PROJECT GECKO SNIPER COURSE in the Austrian Alps. Over the next few weeks, we will publish a review about every jacket here on the blog.
So lets start today with the Harpagus Softshell Hoody.
OVERVIEW (Design, Materials & Workmanship)
The CLAW GEAR Harpagus is made of 21% Polyamid, 69% Polyester, 10% Polyurethan and has a weight of around 700g.
The quality of the workmanship is very high and we can truly say that this is a premium product. We haven’t found any areas with protruding threads or any production errors.
The whole cut design of the jacket is very modern and body contoured. So we are sure this jacket will also find his way to a lot of civilian users.
The grid fleece inside the jacket keeps you warm and is comfortable to wear. Also in the neck area the jacket is equipped with this fleece.
COMPARTMENTS & FEATURES
The long front pockets of the Harpagus have 2-way zippers, with a smart stop function. That means you can adjust the size of the pocket by set the lower zipper. The upper one can only be opened to the position of the lower zipper. Inside the big pocket you can easily store a small map with a DINA5 size. The pocket itself is to the outside equipped with the grid fleece. The inner side is made with a lightweight net material.
With the available bungee cord around the hip and in the hood, we can adjust the jacket to our body and current needs. Through the main pockets, we can access the end of the cord at the hip.
Adjustable velcro flaps at the end of the sleeve keep you warm and the jacket in position. The length of velcro loop is for users with a smaller wrist a bit to short. Maybe CLAW GEAR can change this in the future.
The sleeve pockets for smaller items are also equipped with the net and grid fleece material. To not is that the upper zipper end is specially covered .This ensures that at this critical position no water can enter the jacket.
On the left side of the jacket we can see an inner pocket for a radio or mobile phone. An opening in the pocket and a strap near the neck for the headset cable are also available.
THE RAIN & FIELD TEST
CLAW GEAR has tested this jacket sucessful with water pressure of 10,000mm. During our fully equipped field test, we used this PU coated jacket by short, medium rain. It solved all our needs and has kept us basically dry. Only at the shoulder area did we have some ingress of water. For harder rain we definitely prefer the use of a hardshell jacket.
With the integration of flexible materials, the jacket feels very comfortable. The zip fasteners under the arm ensure good ventilation in stressful situations and provide a good climate.
GALLERY
LINKS
CLAW GEAR Website
CLAW GEAR @ facebook
CLAW GEAR @ twitter
CONCLUSION
For the price of around 140€ you get with the Harpago Softshell Jacket a lightweight quality product with modern design and a good functionalty. A great softshell for tactical and also civilian use.