SPRING/SUMMER 2017
HÄRKILA EXPANDS THE HORIZON For the first time, Härkila presents its dedicated spring and summer catalogue. We have designed, developed and tested a series of warm and hot weather innovations for our sturdy Endurance range, our active Performance range and our stylish Classics range. Our new Endurance series is called the PH Range and is inspired by professional African shooting guides, the PHs. For this occasion, we went shooting in South Africa, and you can read about our experi ences and the clothing range here in the catalogue. With our Performance range, our focus is on summer deer stalking. We have developed products for active shooting and new techno logies incorporating improved ease of movement, breathability and noiseless fabrics. And don’t miss our article about a different kind of buck shoot. The innovations in the Classics range will let you stay stylish both on formal occasions and when relaxing. We have also interviewed five women shooters to discover their attitudes to shooting, and whether there are differences between men and women shooters. Last, but not least, we are pleased to present our custom range of sturdy Härkila hunting knives. Härkila Trust your Instinct
INSPIRATION 12
In the footsteps of the PH – Join us on a South African shoot
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The buck’s other life – an insight into its day
46
What women shooters want – getting to know 5 huntresses
COLLECTIONS 4 16 40 54
Performance Endurance Classics Sporting
TECHNOLOGIES 18 20
Härkila technologies Working with the best
58
Size guide
FOR SHOOTING IN TOUGH CONDITIONS
Hardwearing materials with high levels of functionality
PH RANGE DURABLE SHOOTING APPAREL FOR HOT WEATHER The PH Range consists of sturdy shooting garments that are com fortable and airy, even in hot weather. They are inspired by Africa’s professional shooting guides, the PHs, who guide other shooters to unforgettable savannah encounters. They are made from hard wearing patina-washed cotton with leather detailing and they are just as rugged as they look. The range includes a gilet with interior mesh for extra comfort, large pockets and functional detailing, and long and short-sleeved shirts with ventilation and mesh in the back. There are also trousers and shorts with large pockets, hardwearing gaiters, a breathable cap and lightweight stalking boots. PH Range vest 12 01 091 65 - Dark sand Size 48-60 · £ 179,99
Genuine Leather TRIM
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ENDURANCE
PH Range cap 18 01 096 65 - Dark sand Size One size · £ 49,99
PH Range SS shirt 14 01 102 71 - Dark olive 14 01 102 41 - Sand Size M-4XL · £ 64,99
PH Range shorts 11 01 173 65 - Dark sand Size 48-60 · £ 129,99
ENDURANCE
7
PH RANGE
PH Range LS shirt 14 01 101 71 - Dark olive 14 01 101 41 - Sand Size S-4XL ¡ £ 84,99
Why cotton? The natural cotton fibres are ideal for dry heat. Air circulates freely through the material, which also absorbs perspiration, cooling as it evaporates.
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ENDURANCE
PH Range trousers 11 01 172 65 - Dark sand Size 48-60 · £ 179,99
ENDURANCE
9
PH RANGE
RIFLE SLING Rifle sling in canvas and leather. Ergonomically designed with traditional and silent attachments. A thick neoprene layer on the rear increases comfort when the strap is worn over the shoulder.
PH RANGE SHORT GAITERS
Rifle sling in leather/canvas
These special short gaiters in the PH Range are designed to protect your boots from small, sharp objects out on the savannah.
36 01 007 42 36 - Dark brown / 93 cm · £ 44,99
22 01 036 65 - Dark sand Size One size · £ 29,99
PH RANGE GTX® 8” Lightweight, breathable, hardwearing and waterproof stalking boots with Orthotic fit™ and GORE-TEX® Extended comfort. Upper in durable Cordura® 1000D. Puncture-resistant shaft and Härkila Multi Density Grip™ for a firm footing. 30 01 126 67 - Dark sand/Warm olive Size 5-15 (5-13 in ½ sizes) · £ 239,-
Foot shield The PH Range boots have a puncture-resistant midsole to protect your feet from sharp savannah thorns.
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ENDURANCE
Rifle sling in canvas/ leather 36 01 008 31 36 - Green / 93 cm · £ 32,99
ENDURANCE
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By: Thomas Lindy Nissen
The red dust encloses your boot as you take the first step behind the PH through the thorny bush. Even if you don’t yet know what the shoot will bring, you know that the day will be thrilling, challenging and instructive – quintessential Africa!
IN THE FOOTSTEPS
OF THE PH
On an African shooting day, you never know whether you’ll end up stalking buffalo, bushbuck or something else entirely. But today, you’ve decided to try your luck with the astonishingly beautiful oryx. The PH stands still, assessing the situation, listening intently to the sounds of the bush, reading his surroundings. His eyes glide over the dawn terrain, decoding the possibilities and contemplating his next move. He stoops to grasp some of the red soil that he uses to read the wind direction. As it cascades to the ground, a red plume fans out down wind. The PH is now ready. A plan is formed.
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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PH
In the teeming life of the bush The sun casts a gentle light over the dense bush which, in combina tion with a mosaic of shadows, creates excellent cover for wildlife. Only a trained eye will detect even otherwise conspicuous species, like zebra or the light-coloured 200-kilo oryx. A turtle dove coos over to the left. Its evocative call is an injection of sound through your eardrums that sends a rush of Africa directly into your veins. While you stalk behind the PH, you sense the ex citement and clearly register the unstoppable rise of shooting zeal in your being. You spot several different species in the bush. A small bush duiker rears its head, some impalas trot down to a watering hole, ›››
VALUABLE GAME Over time, income from hunting has helped preserve the populations of game and their biotopes. In South Africa, hunting has led to cattle ranches being transformed into natural idylls with amazing wildlife density and variation. Not only does the income from hunting give value to the wildlife. It also provides a direct econoÂmic boost which in turn creates employment and higher living standards for local populations. This influx of foreign currency and the value placed on wildlife helps to further reduce poaching. Âp oaching. Essentially all parts of shot hunted animals animals areare used in local cuisines.
while the hefty eland grazes behind some shrivelled, thorny bushes. But no oryx yet.
A meeting with the bull The oryx or gemsbok is extremely hardy and can survive in some of the world’s driest biotopes.
A plan takes shape, while a
It is not particularly dependent on direct access to water, which strikes you as ironic when the PH climbs seven or eight metres up a wind turbine that draws life-giving water from the subsoil. Not every bush animal is as tough and hardy as this antelope with its black-and-white-marked face.
red plume of sand fans out downwind.
Having explored the dense bush from a bird’s eye view, the PH climbs down from the wind turbine. He joins you seconds later with an intense gleam in his eyes. He has spotted a lone bull oryx just a few hundred metres to the south. The stalk continues and you are lucky to have low sunlight streaming in over your shoulder and the wind in your face.
Within range A sudden movement attracts your attention. A pair of shiny horns glistens in the morning sun a few hundred metres ahead. For a few seconds, the PH studies the animal which is almost completely hidden in the bush. He lowers his binoculars, turns round and looks you straight in the eye: ”It’s the bull, the one we’re after. Follow me!” You move quickly but silently. First, in a low walk between the thorn bushes, and then on all fours with sore knees and fine sand between your fingers. You are within range, and the bull just needs to present his shoulder for a shot, so you and the PH rise in unison. You ease the rifle onto the rests of the shooting stick and find a good footing. The PH signals that you must be patient and absolutely still, but also ready to aim. These are the few seconds that you have travelled so far to experi ence. This is the almost unbearable tension for which you have en dured so much. The bull oryx wheels round to his right, takes a few quick but controlled steps towards a small opening in the bush. You unlock the safety, put your cheek to the stock and lock the crosshairs to your retina. You exhale one last adrenalin-filled breath into the African morning before the beast’s great flank is exposed. The PH whispers the awaited instruction: ”SHOOT”. You crook your finger, feel the recoil and immediately know that the shot has hit home.
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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PH
PROFESSIONAL HUNTER (PH): A number of African countries have now introduced PH training schemes. However, the legislation varies from country to country. PH training teaches the theoretical and real-life assessment of game from different species, practical shooting techniques and methods and the tracking of wounded game. General handling, skinning and meat handling are also part of the training, along with first aid, snake bites, customer care and camp set-up. Also covered are topics such as wildlife conservation and management, shooting techniques and general legislation and knowledge concerning plant and animal life. Completing the training is the first step to becoming a PH, but to be a top PH requires years of hands-on experience. And you never finish learning.
Barbecued meat and sundowners You’re gazing at an ember of hard African firewood that one minute flares up to nearly white-hot, only to fade into an almost black hue. Sitting there with a radiant smile, a cool G&T in the hand, beads of condensation flecking the glass, you think back on the day’s events. Your nostrils catch the scent of sizzling oryx fillet as the PH gently turns it on the barbecue a few centimetres above the glowing coals. You lean back to quietly trace a glowing ember that rises up from the fire into the night sky. As it fades away, you are spellbound by the great continent’s clear, starry sky and the mystery of the Milky Way. The silence is broken by a leopard, claiming his hunting ground with deep growling on the other side of the muddy grey, crocodile-infested water. In that second, you realise that the bush’s paradoxical combination of beauty and fierce, untrammelled nature has captured part of your soul. A small part of you that you will only recover by returning once again to the mysterious shooting grounds of the bush. Africa is in your veins, it’s under your skin! IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PH
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FOR ACTIVE SHOOTING
Lightweight materials combining excellent breathability and unique technical properties
NEW HÄRKILA TECHNOLOGIES This year we are introducing a range of new technologies targeted at the shooter’s needs. They have each been specially developed in our laboratories and thoroughly field-tested by our Proteam of skilled and experienced shooters. The benefits for you the shooter are harder-wearing clothes with better breathability and more freedom of movement.
THERMO POLY SHIELD™
HYBRID SYSTEM
THERMO POLY SHIELD™
HYBRID SYSTEM
Insulation #
Performance + Comfort
Lightweight insulation that provides ease of
Combination of materials for the ultimate in
movement. Made from quick-drying, soft,
comfort, performance and capability.
fine polyester fibres. • Warmth without weight or bulk • Retains warmth, even when wet • Quick-drying • Moisture-transporting • Reflects heat back inwards
THERMO POLY SHIELD™
ARCSTRETCH™
THERMO POLY SHIELD™
ARCSTRETCH™
Down Feel
360° stretch and durable elasticity
Designed to emulate the properties of down. The
Designed for high-intensity activity. Retains its elas
structure of the fibres creates small air pockets
ticity. Protects against the elements and provides
that keep the body warm. Dries quickly and retains
comfort without hindering freedom of movement.
warmth, even when wet. • Elasticated fibres • All the benefits of down
• Retains its shape
• Retains warmth, even when wet
• Breathable
• Lightweight and quick-drying
• Moisture-transporting
• Moisture-transporting
• Insulating
• Reflects heat back inwards
TECHNOLOGIES
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WORKING WITH THE BEST ... Innovation and uncompromising quality are our watchwords at Härkila. So we only work with the market’s very best, most innovative and quality-focused partners.
® T E C H N O L O G Y
GORE-TEX®. Waterproof, windproof and breathable mem
Insect Shield®. Built-in protection against insects. A
brane in a very high quality.
long-lasting, effective and odourless way to repel mosqui toes, ticks, flies and fleas. EU approved for both pets and
GORE WINDSTOPPER®. Combines complete wind protec
people.
tion with outstanding breathability. You stay comfortable with fewer layers and enjoy greater freedom of movement.
Vibram®. High-tech specialised sole promising a com fortable, ergonomic stride.
PrimaLoft®. Originally developed for military use as an alternative to goose down. Highly compressible and insu
Ortholite®. Functional insoles of the best quality. Moisture-
lating in both wet and dry conditions.
transporting, breathable and anti-bacterial.
CORDURA®. Highly durable and lightweight fibres.
DRI-LEX®. Supreme moisture-wicking properties and durability.
Polartec®. The market leader for technical fleece. Insulating, low weight and highly breathable.
See all our partners at harkila.com
Polygiene®. Keeps the garment odour-free. Polygiene® Odor Control Technology uses natural silver chloride to inhibit the bacterial growth that causes unpleasant odours in sweaty clothes. EU approved.
TECHNOLOGIES PERFORMANCE
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AGNAR HYBRID INNOVATIVE COMBINATION Härkila’s Hybrid System is used in the Agnar suit to combine com fort with freedom of movement to give you the best of both worlds. The suit is breathable and windproof with waterproof pockets and panels, while the ArcStretch™ fabric allows full freedom of movement. The Agnar Hybrid jacket has waterproof zip pockets, and adjustable collar, lower hem and sleeves. The trousers have waterproof legs and seat, an adjustment system on the lower hem and slanted zip pockets. Agnar Hybrid jacket 10 01 132 22 - Highland green/Rifle green Size 46-58 · £ 199,99
Agnar Hybrid trousers 11 01 170 22 - Highland green/Rifle green Size 46-58 · £ 199,99
HYBRID SYSTEM
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ARCSTRETCH™
PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
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24
THE BUCK’S OTHER LIFE
The sun has just broken the horizon in the east. Golden rays pierce the misty morning air between the crowns of the trees, striking the tower in flickering dapples. I’ve been waiting for this sunrise. Eagerly anticipating this day – the 16th of August – the first day of the Swedish buck shooting season.
By: Jón Rúnar Guðjónsson Photo: Jan Sølvhøi
THE BUCK’S
OTHER LIFE
The tower I’m sitting in is in the middle of our grounds. We call it “The Crossroads”. There’s a clear view in all directions, but best of all down 130 metres of open forest track. The place is crisscrossed by wildlife trails. The buck has rubbed several spots in the area and one of the other shooters in our little consortium actually spotted it during a boar shoot a month ago. It’s a tall, old six-pointer. The perfect mature buck.
The opening day There’s a special feel to the first day of the season. The wait is over. I’ve been poised and ready for this morning for a long time. In fact, about six months - at least! And then again, not. Because as I sit here at dawn, I realise once again that I’m never quite ready for this full-on encounter with the natural world. There’s always something new to experience and learn. I close my eyes and
inhale deeply through my nose. The forest smells awesome this morning. It smells of life. I’ve whiled away the months of waiting by preparing. What can you do to improve your chances of getting within shot of the perfect buck? Perhaps I prepared more than needed. But this is part of the process – part of the pleasure. I’m not about to be let down by my shooting gear. This year, I’ve got myself a brand new rifle. It’s a Sauer 404, and fitted with the best sights I could source. The rifle has been calibrated, checked and double-checked and seve ral trips to the firing range have made the rifle and me the best of friends. Pulling the trigger is second nature after firing hundreds of dry shots. I’ve also picked the right shooting apparel for the occasion, checking it and laying it out on the table in the cabin just before I went to bed yesterday. Everything had to be just-so ››› THE BUCK’S OTHER LIFE
25
for today. I’m aiming to down a prime buck or a weak cullable buck if the chance arises. It’s got to be the right one, or none.
What do I actually know? Nature is awakening around me. Small birds are getting busy, and, on this otherwise windstill morning, are making a lot more noise than usual, I reckon. I’m thinking about what I actually know about deer. What do they feed on, why are they active in the morning and evening? I’ve heard many rumours, and I’ve given it a lot of thought. Now the time’s come to put the theories into practice. Will my tactics work? I’ve been a huntsman for 29 years, but in many ways still feel like a novice. I’m surprised all the time, learning something new all the time – and I love it. I know that deer are ruminants. This forces them to feed about every four hours. So it doesn’t really make sense to me that they are only active in the mornings and evenings. Perhaps the mor ning and evening activities, when the deer are moving between their daytime and nighttime domains, are just more obvious to the deer stalker? More obvious because this is the longest trail the buck makes in every 24-hour period. A trail the animal spends a lot of time on because it forages as it goes on the varied assortment of seasonal herbs, buds and shoots, all the while staking out its territory. Today, I’m thinking the buck’s morning route is going to bring it past “The Crossroads”. At least, I hope so. I’ve put some serious recon work into him recently. I concentrated on the locations I know are visited by the bucks and where shooters from our consortium have got lucky in previous seasons. I’ve scouted for fresh rubs and signs that the spoors criss-crossing the forest floor are in use. I’ve done all I can to intuit what the 26
THE BUCK’S OTHER LIFE
roe deer go for. I’ve spent many hours observing and thinking. Because I know there’s a buck in this location. A mate of mine saw it. The fact that I’ve not even caught so much as a glimpse of it when out scouting confirms my idea that I’m after a stealthy old buck. One that’s learned to stay well clear of anything that sounds, smells and looks like us people. It all feels right. That’s just the kind of buck I’ve got at the top of my wishlist.
Contact My reveries are broken by a sound. There’s something moving to the right of the tower. I shift my gaze. Not my head – just my gaze. I feel my spine tingling. My heart is suddenly pounding. I hope this isn’t turning into buck fever! I can’t see far enough right without turning my head, so I swivel it ever so slowly towards the faint sound of hesitant footfall in the withered grass of the forest floor. It’s like it’s all happening in slow motion. Seconds feel like minutes. Is it a buck or a doe? Or maybe not even a roe deer? I hear the faint rustling again. A bush moves. I catch a glimpse of russet pelt through the leaves. A foreleg steps out on the forest floor. The animal freezes mid-movement. It is definitely a roe deer! It’s standing stock still. For a long time. The thoughts are flying through my head. Has it sensed me? I can hear a throbbing in my ear. My throat is dry. All my senses are keen. The bush moves again slightly. The deer is obviously nibbling the leaves on the other side. I move in restrained slow motion, holding my breath, balancing my rifle on the edge of the tower. The deer is approaching under cover of the bushes. I cock the rifle now for fear of
”
My heart skips a beat or two when I realise that the buck has moved closer and is now calmly feeding less than 80 metres away from me. The back stop is good.
scaring the animal if I wait until it comes closer. The distance is less than 15 metres now. The only thing I’m sure of is that a roe deer is approaching. I can see its snout, but it’s still not enough to tell me if it’s a buck or a doe. Just a single step forwards, and it’ll be in my sights. Just one step. I survey the world through my scope. My finger is resting on the edge of the trigger lever – ready to come into its own if the situ ation develops to my advantage. The back stop is perfect. I can feel a gentle breeze lift the hairs at the back of my neck. I have time to think that the direction is as bad as it could be before total silence descends. Two or three seconds later, I hear the animal’s nostrils working. I know that it’s game over. The animal has got wind of me. It backs up, turning in the bushes.
BAA! In a split second, the volume has gone up from a hushed rustling to a noisy rebuke. With pounding hooves, the roe deer disappears in furious protest back down the same route it came from. I don’t get a proper look at it. Over the next few minutes, I regain my calm. The encounter settles and crystallises in my mind. I recap on the intensity of the situation. Analyse the seconds of the event. Could I have done anything dif ferently? I smile to myself. It’s a fine morning in every way. I’m at one with nature.
Day-long deer stalking My plan for the day is simple: I won’t be returning to the cabin to sleep. Instead, I’ll be stalking my way to the black tower further
inside the forest, resting a couple of hours at the edge of the clear ing and then heading off for the hide, where I’ll be spending the evening. I’ll be out all day. I’ve been out a few hours by the time I reach the clearing. There’s nothing to see right now, so I lie down in the soft bed of faded moss, resting my head on my pack and getting a few moments of shut-eye… I jolt awake. The wind has picked up and is now blowing steadily from the west. Maybe this was what woke me? I’ve lost all sense of time, or of how long I’ve been asleep. Was it minutes, an hour, or two? I reckon it’s all the same, and despondently survey the large clearing in front of the tower. At first, I see no more than the scrub land I expect to see, but as I let my gaze wander across the location one more time, I spot a patch of that perfect summer-buck shade of russet. My eyes peer at the light, but I’m not sure if I’m seeing a roe deer because that’s what I want to see, or if it’s just a withered branch at a deceptive angle. I dig out my binoculars and systematically survey the jumble of withered branches and tree stumps until I’ve homed in on that spot – 192 metres away according to the binoculars’ range finder. At first, I can’t find the russet patch again, but all of a sudden the deer steps out of the bushes! I spot it right away. It’s a buck! It’s not the six-pointer described to me, and which I imagined stalk ing, but another, older six-pointer with a handsome, asymmetrical set of antlers, well above ear-height. I spot some trey tines and slightly smaller bey tines. The coronets are broad, fused and nod uled. This is a real old forest buck, who’s kept under cover. It’s never been seen in these parts before. ››› THE BUCK’S OTHER LIFE
27
EQUIPMENT: Clothing: Agnar Hybrid suit Rucksack: Reisa Boots: Vulpes GTX 9” Rifle: Sauer 404 Sight: Swarovski Z6i 2-12 50 Binoculars: Swarovski EL Range 10x42 Ammunition: RWS 308w 11.9
Stalking The buck is standing in a dip. From where I’m sitting, I can only see the top of the back, neck and head. It turns broadside towards me, unawares, busy nibbling at leaves between the bushes. The wind is in my favour, so I decide to try and get closer. I creep across the clearing on all fours. Some fifty metres ahead, I’ll have the buck back in my sights again, if it’s still there, that is. There’s also a small tree I might be able to use as a stand if I get the chance to take a shot. The dry branches and the stones on the forest floor are cutting into my palms and knees. I’m concentrating on my breathing, on not making too much noise, on protecting my new rifle from the first scratch. It’s more of an effort than I was counting on, and I’m hot and bothered in an instant. I’m paying close attention to my ground contact, keeping my progress smooth and even. I register how the effort to control my breathing is actually making me gasp more. 50 metres on all fours can easily come to feel like miles on end. I sneak a look ahead at my target. Less than 10 metres to go. Is the buck still there? I reach the tree, and slowly shrug off the rifle. I’m on my knees, but that doesn’t get me high enough, so I get up as quietly as I can from behind the slender birch, which for whatever reason was left stand ing among the spruce stumps. My heart skips a beat or two when I realise that the buck has moved closer and is now calmly feeding less than 80 metres away from me. The back stop is good. I don’t have a chance to think the situation through before my rifle is cocked almost reflexively. I steady my left wrist against the birch trunk, leaning against it to stabilise my aim. The reticle wanders slowly up the buck’s foreleg and when the crosshair approaches the 28
THE BUCK’S OTHER LIFE
middle of the body, my index finger has somehow of its own accord applied enough pressure on the trigger for the shot to sound. The buck collapses on the spot. One hind leg gives a couple of jerks and then lies still. That jittery feeling spreads through my body. A touch of the buck fever sets in, but it’s not unwelcome when it hap pens after the shot. It’s good to be reminded that I’m not a machine. I’m alive and I can feel it. Buck shooting is just the best. It’s early afternoon by the time I get back to the cabin with the day’s kill. I’m pleased I decided to make a day of it. I didn’t bring home the buck I had envisaged, but a buck that, on account of its atypical behaviour, had never shown itself before in its long lifespan. This is the kind of encounter you stand to gain from staying out longer than usual in a buck shoot. I’ll definitely be doing that again.
THE BUCK’S OTHER LIFE
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HÄRKILA HUNTING KNIFE DESIGNED FOR HUNTING Härkila presents a range of hunting knives in AUS-8 stainless steel, which provide a perfect balance between durability, strength and sharpness. The handles are 12 cm long and made from resilient, durable Pakkawood. The moulded leather sheaths can be fitted in different ways for comfort. Ussuri fixed blade 64 01 004 99 40 - Black / 15 cm · £ 149,99
Oder fixed blade 64 01 003 99 29 - Black / 12 cm · £ 144,99
Glomma fixed blade 64 01 002 99 28 - Black / 10 cm w/gut hook · £ 139,99
Dee fixed blade 64 01 001 99 45 - Black / 9 cm · £ 129,99
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PERFORMANCE
Pakkawood Water-repellent and durable material.
AUS-8 The highest quality stainless steel guarantees a perfect balance between durability, strength and sharpness. Hardness: 58-59 HRC
UME, LIMITED EDITION
Sturdy, hand-crafted, moulded sheath in
The exclusive Ume knife has a gut hook and brown Pakkawood handle with golden detailing. Each knife has its own unique number from 1-500 imprinted on the blade.
genuine leather with different mounting
64 01 005 28 28 - Japanese brown / 10 cm
Sheath for your hunting knife
options.
w/gut hook · £ 199,99
PERFORMANCE
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HERLET TECH TRAVEL LIGHT WITHOUT COMPROMISE The Herlet Tech suit is lightweight, practical clothing you can use for shooting and trekking in warm weather. The built-in Insect Shield® keeps flies, mosquitoes, fleas and ticks at bay. The garments are made from a hardwearing, ripstop, stretch fabric that packs down small. They are breathable, moisture-wicking and quick- drying. These features make the suit a practical choice for trips where weight and space are key factors. The suit comprises a shirt with ripstop and mesh ventilation at the back, shorts and trousers with practical pockets and articulated knees, a t-shirt with Polygiene® anti-odour treatment and a cap with mesh-ventilation and sunshield that folds up and down. There is Insect Shield® in the shirt, trousers and cap. Herlet Tech shirt 14 01 106 64 - Rifle green Size S-3XL · £ 74,99
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PERFORMANCE
Herlet Tech cap 18 01 098 54 - Rifle green Size One size · £ 49,99
Herlet Tech t-shirt 16 01 008 54 - Rifle green Size S-3XL · £ 29,99
Herlet Tech trousers 11 01 176 54 - Rifle green Size 46-60 · £ 79,99
Herlet Tech shorts 11 01 177 54 - Rifle green Size 46-60 · £ 74,99
PERFORMANCE
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FREEDOM VESTMAR Fleece jacket with Hybrid System, which is comfortable even at high-intensity activity. ArcStretch™ fabric of different weights in the side panels, sleeves and body. Vestmar Lady 13 01 100 62 - Syrah red melange Size S-XXL · £ 99,99
HYBRID SYSTEM
ARCSTRETCH™
GEVAR LADY Contemporary fit and wax finish. The trousers have water-repellent, DWRtreated stretch inserts, press stud closure, thigh pockets and adjustable lower hems. 11 01 169 50 - Slate brown/Shadow brown Size 36-46 · £ 129,99
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PERFORMANCE
Vestmar 13 01 097 62 - Syrah red melange 13 01 097 46 - Rifle green melange Size S-3XL · £ 99,99
INGELS TROUSERS Breathable, comfortable, stretchable, lightweight trousers, designed for active shooting. With water-repellent DWR treatment and ventilation panels on the rear thighs. 11 01 147 14 - Shadow brown/Black Size 46-54/29”, 46-56/31”, 46-60/33”, 50-60/35” · £ 149,99
PERFORMANCE
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INTENSITY KAMKO FLEECE JACKET Reversible jacket in technical fleece, with windproof, breathable GORE WINDSTOPPER® membrane, double radio pockets, sleeve pocket, side pockets and drawstring hem. In a green/orange colourway to increase visibility when necessary. 13 01 001 88 - Hunting green/Orange blaze Size XS-5XL · £ 219,99
REVERSIBLE
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PERFORMANCE
HJARTVAR Hjartvar is a Härkila Hybrid System jacket for active and intensive shoot ing. The PrimaLoft® Silver padding insulates efficiently without bulk, and the ArcStretch™ material along the panels and sleeves provides complete freedom of movement. 13 01 106 82 - Dark rifle green/Rifle green melange Size S-3XL · £ 149,99
HYBRID SYSTEM
ARCSTRETCH™
TRAIL HIKER GTX® 7” Comfortable lightweight boot with GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort and ventilation panels. Härkila’s Biocushioning™ sole and Memory Fit™ upper guarantee a high level of com fort. The sole system, featuring Härkila Octo-tech™ and Multi-density Grip™, ensures a solid footing. 30 01 125 34 - Dark green Size 5-15 · £ 189,99
PERFORMANCE
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KERVO KERVO RUCKSACK Lightweight and silent day rucksack in melton wool with DWR-treated surface and waterproof lining. The rucksack is designed for high-intensity activity and has a moulded ventilation mesh on the back for maximum comfort and breathability. Kervo has 6 pockets, practical straps, a rain cover and removable weapon sleeve. 1400 g. 36 L - H x W x D: 55 x 25 x 15 cm. 38 01 046 38 69 - Hunting green / 36 L · £ 149,99
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PERFORMANCE
AMLET SHIRT Lightweight, stretchable, cotton shooting shirt. Close-fitting Active Fit design. 14 01 095 58 - Burgundy/Brown check Size S-3XL · £ 49,99
NORSE 18” Breathable rubber boot for warm weather. The boot features the Zip H-vent Hot Weather™ system, which ensures ventilation, so your feet can breathe while staying dry. 32 01 011 71 - Dark olive Size 7-15 · £ 149,99 ® T E C H N O L O G Y
GERIT POLO SHIRT Polo shirt in moisture-transporting and quick-drying Polartec® Power Dry®. Can be used as a base layer. 16 01 006 93 - Insignia Blue 16 01 006 59 - Sand Size S-4XL · £ 64,99
PERFORMANCE
39
CLAS
ROOTED IN THE DESIGN TRADITIONS OF CLASSIC SHOOTING
Stylish clothing combining exclusive materials and elegant design
SICS
BERGHEM CLASSIC DESIGN, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY Stylish jacket for a classic look with all the benefits of the latest in garment technology. The jacket has classic detailing and the lining is in Härkila’s tra ditional yellow check. It has been DWR-treated for water r epellency, and is insulated with Härkila’s new Thermo Poly Shield™ Down Feel, which feels and insulates like down, but dries quicker. Berghem Lady jacket 10 01 134 10 - Olive green Size 36-46 · £ 189,99
THERMO POLY SHIELD™
42
CLASSICS
Berghem jacket 10 01 136 83 - Dark navy 10 01 136 10 - Olive green Size 48-58 · £ 189,99
Berghem Gilet 12 01 090 10 - Olive green Size 48-58 · £ 174,99
CLASSICS
43
LIFESTYLE BRUNNSBERG PULLOVER Classic pullover in comfortable cotton and cashmere. Round neck, with con trasting inner colour. 15 01 037 32 - Estate blue Size M-3XL · £ 84,99
JOMSBORG SHIRT Soft cotton shirt with a contempo rary fit and stonewash look. 14 01 100 28 - Cold Olive 14 01 100 22 - Sky blue 14 01 100 01 - White Size M-3XL · £ 84,99
SPORTING CHELSEA III GTX® 7” An update of the classic Chelsea Boot design. With Vibram® Stalker Gumlite™ lightweight sole and Gore-Tex® Performance lining. 33 01 032 42 - Dark brown Size 4-13 · £ 169,99
44
CLASSICS
CLASSICS
45
CLASSIC SANDHEM FLEECE JACKET
NORBERG CHINOS
Fleece jacket in a Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric with classic detailing. High collar and wind-resistant lining on the body. Stretch lining in the sleeves and zipped pockets.
Chinos with a contemporary fit. With slanted pockets, twill weave and full stretch for maximum comfort.
13 01 098 85 - Earth grey melange
11 01 171 69 - Antique sand
13 01 098 33 - Dark port melange
Size 48-58 · £ 89,99
11 01 171 80 - Warm olive
13 01 098 25 - Olive green melange Size M-3XL · £ 139,99
SANDHEM FLEECE GILET Fleece gilet with classic detailing. High collar, wind-resistant, check lining and zipped side pockets. 12 01 088 85 - Earth grey melange 12 01 088 33 - Dark port melange 12 01 088 25 - Olive green melange Size M-3XL · £ 99,99
46
CLASSICS
STENSTORP SHIRT Classically styled shirt with logo buttons. The shirt is easy-iron treated, for rapid crease removal. 14 01 099 21 - Estate blue check 14 01 099 20 - Bright olive check 14 01 099 19 - Bright port check Size M-3XL · £ 74,99
CLASSICS
47
WHAT WOMEN
SHOOTERS WANT
The number of women shooters is on the rise and shooting is no longer an all-male domain. We interviewed four seasoned huntresses and one neophyte about why women are increasingly drawn to shooting and whether any differences exist in the way women and men shoot. The keywords mentioned include gender equality, personal branding, trigger-happy and great looks.
For the five women shooters we interviewed, shooting is mainly about being out and about in the countryside – and preferably with their dog: “I grew up in the city, but I’ve always been outdoorsy. I used to walk the dog a lot, but I still needed something to bring me closer to nature. I got into shooting because of the quarry selection principle, the actual shooting and not least preparing the meat. I fell in love with every aspect and decided this was going to be a lifelong passion,” says Anette. All five women also mention organic food as a key motive for shooting. Alena, especially, is a really passionate game eater: “I love all kinds of wild game, and that’s what most of my diet consists of. The main reason why I go shooting is to harvest sustainable and organic meat,” she explains. But for these women shooting is also a break from the occasional monotony of daily life: “Just taking up position at a stand location, feeling the fresh air and having no sense of time and space is something anyone would appreciate,” comments Siv. So, it seems there’s not much difference between men’s and wom en’s motives for going shooting. The little differences might be in the way they do so. But we’ll come back to that after we’ve looked at what led women to embrace what was formerly a ‘male-dominated’ pursuit.
Socially accepted The era of the patriarchal family structure with the man as the head of the family and provider is long gone. Olga cer tainly isn’t surprised by the surge in the num ber of female shooters: “These days, the boundary between ‘men-only’ versus ‘women-only’ is barely there, so I’m not surprised that more and more women are taking up shooting. It’s thrilling in itself, but also a great opportunity to get away from the hassles of the city and into the countryside in the company of good friends. And not only friends. Shooting can also be an opportunity for quality time with a boyfriend, husband or family”, says Désirée: “Shooting can be a bonding activity. I have this idea that a lot of women take up shooting as a way of spending more time with their husband or boyfriend. But it can also be a family activity across the generations, like a skiing holiday, say. The back-to-nature aspect for women is partly media-driven”, says Anette: “There’s a lot of media-interest in women shooters here in the Netherlands. Whenever they run a story or feature on shooting in popular media, it’s nearly always about a woman shooter. But for me, a shooter is a shooter whatever their gender”. ›››
WHAT WOMEN SHOOTERS WANT
49
Alena Steinbach Age 27 Germany Shooting licence since 2007 Olga Zhuravleva
Favourite shooting: All types, especially wild boar drives
Siv Karin Ravndal
Age 32
Age 25
Russia
Norway
Shooting licence in 2017
Shooting licence since 2006
Favourite shooting: Bird shooting (to start with)
Favourite shooting: Deer stalking and fox hunting
Siv agrees with this, and extends media influence to social media: “I reckon the social media have a lot of influence. There are a lot of women now branding themselves as shooters. Back in the day when I got into shooting, there were hardly any women. I didn’t even know of any personally. These days, there are more and more women getting into it, and the guys like having the women join them.”
“Women tend to be more in touch with their emotions. They give more thought to things and are often happy just to get outdoors and unwind. They don’t need to fire shots to enjoy a great shooting experience.”
So, according to these women, the modern family structure, me dia features on women shooters and women’s personal branding of themselves as shooters, are all factors to account for the gender equality we’re seeing in shooting.
“In my experience, women shooters are typically more cautious. I’m convinced that they generally take ‘safe’ shots, meaning they have fewer misses and non-lethal strikes.”
Women are (in some cases) more cautious Or, some might say ‘same but different’. Because there’s a difference in men’s and women’s approach to shooting. At least Alena believes so:
50
WHAT WOMEN SHOOTERS WANT
Anette goes on to add that for the same reason, this often makes women better marksmen than men:
But obviously there are exceptions. One such is Désirée, who takes the shots that present themselves: “Generally, I’d say men are more ‘trigger-happy’. But I’m the exception that proves the rule. And I know there are other women like me out there.”
”
Women shooters are no passing trend.
Anette Martens
Désirée Lantz
46
Age 32
Netherlands
Sweden
Shooting licence since 2010
Shooting licence since 1999
Favourite shooting: Roe deer, muntjac and ibex
Favourite shooting: Wild boar drives and migratory bird shooting
Looking good counts
So, to sum up...
The five women we spoke to also agree that women, more so than men, are taken up with their personal appearance when shooting:
Women shooters are no passing trend. They’re here to stay, and in future are likely to account for an even higher percentage in the distribution of the sexes in the international shooting community.
“I don’t want to look like a sack of potatoes when I’m out shooting!” Alena exclaims. And Anette backs her: “It matters even more to women than men to look good. The outfit has to be form fitting”. Désirée and Siv point out that while looks have to be spot-on, per formance obviously mustn’t suffer – after all, these are garments meant for shooting. Olga agrees, but... “I’m convinced that no woman is going to buy a shooting outfit that spoils her appearance, whatever its performance features.”
The motives for going shooting appear to be the same for both men and women. Men and women are each others’ equals in shooting, but generally, women tend to be more cautious marksmen and care slightly more about the look of their shooting apparel than men do – although there will obviously be examples to the contrary. One thing is certain though; the women shooters we interviewed have independent and diverse attitudes to what gives shooting its thrill and appeal. At Härkila, we will be continually developing clothing, footwear and equipment for all huntresses out there now and in the future. We’re thrilled that women shooters are growing in numbers – regardless of what type of shooter they are, or of how complex their equip ment needs might be. WHAT WOMEN SHOOTERS WANT
51
STYLISH SANDHEM LADY FLEECE JACKET Fleece jacket in a Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric with classic detailing. High collar and wind-resistant lining on the body. Stretch lining in the sleeves and zipped pockets. 13 01 099 85 - Earth grey melange 13 01 099 33 - Dark port melange Size S-XXL · £ 139,99
52
CLASSICS
NORBERG LADY CHINOS Chinos with a contemporary fit. With slanted pockets, twill weave and full stretch for maximum comfort. 11 01 168 69 - Antique sand Size 36-46 · £ 89,99
SELJA LADY SHIRTS Shirts with a contemporary fit. Comfortable cotton with printed patterns. Wood-look finish buttons and velvet detailing inside the collar and cuffs. 14 01 098 18 - Bright port check 14 01 105 54 - Blue rose Size S-XXL · £ 49,99
CLASSICS
53
SPORTING BERGHEM GILET Classic and stylish shooting gilet. The gilet has been DWR-treated to repel water and wind, and is insulated with Härkila’s Thermo Poly Shield™ Insulation #80, which dries quickly and retains heat without bulk. The lining is in Härkila’s traditional yellow check. 12 01 090 10 - Olive green Size 48-58 · £ 174,99
SPORTING SWEATSHIRT
THERMO POLY SHIELD™
Sweatshirt in moisture-wicking fleece-backed fabric, with faux suede reinforcement on the right shoulder. 15 01 039 10 - Slate brown 15 01 039 24 - Dark olive Size M-4XL · £ 74,99 REVERSIBLE
KAMKO SPORTING FLEECE Reversible fleece designed for the shooting range. The fleece fea tures a windproof, breathable GORE WINDSTOPPER® membrane, large side pockets, lower drawstring and stretch cuffs. In a green/blue colourway for either sporting or leisure wear. 13 01 101 87 - Dark navy blue/Highland green Size M-3XL · £ 219,99
54
SPORTING
SPORTING WAISTCOAT Sporting Waistcoat is a versatile shooting vest for both game and clay shooting. It is made from durable cot ton with a patina wash effect and has washable leather front panels and trim. 12 01 092 66 - Dark sand/Demitasse brown Size 48-60 · £ 189,99
SPORTING CLASSICS
55
T-SHIRTS ODIN AND HÄRKILA T-SHIRTS 100% cotton with printed motifs and logo. Odin Moose & Dog t-shirt 16 01 014 83 - Dark navy Size S-3XL · £ 29,99
Odin Hunter & dog t-shirt 16 01 013 49 - Fiery red Size S-3XL · £ 29,99
Odin Wild boar t-shirt 16 01 012 29 - Willow green Size S-3XL · £ 29,99
Härkila t-shirt 16 01 011 79 - Fired brick 16 01 011 37 - Dark olive 16 01 011 13 - Slate brown Size S-3XL · £ 29,99
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T-SHIRTS
#HärkilaMoments CLASSICS
57
HÄRKILA SIZE GUIDE MENS CLOTHING SHIRTS
JACKETS/SWEATERS S
M
L
XL
Härkila size (Scandinavia/Germany)
46
48
Spain/France
46
48
50
52
54
Canada/US/UK
36
38
40
42
44
50
52
54
XXL 56
3XL
4XL
5XL
64
66
68
Scandinavia
39/40
41/42
56
58
60
62
64
66
68
Canada/US/UK
15 ½”
16”
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
XL
XXL
43/44 45/46 16½”
17”
156
158
4XL
5XL
47/48
49/50
18”
18½”
TROUSERS, EXTRA LENGTH 46
Spain/France
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
62
Canada/US/UK
30”
32”
34”
36”
38”
40”
42”
44”
46”
48”
50”
52”
48
S
50 M
52 L
54
56
XL
58 XXL
60
62
64
3XL
66
4XL
68 5XL
Härkila size (Scandinavia/Germany)
150
Canada/US/UK, long
34”L 36”L 38”L 40”L 42”L
29” (74cm) 96
100
152
154
TROUSERS, WAIST/INSEAM COMBINATIONS ON SELECTED MODELS
TROUSERS, SHORT LENGTH/LARGE WAIST
Canada/US/UK, short
L
62
Härkila size (Scandinavia/Germany)
Germany, short
M
60
REGULAR TROUSERS
Härkila size (Scandinavia)
S
Härkila size
58
104
108
112
116
120
124
128
132
136
140
46/29” 48/29” 50/29” 52/29” 54/29”
31” (79 cm)
46/31” 48/31” 50/31” 52/31” 54/31” 56/31” 46/33” 48/33” 50/33” 52/33” 54/33” 56/33” 58/33” 60/33” 62/33” 64/33” 66/33"
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
33” (84 cm)
36”S
38”S
40”S
42”S
44”S
46”S
48”S
50”S
52”S
54”S
56”S
58”S
35” (89 cm)
50/35” 52/35” 54/35” 56/35" 58/35” 60/35”
FOOTWEAR AND SOCKS MEN Härkila size (US)
3
3½
4
4½
5
5½
6
6½
7
7½
8
8½
9
9½
10
10½
11
11½
12
12½
13
14
15
16
UK
2
2½
3
3½
4
4½
5
5½
6
6½
7
7½
8
8½
9
9½
10
10½
11
11½
12
13
14
15
16
EUR
36
36½
37
37½
38
38½
39
39½
40
40½
41
41½
42
42½
43
43½
44
44½
45
45½
46
47
48
49
50
Calf in cm*
37
44,4
45
45,7
46,2
47
37,7
38,4
39,2
39,9
S
Sock sizes
40,5
41,2
42,2
42,9
M
L
WOMEN Härkila size (US)
5
5½
6
6½
7
7½
8
8½
9
9½
10
10½
11
11½
12
13
UK
3
3½
4
4½
5
5½
6
6½
7
7½
8
8½
9
9½
10
11
EUR
36
36½
37
37½
38
38½
39
39½
40
40½
41
41½
42
42½
43
44
Calf in cm*
37
Sock sizes
37,7 S
38,4
39,2
39,9
40,5 M
41,2
42,2 L
* Selected styles offer additional features. On these styles calf width is adjustable due to flexible neoprene lining and adjustable gusset.
58
SIZE GUIDE
43,6
XL
17
WOMENS CLOTHING JACKETS AND TROUSERS
SHIRTS
Härkila size
XS
S
M
L
XL
XXL
Scandinavia/Germany
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
Spain/France
Härkila size
XS
S
M
L
XL
XXL
48
Scandinavia
34
35/36
37
38/39
40
41/42
Canada/US/UK
13 ½”
14”
14 ½”
15”
15 ½”
16”
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
UK
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Canada/US
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
1
3
1
FIND YOUR HÄRKILA SIZE
3
2
2
MENS BODY MEASUREMENTS
WOMENS BODY MEASUREMENTS
Measure directly on body. Leg is measured from crotch to floor.
Measure directly on body. Leg is measured from crotch to floor. 4
REGULAR SIZE
REGULAR SIZE XS
1
2
3
4
Chest
Waist
Arm
Leg
S
M
L
XL
XXL
3XL
4XL
XS
5XL
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
62
64
66
68
cm
90
94
98
102
106
110
114
118
122
126
130
134
138
inch
35”
37”
39”
40”
42”
43”
45”
46”
48”
50”
51”
53”
54”
cm
78
82
86
90
94
98
104
110
116
122
128
134
140
inch
31”
32”
34”
35”
37”
39”
41”
43”
46”
48”
50”
53”
55”
cm
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
inch
24”
24”
25”
25”
26”
26”
26”
27”
27”
28”
28”
28”
29”
cm
79
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
inch
31”
31”
31”
32”
32”
33”
33”
33”
34”
34”
35”
35”
35”
1
2
3
4
5
GLOVES
Around palm
Chest
Waist
Hip
Arm
Leg
S
M
L
XL
XXL
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
cm
84
88
92
96
100
104
108
112
inch
33”
34”
36”
38”
39”
41”
42”
44”
cm
64
68
72
76
80
84
88
92
1
inch
25”
27”
28”
30”
31”
33”
35”
36”
12
cm
92
96
100
104
108
112
116
120
2 3
inch
36”
38”
39”
41”
42”
44”
46”
47”
3
cm
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
inch
23”
23”
23”
24”
24”
25”
25”
26”
5
cm
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
5
inch
30”
30”
30”
31”
31”
31”
32”
32”
4
4
HEADWEAR S
5
4
M
L
XL
XXL
cm
20
22
24
26
28
inch
8”
8,5”
9,5”
10,5”
11”
S 5
6
Around head
cm inch
M
L
XL
XXL
6
1 3
57
58
59
60
61
2 1
221/2
227/8
231/4
235/8
24
2
3
SIZE GUIDE
59
Härkila specialises in clothing, footwear and equipment for shooters. Our guiding principle is to be uncompromising on quality, and all our products are the result of comprehensive development work in which materials, designs and functionality are constantly adjusted and refined in collaboration with professional shooters.
harkila.com
Price ÂŁ 8,-
5 707335 363491 All rights reserved. We disclaim any liability for price changes, product alterations, typographical errors and printing errors.
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