The time for thin hunting clothes is finally here and we took the opportunity to ask Jakstil's Jan-Åke Hansson, who is also part of the duo behind the Huntedcook account, what news he is most looking forward to testing this year.
How do you see the news that has come in and what is to come here in the future?
- Härkila itself is probably the most exciting news of the year I think right now considering that they have such a wide range of different products and are always among the absolute best you can choose in terms of quality and function. I know that there will be lots of delights during the year such as electrical and thermal clothing together with, among other things, the Wild Boar place which I look forward to very much. But right now and over the coming summer, I probably see the most use for the Pajala shirt with push buttons and the Ragnar pants. It is really a pair of pants I will use for everyday life in nature and with the dog, just as in wild boar stalking and August's wonderful crayfish fishing. The shirt is both stylish and comfortable, but above all I like such a small thing as push buttons very much.
Härkila Heat vest 2695 SEK, Härkila Heat L/S t-shirt 1995 SEK, Härkila Heat long johns 1995 SEK (these items will be launched during summer 2021).
From our previous suppliers and brands, have you managed to spot anything special there?
- Absolutely! The orange camouflage softshell jacket from Percussion is a clear variant for the coming months. Unfortunately, we occasionally get heavy rainfall in this country, and something I have missed for that is a classic galon rack. We have now also got it from Percussion. The jacket is available both in an extra long model and a more regular one that ends above the buttocks. With a little extra roominess, both pants and jacket can easily be pulled over other clothes during, for example, the slightly cooler fall season. A similar rack also from Hoggs of Fife that I have not had time to look into the details of looks really nice though!
What shirt will you wear the most this summer then - any previous favorite or new on that front?
- When it comes to shirts, a real summer favorite is also coming in not too long, in June it is expected to be delivered. It is an "anti-tick" shirt, ie a hunting shirt with treatment that makes ticks more or less just fall off. A pair of matching pants will also be there. Whether you are going hunting in Sweden or abroad, it is a very nice extra feature added to your garments.
The latest brand to enter the market after Härkila is British Walker & Hawkes. What do you think of them and have you had time to feel anything on their products?
- Wonderful clothes and at an absolutely unbeatable price for something so stylish and made in the UK. I've only had time to try one of their waxed vests so far and was pleasantly surprised at the quality. It's great to have such classic, timeless and versatile garments that are also made in England. In general, it feels like their both vests and jackets are to be considered slightly more "normal" in size than those from Hoggs of Fife, although still slightly large in the fit, they are a little smaller than the previous ones we had. But that seems to be a common feature of the British brands in this category.
I know you're a man with a penchant for accessories and new gadgets. What has been your experience of the range?
- That's great! That's my first feeling! We have for some time had a good range when it comes to e.g. ties, special hunting socks and flat-caps, but now there has been a much wider range. A both flexible and stylish three-legged chair to take with you on a hunt or picnic, several "cartridge bags" that you attach to the belt and more boot bags. These are mainly the ones I looked at once and started using in the coming months. And of course, I don't go many steps without our new own caps that we now also sell in the shop!
What do you wear during the day when you are out in the forest or countryside?
- Right now I am testing our new boots with Vibram soles from Verney Carron. The shaft is medium-high and large parts of the boots are made of nubuck leather. I've been wearing them for a couple of months so far and am super happy with the support from them when walking longer distances, the comfort of the soles and that they hold tight against water during the day.
Härkila Heat vest 2695 SEK, Härkila Heat L/S t-shirt 1995 SEK, Härkila Heat long johns 1995 SEK (these items will be launched during summer 2021).
From left: Softshell Chostcamo 995kr, Impersoft Rain Jacket 595 kr, Impersoft Rain pants 395 kr.
From left: Green King II Jacket 1395 kr, Green King II Pants 695 kr, detail on the jacket pocket.
From left: Waxed Jacket Navy, Same jacket in different colors, Waxed Vest Green
Folding three-legged chair, Cartridge pouch in dark brown leather, Orange hunting cap Hunting style
