Eurovision coat contest

A good shooting jacket is worth its weight in gold. Richard Negus tests the Continent’s finest, from Sweden, Denmark, Germany and the UK

- Richard Negus

The four shooting coats I was sent to trial are all so totally different from one another that to judge them in comparison is unfair and ultimately pointless. Therefore, to review them, I shifted my mindset to the one with which I watch the Eurovision Song Contest.

Each competing nation has its own foibles. These quirks of national character and world view are esoterically exhibited through the medium of the annual music competition. These coats similarly reflect their home countries’ idiosyncrasies and attitudes — admittedly to sport and wild places, rather than universal peace, love and hedonism.

Härkila Retrieve

Sweden is a country synonymous with Eurovision, having won the thing six times. Besides a mastery of pop music, Swedes are famed for their excellence in design, unspoilt wilderness and perishingly cold winters. Step forward the Härkila Retrieve jacket (£369.99) to prove the point.

Despite Härkila claiming it is a ‘traditional shooting coat’, the Retrieve has more than a hint of Scandi cool to it, both in styling and material. Shorter than some of the other coats on test, it has side vents that, if opened, allow the wearer to sit down comfortably and remain fully zipped up.

The autumn-hued coat is lightweight and breathable, yet ridiculously warm and windproof. A hood is tucked away under the collar. I went for a wallow in a pond and found the coat was completely waterproof, thanks to the Härkila Weather System membrane.