Top stalking layers to beat the heat

Earlier this year, I was fortunate that conditions were ideal for testing some of the best stalking jackets currently on the market.

That said, I’m not entirely sure that trudging around the Galloway Hills in storms with rain of near-biblical proportions quite counts as “fortunate.” Still, the jackets received a proper trial in exactly the sort of weather they were designed for. And, I’m pleased to report, they delivered. I stayed dry and warm throughout.

For my second round of testing – this time focusing on lighter, summer stalking attire – the weather was equally notable. Spring brought with it the longest dry spell I can remember, with gardeners and farmers alike praying for rain. The drought presented serious challenges, not least an increased risk of wildfires. I recall reading an editorial claiming it was one of the driest springs on record.

Despite the dry weather, a northerly wind under cloudless, azure skies brought unusually cold overnight temperatures that soared rapidly with the sunrise. This meant starting the day with temperatures near ground-frost levels, only for the mercury to climb swiftly into the high twenties by midmorning.

In such conditions, wearing the right jacket can be the difference between an enjoyable stalk and a miserable one – either freezing or overheating in equal measure.

For reference, I’m a standard UK large in most jackets and tops, although I sometimes opt for a medium if the cut is generous. I assessed sizing on that basis and have selected five outers that I would seriously consider for a summer stalking outing.

Härkila Aspire HWS Jacket

RRP £349.99 – harkila.com

Described as an all-round hunting companion, the Härkila Aspire HWS jacket – supplied in solid green – made a strong impression. It’s lightweight, well fitting, and features a non-detachable hood. The brushed tricot fabric is soft and silent, making it ideal for woodland stalking where noise is the enemy. In that respect this jacket truly delivered.

The HWS membrane is designed to be waterproof and breathable. It’s treated with a durable water repellent to resist dirt and features a hydrophilic lining that draws perspiration away from the body, keeping you dry from the inside out.

I’m a fan of practical pockets and this jacket doesn’t disappoint. Two large front pockets easily accommodate essential kit, while zipped chest pockets are perfect for smaller items such as car keys. Inside, a handy game pocket with detachable lining and an additional breast pocket provide you with further storage.

The fit was spot-on, but an internal drawstring and adjustable hem allow further customisation. As expected from Härkila, the quality is top-tier. Adjustable cuffs and underarm ventilation zips proved useful as the day warmed up.

Stoney Creek Fast Hunt Ascent Shirt

RRP £129.99 – stoneycreekoutdoors.co.uk

The lightest top on test was the Ascent shirt from Stoney Creek. More shirt than jacket, it’s made from polyester dobby, offering excellent comfort and breathability – perfect for warm days and balmy evening stalks. With a bit of stretch, it can also double as a base layer.

It wicks moisture efficiently and offers UPF 50 protection from the sun. Rear vents provide extra airflow, which is especially useful on uphill climbs. I appreciated the internal camo lining in the sleeves, which looks good if worn rolled back.

Front zips provide further ventilation options, and two large zipped chest pockets offer generous storage. I was particularly impressed by how well Stoney Creek’s Tuatara Camo Alpine pattern – which I usually wouldn’t favour over solids – blended into the dappled woodland shade.

The medium size fitted me perfectly, with enough room for a thin base layer on chillier mornings. Comfortable, practical, and cleverly designed.

Deerhunter Packable Jacket

RRP £79.99 – hollandscountryclothing.com

This was the only jacket on test made from a soft-shell material. Supplied in green and size large, it fit me well. Ultra-lightweight and padded, it’s surprisingly robust for its weight.

The polyamide ripstop fabric is abrasion-resistant, water-repellent, and very soft – an excellent combination for field use. It handled sharp evening showers without issue and dried quickly once the rain stopped.

Striking a good balance between coolness and warmth, it was ideal for the milder conditions we’ve experienced of late.

The jacket features three zipped pockets – one chest and two larger ones lower at the front. A non-detachable hood with drawcord and an adjustable hem ensures a snug fit. As the name suggests, the jacket packs into its own pocket, making it easy to carry as an extra layer – just the ticket for an evening session in a highseat.

I particularly liked this jacket. It suited both me and the conditions well. Having used Deerhunter gear for years, I’ve found its sizing reliable – the large fitted me absolutely perfectly.

Stoney Creek Rock Pullover

RRP £139.99 – stoneycreekoutdoors.co.uk

The second summer option from Stoney Creek, the Rock pullover, also came in Tuatara Camo. Supplied in medium, the fit was excellent.

This slip-over style top is perfect for warmer conditions – extremely comfortable and made from what Stoney Creek describes as “stealth core fabric.” The high collar provides neck protection and cushions the strap of binos or a thermal viewer. A generous zip at the neck allows easy on and off.

Breathable and water-repellent, it also features one chest pocket and two large side pockets – all providing ample storage. The sleeves are tapered and elasticated, fitting snugly at the cuffs, which I found particularly practical in the field.

The jacket is quiet, warm, and wind-resistant.

New Forest Country Sports Smock

RRP £159.95 – newforestclothing.co.uk

I often favour a smock for stalking, and this offering from New Forest Clothing certainly caught my attention.

By design, smocks tend to have fewer entry points for water, thanks to the absence of a full-length front zip and fewer seams.

Supplied in large, it fit me perfectly and was comfortable from the outset. A side zip makes it simple to get on and off.

Lightweight yet tough, it boasts excellent breathability. The brushed polyester outer is soft and silent – crucial for remaining undetected.

Crafted with a three-layer laminate fabric and treated with DWR, it’s fully waterproof and windproof. It’s long enough to cover the rear and includes a drawstring waist for a custom fit.

Two deep, zipped chest pockets with sealed seams provide useful storage. The detachable hood is adjustable via internal drawcords and features a fold-back peak.

I particularly liked the internal neoprene cuffs, which are secured with Velcro on the outer sleeve for extra protection.

Conclusion

All the jackets and tops tested performed admirably; however, it’s important to note that they are designed for different conditions and temperatures. For instance, the Stoney Creek Ascent shirt proved highly effective during a hot evening stalk, whereas the Rock pullover was better suited to a warm high-seat vigil. Meanwhile, the Deerhunter jacket provided excellent warmth during an early-morning foray when temperatures dipped close to freezing.

In addition, the other jackets offered ample protection in cooler predawn conditions. At the same time, they remained breathable enough to prevent overheating as the day warmed up.

That said, it wouldn’t be fair to directly compare a technical jacket like the Härkila Aspire with a lightweight shirt such as the Stoney Creek Ascent. Not only are they built for vastly different weather scenarios, but their price points also differ significantly.

Ultimately, selecting the right jacket depends on several factors – including personal preference, local climate, terrain, and the type of outing you have planned. Nevertheless, all of these tops are more than capable when used in the appropriate conditions.