The Hariana is a midshell designed for all year weather protection that combines the latest technical materials with all the features you’re looking for in a shell. The fine folks at BLACK YAK have created these garments for all kinds of conditions.
The Hariana line is part of BLACK YAK’s Pali expedition line. The namesake of the Pali line is the Pali Yak, an ungulate who resides 5000m above sea level in the harsh mountain climate of Tibet. These Yaks are able to thrive in the most extreme conditions due to their protective coats and strong bodies. While having a strong body is up to you, Black Yak has the coats covered and if you need an insulative layer and not a waterproof/windproof one, then read our review of the Black Yak Niata Down Jacket here.
If you have never heard of Black Yak apparel you are not alone, it's a new to North America brand and one you should hear about—so here goes.
The main fabric used in the Harianna is GORE-TEX INFINIUM. GORE-TEX is a technology that is well recognized as an industry standard, using 3 layer laminates that combine best in class moisture transfer rates with leading weather protection. INFINIUM with WINDSTOPPER technology uses an integrated membrane to block all wind, while still remaining very breathable by allowing moisture from sweat vapour to escape.
All seams are taped and the zippers used are YKK’s AQUAGUARD while YAK SEAL Water Barrier Technology enhances the waterproofing of the garments. CORDURA fibres are used in strategic areas throughout the garment to increase durability.
The hood is helmet-compatible and features multi-point adjustments; two elastic drawcords at the front, and one at the back. The brim of the hood is also laminated, thus providing protection right to the outer edges of the garment.
Articulated sleeves facilitate a more natural range of motion and can be ventilated with under-arm pit zips. Die-cut velcro with YAK HOOKS Lock & Hold Protection make up the sleeve closures.
A large chest pocket on either side of the zipper and a smaller pass pocket on the sleeve make up the outer storage space. On the inside, a single security pocket is laminated in order to protect your belongings.
The ying to the Hariana jacket's yang is the Hariana pants—these two just go together so if you are looking at one you should consider the other.
The Hariana pants feature 4 pockets; two hand pockets at the waist and two bellowed thigh pockets.
The pants feature a variety of ways to stay up on your body. First off, a removable suspender system is easily removed and installed with G-Hooks that attach to loops at the waist. G-hooks with webbing allow for adjustability around the waist, and the fasteners at the fly opening include a hook system as well as a snap button.
Black Yak KEVLAR ankle reinforcement keeps the inner pant leg safe from sharp ski edges and crampons.
Integrated gaiters offer protection from the elements. The cuff of the pant fits boots up to 16cm (Approx. 6.25”) in diameter. An ankle zipper on the outside of the leg can be used to expand the opening of the cuff.
Once the ankle cuff is rolled up, the gaiter can be opened to facilitate access to boots.
Black Yak Hariana Jacket
Fabric: GORE-TEX INFINIUM with CORDURA Fibres
Construction: 30D Polyamide Plain Weave Face Textile; T2 Tricot Backer; 13mm taped seams
Zippers: YKK AQUAGUARD
Black Yak Hariana Pant
Fabric: GORE-TEX INFINIUM with WINDSTOPPER Technology; CORDURA fibres in select locations; Black Yak KEVLAR
Construction: 20D Polyamide Plan Weave Face Textile; TR2 Tricot Backer; 13mm taped seams
Zippers: YKK AQUAGUARD
I have to admit, I’m quite impressed with the Black Yak Hariana Jacket and Pant. Prior to this review, I had not heard of the brand, but now it’s a brand I would be stoked to have in my repertoire. The GORE-TEX INFINIUM with WINDSTOPPER Technology feels much lighter than other GORE-TEX materials, but with the addition of 13mm taped seams and YAK SEAL Water Barrier Technology, it seems to perform on the same level as any other high-performance shells I’ve tried.
These mid-shells are fully-featured, offering all the pockets, vents, zips, and cord lock adjustments that a human could want. The main pockets are large and the accessory pockets are well placed. The ankle zippers and gaiter openings are great for accessing the upper boot for adjustments and makes taking boots on and off much easier.
The two areas that the Black Yak Hariana Jacket and Pants lost points on are the fit and waterproofness. The latter is because the Gore-Tex INFINIUM material on its own is water-resistant and not fully waterproof. It is only the taped seams and YAK SEAL Water Barrier Technology that makes them fully repeal water but I question if this will hold up long term. The fit, on the other hand, is something to be aware of. I tried the medium sizes, and while they fit reasonably well, I would want to try a large because I found the torso a smidge short. Interestingly enough, while the torso felt short, it was not a tight fit and I felt that I would have no problem fitting a puffy underneath. I don’t think that there is anything wrong with the sizing, I would simply suggest trying it on and seeing how it fits your body. I think the tailoring is just a little different than the standard. Also, the helmet-compatible hood is just barely helmet-compatible. I wouldn’t have any issues putting it on over my climbing helmet, but it was not a good fit with the bucket helmet I wear while riding.
Again, all the little features really make this jacket and pant combo stand out. On the whole, these are great. I’m excited to have discovered Black Yak, and look forward to trying more of their gear.
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CONS:
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Black Yak Hariana Jacket
Price: $550CAN / $450US
Weight: 450g / 15.9oz
Black Yak Hariana Pant
Price: $475CAN / $400US
Weight: 470g / 16.6 oz
Powder Performance 2/2 Groomer Performance 1.5/2 Stability 1.5/2 Weight 2/2 Value 1.5/2 |
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