Early last fall I received a women’s hunting jacket for review from Beretta. In this day and age of instant is everything, but that wouldn’t allow a true test of this jacket and for me to share my thoughts with you. I’ve been wearing the green Extrelle EVO Active Jacket for a few months now and am ready to share my feedback with you.
The day I received the fashionable yet durable women’s hunting jacket I unwrapped it, and I’m sure my eyes sparkled as I gave it a once-over. I love the design of this outer layer and have received many compliments when I wear it out and about (which is often).
As I looked at the durable-weight jacket, I first noted the tailoring. The jacket is curved and fitted for a woman’s body, but they didn’t go overboard with the princess pleats and darts. The abrasion-resistant inserts on the shoulders and elbows appeal to me as a means of durability; This jacket will last for years to come.
My eyes were drawn to the loop on the shoulder, which as a houndsman, I know is for a radio antenna or wire. Beretta installed a zippered chest pocket with a small covered hole for the antenna. Even though most of us now use Bluetooth technology for our headphones, the technical feature is on point for this jacket’s intended purpose.
I looked to the zipper flap and then to the collar, which looks (and is) a bit bulky since it has a rain hood folded inside. The front YKK zipper is covered, so you can zip it all the way without worrying about it freezing to your chin during extreme temperatures. The collar is designed with microfleece, which adds warmth, wind-stop, and eliminates chaffing to the neck and chin areas.
An important note about the bulky collar is that if you have long hair, it will rub and tangle your hair at the nape of your neck. Even though I continually have this experience, I still love the jacket.
I started wearing the green Estrelle right away. It fits perfectly and is quite warm, which is how I found another appreciated technical feature–With YKK zippers, there are ventilation openings under the arms. I’m able to open them as little or as much as I need to allow air to circulate, providing comfort no matter the outside temperature.
Speaking of temperature, I also have a Beretta women’s upland hunting jacket and have often used a feature that I found on this Extrelle EVO Active Jacket too. The jacket has removable suspenders. They’re a must when you’re out hunting or working and get too warm, which is obviously why it’s called the “Beretta Hands Free” system. When I’m overdressed, or the weather is not typical for the season, I’m able to remove the jacket and let it hang on my shoulders via the suspenders.
Before you use your suspenders, you may want to check out the large, washable game bag in the back of the jacket. With two diagonal YKK zippers, you have a double-entry, which I think is a benefit for left or right-handed women. If you’re not a hunter, this game pouch is a great place to store your beanie hat or extra gloves.
The jacket is made with Beretta Waterproof Breathable EVO fabric, which is quite durable. They treat the outer material with a Durable Water Repellent; So far I’ve found that the jacket works to keep me dry in rainstorms; only time will tell.
One may think that a thick, durable material may be bulky and binding, but under the arms of the jacket are elastic inserts. This addition to the design allows a wide range of arm movement. I never feel restricted wearing this jacket; Whether I was mounting a horse, carrying my rifle, or doing general farm work in the jacket I always felt free to move.
Other features that you may find important, and since they’re a great design I don’t even pay attention to them:
There are two large, zippered front waist pockets and a large zippered chest pocket. There are two inside pockets, one with a zipper and another with velcro.
I’m able to adjust and fit this jacket to me. The sleeves have velcro adjustments to get that “just right” opening whether you’re wearing layers on not. Inside, there are anti-wind cuffs, which help keep the chill out. A lower drawstring allows the wearer to cinch it tight and keep the snow out.
This jacket is designed to go with Beretta’s Extrelle Active EVO Pant, which I do not have, so cannot tell you how the full system would work together. If you’ve used the pants, please share your feedback in the comments below.
The Extrelle EVO Active Jacket can be found at the Beretta website in the women’s section. It’s available in Blaze Orange and Green.
Extrelle EVO Active Jacket
Fit: athletic, hip-length coverage, tailored women’s cut
Weight: Size small weighs in at 18 ounces
MSRP $279.00
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Mia Anstine is an outdoor writer, licensed outfitter, hunting guide, life coach, keynote speaker, and range safety officer, firearms instructor, and archery instructor. She is the founder of MAC Outdoors and Host of the MAC Outdoors Podcast.
Mia Anstine strives to encourage others to outdoors, hunt, fish, shoot, and survive life with others in a positive way.
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Mia Anstine
MAC Outdoors LLC
PO Box 31
Ignacio, CO 81137-0031
Mia, it’s cute too!! 🙂
I really do get compliments on it everywhere I go.