How would you compare a Musto Highlands jacket to comparable offerings from say Laksen, Rascher and Barbour. I'm something of a coat fanatic and have tried the others and was wondering if a Musto would be worth a try or not. Your experiences would be much appreciated.....................DJ

I have worn the Highlands coat for the past five seasons. From a functional point of view, it is much better than anything Barbour have to offer. Can't comment on the others as I haven't tried them.

The Musto is very waterproof (though this has started to deteriorate over the past year - it may be able to be restored?) and quite breathable. You will put a sweat up inside it if you exert yourself, but much less than the Barbour. One thing I will say about the Musto is that it is a bit noisy, would not be great for deer hunting.

My only other comment is that none of the other coats acquire character the way a waxed Barbour does. My 11 year old Barbour Border is about to go back to Barbour for its second major renovation.

Brian, Is the Musto Highlands coat Lined? To what temperature do you think it would be warm too. Does it Rustle with the drop-liner or is the material "Scratchy". And lastly if I may, what functional details to find superior to say a Barbour Berwick?
Have you tried reproofing your Highlands coat with a DWR? Gore-Tex makes a pretty good one that I've used on other Gore stuff...................DJ

I have a first 'model' Musto hunting jacket which might be a "Highland" (??)

Thin cotton outer, gore-tex inner and another thin layer against the body. I think it has a zip-on fleece inner layer as well or one could have been bought. I never needed it so don't even know if I have one.

Was waterproofed adequately for heavy rain. Musto mainly sells jackets for yachting and surely they have the waterproofing worked out fr that.

Fake 'suede' collar is nice against the neck, waterproof but too small (not deep enough) hood. Waterproof 'seat' can be dropped down. Removable and washable internal game pockets. Button up ammo pockets.

Noise factor? Not as quiet as it could be, but OK for general stalking and shooting. In very heavy bush (like Sika or Sambar hunting) may be a little too noisy.

When I first purchased it in the UK, everyone only had Barbours and they look very English traditional, but I prefer a gore-tex type coat for travelling as they are lighter and fold up and roll up better. I have also a "Border" barbour which I use in winter at home and a Beretta "Big Game" hunting jacket as well. The Beretta jacket is my favourite (it fits too), with heavier quieter cotton outer and a darker green colour which stands out less. Warmer (without liner) too. The removable hood is also deeper, maybe too deep unless one wears a hat/cap. The Beretta jacket was well sewn except for some outside buttons which were very very poorly done and all fell off within a month and needed to be re-sewn on properly!

My Musto is still in very good condition as unfortunately it got a little small for me (height of course! ). May fit it again one day I hope.