Carhartt is the basic working wardrobe in Maine - horse-related chores being one category. They are rugged The insulalted jacket and overalls are the foundation. Lttle kids are thrilled when they get their own Carhartts. Most other brands are considered a fashion statement.
It’s currently 50% off. I just ordered a teal one (they call it blue, but it looks teal to me) for $31 with tax. Not my first color choice, but for that price, I’m willing to give it a try.
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I loooooove my Eddie Bauer jacket. I got it at their Outlet for $99. It’s got to be at least 4-5 years old now. In great condition, washes up easy. The best barn jacket I’ve ever had!
It might be worth looking at Ororo or some of the other companies making heated vests, jackets and other clothing. I already had an Ororo heated vest which while I can still zip it up is a bit too snug now, so I just bought one of their heated jackets in a larger size. It’s advertised as waterproof (and is supposedly washable too - I’m a bit skeptical of that which is one of the issues with heated clothing). The jacket arrived today and it’s honestly a lot thicker and warmer than I expected, even without the heating elements.
The jacket was an open box special in the outlet and I got it for $70 without a battery (I already have a battery), but it looks like they have ones with batteries for $100
It arrived today. First impressions are favorable, but I haven’t gotten to wear it for barn chores yet.
It definitely runs small. Reviews said to go one or two sizes up. I went one size up and it fits well.
While it’s been wet, it’s also been unseasonably warm the past few days. It might be a bit before I get any real winter weather to try it out.
While I’ve always had Carhartt and other work/farm branded outerwear, I’ve bought a bunch of ski clothes this winter and have to say I appreciate them. They tend to be lightweight and easier to move in. They also have a better selection of sizes. Now will they hold up? Who knows.
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Land’s End is having a big sale on all their winter stuff. I just bought another squall jacket for $47. Waterproof and windproof. A lighter jacket but excellent for layering.
Susan
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Go to know. I also ordered one🤣
I have the insulated Squall. It’s a little pricier but I’ve been using mine for years and really like it.
If you have an REI close to you, it’s worth taking a look. They often have really good sales and you can find some hidden gems. Their store brand is high quality and if you find them on sale, it’s usually a fantastic deal. I had a goretex rain jacket of theirs that lasted me over ten years. When the waterproofing finally failed I bought the same jacket. Even at full price it works out to less than $20 a year.
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Ugh! I was influenced by COTH. 
Well, I got the same brand from Amazon, but the 2 layer one…I LOVE IT! I got gray, which isn’t my fav, but it was available and probably half of what I expected to pay. Thanks COTH for this shopping thread.
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I like mine so much I was going to by a second… but by that point the price had gone back up to usual! Even at full price it’s an excellent deal, but I don’t need a backup at full price. 
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Haha BUSTED! I was just looking again! Haha
I got the 3 in one- That’s what it was called.
They don’t have many left at all, and none in my size. Probably for the best!!!
My Dad gave me Christmas money, so I told him he bought the new jacket. (Sorta, he will, I haven’t cashed the check.) Now…what do I spend the REST of the money on!!! JUST KIDDING- I HAVE HORSES!!!
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I’m having trouble finding truly waterproof things. About 25 years ago I bought an LLBean goretex trail hiking jacket that was sturdy and completely waterproof for almost 8 years. I wore the crap out of that jacket. Then it started to leak a bit around the seams and take longer to dry out. LLBean offered to replace it—I happened to be at their Maine store—but I kept it because of the sentimental value of all the places I had been with it. 
It slowly went downhill from there. My mom washed it about 5 years ago in something REI sold to replenish waterproofing (against my advice, but she was trying to be helpful) and it went completely not waterproof. Now I just wear it as a crappy barn jacket or doing heavy duty yard work because it’s roomy and doesn’t snag or tear.
Since then, nothing i bought has been actually waterproof. After spending 100 bucks or so on brands like Columbia, i splurged on a tough waterproof jacket from fjallraven—half off the regular price of almost $500—because I figured Swedish people know how to do it. It wasn’t close to being waterproof. Then I bought another goretex LLBean, which is pretty good, but it’s not as great as my old one. It doesn’t dry out fast and despite my babying it (not getting it muddy or horse-sweaty) there are small leaky parts developing.
I can’t wear oil slicker-type coats because they are far too heavy and hurt my neck, shoulders, and back. Cheap plasticy coats are uncomfortable and hot. I’m out in rain showers sometimes for hours, walking with dogs or taking care of horses and need something to keep me dry for longer than 5 minutes.
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We use the water proofing spray on our stuff. It turns all my coats and water resistant boots water proofed. In the fall we spray our canvas carhartts and my $20 amazon coats that I use outside all winter, along with our summer gear for camping.
I just skimmed the responses, and didn’t see it mentioned:
For a real “Barn” coat, that is breathable, weatherproof, and as warm as you want to make it depending on what you layer beneath it (I like a heavy wool sweater), get an oil-skin (waxed cotton) 3/4 length duster.
The various synthetic jackets can be very warm/waterproof, but IMO, they are too fragile for day-to-day barn chores, and eventually you will catch a snag, and ruin one. Or have your Equine grab it and blow out the zipper. Or . . .
Won’t happen with a good oilskin; they’re durable. I like the ones from Kakadu. Shop eBay for a good deal.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/196068126035?hash=item2da6922d53:g:4fUAAOSwz2plSUww&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4LQ%2B13SvcQGg2iNyd4Sbeuj7f%2FfEkORJsHmMl%2Bz3M3oe%2FbULZCCmb%2BrdQk6I0mQ%2Bxu104tMxeAmJC0qPPa8NVi3LKt%2F1LWm%2FYjtr3VZddzLKAqyICRHypTR51stB9wRkPrlazx5ssmX%2BfdE6N2Jsgf0ADfea2V9CbpTNWI70FFmY2Zs6NUa7ZEbvFLOUENsNrqVZI6DD7xnThTtb%2FUOVf0SM2aanbXSGcVgrEmG8Cg%2FvHpyy1CvrqZrNxd3lfCSBDoM1Lv%2FEWV8ghnyf%2FKdNzh1YbXWDeg3L%2FlADNw%2BPL73z|tkp%3ABFBM6pGazJpj
I saw this one too and just might buy it, I typically will just throw something on over a hoodie so this would be great!
I’m wondering if all the recent revelations about PFAS contamination has caused companies to change their products.
I know WL Gore, of Gore-Tex fame, is involved in a class action lawsuit about the environmental damage they knowingly caused in the area where I grew up.
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Yes, the damage to the environment and to the health of workers making the jackets is the issue with the old version of Gore-tex. Here’s an article about that from Time:
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Thanks for sharing, a great read.
Over in the horse care forum, there’s a thread with many folks complaining about brand new high end horse blanket purchases with failing waterproofing. I would bet dollars to donuts that those blanket manufacturers are also dealing with phasing out forever chemicals.
I grew up local to the Gore HQ and DuPont HQ- I can’t tell you how many I know who worked for them and have been under strict NDAs for decades about the hazards of PFAS. These companies have known for a long time what a problem these chemicals are and did nothing.
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