Best rain coat for long trail riding?
that is also comfortable in the saddle and covers thighs/knees?
Muddy Creek
I have a couple of the longer Aussie-style coats made by Outback Trading Company, for trail riding in wet weather.
http://www.outbacktrading.com/
One of them is the more traditional black oilskin, which also has a button-in fleece liner for riding in colder temperatures. It’s heavier, and does require re-oiling every so often, but it’s great for keeping the rain off and the wind out. Plus, it just looks great.
The other is a very lightweight material (comes in a variety of colors - I bought the yellow one) and can be rolled and zipped into a small built-in pouch. No insulation at all, but it’s great for riding in warm weather because it still “breathes” even while it keeps you dry.
Both versions have leg straps to keep the coat covering your legs while you’re in the saddle, and also an ample rear gusset.
I second Muddy Creek. They make a short coat, too, and single legging chaps. Awesome. Light. Dry.
I’ve worn a borrowed Aussie-type caped raincoat that was quite nice.
I’ve got a Schaffer in heavy duty nylon (needs periodic ScotchGuard) and a reproduction Fish Pomel Slicker (looks like this http://www.buckaroobusinesses.net/pommelfishslicke.html.). Personally, I like the Fish better for most riding.
But my personal favorite for rain gear is a reproduction Marine Corps poncho. http://www.schipperfabrik.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=117_132_201&products_id=449
This item is not cheap, but it is of extremely high quality and very heavy duty. It is large enough to cover the entire saddle, pomel, and cantle and goes most of the way down the legs. Most highly recommended.
G.
I wear a big ORANGE poncho. Then if need be rain proof pants and rain proof shoes. Done MANY an endurance (50 milers, and also a few 25 milers) in a poncho. Keeps the horse dry to a certain extent too. And the horse does seem to like keeping dry when riding in the rain when one has a poncho.
If your horse isn’t poncho proof, best teach them. Once they know the benefits, they are on board with a poncho. One endurance ride it poured (well there have been many endurance rides when it has poured down rain) and I didn’t have a waterproof blanket or sheet for my horse for over night. I used a big blue tarp. She was fine with the tarp, other horses gave her the stink eye. She had worn a blanket and was fine with it. I used it in camp. And it was used like it was a blanket on her.
Also lots of other uses for a poncho on the trail. Just never know what may happen, but then again, it may never happen.
That Muddy Creek long rain coat looks really nice. It’s very expensive, though. The website says it’s made of waterproof nylon. Does it have to be re-waterproofed occasionally? I’d prefer something that didn’t have to be re-done (better for the environment too–Scotchguard is nasty stuff). Gortex is waterproof (not sure if it’s environmentally friendly, but at least it doesn’t have to be “re-gortexed”)
I once borrowed an Aussie oilskin duster, which was well oiled, but after five days of steady rain on a pack trip, it was SOAKED through. Luckily, I had my Gortex covered down jacket underneath, but my legs and boots were completely soaked through. And thankfully it was summer time, otherwise I’d have frozen!
I’ve had good luck keeping me and my saddle very dry over the decades using the $30 rain slickers. I always buy 'em in X-Lg so it’ll fit over my down jacket and drape down over my boots.
http://www.nigroswesternstore.com/apparel/images/SLICKER-large.jpeg
Not as cool looking as an oilskin or the $189 one, but if you end up using it as a ground cloth for your tent one night, or if a branch snags it, you won’t shed any tears.
kerrits coach’s coat
it’s light. if you need warmth you can buy one of their “coats” which zips in as a liner. it has all the usual accoutrements of a riding coat, leg straps, split in the back, etc. also has a hood, zipped vents under arms. i love it!
Muddy Creek looks really nice! Thanks!
If you are trapped in pouring rain for hours on the trail the oilskin jackets will get saturated and leak. They also are heavy and get stiff in the cold, even the four ounce versions.
the only way to stay dry is to have a poncho that is waterproof with taped seams. The fact that a poncho covers your whole saddle and legs is so very appreciated when it is pouring and you are miles from home.
Get a good Poncho! You can get them at sporting goods stores. Then layer with wool!
