My horses live outside 24/7 in NE with a run-in. Rain sheets are the clothing I need the most, but getting ones that really STAY waterproof is a challenge. I’ve had the best luck with a Weatherbeeta sheet. But trying to determine how exactly a sheet is constructed is almost impossible. Is there any way to know for sure which ones have a membrane? My girls are not really hard on blankets, but love to stay outside and lie in the mud. I need to get something long-lasting to replace the “spray for every use” ones I got from Chick’s.
Buy Weatherbeetas and wash with Sport-Wash by Sno-Seal/ Atsko. I’ve only had to re-waterproof one blanket since I’ve been using this to wash mine, and the blanket I had to do it on is an ancient Smartpak purchased 7-8 years ago. Sport-Wash gets the stench, stains and static out. Made for technical fabrics (hunting, skiing, mtn climbing). Google it–it’s amazing stuff. I buy it from Amazon.
Look for the old Green w/Red Rambo sheets on FB Marketplace or eBay. They’re out there. And they’re definitely waterproof membranes on their items. The original cut Green w/Red ones that is…
I have a seven year old (going into year eight) Rhino Wug rainsheet. It’s still waterproof apart from a bit of leaking in heavy rain around the two patches I put on. It’s got a third patch now and is still in active use.
I never had any rainsheet last (as in be waterproof enough to keep my outdoor board horse dry through 48 hours of steady rain) more than four years prior to this one. That was a Rhino as well and it was actually still waterproof, but the outer fabric disintegrated.
My younger horse has rolled through the waterproof membrane bonded to the inside of the outer material on three blankets, each in less than six months. His Rhino (which has the waterproofing separate from the outer material) is three years old, going into year four and still keeping him dry (he lives outside all the time too).
Sansema, are you talking about the very old models only? Did the newer original cut (green & red) models also change to the laminating methods when the other Rambos did?
I have a very old Wug (purple with green binding, 2 surcingles, no leg arches). It has the old 3 layer waterproofing method. I believe it is these old 3 layer ones that gave Rambos the reputation of lasting for 20+ years. Everything about this old Wug is stronger - the stitching, the straps, the hardware etc.
I remember many, many years ago they came with a lifetime guarantee on waterproofing. It annoys the heck out of me that Horseware changed their focus to adding all these useless bells and whistles and pretty colours, and then increased the cost for much cheaper manufacturing methods that just don’t last. If they can still use the 3 layer method for Rhinos, why don’t they still use it for Rambos?
Does anyone know when Rambos changed their waterproofing? Was it when the leg arches were introduced or earlier?
As far as I know, only the Rhinos have the separate membrane. That, or anything sold as being made of Goretex. (Although I don’t think any third parties are allowed to use Goretex anymore!). It’s very difficult to find brands that use the separate membrane any more.
I haven’t used Weatherbeetas for about 10 years, but back then the Orican used a very thickly bonded waterproofing (thicker than Rambo uses) which stayed very waterproof for a few years. I don’t know if they are still the same quality.
If you have to buy the laminated/bonded fabrics, there is a wide range of quality between brands. Some of them use a very thin lamination, which just don’t hold water at bay for long.
Every time I have to mend a blanket, I make sure to have a good look inside at how it was made, lol.
I’m quite certain I’m referring to the original Rambos in Green & Red, non-contour bottom. They have to be from 20+ yrs ago. I found 4 at a local estate sale and they are worth their weight in gold.
I’m also annoyed that the technology is there, but they opted for designed obsolescence instead of durability.
You could get the Smartpak ultimate turnout sheets. Get two, and as/if waterproofing wears off, return it for a new one while you use the spare. Repeat as necessary. Bottom line is the waterproofing may not stay waterproof forever, but you can swap out for a new one whenever you need, so same result: dry horse long term
