I tried doing a search for this before posting but I got nothing. I need a super warm coat for trail riding/light ring work in…suggestions?
I’ve got an Ariat soft shell jacket that is water resistant, lined with Sherpa fleece, and the bomb for the worst weather I ride in…only problem is I’m in GA so that doesn’t signify for PA.
When I lived in OH I did sometimes trail ride in the dead of winter with significant windchill but as God is my witness I don’t remember details of what I wore. Probably a down filled jacket of some description with a wind/waterproof parka over it. Nothing meant specifically for riding, but what I would’ve worn cross country skiing, maybe.
I also had a short waxed cotton outback coat that was pretty warm. As many layers of wool shirts and polypropylene as would fit under whatever coat, and I had a fabulous pair of wool Swedish army fatigue pants that kept me warm in sub zero temps.
If I was out riding or running or walking in extreme cold I’d smear bag balm all over my face. Smelled evil but seemed to ward off frostbite/windburn.
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I have the prior version to this: (pockets are different)
https://www.doversaddlery.com/dover-saddlery-crown-parka/p/X1-400678/
I love it and find it wonderfully warm even on a snowy endurance ride in Ohio last Nov 
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I’m in northeast SD. On the days with temps in the single digits I ride the following on top: base layer, long sleeve t-shirt, heated vest, sweatshirt, Carhartt coat. On the bottom: base layer, fleece lined leggings and snow pants. I have found the snow pants stop the wind and still allow me to use my leg. On my face I have a thin fleece balaclava that fits under my helmet then add a fleece helmet cover over, or a heavy balaclava I wear without my helmet, and sunglasses (helps stop the wind around my eyes and I hate glare off snow). Don’t forget chapstick. I usually ride in ski gloves with heat reflective fabric as they’re the warmest I’ve found, but I definitely lose dexterity. I’ll keep thin “magic” gloves in my pockets to switch into if my horse is acting up and I need better feel temporarily to sort it out. With this setup I can ride pretty comfortably for around an hour, more if there is no wind. Below zero, I don’t ride outside unless we need to move a cow into the barn.
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The warmest coats to ride in are the ones that fit one on top of the other easily. IOW, you want a well fitted first layer, a bigger second layer, and then bigger subsequent layers until you’re well enough insulated.
I collect coats that are easy to get on and off, and have the kinds of fasteners that are easy to open more or less.
Same requirements for snow pants, boots, helmet liners, gloves, etc, and I’m always adding to the collection as I find better options.
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My winter jacket of choice is my Equisafety insulated Aspey. I do wear a fleece jacket and a down vest underneath. If I’m working in the indoor the Aspey comes off after the walk part of our warm up. If I’m hacking out in -25C I’m warm until my toes freeze.
i buy used poofy down coats to ride in from second hand stores. If i spend more than 20 on one i’ll consider that a lot. I use them/abuse them and discard them and get another one every 3 or 4 years. What i like about them is they are very lightweight for my horse and warm as heck and always very flex-friendly. The one i have now was made in Norway, is navy with red piping and a stand up collar. I love it. I refuse to spend a lot of money on clothing for me…i’d MUCH rather spend it on tack and equipment!
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Yes. I was just going to say that I just bought a North Face snowboard parka on eBay for $20 to be my next barn chores / riding coat. But it looks brand new, and now I’m thinking it’s a shame to ruin it at the barn lol
Otherwise, I have a Mountain Horse winter jacket that is warm as heck ( too warm to ride in unless just walking), has tons of pockets, 2-way zipper etc. If you find them on sale they’re a great deal and would fit your bill.
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If you don’t find anything on eBay, I would suggest that you go to Sierra Trading Post and look for a down jacket. If you don’t need protection from the elements a plain down jacket will work. If you do, you can layer a thinner down jacket under a waterproof shell. If you need more warmth add a wool sweater. The trick is to dress in layers. You can also find good warm stuff at REI.com. in my experience outerwear specific for riders is more expensive and lesser quality than items from other sources. You may also want to consider a neck warmer or balaclava if it’s really cold. Also insulated riding boots. Good luck. Stay warm!
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