Wet/cold weather survival (for humans)

[popletaa]

After getting very soggy, cold and miserable today I desperately need some tips on how to survive the inclement weather better! Such as - essentials to keep at the yard for bad weather, and recommendations for some decent wet weather gear? Just tips and ideas for making this winter a more pleasurable one!

My wellies are useless in torrential rain, it just goes straight through the tops and forms puddles around my feet. Are country boots the answer? I have narrow calves so maybe those ones with a drawstring to pull them in? Also need some recommendations for some decent all round waterproof gloves, even better if they're reflective (as I cycle to the yard). And waterproof trousers/jodhs?

What can't you live without in wet/cold weather?

 

[Dave's Mam]

Shires Full length fleece lined chaps keep you nice & dry when it's hissing down & mean no rain or anything else getting in your wellies. I also have wee skinny bird legs!

 

[planete]

I wear a pair of waterproof trousers over my (cheap) wellies, not inside them so the water runs down the outside. I wear a waterproof jacket with a stiff peaked hood to keep the water off my face. If the conditions are un remittently torrential I wear an old waterproof jacket of my OH's over the lot, it stops the water creeping up the wrists of my waterproof jacket. My long hair is tucked away. None of this is expensive, it is more a question of making sure that there is no way in for the rain but make sure that when you buy waterproofs the label actually says "Waterproof" and not "Showerproof".

 

[shortstuff99]

Sealskinz (not made of seal) are great waterproof gloves. I also use waterproof over trousers over jodhpurs which I then use wellies or work boots. Make sure to have warm socks or even waterproof socks too. I use ariat for coats but mountain warehouse is good too. I also for very cold weather have thermal under trousers and tops. Then get a good hat, also a buff to keep your neck/lower face warm.

 

[Goldenstar]

Over trousers like the vets use .
loads of pairs of gloves .
vests once it’s colder .

 

[Carrottom]

Regatta cheap overtrousers over jobs and wellies. They don't last long as they are very thin but I tend to overheat in thicker ones.

 

[Tally05]

Dirtydays full waterproof suit £30, keeps you dry and clean ?

 

[1523679]

Thermals. Icebreaker if you’re feeling flush, M&S Heatpro if you’re not.

Proper waterproof boots with removable extra insoles for super cold weather.

Over trousers with decent over-welly length ankle zips.

A waterproof baseball hat under your jacket hood to keep the rain off your face (especially if you ever go to the yard wearing glasses) - works much better than a hood on its own

A Buff to keep your neck warm and to dry a runny nose on ?

When it’s really cold, Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Skin Protector on your face

A dry set of clothes waiting on the radiator when you get home

 

[HollyWoozle]

This is always my answer to any similar threads but I have a pair of waterproof overalls (a hooded onesie essentially), envision a fisherman out on his trawler, and they are a godsend. They are quite roomy so I can put them over whatever outfit I have on and I stay completely dry and really warm too. Couldn't ride in them but for jobs on the ground they are ideal.

 

[Griffin]

Waterproof trousers or chaps are really useful, put them over your wellies/muckers as Planete says. Otherwise, go for waterproof overalls. Waterproof gloves are a must too, particularly if you can get ones thin enough to undo straps and stuff with.

My other top tip is to have a warm fleece in your car for when you get back to it and a towel to sit on for the drive home!

 

[Gloi]

https://www.kramer.co.uk/Rider/Womens-Outerwear/Rainwear/Riding-Jumpsuit-Aki

If you are feeling flush these are good.

 

[AutumnDays]

I have a pair of Flexothane parlour trousers... nice and wide to go over wellies/country boots, don't let any wet in, and can be hosed off if you end up caked! Not so great if it's warm as they can be a bit sweaty, but that's rare in West Wales!

 

[HappyHollyDays]

Winter thermal waterproof/windproof padded trousers for yard work. Always had Mountain Horse but have changed to Steeds this year as they are 1/3 of the price. Fleece lined breeches with cheap waterproof over trousers for riding in. Never wear gloves no matter how cold it is. Feet are encased in Heat Holders thermal socks. I have a fleece lined Musto jacket for cold and torrential rain and a thin Mountain Horse jacket for warmer showers. I wear a snood that HighlandPonyGirl gave me a few years ago in a SS parcel which is worn every day during the winter and is still going strong.

 

[millikins]

I have this afternoon splashed out and treated myself to a Drizabone riding coat. I read people's opinions here and everyone bar one thought they were great. I get really annoyed with myself, every year I've been too stingy to buy one and ended up with a £70 coat that doesn't keep me dry. So thanks to HHO I've been and gone and done it. If anyone dares comment that they aren't worth the money I'm coming back in the next life to haunt you

 

[scats]

If I could suggest one thing for every horse person, it’s a neckwarmer with waterproof hood built in. Cost about £5-7 on amazon.
The reason I like them is that I find hoods on coats useless. They are either so big they cover your eyes, or they are too tight and get your face wet. When you move, the hood moves as it’s attached to the coat... and you end up wet/hood sliding off... it drives me mad!

These hood things, you just slip on and off as needed. As they are independent to a coat, you can move and turn your head and they stay put. They are perfect size and have draw strings for keeping them closed over in high winds. Rain stops? Just whip it off!
Game changer. I keep one at the yard and have one for dog walking.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

A waterproof baseball hat under your jacket hood to keep the rain off your face (especially if you ever go to the yard wearing glasses) - works much better than a hood on its own

You have just answered a dilemma for me! So obvious! I’m sick of it raining when my glasses get covered, I dunno where I’m going, or if it’s my horse coming over! Brilliant, thank you!

Big yes to waterproof trousers and an oversized waterproof coat. I used to have a massive waterproof cape thing that had velcro and went over me and the horse’s bum. Dunno where that went.

 

[Kat]

My advice would be to look at gear designed for hill walking/hiking/climbing rather than horse riding. It is often much more technologically advanced than riding wear at a similar price.

I have a waterproof coat from Paramo (the same people who make Nikwax rug reproofer) and it is genuinely waterproof even in the heaviest rain, I have never been wet underneath it, except when bathing the horse and water runs up my arm! They are worn by the mountain rescue so need to perform well in tough conditions. It is waterproof, breathable, easily washable at home, has adjustable cuffs, a drawstring waist hem, a double zip, double stormflap over the zip, loads of pockets, pit zips, and a hood that is adjustable, large enough to fit over a climbing helmet (or riding hat) with a draw cord and wired peak. Absolutely the best for winter, but honestly I wear it every day for about 9 months of the year as it isn't heavily insulated (I add an insulted gilet in cold weather) so it works in spring and autumn too. They are expensive but they are ethically produced and are guaranteed for life. They make very good baselayers, insulated coats/gilets and waterproof trousers etc too. Expensive but on a cost per wear basis a bargain, especially if you buy from their outlet that has refurbished items that have been part exchanged against newer items.

I would suggest decathlon for winter breeches they do fleece lined ones that are great for winter and dry quickly if you get a bit wet but for really bad days they do some waterproof breeches. I have them for hunting and they are so snug.

Sealskinz gloves are great.

Silk sock liners and silk glove liners (decathlon)

 

[Quigleyandme]

For yard work, waterproof trousers over your wellies. I used to buy the inexpensive, and usually yellow, over trousers and jackets at Mole Vally Farmers. They did the job, kept your clothes clean into the bargain and washed well. All the wet weather riding gear I have ever bought wasn’t waterproof after one wash but the Helly Hansen(sic) gear my son had to have when he went to vet school was very good.

 

[Cob Life]

I have this afternoon splashed out and treated myself to a Drizabone riding coat. I read people's opinions here and everyone bar one thought they were great. I get really annoyed with myself, every year I've been too stingy to buy one and ended up with a £70 coat that doesn't keep me dry. So thanks to HHO I've been and gone and done it. If anyone dares comment that they aren't worth the money I'm coming back in the next life to haunt you

I’ve got my dads old drizabone coat, 20+ years old and still works great!