When the weather started getting cold I decided it was time to invest in a new coat for the barn. I wanted something that would offer a lot of coverage, for warmth while standing around, as well as something I could still wear in the saddle. I was totally sold on the idea of a long coat that unzipped from the hem for riding, and I settled on SmartPak's "Piper" version. At $140 it's one of the more reasonable ones on the market, and I generally trust in SmartPak's quality.
Features
- Water resistant nylon shell
- 3M Thinsulate® layer for warmth without bulk (this coat feels very lightweight, but is warmer than you would expect because of the Thinsulate)
- two cargo pockets with flap snaps, which also serve as hand-stash pockets (the flaps on top open to a large cargo style pocket, but you can also insert your hands from the side of the pockets into a lined space between the pocket and coat outer shell)
- removable hood with drawstring cord
- two rear gusset zippers for wearing in the saddle
- two way zipper
- tall fleecy collar
The Fit
I have the Piper Trainer's coat in a size small, which is my normal size. It comes down to my knees (for reference I am 5'9") and I like the amount of coverage it provides. The zipper starts below the waist and below it there is a series of snaps that can be done up from the thighs down to the knees to help keep warmth in and wind out. The sleeves on this jacket are a touch short for me, but it really only bugs me when tacking up. If you want to wear this jacket for chores you might find the sleeves and upper shoulder area to be a bit restrictive for mucking stalls or throwing hay. When I'm in the saddle however I find the fit to be great; the sleeve cuffs come to my wrists, leaving just enough room for the somewhat bulkier cuffs of my winter riding gloves without any annoying bunching or overlap. There is room to layer underneath this coat, but not so much extra space as to feel overly loose. Despite being very lightweight it is quite warm. When it's well below freezing I usually wear a sweater and a vest under it, which is enough to keep me plenty warm.
Biggest Pro: Rear Zip Gussets
The gussets that make this coat wearable in the saddle are by far my favorite feature! There are two rear zippers that start at the hem and unzip all the way to the hip/lower back. There is connective fabric that unfolds when the gussets are unzipped to create a "skirt" effect that can be draped over the back of your saddle and across your horse's hind end. I love how much warmth this provides when riding, and I have even ridden outside in a snowstorm and 20 degree weather and been comfortable.
Biggest Con: Annoying Zipper
If you read the reviews of this coat on SmartPak's website you'll see the biggest complaint is about the two way zipper. Two way zippers aren't my favorite, but it's a nice option to have if you get too warm when riding, so you can unzip for ventilation while still keeping the coat secure so it doesn't flap around. Like many other people, I have found the zipper on this coat to be pretty finicky. It has a tendency to not line up right so that it won't zip properly. However, I have found a trick that for me works every time: first I make sure both zipper pulls are pushed all the way together and at the bottom of the track. Then, instead of holding on to the zipper pull when inserting the pin I grab the fabric next to it. This way when I insert the other side into the zipper pulls they seem to naturally line up better and the pin goes all the way through both, leading to a smooth and easy zip-up. So for me, the zipper issue isn't enough of a problem for me to regret the purchase.
More Details
I have been wearing this coat to the barn almost every day for over three months and it is holding up nicely. No rips or tears, and when it gets dirty I just throw it in the washing machine. It's definitely my favorite winter coat and I even wear it to walk my dog because of the warmth and extra length!
When walking around I usually undo the bottom couple of snaps by the hem for more freedom of movement. I have not used the hood much because I mainly bought this coat to wear in the saddle and the hood is not designed to fit over a helmet. I do like that the hood can be removed if you find it too bulky/in the way, although so far I've just left it attached.
One thing this coat doesn't have which would be nice is an interior pocket, or even just more outer pockets. Between treats, my phone, keys, and gloves, I fill the pocket space up pretty quick.
Overall though I'm very happy with this coat. Every time I wear it I say to my husband that it was the best purchase I've made recently! So if you're in the market for a new winter riding coat the Piper Trainer's coat is a great buy, especially if you can snag it on sale.
Stay Warm, and Happy Riding!