Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket *H&H Approved*

Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket

My first impressions of the Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket were very positive. It is a lightweight waterproof casual riding jacket with much to like, thanks to its stylishly fitted appearance, and it ticks all my key requirements of a jacket of this nature. It also stood up to its waterproof claims in a very heavy rain shower during its first use in the saddle.

The jacket stood up to heavy rain and strong winds during a short hack.

My review jacket is navy and size small. I am a UK size 8 and it is a good fit. The jacket is cut stylishly short at the front, longer at the back and has two riding vents that can be easily opened and closed with zips.

The rear riding vents can be easily opened without needing to remove the jacket.

It has “ARIAT” embroidered in white on the left shoulder and the Ariat logo on a top of the left arm. It also has “ARIAT” incorporated into the hook and loop fastening on the cuffs. None of this branding is overt and it is all in keeping with the stylish, yet understated appearance of the jacket, which appeals to me.

The Ariat branding is incorporated into the cuff fastening, which allows the cuff size to be adjusted.

Any jacket that is going to be used by busy equestrians needs to have good sized pockets, that are easily accessed and secured. This jacket has four pockets, all of which are a generously size and secured with zips, reducing any risk of an item dropping out accidentally while you’re busy doing tasks around the yard. Three are on the outside of the jacket – a pocket on each side at the waist, plus one on the left hand side of the chest – and one internal pocket, also on the left side at the chest.

The external pocket on the chest is easy to access and a good size.

The front of the jacket has a two-way zip, with a generously sized toggle for the primary slider, and a storm flap that is secured top and bottom by a press stud, which cannot be seen when closed. The jacket includes a small webbing loop that can be used to hang the jacket on a hook when it is not in use – a small thing, but one that is very irritating when it is missing.

The size of the hood can be changed via a hidden elastic adjustment on the back of the head.

It has a generously sized removable hood, which is secured to the jacket via press studs around the back of the collar with Velcro attachments hidden inside small secluded compartments on either side of the collar at the front. Once the hood has been removed, the line of press studs can be cleverly hidden away via another hidden compartment so they do not distract from the line of the jacket. The hood has a slightly stiffened peak to help keep the rain off your face and a hidden adjustment at the rear to allow you to tailor it to the size and shape of your head.

The lining of the jacket and the entrance for the internal pocket can be seen top right.

The body of the jacket and the hood have a breathable lining, while the satin-like lining on the arms makes the jacket easy to slip on and off regardless of what type of clothing you are wearing. There is no additional internal cuff on the sleeves, but their fitting can be adjusted as needed via the branded hock and loop fastenings. I found the sleeves to be a good length.

The washing instructions state that the jacket should be machine washed separately on a delicate cycle in cold water without using fabric softener. I have washed it following these instructions and it came out looking as good as new. I have worn the jacket in light rain since washing and the waterproof qualities of the jacket did not appear to have been affected. I have also successfully sponged some minor dirt off the cuffs using just water as I prefer not to wash waterproof clothing any more frequently than is absolutely necessary.

I have worn this jacket in a variety of situations, including while in the saddle during steady rain for a number of hours while on a trail riding holiday in Turkey. The jacket retained its waterproof qualities and ensured my arms and torso remained dry and at a comfortable temperature. I found the jacket easy to put on and remove while in the saddle, it folded up small enough to fit easily inside my saddle bag when not needed, and it didn’t appear crumpled when removed to be worn again.

It’s definitely the best lightweight, breathable, waterproof riding jacket I have owned to date.

Verdict

H&H Approved – A really stylish, lightweight and breathable jacket, which is comfortable to wear both around the yard and in the saddle. It has excellent waterproof qualities. While it is not cheap, I thoroughly recommend it – it is now my go-to jacket for riding in the rain.

In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk

Who tested the Ariat Coastal Waterproof Jacket?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has a seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse kept at livery, who she rides most days.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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