The Hestt Eco-Ultra Robe is made from recycled materials and has an official waterproof rating of 20,000mm – I can confirm it has kept me bone dry even when it’s been bucketing down.
For me this coat really came into its own with keeping me warm. I feel the cold and last winter I wore this coat with a thin jumper underneath in sub-zero temperatures and never felt the cold. The full length offered great coverage and extra warmth for my legs. The outer material does not attract debris and it is easy to wipe clean. I tested the herringbone colour, which is very smart and does not look out of place away from the yard.
Fit
I’m 5ft4in and a UK12 and I would normally size up in coats to accommodate layers. However, with the oversized fit you get with riding robes, I tested a small and had plenty of room for extra layers and freedom over my shoulders.
I probably could have got away with a smaller size as I didn’t need to accommodate many layers due to the warm lining. They have unique sizing so make sure you refer to their size chart before ordering.
The coat finished just after the top of my wellies and it had a slightly lower end with a split at the back, so you didn’t feel restricted by the longer length when walking. I have worn this coat while walking, hacking, carrying out day to day tasks with the horses such as poo picking, lungeing, feeding hay etc.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Features
The thick warm lining meant it was my go-to coat whenever the temperatures dropped as I didn’t need too many extra layers. It is better suited to the colder temperatures – when it’s mild I find myself getting too warm.
The hood has drawstring adjustment around the front and Velcro at the back for height adjustment. I could easily fit the hood over my riding helmet.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
The side zips and two-way zipper meant I could adjust the coat for a more comfortable fit when in the saddle and it also allowed me to access the leg loops more easily. I found the leg straps a bit fiddly as you have to loop them back through once you put them round your leg.
The outer pockets and zips have storm flaps to prevent the rain getting in and the fleece-lined pockets and zip pulls are great especially when you have cold hands.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
It is described as washable by hand in cool water. I haven’t washed it yet, even though I wore it through last winter it really hasn’t attracted too much dirt as I’ve been brushing the mud off when it has dried.
Verdict
This coat is very warm with a thick lining so it does feel heavier than some others – it’s the perfect coat if you are spending long periods of time out in the elements and you feel the cold.
Who tested the Hestt Eco-Ultra Robe?
I am products editor at Horse & Hound and have been testing products for the last 10 years. I own three horses who are on grass DIY livery, so I am up the yard at least twice a day, doing all the daily jobs of a horse owner and riding up to four times a week.
I live on Hayling Island, right by the sea, so regularly walk my dogs on the beach. As well as riding and walking the dog, I wore these coats on the school run, running errands in town, camping and endless hours in the field with my horses. To ensure I gave them a thorough test, I purposely went out in very wet weather on a regular basis – you can thank me later.
Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.
