Posted: 7th October 2019 | Back to news feed
With the colder months ahead, we spoke to Liz Hayman, Designer at British brand Equetech for her top tips on staying warm this winter without compromising on style.
As a rider myself, top of the list of my priorities is staying comfortable, warm and dry while riding and doing yard duties in our British climate! Sounds simple, but so many of us get it wrong! Here is my advice for making winter more bearable!
DON'T SWEAT IT!
Make sure all your layers have a zip opening, even if it's a half neck zip on your fleece, it gives you the option to get some air-con as your warm-up. As you undertake rigorous exercise, removing hats and gloves will help you keep the sweat at bay. If you are planning to work really hard then take a second base layer top with you and switch tops. I wear the outer layer on its own, on milder days, and put a gilet underneath, if I want more freedom and cooling on my arms, such as when I am mucking out, etc., I wear a gilet and base layer, like our Outlander Gilet and Cross-Over Base Layer. Choosing a base layer which incorporates a technical fabric will be your best friend this winter, helping to wick away sweat, keeping you dry and warm.
FEET ARE YOUR FRIENDS!
If your feet are warm, you will be! Look after your feet, and they will look after you! There is nothing worse than having blocks of ice for toes, making you miserable. Try are wear a sock with a decent wool content. Wool regulates your temperature, for both heat and cold. Our Performance Training Riding Socks are designed for riding and yard duties, with added wool, so there is no excuse to have cold feet again!
LAYERING THE LEGS!
Layering is great, and really keeps us warm, but many of us forget our legs! Choosing a base layer to wear under your favourite breeches or riding tights will ensure you can wear the same breeches throughout the year. Remember to wear stirrup style thermals, or you will end up with them, half way up your legs! We make two options, depending on your preference to fabrics against the skin. Our Cotton Thermal Underbreeches, feature a fleece panel to the thighs, irradiating chill blains.
In contrast, our Extreme Thermal Underbreeches are made from a wicking polyester, but are fleece-lined all the way through, for a lovely cosy feeling! Don't forget our Winter Riding Tights, are a great winter addition on their own, or with our underbreeches! And because we know rider's thighs catch the chill, our Inferno Heated Coat has heated panels across the thighs as well as lower back to keep you warm in and out of the saddle.
DON'T FORGET YOUR EARS!
On those crisp winter morning rides, if you are anything like me, it chills you to the bone when the winds whistles straight through your ears! Snoods and scarves are great for the most part, but sometimes extreme action is needed, to stop us from becoming fair weather riders! Our Riding Hat Thermal Liner neatly sits under your hat, and the fleece panel covers your ears and neck to protect you from the elements! Our Unisex Thermal Ear Warmers strap directly onto your riding helmet, providing comfort and warmth in the coldest wear, with faux sheepskin lining to protect your ears and neck.
This season, remember the saying; "There is never bad weather, just the wrong clothes" so get prepared now for a warm, dry winter ahead, for you anyway!
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