Oak Equestrian Ladies Winter Parka

A waterproof insulated parka with two zip vents cut for the saddle, so it can be ridden in rather than only worn to the barn.

Oak Equestrian calls this the Icon, and the riding vents are what make it a riding coat. A parka worn in the saddle either rides up over the cantle or fights the seat; two zip vents let the back open around the saddle instead. Beyond that it is built as a genuine cold-weather shell: 3000/3000 waterproof and breathable polyester with fully taped seams, which is the detail that separates a waterproof coat from a water-resistant one, since untaped stitching lets water through every needle hole. Insulation is weighted where it is needed, 140g through the body and 100g in the sleeves, so the arms are not bulky. A two-way main zipper opens from the bottom for sitting down, the waist cinches, the hood is removable and adjustable, and knit internal storm cuffs seal the wrists.

Specifications:

• 3000/3000 waterproof and breathable polyester outer
• Fully taped seams
• 100% polyester lining
• 100% polyester fill: 140g body, 100g sleeves
• Two-way main zipper
• Two zip riding vents to accommodate the saddle
• Adjustable cinch waist
• Removable, adjustable hood
• Knit internal storm cuffs
• Back flap designed to be embroidered without compromising waterproofness

What 3000/3000 means:

The first number is how much water pressure the fabric resists before it lets water through; the second is how much moisture vapor it lets out. 3000 and 3000 is a solid all-round rating: it handles rain and wet snow through a normal day's work. It is not an expedition-grade shell.

Fit:

Cut for full range of motion with maximum coverage, which means it is a long coat. The cinch waist is what stops a long coat becoming a sail on a windy day; use it.

On the embroidery flap:

The back flap is built so a barn or team name can be stitched on without needle holes going through the waterproof layer. If you intend to have it embroidered, that is the panel to use and the reason not to have it done anywhere else on the coat.

Why it is here:

Taped seams and saddle vents on the same coat. Untaped stitching lets water through every needle hole, so the 3000/3000 rating only means something with the seams sealed behind it.