New fleece from Cotopaxi doesn’t impress
Patagonia, LL Bean and other companies have resumed service during the pandemic. See initial reviews below.
We love to give products a really thorough check, like the kind of vet check you’d give a new horse. Why? Because horsewomen are tough on their clothing and gear!
Get ready for the heart of riding season with our spring reviews. We’ll be putting scores of new products to the test. Check out new clothing from LL Bean, Patagonia, Title Nine, Buff, and Cotopaxi. Active options for the most active women of all – horse owners and riders.
See below for quick links to all the products and stay tuned for links to individual reviews.
Signature Boyfriend Jeans from LL Bean
Jeans
True Shape Jeans, Slim Leg, by LL Bean. Review by Julie Kenney here.
Signature Denim Boyfriend Jeans, by LL Bean. Excellent, easy-wearing jeans that are instantly comfortable, however the cuff is not wide enough for most boots.
Tops
All Day Active UPF Quarter Zip, by LL Bean. Sheds hay and dirt easily. Looks sharp and is a quick, effective, and attractive layer. Review by Julie Kenney here.
Western Snap Shirt, by Patagonia WorkWear. Tough as nails in all sorts of weather and conditions. Available in pretty plaids. Fair trade and an excellent choice for any outing. Review by Maddy Butcher .
Patagonia Mainstay tank
Matahari Sleeveless Top, from Title Nine
Mainstay Tank, from Patagonia
Capilene Cool Daily Shirt, from Patagonia. Julie Kenney reports:
Julie wears Patagonia Capilene tee
Global pandemic and all, I felt fortunate to try out Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Daily Shirt. This short sleeve shirt, with 50+ UPF sun protection and odor control, feels smooth as silk.
The older I get, the more I look for UPF-treated fabrics in my clothing. This shirt has stood the test of working outside in the garden as well as doing horse chores. I also wore it trail riding on the first “hot” day in Maine. It wasn’t even a little stinky afterwards.
If you like a little looser fit to your tops, order up a size from your normal. Otherwise, this shirt has a great feel that sits close to the skin. No tags make the back of the neck super comfortable. It washes and dries easily, is lightweight but not see-through, and packs well.
Light Outerwear
Bandera Crew Sweatshirt, by Cotopaxi. We love it! Sheds hay and dirt easily. Comfortable as an outer layer or under a vest or jacket. Top performer.
Teca Fleece, by Cotopaxi. What a disappointment. Colors are lovely, but doesn’t shed hay or have zippered pockets. Not particularly flattering, despite the fun colors.
new Patagonia jacket
Lightweight Radalie Bomber Jacket, from Patagonia. LOVE. Warm, stylish, sheds hay brilliantly, tough while still incredibly lightweight. Review to follow.
Bandera crew from Cotopaxi
Airlight Knit Pullover, from LL Bean
What else?
Breakthrough Skort, from Title Nine
Trek Cap, from Buff
CoolNet/Insect Shield neck gaiter, from Buff
Ranger Ready, bug and tick repellent. Use “equine10” to receive 10 percent off!
Patagonia Provisions – Awesome stuff. Read review here.
Kershaw knives – the Leek, from the Ken Onion series, is our favorite.
Patagonia has a line of healthy, organic provisions