It can be difficult to know what to pack for a multi-day horse trek, or even a short trail ride. Usually, your hosts will provide you with a list of specific items to bring along on your trip, which is an excellent start (and their list should be heavily leaned on), but it can be even more effective to see visual examples of riding outfits.
The main thing to remember: the best outfit for you is the one that is most comfortable, and appropriate for the riding conditions. The second thing to remember is that even the most well-picked outfit can leave you feeling a bit too warm or a bit too cold during parts of the day. We’re just aiming to pack clothes that keep us comfortable for as long as possible, so we stay focused on the scenery around us, instead of intense heat, cold or rainy conditions.
Hot Weather (+25° to +35°)
Lightweight and breathable fabrics
Look for a breathable (but durable) and odour-resistant fabric that will last multiple days without washing. I tend to use anti-perspirant when on holidays instead of deodorant so my clothes will last longer before needing a wash. Wool clothes are likely too hot, so moisture-wicking synthetic materials or light cotton shirts can be good option. You can also opt for lighter shirt colours to help stay cool when there is a lot of sun and no breeze.
Sun Protection
A lightweight scarf, shirt sleeves that extend down past your wrists, and gloves can all help reduce the risk of a serious sunburn. Remember to keep sunscreen/sun cream on you if you are riding all day.
Removable Layers
A key element in mixed weather riding – removable layers are also helpful in hot weather. You can fold up the extra garment and tuck it into your saddle bag.
Pockets & Bags
Look for clothes with zippered or Velcro pockets, so you can bring sunscreen and apply on-the-go! You may be riding for multiple hours at a time without stopping, so having some within reach is recommended.
Light colours, a scarf to protect the neck, and plenty of pockets for storing sunscreen
This sunscreen bar can be stored in the side pocket of these pants, and accessed on-the-go
A long-sleeved shirt with thumb holes can help keep your wrists protected from the sun, without having to apply more sunscreen mid-ride
Mild Weather (+10° to +24°)
Athletic Fabric
Your clothing will really come down to that season’s/day’s weather, but regular riding breeches or hiking pants are generally comfortable in this temperature range.
Sun Protection
As with hot weather riding, always have some sunscreen with you for longer outings.
Rain and Windproof gear
Waterproof pants and a rain jacket can protect you from biting winds (and also rain).
Removable Layers
Weather can change quickly in certain areas. Being able to easily remove a layer or add one on can make your day a lot more comfortable.
A dark shirt with beige bombachas de campo
Dark, water-resistant hiking pants with a brown riding shirt
A light shirt layered under the button-up
Cold Weather (-20°to +9°)
Wool clothing
Thick wool sweaters or thin merino base layers will help keep you warm in the coldest temperatures. Wool socks make a big difference when the temperature drops below 0°.
Sun Protection (for eyes)
Is there snow where you are riding? The snow can reflect light so intensely that it is difficult to see. Don’t skip the sunglasses! Face sunscreen is also very helpful in bright, snowy conditions.
Neck warmer
A tube scarf is great for keeping your neck warm, without the risk of it coming loose and falling off. A second thin tube scarf (or headband) can be stretched around your head and ears to protect them from the cold (and still fits under a helmet).
Protect your extremities
Good quality winter riding gloves that allow your fingers to move without them going numb (in very cold weather). Purpose-made winter riding boots add extra warmth for your toes.
When the weather is cool, but still above 0°, a vest layered over a merino wool shirt can sometimes be enough for an active riding lesson
For riding in temps around the freezing point, try insulated boots with wool socks, merino base layers and a windbreaker, a thin tube scarf and thicker riding gloves.
When the temperature is between -25 and -10, I wear my winter riding boots with 2 layers of socks, merino base layers, two layers of riding gloves, a tube scarf and an Icelandic wool sweater
