Warm Riding Tights & Pants – Autumn & Winter Guide

Which functional pants are best in windy weather?

When it’s windy, you need a windproof material. Uhip’s Windstopper models feature a 3-layer fabric that blocks cold wind and are available as functional pants, training tights and full-seat riding tights.

Johanna Windstopper Pant – windproof functional pants with stretch

Johanna Windstopper Pant is a pair of windproof functional pants with a TPU membrane, soft fleece lining and four-way stretch. The fabric has a 5,000 mm water column rating, meaning the pants can also handle light rain, as well as a breathability rating of 3,000 g/m²/24h.

Pre-shaped knees and an offset inner leg seam help reduce chafing in the saddle. Zippers with gussets at the leg openings allow the pants to fit over riding boots, while the waist can be adjusted with Velcro. You also get two hand pockets and one leg pocket, all with zippers. For shorter riders, there is Johanna Windstopper Pant Short, a Petite model with a shorter leg length and the same fabric and features.

Choose Johanna Windstopper when you:

• work in the stable or spend long periods outdoors in windy, chilly weather

• want pants that block wind and can also handle light rain

• want pants that can be worn over riding boots

Windstopper Tights and Windstopper Riding Tights – windproof riding tights

Windstopper Tights and Windstopper Riding Tights feature windproof 3-layer panels across the thighs, where the body is most exposed to the wind.

Both have a high waist, no inner leg seam to cause chafing, and two leg pockets for your phone and treats. The difference is the seat. Windstopper Riding Tights have a full silicone seat and a seat cut specifically for the riding position, making them suitable for hacking and outdoor arenas when it’s windy.

Windstopper Tights have no seat grip and are better suited to dog training, walking and outdoor exercise.

Read more about the difference between full-seat and knee-patch models in our guide to riding tights and breeches.

Which riding tights are warmest for cold-weather rides?

For riding in cold weather, Winter Riding Tights are Uhip’s warmest riding tights. They feature a soft, brushed fleece lining for insulation, four-way stretch and a full silicone seat for grip in the saddle. The high waist stays securely in place throughout your ride, while the seat is designed for the riding position. There is no inner leg seam to cause chafing, and two leg pockets provide space for your phone.

Winter Riding Tights do not have a windproof membrane. On windy days, Windstopper Riding Tights are therefore a better choice. Alternatively, you can add a pair of zip pants over your tights.

Winter Riding Tights are particularly well suited for:

• riding on cold but relatively calm days

• riding in indoor arenas and covered arenas during winter

• anyone who wants warm riding tights instead of a thicker pair of winter riding pants

Does Uhip have functional pants with a wool lining?

Looking for warm functional pants? Woolblend Stella is Uhip’s warmest functional pants, designed for the stable, dog walks and outdoor activities. The wool lining provides warmth, while the polyamide outer fabric helps protect against wind and rain.

Woolblend Stella Pant 2.0 and Stella Zip Pant – functional pants with a wool lining

Woolblend Stella Pant 2.0 and Woolblend Stella Zip Pant feature a lining made from 30% wool and a durable, stretch polyamide outer fabric. Stella Pant 2.0 has a fluorocarbon-free water-repellent finish and a 7,000 mm water column rating. Both styles feature a high waist, pre-shaped knees, a riding-inspired seat and two large zipped leg pockets.

The main difference is the zippers. Stella Zip Pant has full-length two-way zippers along the legs, allowing you to put the pants on and take them off without removing your boots. Stella Pant 2.0 is also available in a Short version with a shorter leg length.

Choose Woolblend Stella when you:

• spend long periods in the stable, out walking the dog or outdoors in cold weather

• want the warmth of wool combined with protection against wind and rain

• want plenty of pocket space for your phone, keys and dog treats

• want to be able to pull the pants on over other layers (Zip Pant)

Which pants are waterproof?

In heavy rain, you need a waterproof shell pant. Rainy Zip Pant 2.0 is Uhip’s most waterproof pant, with a 20,000 mm water column rating. For light rain and wet conditions, Woolblend Stella (7,000 mm) or Johanna Windstopper (5,000 mm) are often sufficient.

Rainy Zip Pant 2.0 – waterproof rain pants with full-length zippers

Rainy Zip Pant 2.0 is a waterproof and windproof shell pant made from a soft 3-layer fabric with a TPU membrane. The membrane retains its performance even in temperatures below freezing. It has a breathability rating of 10,000 g/m²/24h, while the outer fabric features a fluorocarbon-free Bionic Finish ECO water-repellent treatment.

Full-length two-way zippers along the outer legs, combined with a storm flap and snap buttons, allow you to pull the pants on over riding tights or functional pants without removing your boots. The pants feature pre-shaped knees, no inner leg seam and a higher rise at the back.

Rainy Zip Pant 2.0 is available in Willow and Jet Black.

Choose Rainy Zip Pant when you:

• ride outdoors or work in the stable in heavy rain

• want to be able to pull rain pants over your tights when the weather changes

• want a shell layer that can be used year-round

Not sure which zip pants are right for you? Read Which Zip Pant Is Right for You?

What is a thermal skirt and when do you need one?

A thermal skirt, also known as a riding skirt, is an insulated skirt worn over riding pants or tights to keep your thighs warm. Uhip invented the riding skirt in 2011, designing it so you can stay in the saddle while the skirt drapes down to provide warmth.

A thermal skirt is useful both when riding and when you are standing or sitting still for longer periods. Zippers at both the front and back make it easy to put on and take off, and paired with a short jacket, it can be an alternative to a long riding coat.

Uhip offers several models. Frost Thermal Skirt features zippers and leg straps that help keep the skirt securely in place while you move. Ice Thermal Skirt 2.0 combines weather-resistant materials with a sporty look and is designed to coordinate with the Ice Jacket.

View all thermal and riding skirts