Cob Jockey

Today is going to be another long-term gear review post, re-reviewing things I've reviewed in years' past to find out how they're still holding up. Today I'll be sharing two things that I still love years later, and one that I hated and got rid of after less than a season.

STILL LOVE: Smartwool Women's Merino Midweight Pattern 1/4 Zip Top 

My original 2017 review here, and my updated 2021 review here.

Most similar currently available: Women's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer 1/4 Zip 

Y'all. I got these shirts over SEVEN YEARS AGO. For seven winters, I alternated between just those two Smartwool shirts every time I went to the barn when it was below 50. And they held up beautifully. In fact, it wasn't until this Christmas when I received a new one that I finally admitted to myself it was okay to let the green one go. I had worn it so much, the wrist cuff had worn through where the fabric doubles over.

In addition to holding up, I've been comfortable wearing them in a wide range of temperatures, having worn them to everything from drinks at the bar to hiking to riding to farm chores, usually up until the temperatures reach the mid-50s or so.

Just like the hat, if you're willing to take care of wool following the manufacturer's directions (these are machine wash cold/delicate and lay flat to dry) merino wool almost can't be beat for cold weather gear.

STILL LOVE: Black Diamond Soloist Finger Cold Weather Gloves (and the SSG Ten Belows)

My 2023 review here

The lobster claw gloves (I have heard them described as the "spork" of the glove world, lol) have continued to work out exactly like I thought they would. Turns out, you don't need much more than an index finger and a thumb to do a lot of barn chores - even things like blanketing and haltering.

And when I don't need the index finger (walking around, driving the tractor, doing stalls) I put it in the mitten with my other fingers and it stays very warm. I have also started throwing a hand warmer into the mitten on very cold/long farm chore days, and there's more than enough room for it to sit comfortably in there.

Nothing keeps me warmer than the lobster claw gloves at truly cold temps below say 25F, although I still can't quit the SSG 10 Belows for less cold days and for riding. Believe me, I feel like I've tried most of the glove market at this point, and I still can't find anything else that's warm enough for me and yet provides just enough feel of the reins. It's always a compromise, and these compromise the best that I've found.

FAIL: LaCrosse Alpha Thermal Winter Boot

I only ended up wearing these for less than a season before giving them away for free on a local Freecycle group. They are just way too darn heavy, and not nearly warm enough. I am, at this point, severely allergic to any heavy winter gear on my legs (looking at you, Carhartt bibs). My hip flexors can't take it, especially when I'm also picking my legs up to walk through snow.

I have since switched to hiking-brand snowboots for chore boots, and I've been so happy with that decision. I haven't found a pair I like enough to review yet, but even with some minor gripes about the ones I've tried so far, they're miles better in terms of warmth, comfort, and weight than the LaCrosse boots, and are holding up just fine to the demands of chores.