Category: Waterproofs

Whether you’re in the saddle or in the yard, during the colder months, riders need to keep warm and dry. That’s exactly where Dri-Rider fleece-lined waterproof full chaps come in. Designed with riders in mind, these waterproof full chaps are a versatile addition offering an ideal combination of functionality and comfort. In addition, they are practical enough for everyday use around the yard or in the countryside. What’s more, they provide extra warmth in colder weather. So, let’s look at why they work so well:

Why Do Riders Need Dri-Rider Fleece Lined Full Chaps?

• Warmth – One of the standout features of Dri-Rider full chaps is their cosy microfleece lining. This high-tech material is a game-changer for anyone who feels the cold – or suffers from chillblains. This micro layer of fleece traps warmth effectively without adding bulk, ensuring your legs stay toasty warm even on the frostiest days.
• Comfort – Dri-Rider full chaps are easy to wear and very comfortable. With no restriction at the hips, movement is not restricted.
• Easy Care – simply zip up the zips and close the velcro, wash on a warm wash with non-bio detergent and no fabric softener. Dry away from direct heat ie the radiator.

How are Full Chaps Waterproof and Windproof?

Just Chaps and Dri-Rider (Just Chaps’ Waterproofs range) are at the top of the technical game in terms of waterproofing. Having won several industry awards for product development, you can be assured that you are buying a serious piece of kit.

Dri-Rider Full Chaps are made using a traditional 3-layer construction:

1. the outer layer is made from Taslon – a durable, windproof and water repellant shell
2. the mid layer is an impermeable membrane. This critical high performance membrane is both breathable, which means it allows moisture such as body sweat to escape, while preventing rain droplets from getting in. It is also windproof. For performance statistics please see the table below.
3. the micro fleece lining adds warmth without bulk

Are Waterproof Full Chaps Washable?

Yes. To wash your waterproof chaps simply fasten the zips, velcro and buckle and pop in the washer on a warm cycle (max 40 degrees). Use only a non-bio detergent and no fabric softener (it clogs the membrane). Hang to dry. Do not dry on direct heat such as a radiator as this causes premature degrading of the membrane.

Are Waterpoof Full Chaps Comfortable?

Yes! Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps are designed to be very comfortable with zero restriction at the hip. With a fully adjustable waist with elastic at the back and an adjustable buckle at the front – you have your perfect fit. Simply measure your thigh and inner leg to find your ideal size. There is no need to worry about the waist size as this is fully adjustable.

Technical Performance

The impermeable membrane that we use has the following technical features:

• Waterproof rating: up to 10,000mm (designed for sustained rain protection)
• Breathability: 3,000–5,000 g/m²/24h (helps reduce overheating during active wear)

Waterproof Full Chaps not just for riding

Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps are perfect for the colder months and are ideal for not only riding, but any outdoor activity such as;

• Dog Walking
• Gardening
• Teaching
• Spectating

Dri-Rider fleece-lined waterproof full chaps are more than just equestrian gear—they’re an essential for anyone who values warmth and practicality in outdoor wear. Whether you’re riding, working, or simply enjoying time outside, these full chaps help keep you warm and protected from the elements. In addition, their practical design makes them ideal for everyday outdoor tasks. Therefore, if you’re ready to upgrade your wet-weather kit, explore our Dri-Rider fleece-lined waterproof full chaps today. Alternatively, you can browse our wider range of waterproof trousers and full chaps to find the perfect option for every season.

Children’s Half Chaps & Waterproofs are essential for any young rider. As the UK leading equestrian supplier of half chaps and riding waterproofs, we offer a complete range in all children’s sizes. Let’s look at what options are available and how they would be ideal for pony days out, whether training or competing.

We ask first of all:

What age can children start wearing Half Chaps ?

With Half Chaps for toddlers as young as 2, we believe in starting them early! Half Chaps keep kids comfortable and prevent any pinching of the lower leg from the stirrup strap. Our All Purpose Half Chaps which are made from neoprene, are the perfect introduction to Half Chaps for Children. They are soft, stretchy and amazingly comfortable. They’re washable too!

How to choose the size of Half Chaps for Children?

Our children’s half chaps are available in the following sizes:

• Toddler age 2 or 4
• Child XS, to fit approx age 5-6
• Child S, to fit approx age 7-8
• Child M, to fit approx age 9-10
• Child L, to fit approx age 11-12
• Child Tall, to fit tall and slim

More sizing details are here on our Sizing Guide, or visit the product page for same information.

Children’s Half Chaps – here are your options:

1. Saltos Leather Half Chaps – smart and traditional, made from soft yet durable leather. Saltos are perfect for every day wear yet posh enough for Competition. They are comfortable and hug the leg. Saltos are available in Black and Brown and in all sizes. Voted 9/10 in Horse & Hound.

2. All Purpose Half Chaps are made from stretchy neoprene for a super comfortable fit and washable too. All Purpose are available in Black and Brown and in all sizes.

3. Saltos Gaiters – our smartest option, designed to look like a long boot, and have the zip at the back. Made from full-grain leather and lined to hold their shape. Available in Black and Brown in Child Small, Child Medium and Child Large.

If you’d like to learn more about our leather Saltos range, this is for you.

There’s lots of information here on Children’s Half Chaps.

Children’s Waterproof Full Chaps & Trousers

Just Chaps has developed the “Dri-Rider” range of riding waterproofs. With sizes available from Age 2 to Child Large, we can fit every child.

There’s nothing worse than getting cold and wet – and the award-winning Dri-Rider range will keep children dry and warm while they’re out riding.  Dri-Rider waterproofs are perfect for Pony Camp or any competition to keep you clean. Just to make things clear….. Full Chaps cover your legs (from crotch to ankle), trousers cover you from waist to ankle. Let’s look at both options:

Waterproof Full Chaps are the perfect piece of kit for keeping clean and dry. Whether you’re getting ready for a show or out for a hack, our Full Chaps are ideal. They’re easy to wear and super comfortable and can be washed when needed. They are now available with a micro-fleece lining for anyone who feels the cold, take a look at them here.

Dri-Rider Waterproof Riding Trousers  have won 3 Best in Test awards in Horse and Hound and Horse and Rider, so you can be confident of a quality product. These trousers are versatile and comfortable – they can be worn in the yard, in the saddle or at shows. They can be worn as over-trousers or trousers – perhaps with thermals in very cold weather. They have a non-slip seat and hi-viz piping, essential for hacking. We have also added adjustable stirrup straps to prevent ride-up. Sizes start at age 6.

We hope that this guide to buying Children’s Half Chaps & Waterproofs for Riding has helped your decision buying process. If you have questions, do call us on 01403 870880 or email info@justchaps.com

Learn more about the Just Chaps range.

If you’d like to read more about the Dri-Rider range, try this article.

Young riders need the right kit to keep them dry and comfortable, here are our top tips on what we believe works best for children.

Interested in Dri-Rider Trousers for adults, here you go. And Adult Full Chaps are here.

If you’re looking for extra activities for your child and pony, try the Pony Club or The British Horse Society.

High-tech waterproofs – can I wash them?

Caring for your Dri-Rider riding waterproofs is an important but simple task. Here we’ll talk you though the technology of waterproofing and how best to care for high-tech garments. We start with Dri-Rider Full Chaps and then move on to our award-winning Trousers.

Dri-Rider Full Chaps; the technology.

Our Dri-Rider full chaps use a 3-layer technology to achieve water and windproof protection. The technology allows the garment to breathe to prevent moisture building up inside. This technology was originally developed for the motorbike industry where conditions are extremely harsh.

• The tough Taslan outer shell has been treated with a durable water-repellent and is also tough enough to manage the wear and tear of horse-riding
• The microporous Reissa membrane which sits under the shell. The membrane  is very thin and contains microscopic pores which are too small to let water droplets in – but big enough to allow water vapour to escape. This is what keeps the rider dry and cool whilst preventing moisture building up inside
• Our lightweight full chaps use a mesh wicking lining as the 3rd layer. Our fleece-lined full chaps, use a micro fleece lining for added warmth, without bulk.

How to care for waterproof full chaps.

Caring for your Dri-Rider full chaps is straightforward. Simply wash them regularly to prevent sweat and dirt from clogging up the membrane and reducing breathability.

• Before washing, fasten all zips and Velcro and shorten stirrup straps
• Use a gentle, warm machine setting, max 40 degrees.
• Do not scrub
• Do not use biological detergents – or any products that contain bleach or solvents
• Do not use fabric softener – it clogs the membrane
• Hang to dry at room temperature away from direct heat. Direct heat can destry the membrane.
• Do not use a tumble dryer
• Do not be tempted to re-proof the outer layer as this will reduce breathability and trap moisture

Following these simple tips will prolong the life of your chaps and allow you to ride in comfort whatever the weather.

Dri-Rider Waterproof Trousers: the technology

We use the latest waterproofing technology with our waterproof trousers. Both our Dri-Rider Riding Trousers and newly introduced Country Trousers use a fully-waterproof two-layer technology. What does this mean?

• The outer layer of fabric is made waterproof by a microporous membrane which is fused to it.
• This outer layer has an external dirt repellent finish. It also repels rain, snow and wind
• It keeps body heat in and wicks perspiration to the outside.
• All seams are taped. The two layers comprise a tough yet lightweight outer (with an impermeable membrane attached) and a breathable mesh lining. In terms of testing, this fabric meets standards EN 343 3.3 – which is the highest level of waterproofness and breathability. This equates to a testing of up to 15,000mm.

Can you wash your Dri-Rider Waterproofs?

We advise the following:

• When not in use, hang your trousers by the back hoop and allow to dry out
• Before washing, fasten all zips and Velcro and shorten stirrup straps
• Wash in the machine on a gentle, warm machine setting, max 40 degrees.
• Do not use biological detergents – or any products that contain bleach or solvents
• Do not use fabric softener – it clogs the membrane
• Hang to dry at room temperature away from direct heat. Direct heat can destry the membrane.
• Do not use a tumble dryer
• Do not be tempted to re-proof the outer layer as this will reduce breathability and trap moisture
• Enjoy!

You can read more about the Dri-Rider range here. Our waterproof trousers are award-winners, you can read about our achievements here. We know that our waterproof trousers are loved by female riders the world over, read about why, here.

If you already own our Saltos leather Half Chaps, here’s an article to help walk you through how to care for these award-winning leather half chaps.

For more info about Just Chaps products, visit www.justchaps.com or call 01403 820887.

Essential Dri-Rider Waterproofs – everything you need to know.

Here is your ultimate guide to essential Dri-Rider waterproofs, a complete range of waterproof trousers and full chaps designed for riders by Just Chaps.

Just Chaps have successfully developed a complete range of technical waterproofs for riders. Here’s more about each product, development of the Dri-Rider brand and why we feel sure you will love them.

Are waterproofs for riders really essential ?

In a word – yes ! You may remember Just Chaps’ original waterproof over trousers – they were simple in design, basically two rectangles with an elasticated waist, brought together by two full-length zips. In their day, they were brilliant – you could whip them off in the saddle (!), required little or no maintenance and kept you pretty much dry and clean. However, they didn’t fit very well and they could make you a bit warm.

The original waterproof riding trousers, simple yet very effective.

Product Development

Textiles

Just Chaps began to research how waterproofs for riding could be improved both in terms of fabric and product design. The team visualised riding trousers that were comfortable and easy to wear and reliably waterproof.

The revolutionary microporous membrane was now available (think Goretex). This clever, wispy thin membrane worked by having tiny holes – or pores – which were too small to allow water in – but still large enough to allow water vapour (ie sweat) out. No more plasticated fabric. The membrane would sit under the tough nylon outer layer and do the wonderful job of allowing moisture vapour to escape but not let rain droplets through.

To finish off the trousers, the team added a lightweight inner lining to provide protection for the microporous membrane. The lining wicks away any moisture that gathered inside the trouser, either due to warm, humid weather or the rider working hard and generating a lot of body heat.

The all-important micro-porous membrane.

Shape

The development team also changed the cut and fit of the trousers, adding several new features.

• Well cut and fitting – so they fit like a proper pair of trousers
• Slim in the leg – but just wide enough to take a pair of country boots (with boot access zips up to the calf)
• With a non-slip seat
• Nice and high in the waist to keep out drafts
• With stirrup straps to avoid ride up (which of course are adjustable and removable).

Sizes for all riders

With the shape and textiles agreed, the next challenge was the range of sizes. Wanting to fit the vast majority of riders Adult sizes ranged from XS – which is approximately a size 8 to XXL – approximately a size 18. All adult sizes are made in 3 leg lengths. Child sizes are made from Age 6 to Age 12. Toddler are also made for Age 2 and Age 4.

Multi Award-winning

In 2018 Horse and Hound awarded the new trousers “Best in Test”. Just Chaps won their first professional accolade at the London Olympia Horse Show and never looked back. We followed our first industry award by formally branding the range “Dri-Rider”. The Dri-Rider range is now formally registered as a Trademark. Dri-Rider Waterproof Systems is recognised for uncompromising, all-weather performance for riders. Following an upgrade (more about that in the paragraph below) the trousers won their second industry award in 2023.

Time for an Upgrade

It was time to look at the next generation of waterproof fabrics. After extensive research and testing, we found a supplier in the north of England. Why did we pick this new fabric..?

• It has wonderful drape. Sounds a bit flouncy – but this makes the trousers even nicer to wear.
• It’s a little lighter in weight which has its advantages – you can always add thermals if you need more warmth……
• It’s made in the UK which not only makes us feel good, but is also easier to control and check
• Most importantly, this marked the end of the 3-layer construction.
• The new 2-layer technology is made up of a highly breathable microporous membrane attached to a tough lightweight shell. We still use the lightweight mesh lining and the result is better performance and less weight.
• All seams are taped. This is another piece of the waterproof jigsaw and without which, the work of the fabric is undone.
• Zips – another area given great consideration. We constantly research and trial product improvements and are proud to be using the latest technology in waterproof zips.
• The fabric is independently tested and meets EN343 3.3 which in technical terms means a very high level of waterproofness and breathability.

Washing instructions for Waterproofs.

We advise gentle washing (to keep the membrane clean and breathable). Wash on 40 degrees with a non-bio detergent. No fabric conditioner please. There is no longer any need to reproof the external layer. There’s more technical information on this fabric, and how to care for it here.

Waterproof Full Chaps

We have been focussing on the success of our range of waterproof trousers, however, we must not forget the ever-popular Full Chaps. Let’s look at both options:

Full Chaps with lightweight lining

Probably the lightest-weight waterproofs, with a mesh lining to protect the microporous membrane and wick away any moisture, these breathable full chaps are a year-round essential. You can read more about them here. And buy yours here.

Full Chaps with Fleece lining

If you feel the cold, suffer from chillblains or just like something a little more snug, this is the answer. With a micro-fleece lining that adds warmth but no bulk, our fleece-lined full chaps are your winter favourite. Read more about these here.

Waterproofs for Children

Our range of essential Dri-Rider waterproofs are perfect for children. With easy pull-on trousers for toddlers, and a complete range of full chaps and trousers for children of all ages, we’re got everyone covered. Because – there’s nothing worse than a cold and wet child in the yard…..Read more about the children’s Dri-Rider range here.

Help with Sizing?

How do you find your perfect fit? Each product page will have the information you need, alternatively, take a look at our extensive Sizing Guide. If you’ve like to speak to one of the team, please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions relating to our products. Tel: 01403 820887 or email info@justchaps.com. We are here to help !

We very much hope you enjoyed reading about our products. You can find out more about the exciting, high-performance brand here.