Question 1

How does a heated gilet work?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

A heated gilet warms you via integrated heating elements that are powered at the touch of a button by a battery. In a test by Cavallo the heating panels were usually positioned on the chest and back.

Depending on the model, the battery sits in an inner or outer pocket. An outer pocket is practical because you can then adjust the setting without opening the gilet. When working in the yard on cold days, this type of gilet gives targeted warmth to your torso.

Question 2

What should I wear over a heated gilet?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

You should wear an insulating jacket over a heated gilet, otherwise the warmth is quickly lost. Cavallo explicitly points this out in its test of heated gilets.

The gilet works best when worn close to the body, in other words over a technical shirt and under a jacket. This keeps the generated warmth where it is needed.

Question 3

Softshell gilet or quilted gilet: which is better?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

A softshell gilet offers better protection from wind and light rain, a quilted gilet provides more warmth. Softshell is usually wind resistant and water repellent, but not fully waterproof.

Softshell gilets give more weather protection than fleece, but less warmth than padded thermal gilets. For riding in spring, softshell is often suitable, for cold days in the yard a quilted gilet is usually better.

Question 4

Gilet or jacket for riding in winter?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

When riding in winter, a gilet is often more comfortable because your arms remain free and you sweat less during schooling. Cavallo recommends lighter clothing for intensive schooling and warmer styles for groundwork.

Ariat advises using lightly padded gilets as part of a layering system. Combined with a jacket for breaks and the way to the yard, you stay flexible.

Men's Gilets

Anders Men Puffer Vest DESERT SKY

Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian Men's Gilet Montero, desert sky

Pikeur Quilted Gilet 1007 Core, navy

HKM Men's Heated Gilet Heat Control, black

Boss Equestrian Gilet Jacob, sky captain

Pikeur Men's Gilet 5007 Sports, darkolive

Cavallo Faiz Stand-up Collar Gilet, darkblue

How does a heated gilet work?

What should I wear over a heated gilet?

Softshell gilet or quilted gilet: which is better?

Gilet or jacket for riding in winter?