Product Review: Kerrits Split Tail Rain Jacket

Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.

Kerrits logo patch on the left sleeve Split Tail Rain Jacket. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Kerrits logo patch on the left sleeve Split Tail Rain Jacket. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

I think it’s safe to say that most people have heard the old adage — April showers bring May flowers. I stop there and won’t continue on to make a silly joke about pilgrims, though. Spring always seems to be a season filled with plenty of rain. And showers. And more rain showers. Which means that a day of sloshing around is just normal.

The rain does a wonderful job of helping the flowers grow, the trees bloom, and getting the hay to grow, grow and grow some more. Having enough rain is oh-so very important, because the last thing that I want to see is a drought. You’ll never hear me complaining about the rain, because as Luke Bryan once said (and I quote), Rain is a Good Thing — especially when you’re living out here in the country.

So slosh along, I do … because the only thing to do is keep your chin up and keep on keepin’ on, whatever the conditions are. Life around the barn stops for … well, nothing. The only thing to do when the weather turns wet and rainy is to get yourself properly geared so that you are adequately prepared to face the weather.

 One of the first qualities that attracted me to the Split Tail Rain Jacket is the longer length of the jacket - Photo by Lorraine Peachey

One of the first qualities that attracted me to the Split Tail Rain Jacket is the longer length of the jacket. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

There is one specific rainstorm that still sticks in my mind from back when I was in college. It was a day when the rain was pouring down, and the wind was blowing — which gave it the “it’s raining sideways” look outside. No one to shy away from “a little water,” I shrugged on my hip length rain jacket and hoisted up my umbrella to hoof it across campus to class. Let’s just say that the memory of having feet and jeans and hair that were completely soaked during my classes is burned into my mind.

I try to keep function in mind when I’m picking out pieces to wear in the unpredictable (and often wet) weather of spring. A well performing rain jacket is an absolute must — something that repels the water to keep you dry … without soaking in the rain to become heavy and damp while I’m wearing it. Because that just doesn’t feel very good.

Also, since the temperatures are likely to be up in the range of the 50s or 60s, it is equally important for a good rain jacket to be breathable. Because on days when the temperature is a little warmer, and I’m out working around the barn or am out for a ride, all of that activity makes it really pretty easy to get overheated.

So let’s recap — I’m looking for a rain jacket that is both lightweight and does a great job at repelling water. And it should also be breathable, so as to keep me from overheating while out working at the barn or riding. Of course, a huge plus would be a jacket designed with some sort of vent in the back to adapt to or allow space for when I’m in the saddle as well. And something that is stylish enough to wear out and about town would also be appreciated.

I also found that I like the unique and stylish appearance of the high-low cut of the hemline - because the bottom hem of Split Tail jacket dips down a little lower in the back, which helps to provide a little extra coverage - Photo by Lorraine Peachey

I also found that I like the unique and stylish appearance of the high-low cut of the hemline — because the bottom hem of Split Tail jacket dips down a little lower in the back, which helps to provide a little extra coverage. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

This spring season, I’ve found just the rain jacket that fits the bill — and it has proven to be hardworking enough for life around the barn and in the saddle, but versatile and stylish enough for me to wear around for my everyday life as well. Which is why I’ve been oh so happy to be able to wear the Split Tail Rain Jacket from Kerrits.

One of the first qualities that attracted me to the Split Tail Rain Jacket is the longer length of the jacket. When I tried mine on for the first time, I found that the length hits at mid-thigh length for me in the front, which makes it a quite a nice length for my 5’9″ frame. Since I’m on the tall side, many jackets typically seem to hit at hip length, so I appreciate the extra length.

I also found that I like the unique and stylish appearance of the high-low cut of the hemline — because the bottom hem of Split Tail jacket dips down a little lower in the back, which helps to provide a little extra coverage. Which is certainly appreciated when I’m out in the rain — and maybe would have saved me from that awful super soaking back in my college days.

The front of the Split Tail Rain Jacket has a full-length double zipper in the front, which is couple with snap closures as well - Photo by Lorraine Peachey

The front of the Split Tail Rain Jacket has a full-length double zipper in the front, which is couple with snap closures as well. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

The front of the Split Tail Rain Jacket has a full-length double zipper in the front, which is coupled with snap closures as well. I generally zip the jacket up, though I find that if I want a little extra breathability, then I sometimes will just use the snap closures instead. The jacket also features two (very) generously sized pockets in the front that snap open/closed — and they have diagonal cut opening to a separate compartment on the sides for your hands as well.

It’s all about the details also the Split Tail Rain Jacket — as the left sleeve features a visually appealing Kerrits logo badge. I also appreciate the hood, which is functional on rainy days and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye as well. Though if you prefer, the hood can easily be stowed inside the jacket.

I also appreciate the Hydrotek fabric that the Split Tail jacket has been constructed out of. This fabric is definitely one that is well-suited to hold up to life around the barn and in the saddle — it is both windproof and waterproof, while also being very lightweight and breathable. Which means that it provides both performance and comfort for the rider.

But the benefits don’t stop there at all. I also like that the Hydrotek fabric is abrasion resistant — because when I consider the number of times that I bump into things around the barn, or that I’m hauling around my tack, or even a bale of hay … I just know that my garments put up with a lot of abuse. Plus, I like the that fabric is quiet — so when I’m riding, I don’t have to worry about a noisy jacket spooking my horse.

The jacket also features two (very) generously sized pockets in the front that snap open/closed - and they have diagonal cut opening to a separate compartment on the sides for your hands as well - Photo by Lorraine Peachey

The jacket also features two (very) generously sized pockets in the front that snap open/closed — and they have diagonal cut opening to a separate compartment on the sides for your hands as well. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

And about riding in the Split Tail Rain Jacket — with the longer length, one might think that it would be difficult to ride in. But this particular jacket is made to adjust for life in the saddle. The very name says it all — Split. Tail. The back of the jacket actually splits and is held together by two magnets during a normal day’s wear.

When I’m ready to head out for a ride, I simply just grab ahold of the two “split tails” of the jacket and separate them, and then pull them upwards to attach to the back hem at the elastic back of the waist, using the hidden magnets. Though the magnets are not visible to the eye, they are both very convenient and highly effective to use.

So, the elastic section in the middle of the back of the Split Tail jacket definitely helps to provide the functionality of hidden magnets to keep the tails tucked up and out of the way for riding. But it also helps to provide a flattering cut, as it helps to keep the jacket fitted against the lines of the back. I’m a fan of the way that it is a great fusion of function and style that are working together.

When I'm ready to head out for a ride, I simply just grab ahold of the two 'split tails' of the jacket and separate them, and then pull them upwards to attach to the back hem at the elastic back of the waist, using the hidden magnets - Photo by Lorraine Peachey

When I’m ready to head out for a ride, I simply just grab ahold of the two “split tails” of the jacket and separate them, and then pull them upwards to attach to the back hem at the elastic back of the waist, using the hidden magnets. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

I’ve really found enjoyment in wearing the Split Tail Rain Jacket — not only do I get (tons of) compliments on it, because it is very chic and stylish. I also find that it is very versatile as well, because the jacket is so well-suited to hold up to life around the barn, and easily adapts to being worn in the saddle. But then I can pull it on to wear when going shopping, out to lunch, or even to work.

There have been plenty of rainy days for me to wear the jacket out during recently. On days that are a little chillier, the fit is generous enough for me to layer it over warmer base layers, so that I can stay warm. Though I like that on days that are warmer, the Split Tail jacket does a nice job at keeping me dry — and the breathability of it keeps me from overheating.

I also like the functionality of the hood as well — when I pull the hood up and set out into rainy conditions, I can move along without having to hold the hood up in place. It stays up well enough on its own, which is a huge plus in my mind. Plus, when zipped fully up, the collar stands tall enough to offer some additional coverage against the rain. Or, I can leave it not quite fully zipped, and fold it down to allow a little more air circulation and for a different style option.

I've really found enjoyment in wearing the Split Tail Rain Jacket - not only do I get (tons of) compliments on it, because it is very chic and stylish - Photo by Lorraine Peachey

I’ve really found enjoyment in wearing the Split Tail Rain Jacket — not only do I get (tons of) compliments on it, because it is very chic and stylish. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

The magnets in the split tail section of the jacket have also been very easy for me to use as well. The magnets do a really nice job at holding the ‘tails’ together when I’m not riding — and then when I want to, I simply separate them and attach them up to the back waistband. Totally easy-peasy to use for me!

The Split Tail Rain Jacket from Kerrits is available in three colors — there is a more traditional Black, or if you are feeling a little more fun, you can go with Sunset (which is a rich, warm shade of orange) or Peacock (which is a cool and serene shade of blue). What’s more, is that this is a jacket which can fit nicely budget-wise at it’s retail price of $109.00 — and you can find it here.

Go Keeping Dry and Looking Fab (While in the Saddle or Out). Go Kerrits. Go Eventing.