While spending time at the American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA) show early this year, I was quite interested to learn about ProChaps. I wasn’t super familiar with the brand or products, so I was happy to educate myself on their chaps and the technology behind them. I even got fitted for a pair!
Determining what size Athletic Full Chaps you wear is surprisingly easy. All it takes is three simple measurements. Start by measuring the circumference of your calf. Then, the circumference of your thigh. And finally, the length of your inseam.
And once you have your three measurements, enter them into the handy prompt on the ProChaps website to obtain your correct size. After being sized and fitted with a pair of Athletic Full Chaps at AETA, I simply did not want to take them off.
A preference of mine is to ride in breeches that have compression properties, as I find that it helps to reduce muscle fatigue while I ride. And when I tried the Athletic Full Chaps? I was really excited to feel the compression that they offered.
I was basically so excited to try the Athletic Full Chaps that I wanted to go jump on my pony and start riding. Like right then and there. Alas, I did not, but I’ve had plenty of time since the trade show to spend a lot of time in the saddle and around the barn in a pair of the chaps.
The ergonomic design of the Athletic Full Chaps help them fit comfortably. The wide waistband provides padding and support for the back and hips, with a nice stretchy elastic between. The metal snap is sturdy, and includes straps to adjust the fit of the waistband.
The Athletic Chaps fit smoothly over my breeches and paddock boots. The design includes articulation around the knees, which allows for full flexion, without any need for break in. The zippers are very heavy duty, and I like that the zipper tab ‘locks’ into position, and does not flop around.
Looking to the fabric … ProChaps are constructed using three materials that bring together technical fabrics. And to help aid performance, the chaps use a combination of lightweight knit fabric, perforated neoprene, and impregnated waterproof leather with Cambrelle lining.
I’ll stop before delving too deep into the technical details working behind the scenes (you can learn about them here). But I will say that that the Athletic Chaps are made to be lightweight, while helping to aid performance and being durable enough to remain in tip top shape.
The Athletic Full Chaps helps to give my legs additional support. So while I’m schooling on the flat, and have worked to get my jumping legs back, they have helped reduce muscle fatigue.
So what are some of my favorite features of the Athletic Full Chaps? Of course I’m a big fan of the compression properties, but I also like how lightweight and comfortable the fabric is, because I feel great about wearing the chaps even on very warm days.
And the waterproof leather grips wonderfully, which after all is the main function of a pair of chaps! I feel like I have a secure grip with my legs while in the saddle. I even find that I prefer the amount of grip that I get with the Athletic Full Chaps over what I get with tall boots or half chaps.
The Athletic Full Chaps are also comfortable and durable enough to wear around the barn. They fit like a second skin, and feel terrific enough to leave on after a ride. So I can go lunge another of my ponies, go muck stalls, throw hay, or handle whatever else comes my way.
After all of the wear that my pair of Athletic Full Chaps have gone through, they still look terrific. They were made to be durable, and I have found that they have held up beautifully to barn life. And better still, they have retained their shape all the while.
The Athletic Full Chaps are available from ProChaps in either black or brown. They retail for $274.95 a pair and you can find them here. You can also learn more about how to measure yourself for a pair of Athletic Full Chaps when you visit the link to learn more about them.
Go grippy chaps (that look and feel great!). Go ProChaps. Go Jumping.
All Photos by Lorraine Peachey