Smartpak Harwich Half Chaps

The search for any sized riding gear can be an exasperating one. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, Smartpak’s Harwich Half-Chaps offered a comfortable, attractive and (whooo hoooo) affordable option!

**this is not a paid review – I purchased these chaps and wanted to share my opinion!**

Years ago, when I was kid and first started hunter/jumper lessons I was told that dressing the part (breeches, tall boots, tucked in polo) was an equestrian’s uniform – and a key piece of effective schooling. For the most part, I’ve held true to that into adulthood. But last month, my beloved Dublin Field Boots – which have together as a my schooling boots for almost 8 years – finally kicked the bucket. The sole is peeling off, the tabs have lost some stitching and one zipper finally gave. Since my custom Dehners only see the light of day at shows I was in need of a quick solution.

I considered another pair of Dublin’s. But, I have a pair of lovely, practically brand new Ariat Performer Lace Zip Boots that have mostly sat in my closet for several years. I must have picked them up on sale because I never wear half chaps. I don’t even own a pair. So, I trekked to my local tack store and tried on every pair of half chaps in the place – none were quite right. Either they were tight in a random place or rubbed or were too big in the ankle. I have atypical leg measurements. I have a very small ankle with super narrow heel and wide, muscular calves that have been known to bust zippers when riding a horse requiring an especially “active” leg.

Since I wasn’t going to spend the money on something that didn’t fit straight out of the bag, I went home and spent some time browsing online reviews. I stumbled on the Harwich half-chaps partly by accident but liked the variety of size combinations available. There was nothing in the on site reviews that I saw as particularly risky and I happened to have a couple code – combined with Smartpak’s stellar return policy on sized items it was was a no-risk proposition.

Like usual, my package from Smartpak arrived quickly. The first thing that struck me was how incredibly SOFT the leather is. I pulled them out of the package and they flopped over instead of being stiff enough to maintain to their shape like many half-chaps. If you’re looking for a show-quality look, that might not be a good thing, but for my hard to fit leg it was just the trick. The softness of the leather and the elastic panel running the length of the back of the half chap combined for custom boot-esque feel. The full grain leather is grippy and effective.

They are incredibly comfortable to ride in and allow a super close contact feel similar that easily matched my tall boots. The range of sizing options meant that one the first try, first ride I had chaps that felt broken in and ready. I’ve had them a few weeks now so I can’t really speak to durability but the construction feels at least as solid as my Dublin’s and those lasted years. At the insanely reasonable price point of $86 (plus a discount if you get Smartpaks!), I don’t mind if they don’t last decades but I would certainly buy another pair if they wore out!

The Smartpak Harwich Half Chap has made this tall boot aficionado a half-chap convert.

All in all – two thumbs (and four hooves from Valiant) up.

Side note: the bag they come in is PERFECT for storing polos and shipping wraps. I was tempted to order a couple more to completely organize my wraps.