Product Review: Noble Outfitters’ Rollback Reversible Vest

Kristen Kovatch puts Noble Outfitters to test both at work and at play. (Emphasis on the play.)

When people ask me ‘what I do’ I like to tell them the truth: “I’m a freelance writer,” I report, pleased that my life has taken me in this direction in which I can make a professional living by utilizing both my writing skills and my creative brain. “Oh?” people inevitably ask. “Do you write for magazines? Newspapers?” And I grin and reply, “I write about funny horse stuff for the internet.” Yep, I’m a professional.

Which is why I loved the Noble Outfitters‘ Rollback Reversible Vest from the moment it appeared on my doorstep: it’s practical, yet fun. It’s a useful addition to my riding wardrobe that also lets me express myself. It’s conservative and professional on one side…

…and totally outrageous on the other.

Red is blinded by the Aztec.

Noble Outfitters offers both English and western apparel, barn tools, accessories and bags, all designed for the equestrian. Apparel ranges from working clothing to fashionable equestrian wear, outfitting everyone from the show rider to the working rancher. The Rollback Reversible Vest is well-suited to spring’s changing temperatures: it’s a warm layer that doesn’t add a lot of bulk, which makes it ideal for pairing with a heavier jacket for really brisk days. I chose a sunny, 40-degree afternoon in March to test-ride the vest and was happy to have the additional layer that didn’t make me feel like a marshmallow in the saddle. (The next day, I layered the vest under a heavy waterproof jacket, as it was snowing again.)

The vest has pockets on both sides so you’ll never be without your gloves or horse treats. The princess seams on the side give the vest a more contoured, feminine fit and the entire garment is clearly designed for riders with plenty of length in the torso and especially the back. When switching over, the zipper pull flips to the new outside, making this a true reversible vest. I especially like the look of the quilting on the shoulders. And, let’s be honest–my favorite feature is the way I can change my look from classy to sassy in a second.

I did find that the vest runs small: my normal size was a little tight all the way around, a little short in the torso and very snug in the armpits, so I had to send it back for one size bigger. Plan on ordering up a size from what you normally wear and you should be just fine–the second vest fit me perfectly.

I found out the hard way by accidentally riding through a thorn bush that the vest is much more durable than I assumed from the feel of the material–I somehow managed to not put a hole or snag in it, which is great news for trail riders who might get into rough country.

The Rollback Reversible Vest comes in the wine/Aztec pattern that I’m sporting, as well as black/blue with polka dots, pictured here:

Noble Outfitters

Priced at $79.99 direct from Noble Outfitters, the Rollback Reversible Vest is competitive with other brand-name vests–but since you’re really getting two vests in one, I’d call it a deal. Order online or find a dealer near you to try one on! Added bonus: Noble Outfitters donates 5% of profits to youth equine programs.

Go riding!