Best Leather For Work Shotgun Chaps

[thenrie]

I'm getting ready to try my first set of shotgun chaps. I'm getting ready for a long horse pack trip, so I want a pair of work chaps that are pretty weather and wear resistant. I'm thinking along the lines of Arizona chaps, step-ins, no zipper, in about 5-6 oz oil-tanned leather. I'd like them heavy and weather-resistant, but I don't know how heavy is too heavy, since I've never worn chaps. Any recommendations would be helpful. Good pattern recommendations would be helpful, as well.

Thanks.

[tnawrot2]

Klenda has a pattern for Arizona Chaps

http://www.klendasaddlery.com/patterns.htm

[oltoot]

Since you have never worn chaps and are going on a pack trip which i assume will involve some on and off I would recommend that you try chinks, instead. Cut long with long fringe and with heavy oil tan, they will offer plenty of protection plus be easier to 'break in'

[thenrie]

Thanks for the Klenda link. I knew I had seen those patterns and couldn't remember where. I'll be ordering patterns for chinks and the Arizona shotguns. They show leather as 5-6oz. oil-tan. I've also heard mention of chrome-tan. Don't know much about either. Is 6-7 oz oil-tan getting too heavy for shotguns? Would I be better off with 5-6 oz and wear patches? I also see "buffed" leather offered as chap leather. What is the best for weather-resistance?

@oltoot, I think I'll give both a try. I like the idea of chinks and figure I'll likely use them for most of my "other" riding. As for my big trip, I'm hoping to make it from Mexico to Canada on the Great Western Trail in 2015, so I'll have plenty of time to break the shotguns in before I actually embark on "the big one". My big concern for that trip, with regard to chaps, is weather. I'll have to start in mid-spring to make it by the end of summer at the Canada border. I'm likely to hit some winter-type weather in the higher up elevations even in the middle of summer. I just figured shotguns would handle wind, rain, and cold better than chinks. The fact that it's a loooong trip (about 3,000 miles) is why I want heavy chaps, but I don't want them so heavy I'm uncomfortable in them for 8-10 hours a day, both in the saddle and on the ground.

I've done plenty of packing, just haven't ever worn chaps.

Thanks,

[thenrie]

Went ahead and ordered patterns from Klenda Saddlery. Ordered #26 chinks, #34 Arizona shotguns, and his batwings. I'll just make all three and see what I end up using the most. Mr. Klenda kindly chatted with me a few minutes and made recommendations to me that I will follow. He said 5/6 oz oil-tanned leather will probably be what I want, but that for the batwings I might ask the supplier for a stiffer leather in the same weight. I look forward to getting them done and try them out.

Thanks for the replies.

[horseplay]

Thanks for the info you'd found on chaps. My husband and I are avid riders and I've been experimenting with chap making. I've made chaps with anything from 3oz to 5oz leather. My tendancy would be to stay with a 5oz leather for everyday chaps that will take a beating but the 3oz upholstery leather works nicely for show style chaps.

As far as riding in chaps...I currently ride in full length, zippered shotgun chap made of about 4 oz suede leather. (I didn't make these) I love the full length chaps for cooler days and tough trails. They've saved my legs many times from branches and brush. And along with a full length oiled jacket, I am toasty warm while riding in the rain or cold. Summers are not so great since they get super hot to ride in. So I'm in the process of making myself a nice pair of chinks for summertime riding.