Design
Quality of Materials
Value for Money 
Craftsmanship 
Customer Service 
A few years ago, I picked up my first set of Ariat boots.
They’ve been my backyard go-to’s and I’ve given them plenty of love (by love I mean I’ve stomped through mud, brambles, and chainsawed in them).
There’s no shortage of work to do around the house, and since moving from California to North Carolina, I’ve noticed a whole lot more rain. Especially in the winter.
Knowing that, I figured it’s time to get a few jackets for the upcoming cold season.
In this review, I’m looking at the Team Softshell and the Crius Insulated jackets from Ariat and by the end, you’ll know whether or not you should pick one up for yourself.
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What Is Ariat?
Ariat started as an equestrian-focused brand, with boots being their bread and butter.
If you’re curious about Ariat boots, make sure you check out our review of the WorkHog and Midtown Rambler here.
Over time, the brand has grown to focus on riders, construction workers, and folks who like to kick back and enjoy the simple pleasures.
You can find boots, jeans, jackets, shirts, gloves—if you can think of it, Ariat probably stocks some version of it.
Work boots, western boots, and sturdy rugged clothes: everything a cowboy could ever want. Well, maybe a cold beer too. Ariat's selection of boots can take you from the dance floor to the job site.
Things to Consider Before Buying Jackets from Ariat
Ariat isn’t shy about their branding. For some folks, this is a positive—they like what the brand represents and they have no qualms wearing the logo on their sleeve.
For other folks who aren’t such a fan of the branding, there aren’t many options for you.
Ariat jackets also tend to leave a decent amount of room through the arms and torso. You won’t be getting any slim fits here.
They’re designed with functionality at the forefront, so expect more room around the waist and arms so you can reach back into the truck bed on a frosty morning with no troubles.
Ariat Jackets Review
I picked up one of Ariat’s lighter jackets, the Team Softshell, and a heavier jacket for winter, the Crius insulated jacket.
Team Softshell Jacket
Ariat’s Team Softshell is a lightweight jacket that can serve several purposes. I’ve been wearing it in the crisp air of a North Carolina fall, and it’s plenty warm, even in the early morning and late evening.
It’s made with a blend of polyester and spandex, so it’s water and wind resistant. While it’s not 100% waterproof, it has plenty of defense against light rains, so as long as you’re somewhat near a shelter, you’re not risking getting wet with this jacket.
I like how much stretch this jacket has. The material feels fairly thick, but you wouldn’t notice when you have to bend down to tie your boots or grab something from the back of the truck. The Team Softshell allows for your full range of motion, making it an excellent choice if you plan on working in it.
I asked Ariat about the bold branding on their arm and they said “it’s beloved by our community and has helped the jacket become a consistently top-selling product.”
There’s a huge logo down the arm, and Ariat’s signature logo on the chest. That’s not a negative in my opinion, but it’s definitely worth noting before you buy.
There are two hip pockets on the Softshell and they’re both storm sealed and have taped seams, which basically ensures no moisture can penetrate through the seams (which is usually the least weather resistant part of any coat).
While this jacket seems simple from the outset, there are some fine details that I really appreciate. There are two draw tabs at the waist, so if it’s particularly chilly, you can cinch those down and keep airflow from coming in.
And the wrists also have an internal elastic cuff, which can keep rain and wind out of the sleeves. I’ve been to a few Friday night football games where I really wish I had a few of these features. If you’ve ever stood in the wind on some bleachers in the middle of winter, you know what I’m talking about.
The fit is a bit slimmer than the heavier Ariat jackets—it still leaves plenty of room in the arms and torso, but it’s not so bulky that you couldn’t also wear it as a mid-layer.
Overall, I’m a fan of the Team Softshell jacket. It’s a great work companion as it keeps the wind and chill away, but the breathable lining ensures that I don’t overheat—once I get moving, the heat dissipates well.
I like how much stretch this jacket has. The material feels fairly thick, but you wouldn’t notice when you have to bend down to tie your boots or grab something from the back of the truck. The Team Softshell allows for your full range of motion, making it an excellent choice if you plan on working in it.
Crius Insulated Jacket
The Crius Insulated Jacket from Ariat is best suited for the dead of winter, when a blast of that cold morning air immediately gets your nose running.
It’s still fall in North Carolina, so I can’t say I’ve been able to put the Crius to the
With that kind of insulation, this coat should perform well down below freezing, though I may only get one or two opportunities to wear it in that kind of weather.
It’s a bulkier jacket, with a lot of extra room in the torso and arms. For this kind of jacket, that’s definitely welcome—more room means more range of motion and more warm air trapped within.
Like the Softshell, the Crius has two pull tabs at the waist which allow you to cinch and keep the wind out. It also features the same internal elastic wrist cuff that is a huge bonus when a cold evening breeze sideswipes you.
I like the cross hatch quilted pattern on this jacket, and the branding is more subdued compared to the Softshell (Ariat’s famous logo adorns the chest).
Both jackets are decked out with YKK zippers, which is a mark of high quality. The two hip pockets have a storm flap and they’re lined with a soft plush so they’re nice and cozy when you’re standing around the job site waiting for the foreman to show up with that thermos of coffee.
The Crius Insulated Jacket from Ariat is best suited for the dead of winter, when a blast of that cold morning air immediately gets your nose running.
What do Other Reviewers Say About Ariat Jackets?
After reading through the reviews of the Team Softshell, something I found that stood out was that there were several self-identified “plus-size” buyers who liked the fit, too. I have a slimmer frame and didn’t feel like there was too much room around the stomach, so it’s good to know that huskier guys won’t have to suck in to fit the softshell.
As for the Crius insulated jacket, there are only a few reviews. But one of those reviews answered a question I had: does this jacket perform in well-below freezing temps?
Yes. According to one reviewer, a UPS driver, the Crius jacket can keep you nice and toasty even when it’s five degrees outside. Not bad.
My Thoughts Overall On Ariat Jackets
What I Like
Both jackets have waterproof shells and use water and wind resistant construction methods like elastic wrist cuffs and storm-taped zippers to make sure you stay warm in bad weather.
The 240-gram Cool Climate insulation featured in the Crius jacket will keep you warm in below-freezing temperatures.
The nylon mesh lining in the Team Softshell jacket is very breathable, which is great if you’re working in it. It keeps you warm when you’re standing around, but vents the heat out when you’re busy and start to sweat.
Both allow for a full range of motion, particularly in the arms, so it’s easy to reach way back in the truck without an arctic blast hitting you right in the stomach.
What I Don’t Like
You need to be up for repping the Ariat brand, because their logos and branding are bold.
Who is Ariat for?
Ariat is a fantastic brand if you’re looking for affordable, functional clothes you can take with you to the job site in the morning, dust off, and wear to the bar on Friday night to knock back a few cold ones and celebrate another week in the books.
The Verdict
Ariat’s jackets both offer something unique and I’m glad I picked up two.
The Team Softshell jacket is ideal for crispy fall weather. Because of its flexible outer shell, it has the same range of motion you’d get with a t-shirt. But details like the storm-proofed YKK zippers and internal elastic wrist cuffs ensure that no amount of bad weather will get you shivering.
The Crius is a much more heavy-duty jacket. Though you wouldn’t be able to tell from how lightweight it is.
While I haven’t worn it too much (it’s still autumn in North Carolina, so 50 degrees doesn’t really warrant an insulated coat), I’m looking forward to that early winter day when I see frost on my windshield so I can bust this thing out for real.
Through the use of technically innovative fabrics and design, Ariat has managed to make both of these jackets warm when you’re inactive, but breathable once you get moving and start working.
In other words: you’re not going to freeze when you’re sitting in your car at 7AM, and you’re not going to feel drops of sweat rolling down your back when work starts.
I like how much stretch this jacket has. The material feels fairly thick, but you wouldn’t notice when you have to bend down to tie your boots or grab something from the back of the truck. The Team Softshell allows for your full range of motion, making it an excellent choice if you plan on working in it.
The Crius Insulated Jacket from Ariat is best suited for the dead of winter, when a blast of that cold morning air immediately gets your nose running.
FAQs
Are insulated jackets good for winter?
Yes, insulated jackets are ideal for winter. They offer more heat retention than any other kind of jacket, so if you’re regularly in below freezing temperatures, you’ll want an insulated jacket.
What are softshell jackets good for?
Softshell jackets often allow for a full range of motion because of their lighter, stretchier fabric. This means they’re fantastic for when the weather is chilly but not freezing, and they’re also great if you’re working and don’t want to feel restricted in your movements.
