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Riding Cloak provides +1 Horse EXP and level 3 Ice Resistance, completing the riding gear set.
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Found via a specific back alley vendor right of Hills of No Return, off Hernand’s right shoulder.
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Requires building vendor trust by gifting 10 Garnets, obtained from nearby ore farms.
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Added in the latest game update to back alley shops for rare items.
The Riding Cloak stands out as a highly sought-after piece of gear in Crimson Desert, offering direct boosts to your horse’s growth while enhancing your resistance in icy environments. Players have hunted for it across maps and vendors, but it hides in plain sight among the game’s shadowy back alley merchants. This guide details every step to acquire it without missing a beat.
Key locations involved
The vendor sits tucked in a back alley just right of the Hills of No Return, positioned off the right shoulder when approaching from Hernand.
This spot unlocks a fast travel point amid rich ore veins, ideal for garnet farming—head there early by horse from anywhere on the map to trigger it. Surrounding areas respawn resources every seven in-game days, making repeated visits efficient for gathering and accessing the merchant.
How to reach the back alley vendor
Follow these steps to navigate precisely to the vendor without wandering.
Step 1
Fast travel or ride your horse toward Hernand, then veer right along the path leading to the right shoulder of the area.
Step 2
Spot the Hills of No Return on your right; continue straight into the narrow back alley entrance just beyond them.
Step 3
Approach the secluded merchant stand in the alley—it’s marked by its hidden, dimly lit setup among the hills’ edge.
Step 4
Interact with the vendor; note the Riding Cloak in his inventory, but it remains locked until trust builds.
How to farm garnets efficiently
Garnets build the required trust—only 10 needed, but farm extras for jewelry upgrades. The prime spot near the vendor features multiple nodes.
Step 1
From the vendor or Hernand, ride to the fast travel point right of the hills if not unlocked—it’s loaded with ores.
Step 2
Equip a pickaxe from Hernand’s Provisioner’s Shop or use Force Palm on red crystal deposits along cliff faces and cycles.
Step 3
Harvest nodes systematically; they respawn every seven in-game days—cycle back after advancing time via resting or quests.
Step 4
Collect at least 10 Garnets; other gems may work but Garnets are confirmed for this vendor.
How to build trust and buy the cloak
Once at the vendor with Garnets, finalize the purchase.
Step 1
Select the “Gift” option on the merchant dialogue and choose Garnets—one gift per item.
Step 2
Repeat gifting 10 Garnets; trust meter fills progressively, unlocking sales after the final one.
Step 3
Return to the shop menu; Riding Cloak now appears purchasable at standard price.
Step 4
Buy and equip via inventory’s Gear tab in the back slot for immediate Horse EXP gains and Ice Resistance.
Pair it with other riding gear for optimal horse leveling, turning routine travels into rapid mount progression.
Its dual utility shines in cold zones and long EXP grinds, making it essential for advanced exploration and challenges.
