Man’s best friend – our dogs really are part of the family, offering countless hours of love and affection. So, what is one of the main things that our dogs ask from us in return – walkies! Dog walking is a big part of being a dog owner and can provide so much enjoyment for both owner and pet, but living in a country like the UK this can often mean dealing with some less than ideal weather conditions when walking!
Your dog will need walking in rain, sunshine, snow, sleet, wind and hail (plus everything in between knowing our great British weather!). A decent coat will make or break many of the walks that you have to combat when walking your dog – but how to find the right coat can be a difficult question to answer. This is why you need our article! We have considered different materials, size, quality, price and many other features of the best coats for dog walking to help you find the right one for you. Keep reading for all you need to know!
Only Got 5 Minutes?
Maybe your old coat has lost its ability to keep you dry or is just looking a little tired! Or worse, maybe you have no dog walking coat to wear whatsoever (I really cannot imagine living without mine!). If time is of the essence and you need to get purchasing a coat, and pronto, then this part of the article is for you.
Our Recommended Gents Dog Walking Coat
- The RG alpha three in one jacket offers guaranteed waterproof performance with a removable warmth layer, allowing you to make the most of every adventure, whatever the weather
- Waterproof guarantee - fully breathable and waterproof Hydroshell fabric keeps you dry when the weather turns
- The centre-front zip comes with a cover flap for additional protection from water
- Work hard, stay cool - three-quarter side zips give ventilation and allow quick changes
- Cuffs and dual-drawcord hem let you fine-tune the ideal fit
Last update on 2025-01-22 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Our Recommended Ladies Dog Walking Coat
- Waterproof - fully waterproof hydroshell two layer fabric keeps you dry and protected when the weather turns
- Unrestricted movement - move freely with cosy stretch fleece on the inner jacket
- Totally versatile wear each layer as a single or zip together for maximum warmth and weather protection
- Stay warmer and drier with the dropped hem
Last update on 2025-01-22 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
What to Look For In A Dog Walking Coat
We have considered some of the most important features to look for when purchasing a dog walking coat to help you find one that is going to do the ‘trick’ for you!
Size
The size of dog walking coat that you go for is so important and really depends on a number of factors. Many dog walking coats are actually made larger than average in their sizing (this is to allow you to layer up underneath for extra warmth) so if you are wanting your coat to be more fitted then check the manufacturer’s instructions and possibly opt for a smaller size than normal.
Material
It goes without saying that the material of your walking coat needs to be waterproof! But there are many types of material that can have a waterproof coating but will still not be fully waterproof, or possible won’t be able to be wiped down should they become dirtied with mucky paws!
Look out for coats that are made out of polyester or gore-tex materials and ones that advertise themselves as being “waterproof” instead of “showerproof” (unless you are happy with the possibility of your coat not keeping you completely dry in the worst of weather!). Also, consider the feel of the material and whether you are going to be able to sponge it down when it becomes dirty – this will save you having to wash it after every use.
Look out for materials that will be less likely to tear and are also flexible, so that you can be comfortable when out walking. Ripstop material is perfect if you have a dog that is likely to jump up and potentially rip your coat, or if you regularly walk through trees that could tear your coat.
Lining
The lining material of the coat is almost just as important as the outer material, so this is definitely something that you need to check for when making your purchase. There are a number of aspects that you need to think about – whether you want the coat to be breathable, have moisture-wicking features, or be fleece lined to keep your warm.
A breathable, thinner lining will mean the coat can be worn through more of the year, as you will be able to put an underlayer on in winter, but the coat still be cool in summer. Whereas, a fleece lined, thick coat will be too warm in summer, but will definitely keep you toasty warm in the winter!
Design
This really comes down to personal preference, but there are some main differences that you will need to think about before purchasing your dog walking coat. For example, what length of coat is going to be best for you. A long coat will help to keep your clothes underneath cleaner on muddy walks, but therefore will need washing a lot more regularly. A short coat will give you more flexibility of movement if you like going for long walks, but will not keep your clothes (or you!) protected from the adverse weather!
Durability and Budget
The durability of your dog walking coat will largely link to the budget and price that you pay. Check the different reviews of coats to try and find one that is going to last. The prices of dog walking coats will vary massively, and admittedly paying a high price doesn’t always mean that you are going to get a cost that will last years. But, we would always recommend having a decent budget set aside for your dog walking coat, as it will be worn once or twice a day, almost every day! If anything is worth a decent budget – it’s something used that often!
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3 in 1 Dog Walking Coats
A 3 in 1 dog walking coat may be the way to go if you are struggling to decide what is going to be right for you! These coats come in two parts, a fleece and a waterproof outer layer. These can be zipped together for cold, wet weather or worn separately for warmer, wet weather or cold, dry weather.
Although these coats will usually be a little bit more expensive, their versatility means that you will be able to wear them in almost any weather so will offer you fantastic value for money! It will also save you having to make multiple purchases throughout the year depending on the massively changing seasons!
Gilets
A good gilet won’t replace your dog walking coat (in our opinion anyway) but may be worth considering as an additional purchase. Light enough to be worn on warmer days but also perfect as an extra layer on particularly cold days – we would definitely say that a gilet is worth purchasing as an additional dog walking jacket!
Packaway Coats
Packaway waterproof coats are the way forward as far as we are concerned! Admittedly, we wouldn’t suggest purchasing one of these to replace your dog walking coat, but as an additional purchase they are well worth considering (particularly if you like going out for longer dog walks where you could face different weather conditions throughout the day).
Lightweight, waterproof and able to be packed away into a tiny bag (or sometimes into itself) these coats are perfect for those warmer days out dog walking but when there is still a chance of rain showers coming your way!
Hopefully this will have given you some food for thought in trying to make your purchase. But, believe it or not there are still a number more features that you need to think about before committing to your purchase! We have outlined these below.
Extra Features to Consider
There are many little features that you will find on dog walking coats that may seem small and insignificant but will make a huge difference when you are going to be wearing the coat so much.
- Pockets – Make sure to opt for a jacket that has plenty of pockets for all your dog treats, poo bags and everything else that you might need when out dog walking! We would always recommend zip-up pockets for dog walking coats (unless you want doggy bags flying out of them in any slight wind!). Also, look out for coats with an internal pocket for your phone, this will help to protect it from particularly bad rain and avoid any water damage!
- Visibility – Although (if you are anything like me!) you will usually be walking your dogs in daylight, there are times when this just isn’t possible, with busy lives and work to take into consideration! It is well worth opting for a coat that at least has some reflective strips on the arms or back so that you can be spotted at a distance.
- Colour – Most dog walking coats come in relatively neutral colours such as black, grey and brown, although you will now find coats in much brighter colours if this is more your sort of thing. Just remember to look for a colour that is going to hide the dirt as much as possible (even if your dog is well behaved and doesn’t jump up, you can guarantee there will be others on the walk that will!).
- Matchy Matchy – This is a relatively new thing in the dog owners world, but there are now many brands of coats that will also offer matching coats for your four legged friend!
- Unisex Options – There are some dog walking coats that will be specifically designed for men or women, whereas others will be unisex coats. These coats will usually be cheaper but usually don’t offer as good fit, as they will be slightly too small for men, and slightly too big for women!
- Storm flaps over the zips will help to give you 100% protection from poor weather conditions, as they will cover the zips that aren’t waterproof.
- Taped seams are really important for waterproof coats as they will stop bits of water from seeping in when the weather is particularly bad.
- Adjustable cuffs and drawcords for hoods and waistbands will help add to the practicality of the coat and provide you with a better fit.
- Detachable hood – We would always recommend opting for a dog walking coat with a hood, as lets be honest, there will be plenty of times when you will be walking in the rain. However, sometimes it is nice to opt for coats with detachable hoods, to add to the smartness of the hood when it is not raining (although watch out for the fact that often a detachable hood will have “weak spots” that aren’t as waterproof as attached hoods).
Looking After Your Dog Walking Coat
Your dog walking coat is going to have to go through a lot – every single day – so it is important that you look after it properly if you also want it to look after you!
- Make sure to place your coat somewhere warm and dry if it gets wet so that it can dry out properly.
- Try not to over wash your coat if you want it to keep its protective coating – simply wipe it with a wet cloth where possible.
- However, remember that if your coat is 100% waterproof then washing it will not damage the waterproof coating (as some people often believe).
- If your coat begins to struggle to keep you dry out walking then it may be worth considering reproofing it. This can be done simply and easily by purchasing a reproofing system and washing your coat in it.
Our Recommendations
Last update on 2025-01-22 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dog walking coat come with a guarantee?
Most decent quality dog walking coats will come with a guarantee on the material and the waterproof coating (if you choose a coat that comes with one). This is something to watch out for if you are wanting your coat to last, but be careful to look after your coat, as if the material is snagged or damaged then it will not be covered under most guarantees.
What is the difference between showerproof and waterproof coats?
Showerproof coats will be able to withstand most rainstorms that come your way when out walking, however they are not waterproof and don’t pretend to be either! This means that you might find weak spots in the coat that will let drops of water in or that your coat might start to leave you slightly damp in particularly bad weather!
How do I know if my coat is waterproof enough?
The hydrostatic head is the known measurement for how waterproof material is. A column of water is applied to a fabric and depending on how high the water rises before it seeps through the material will determine the waterproof rating it receives. Material is defined as waterproof at a level of 1500mm and above but you will need a much higher scoring material than this if it is going to be all weatherproof!
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