A dog walking coat is a must-have for any outdoor adventures with your pooch when it’s cold and wet. In our opinion, there’s nothing worse than coming back from a walk with your pup and you’re both feeling damp and chilly. That’s why it’s important to be armed with all the best dog walking accessories to ensure you’re ready to tackle whatever the elements throw at you.
A dog walking coat is just as important as a good quality pair of walking boots when going on walkies with your pooch. As every person in Britain knows, the weather is very unpredictable, and you're more than likely to get caught in a shower when out on a dog walk, so having a dedicated coat will keep you warm and dry. Don't forget to choose one that has plenty of pockets, too, so you can keep the things you're going to need regularly to hand, like treats and poop bags.
Best dog walking coat at a glance:
• Best dog walking coat overall: Alaskan Women's 3-in-1 Long Waterproof Jacket – view on Mountain Warehouse
• Best dog walking jacket: Women's Corinne IV Waterproof Packaway Jacket – view on Regatta
• Best dog walking coat for visibility: Shine 360° Reflective Women's Waterproof Jacket – view on Mountain Warehouse
Whether you're after a fully insulating, waterproof jacket or a lightweight jacket you can pop in your bag just in case you need it, we've got you covered. Here is our list of our favourite dog walking coats that offer different features to make sure you're protected in all kinds of weathers. Just don't forget to pick up a waterproof dog coat for your pooch to ensure they're also kept nice and dry on walkies.
Best dog walking coat for walkies with your pooch
Best dog walking coat overall
Mountain Warehousewww.mountainwarehouse.com
Providing three ways to wear in one, the Alaskan Women's 3-in-1 Long Waterproof Jacket from Mountain Warehouse is a versatile coat that provides full weather protection. It has an outer waterproof shell and an inner warm lightweight jacket that can be worn together or separately depending on the level of warmth you need. It's breathable with an adjustable hood and cuffs, and it's been thermal tested to -30°C, so it's definitely going to help you feel snug when you're out walking your pup in the cold.
Customer review: "Really warm and comfortable. Great dog walking coat for winter"
Pros
- Three ways to wear, so you can wear it in different weather conditions
- Waterproof and tested up to 10,000mm, so it's suitable for heavy rain
Cons
- Mixed opinions on the sizing, some reviewers felt it came up small, but others had to size down
Best dog walking jacket
Regattawww.regatta.com
For those days when you head out and it's dry, but by the time you get halfway around your walk, it's raining, this Women's Corinne IV Waterproof Packaway Jacket is ideal. It's lightweight and packs away into its own pocket so you can stash it in your bag and get out when needed. It also has a durable water-repellent finish and a reflective trim. It's available in 35 different colours in sizes UK 8 -26.
Customer review: "I wanted a lightweight jacket that I could fold up and carry in my bag ready for summer showers. This fits the bill perfectly. Good quality, lovely colour and value for money."
Pros
- Lightweight and packs away into a pocket
- Waterproof and reflective
Cons
- Some reviewers say sizing runs small, so you may need to size up
Best dog walking coat for visibility
Mountain Warehousewww.mountainwarehouse.com
If you often take your pooch for walks in the evening or other low-visibility settings, such as fog or frosty mornings, this Shine 360° Reflective Womens Waterproof Jacket will keep you and your pooch seen and safe. In regular light, it displays as a light grey colour, but as soon as dusk hits or it's hit by an external light source (such as car headlines), the whole coat becomes reflective and glows silver. It's lightweight and breathable, so you shouldn't overheat while wearing it.
Customer review: "Very reflective when headlights hit you. Excellent for walking in the darker evenings."
Pros
- Reflective in the dark/low visibility conditions
- Lightweight and breathable fabric
Cons
- Could have more pockets
Best waterproof dog walking coat
Mountain Warehousewww.mountainwarehouse.com
Tested to 10,000mm of water, the Rainforest II Extreme Women's Waterproof Jacket is just what you need to keep you dry if you get caught in a shower while walking your hound. It has a waterproof outer with taped seams, adjustable hood and cuffs and zipped pockets, so it has plenty of features that make it a fab choice for dog walking. It also has a mesh lining that improves breathability by allowing air to circulate through your clothing to keep you cool and comfortable even while wrapped up warm.
Customer review: "Fantastic raincoat. Just what I needed."
Pros
- Suitable for heavy rain with waterproof outer and taped seams that run across all stitched areas
- Great breathability with mesh lining
Cons
- Reviewers generally had to size up for a better fit
Best dog walking coat for windy weather protection
Berghaus/Blackswww.blacks.co.uk
Waterproof, breathable and windproof, the Berghaus Women's Maitland Gore-Tex Jacket is made with everything you need to keep you protected from rainfall during wet and windy dog walks. It's crafted with a two-layer Gore-Tex membrane that rainwater will bead straight off of, keeping you dry and comfortable in even the worst conditions. The adjustable hood, hem and cuffs mean you can alter the fit to your preference and shelter your body from the cold.
Customer review: "I settled on this jacket after much deliberation! Great features are zipped pockets, one inside for keys and phone, the hood has poppers and toggles to tighten around your face in high winds, and it is windproof (tested at 50+ mph)! Length is below hip with adjustable toggle. Colour aubergine is gorgeous, velcro around wrists, hood stores away, and it’s very comfy to wear. I am 5ft 9in size 10-12 and sent the 12 back for a size 14, which fits lovely with a base layer and fleece underneath. I’m looking forward to many years of wear, well worth paying that little bit extra and would highly recommend :-)"
Pros
- Beads rainwater off
- Great for offering protection in high winds
Cons
- Could be more size inclusive
Best budget dog walking coat
donhobo/AmazonFor those on a budget, you get a good quality dog coat for under £60 with the donhobo Women’s Waterproof Jacket. It has a waterproof coating to keep you dry on dog walks on rainy, snowy or foggy days as well as windproofing, thanks to the adjustable cuffs, softshell surface and detachable hood. With two front pockets, one chest pocket and one secure pocket, there’s plenty of space to put all the walking essentials for you and your pup.
Customer review: "Great value for money! Waterproof, windproof, fantastic warmth - love it. Perfect for walking the dogs."
Pros
- Waterproof and windproof
- Soft and thick fleecy inner to keep you warm and comfortable
Cons
- Hand wash only
Best waxed dog walking coat
Barbour/Verywww.very.co.uk
Is there a coat more iconic than the Classic Barbour with its olive colouring and tartan print lining? Crafted in a traditional Thornproof waxed cotton, this coat boasts functionality and style. It features plenty of pockets to keep your and your pooch's essentials inside and cold-weather-friendly lining to keep you nice and toasty when things get chilly. Plus, you can get Barbour dog jackets to match so you and your furry bestie can be twinning on walks.
Customer review: "comfy, perfect for dog walking to everyday use"
Pros
- Plenty of pockets
- Functional and stylish
Cons
- Sponge clean only
Best fashionable dog walking coat
FatFacewww.fatface.com
Get set for dog walks in rain and frost with the Tiegan Waterproof Coat from FatFace. With an adjustable hood and elasticated cuffs, it's ideal for when the weather starts to get wild, as you can keep the chilly breeze out of your face and your arms. It's warm and insulated as well as waterproof, so you'll be ready for whatever the weather chucks at you.
Customer review: "Great dog walking coat. I needed to replace a very old worn waterproof coat and this one is perfect! The collar and hood work well together to keep you dry on wet blustery days, and I like the length of the coat. I'm only 5' tall so it's longer on me than the models but doesn't look too long.
I think the best bit has to be the pockets. There are loads! Perfect for dog treats, poop bags, phone, tissues, cough sweets, gloves etc."
Pros
- Great in wind and rain
- Deep pockets
Cons
- The brand recommends you need to re-waterproof this coat at least once a year as the nature of the coating means it becomes less effective over time as it is affected by dirt and abrasion
Best dog walking coat for adventure seekers
dryrobedryrobe.com
Although a dryrobe is made primarily for those who take part in open-water swimming and watersports to help them dry off and give them enough room to get changed, dryrobes have grown in popularity with dog walkers and lovers of exploring the great outdoors due to weatherproof design. It has a super-warm inner, which will make you feel like you're being hugged like a fluffy cloud as you walk with your pooch, and a durable waterproof outer to keep you protected in showers.
Customer review: "Love! Literally the warmest and dryest coat I’ve ever owned. Am I wearing it for sporting purposes? No. Do I wear it to walk the dog and have I been to Tesco in it? Yes. Leave me alone TikTok 😂"
Pros
- Super warm fleece lining and waterproof and windproof outer shell
- Internal A4-sized pocket, waterproof internal phone/wallet pocket and two external zipped pockets for all your things
Cons
- As they're designed to have an oversized fit to allow people to get changed from wet clothing underneath, some may find it slightly too chunky to wear
Dog walking coat FAQs
What features should I look for in a dog walking coat?
When choosing the best dog walking coat, there are a couple of factors you’ll want to think about to make sure you’re choosing the right coat for your needs.
Waterproof or water-resistant material
We all know that the great British weather can be unpredictable, so if you opt for a coat made from waterproof or water-resistant materials, you’ll be prepared for any wet conditions you may encounter and stay dry during rainy walks.
Insulation for warmth
Planning on walking your dog in chilly weather? Look for a coat that has plenty of insulation to ensure you stay warm in the cold.
Reflective elements
Make sure you and your pup can be seen in the dark and other low-light conditions with a coat that has reflective strips or accents to enhance your visibility.
Pocket or storage compartments
From poop bags and dog treats to your keys and mobile, there are a lot of things to take with you on dog walks, so to eliminate the need for a separate bag or additional accessories, opt for a coat that has plenty of pockets or storage compartments.
Easy to clean
It’s not just your pooch who will need a clean after a muddy walk, you may find your coat covered in splashes of muck too. With that in mind, choose a coat that is machine washable or at least can be wiped clean so you can keep your coat looking fresh.
Durability
As most dogs need to be taken on daily walks, you should consider a coat that is made from high-quality materials for longevity and to withstand regular wear and tear.
Design
While practicality is important, you’ll also want to think about style. You’ll be more likely to reach for it if the coat reflects your personal taste so think about whether you prefer a classic outdoor look or a more modern, fashionable design that can be worn for other occasions too.
What do you wear on a dog walk?
What you wear on a dog walk will obviously depend on the weather, where you're going on your walk and how long you're going for, but here's a general guide on what to wear to ensure you're comfortable in all conditions.
Appropriate footwear
Choose comfortable and supportive footwear that will be suitable for wherever you’re going on your walks. Trainers should be fine for a quick walk around the block but a quality pair of men's or women's dog walking boots or shoes will be needed for countryside walks or long distances. If it’s wet and muddy, consider a pair of waterproof walking boots to keep your feet nice and dry.
Weather-appropriate clothing
If it’s chilly outside, make sure you’ve got plenty of layers on to keep you nice and warm. We’re talking a base layer, fleece and jumper, plus your waterproof/windproof jacket. Don’t forget walking gloves, a hat and a scarf when it’s particularly cold.
When heading out in the summer, opt for lightweight, breathable clothing to help regulate your body temperature. You may also want to consider wearing a sunhat and sunglasses too.
Comfortable bottoms
Wearing jeans and tailored trousers can be restricting, so choose leggings, loose-fitting trousers or shorts that will allow for ease of movement during your walk.
Visibility gear
Heading out at night or in low-light conditions? Wear reflective clothing or accessories, such as a reflective vest or armbands, to make sure you and your pooch stay seen.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.