Best Coats for Dog Walkers

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Ask any dog owner and they are bound to say that one of their favourite things about owning a dog is dog walking. However, ask the same dog owners what their least favourite thing is about owning a dog and they will probably also have exactly the same answer.....dog walking......whatever the weather. It's true that walking the dog in any time of the year is fun, but as the summer draws to a close and the nights start to come in it's time to make sure that you have a decent jacket to keep out the cold and rain so that you can go out on a nice long dog walk, without worrying about getting cold or drenched. It's also the time of year when things can be a little bit chilly if you walk in the early morning or in the evening, so it isn't too early to plan ahead. So whether your old faithful is falling apart or your best waterproof isn't so waterproof anymore, here is our guide to the best coats for dog walkers.

What should I look for in a dog walking coat?

Choosing the best dog walking coat is the same as buying any other coat in some of the things that you are looking for such as material, size, price, quality and style. However there are some extra factors to bear in mind such as:

Material- you need your coat to last but also be breathable or have moisture-wicking properties. You will likely want something warm but that you can still use on warmer days as well as on cold days.
Size- Bear in mind that coats generally come up big but also that you are likely to be wearing different layers to suit the weather. Your coat needs to fit over a t shirt but also over a thick winter jumper.
Lining- a well lined jacket will help with many of these factors such as keeping you dry. Any lining should be well fitted to the jacket so that it isn't so tight that it will tear easily but isn't loose leaving you getting lost inside it.
Durability and Quality- Check customer reviews which are bound to tell you if the jacket doesn't come up to scratch or doesn't last. They can also give you guidance on whether jackets come up true to size or not.
Price- value for money has to be a big factor when this is an item you are going to be wearing so often and for so many hours. The quality will vary depending on the price so it is worth spending extra money on something that will last.

There are other things that are commonly useful for the purpose of dog walking which it is worth keeping an eye out for. Key features to prioritise above all else for dog walkers include:

Waterproof
Comfortable
Storage space for essentials (smartphone, door key, torch, poo bags, dog treats)

So now that we know what to look for, here is our guide to the best coats for dog walking.

Best Coats for Dog Walking (Ladies)

Berghaus Rothley Gore-Tex Waterproof Shell Jacket

Berghaus Women's Rothley Gore-Tex Waterproof Shell Jacket £109.99

This stylish coat comes with a waterproof guarantee. The snorkel hood design is also great for keeping out the downpours and keeping you cosy inside. The longer length and dropped hem give enhanced comfort and freedom of movement. This coat also has some deep pockets for all of your essentials. Downsides are that it isn't lined and is slim fit so you might want to go up a size in order to fit additional layers underneath, however this coat is suitable for year round use.

Regatta Serleena Waterproof Thermo-Guard Insulated Hooded Parka Jacket

Regatta Women's Serleena Waterproof Thermo-Guard Insulated Hooded Parka Jacket from £34.96

This jacket is best for keeping you warm and dry due to it's thermo-guard insulation and waterproof hydrafort fabric. The faux fur on the hood adds a bit of luxury and style and the waist can be adjusted to give a flattering fit. There are plenty of pockets (one chest pocket and two lower patch pockets as well as an internal security pocket) giving you plenty of options of where to store your essential items. The jacket comes in a choice of delhi red (pictured), black, blue opal, dark khaki and light vanilla. Our favourite is the khaki which is a little softer than some of the darker colours on pale skin tones.

The North Face Hikesteller Jacket

Women’s Hikesteller Parka Shell Jacket £136

This jacket has a flattering fit whilst offering valuable protection thanks to DryVent® waterproofing technology. A one-hand adjustable hood ensures you don’t have to sacrifice coverage to find a bespoke and it has those all important pockets.

Helly Hansen Aden Long Shell Waterproof Jacket

Helly Hansen Aden Long Shell Waterproof Jacket Prices from £82.44

This longer waterproof is fully lined for extra comfort, what's more the lining is also quick dry and the pockets are extra deep to keep your hands warm. It also comes in black, white, navy or evening blue colours. On the downside this coat is quite lightweight but is true to size, so is big enough to fit additional layers underneath.

Best Coats for Dog Walking (Men)

Berghaus Alpha 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket with Inner Fleece

Berghaus Alpha 3-in-1 Waterproof Jacket with Inner Fleece £79

This stylish and versatile men's jacket is waterproof, windproof and breathable. It has a removable inside fleece and a roll away adjustable hood. The deep pockets are great for keeping your hands warm and the internal pocket offers additional options for storing your keys, phone and wallet.

Regatta Salinger Waterproof and Breathable Thermo-Guard Insulated Winter Parka

Regatta Salinger Waterproof and Breathable Thermo-Guard Insulated Winter Parka £48.13

This coat is waterproof and thermo-guard insulated offering some extra comfort, it comes in loads of different colours including blue (blue wing), black, dark khaki (bayleaf), reddy brown (brandy brown), yellow (mustard seed) and orange (burnt umber). Our favourite is the dark khaki due to the nice contrast with the faux fur on the hood. There are loads of pockets which would be really useful for everything you might need, even on a longer dog walk. The slightly longer length means that the tops of your legs dont get wet when it rains too.

The North Face Sangro Outdoor Hooded Jacket

The North Face Sangro Outdoor Hooded Jacket Prices from £96

This jacket is simple but waterproof, windproof, breathable and has seam sealed DryVent technology offering day long dryness. It also repels water from the surface of the jacket. It comes in black, navy or enamel blue. The navy is our favourite.The hood can be packed away into the collar if needed. This coat has two pockets perfect for valuables or for keeping your hands warm. Overall this jacket offers pretty good value for money.

Helly Hansen Moss Outdoor Waterproof Rain Coat

Helly Hansen Moss Outdoor Waterproof Rain Coat £65

We like the longer length of this jacket which helps to keep the tops of your legs dry when it is raining hard, it's worth noting that this isn't really long if you are quite tall, so check the measurements. It is lightwright, windproof and waterproof. This jacket comes in navy or in yellow, we prefer the navy for being more versatile. It also comes with a handy PU repair kit to easily fix any nicks or snags and ensure the longevity of the product. It also has 2 pockets.