Choosing Your Ideal Dog Walking Jacket
Regular walks are a key priority when owning a dog, no matter the weather, which is why you always need the right dog walking clothing. A dog walking jacket is a vital piece of clothing in any dog owner's wardrobe and keeps you protected in all kinds of weather. Daily walks are non-negotiable, no matter the season, and being caught in the rain, wind, or freezing temperatures without the right protection can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a miserable chore.
A quality dog walking jacket ensures you're prepared for whatever the weather throws your way, keeping you dry, warm, and comfortable while allowing you to focus on enjoying time with your dog. From waterproof fabrics and windproof linings to practical features like pockets for treats and waste bags, a good jacket is designed to support your routine and make every walk a pleasant experience, come rain or shine.
Before investing in dog walking clothing, it is important to Consider your dog’s individual needs. Understanding how long your dog is comfortable walking, as well as their breed, age, and activity level, can help you plan your walks more effectively and choose clothing that suits your routine. After all, caring for your dog’s well-being is just as crucial as preparing for the weather. A well-balanced walking schedule tailored to your dog’s capabilities plays a key role in keeping them healthy, happy, and thriving.
Of course, when it comes to dog walking, one jacket rarely fits all. The weather can change dramatically throughout the year, and what works for a crisp winter morning won’t be ideal for a breezy spring afternoon or a sudden summer downpour. Having a selection of jackets suited to each season means you’ll always be comfortable and prepared, whatever the forecast.
“On wet and windy days, I always reach for my Harkila Pro Hunter Endure ; it has plenty of pockets for leads and treats, and with its Gore-tex membrane I know I'm going to be warm and dry. On cooler but dry days, I opt for a Harkila Durrow fleece, which is a perfect weight to keep me warm, but doesn’t weigh me down. With its windproof membrane, it is warm enough even on some colder days” - John Jones, Managing Partner at Philip Morris & Son
At Philip Morris, we’re proud to be a team of passionate dog lovers, with many of us lucky to have four-legged companions of our own. This means we know firsthand just how important it is to have a reliable, comfortable, and weatherproof jacket for daily walks, regardless of the season. Between us, we’ve tested a wide range of coats in all weather conditions, so you can trust that our recommendations are based on real dog owner experience. In this blog, we’ll share our top picks for the best dog walking jackets, chosen for their practicality, durability and comfort.
Dog Walking Jackets For Her
Dog Walking Jackets For Him
Key Features of a Dog Walking Coat
Choosing the right dog walking coat isn’t just about style, but also about finding jackets that can truly support you through all weather conditions. Since dog walks happen rain or shine, it’s essential to pick a coat that keeps you comfortable, dry, and protected from the elements. Before you buy, take a moment to consider the key features that will make your walks more enjoyable and practical, whatever the forecast.
Breathability
A dog walking jacket should be breathable to keep you comfortable throughout your walk, especially during more active outings or changeable weather. Breathability allows moisture and heat from your body to escape, preventing you from becoming hot and sweaty underneath the jacket. This is especially important when you’re layering clothing in colder months or walking at a brisk pace. A breathable jacket helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you dry on the inside even when it's wet or chilly outside, ultimately making your dog walks more pleasant, no matter the conditions.
Waterproofing
No matter the season, staying dry is key to making every dog walk comfortable and stress-free and living in the UK means rain is never too far away, regardless of the season. That’s why waterproofing is one of the most important features to look for in a dog walking jacket. A quality waterproof country jacket will shield you from wet conditions, helping to prevent discomfort and ensure your walk remains enjoyable. In more severe weather, staying dry is also essential for your health, since prolonged exposure to wet conditions can increase the risk of issues like chills or even hypothermia. Seasonal suitability is also important. In winter, your jacket should be both waterproof and insulated to keep you warm and dry. During the warmer months, opt for a lightweight yet fully waterproof jacket that offers protection without causing you to overheat.
Windproof
In addition to being waterproof, it’s important that your dog walking jacket offers protection against the wind. Strong gusts can quickly lower your body temperature, making your walks uncomfortable and less enjoyable. A windproof jacket prevents cold air from penetrating the fabric, helping you retain warmth and reduce heat loss. Features such as high collars, adjustable cuffs, and storm flaps further enhance wind resistance, ensuring maximum comfort during those brisk, blustery outings with your dog. When you head out on a hike, a windproof jacket is essential, however before you start hiking with your dog, read our guide to keep you and your beloved pet safe!
Pockets
One of the most essential features of a good dog walking jacket is ample pocket space. When you’re out on a walk, you’re likely carrying a range of items such as treats, poo bags, a lead, your phone, and any other personal essentials. If you’re unsure what essentials to take on your dog walk, check out our dog walking essentials guide to help you pack everything you need. Without enough pockets, you’ll either have your hands full or risk forgetting something important. Multiple secure, waterproof pockets help keep everything organised and protected from the elements. For those chilly days, handwarmer pockets are also a welcome addition, offering extra comfort and warmth while you’re out and about. However, if your coat doesn’t have hand warmer pockets, we recommend buying some dog walking gloves to help you stay warm.
Insulation
When it comes to winter walks or chilly early mornings, insulation becomes one of the most important features of your dog walking jacket. Staying warm is essential, not just for comfort, but to ensure you can enjoy your daily routine without the distraction of cold weather. A well insulated jacket helps trap body heat while still allowing moisture to escape, keeping you cosy without feeling overheated. Whether you’re strolling through frosty fields or braving a brisk countryside breeze, insulation gives your jacket the ability to protect you from biting temperatures. Features like fleece linings, padded quilting, or thermal fabrics are designed to retain warmth, ensuring that with the right insulation, your jacket will keep you comfortable and focused on your dog, not the cold.
Durability
Dog walking isn’t always a gentle stroll through the park; it often involves muddy trails, bramble-lined footpaths, excited dogs jumping up, and unpredictable weather. A durable dog walking jacket is designed to handle all of that and more. It's made from tough, high quality materials that resist rips, tears, and abrasions, meaning it won’t easily wear down from daily use or contact with rough surfaces like tree branches, stone walls, or even your dog's claws. Durability also plays a major role in maintaining the jacket’s performance features over time. A less robust coat might lose its waterproofing, shape, or stitching after just one season, whereas a well constructed, durable jacket will retain its water resistance, breathability, and structure for years. This ensures you're getting reliable protection walk after walk. Durable dog walking jackets often come with reinforced seams, hard wearing zips, and secure fastenings. These are small details that make a big difference when you’re putting your coat on and off multiple times a day in all weathers. Hoggs of Fife is a particularly good brand that offers durable jackets that are perfect for walking your dog.
Hoods
A well-designed hood is an essential feature in any dog walking jacket, offering vital protection against rain and wind by shielding your head and neck from the elements. The most effective hoods are adjustable, typically with drawstrings allowing you to tailor the fit for maximum coverage and comfort in changing weather conditions. Fit is key when it comes to hoods. A properly fitting hood enhances visibility and comfort, ensuring your peripheral vision remains unobstructed, which is a crucial factor for safety when walking your dog. Many jackets also come with removable hoods, adding an extra level of versatility. This adaptability makes your jacket suitable for a wider range of conditions, allowing you to customise your gear depending on the weather. While hoods offer great protection, they can sometimes feel bulky or restrictive. If the forecast looks dry, you may prefer to go without. In this case, a dog walking hat is an excellent alternative. At Philip Morris & Son, we offer a wide range of hats suited to all conditions—from waterproof options to keep you dry, to sun hats for warmer days, and insulated styles to keep you cosy in cold weather.
What to Wear Each Season
As any seasoned dog owner will tell you, no two dog walks are ever quite the same, especially regarding the weather. That’s why having just one jacket simply won’t suffice. The coat that keeps you warm in winter is likely far too heavy for spring, and something light enough for summer showers won’t do much against a biting autumn wind. Investing in a few key jackets tailored to the seasons ensures you’ll always be prepared, no matter what the weather throws your way. From breathable layers for warmer days to insulated waterproof coats for winter mornings, we’ve compiled our top picks for dog walking jackets throughout the year, each selected for comfort, practicality, and weather appropriate performance.
Spring
Spring can be an unpredictable season, bringing a mix of sunshine, sudden showers, and a lingering chill in the mornings. The ideal dog walking jacket for this time of year is lightweight, breathable, and waterproof, perfect for staying comfortable through changing weather conditions. A jacket with a hood and reliable waterproofing is a must for those unexpected spring downpours. On brighter days that are still a little cool, a classic wax jacket, such as one from Barbour , is a great choice, offering warmth, timeless style, and protection while you enjoy your walk.
Summer
While summer offers longer, brighter walks, it can still catch you off guard with the occasional downpour. For this season, a lightweight, breathable jacket made from moisture-wicking materials is ideal, keeping you cool and comfortable while offering protection when needed. Many summer jackets are also packable, making them easy to tuck into a bag and carry with you, just in case the weather turns. Alternatively, you could take a leaf out of our Managing Partner John’s book and opt for a men’s country fleece or men’s shooting gilet, which are perfect for early morning walks or slightly cooler days when a full jacket isn’t necessary.
Autumn
Autumn walks are some of the most scenic, with colourful leaves underfoot and golden sunshine filtering through the trees. However, the season can also bring chilly breezes and sudden showers. A transitional jacket that is both windproof and water-resistant is ideal for this time of year. Look for a coat with enough room to layer underneath on colder days. A lined waterproof jacket with practical features, such as adjustable cuffs and a hood, will help keep you comfortable and protected throughout your autumn adventures.
Winter
Winter dog walks call for a jacket that can withstand the harshest conditions. Insulation is key for staying warm on frosty mornings or snowy strolls. A fully waterproof and windproof coat with features such as a fleece lining, a high collar, and hand-warmer pockets will help keep you snug, making your walks far more enjoyable. That said, when temperatures drop significantly, it’s important to recognise when it may be too cold to walk your dog and prioritise their safety and wellbeing.
Complete Your Dog Walking Outfit
When it comes to dressing for dog walks, comfort, practicality, and weather protection are key. Here at Philip Morris and Son, we recommend starting with a reliable waterproof jacket suited to the season, such as a lightweight option for summer showers or an insulated coat for winter chills. Layering is also important, so consider adding a warm fleece or gilet underneath when it’s cold. Waterproof trousers can be a game-changer on muddy and wet walks, and sturdy, weatherproof boots are a must for all-terrain comfort. Don’t forget accessories like dog walking gloves and a warm hat for those frosty mornings. The right clothing makes all the difference, helping you enjoy every walk, no matter if there is rain, shine, or snow.
Don't forget the Dog!
While you might be fully kitted out and ready for your dog walks, it’s just as important to make sure your dog is prepared too. You may be cold-weather ready in your new winter dog walking coat, but your pup might also benefit from an extra layer. At Philip Morris & Son, we offer a range of dog coats designed to keep your four-legged friend warm and comfortable in the biting cold. And don’t forget the everyday essentials, like a secure collar and lead to ensure every walk is safe and enjoyable.
Gear up for Dog Walking with Philip Morris & Son
Explore our vast range of premium dog walking jackets in our Hereford Store, or shop on our website. Whether you're shopping on our website or in our store, our team of experts is on hand to help you find the perfect jacket for your dog walks. Get in touch and shop now to stay protected from the weather all year round with your dream dog walking coat. Happy Walkies!
Posted by Isobel
Isobel is a social media specialist and content writer at Philip Morris & Son, where she creates visual media to generate sales. With a strong passion for language and marketing, she aims to craft content that connects with our customers and enhances brand presence. Starting her career in the dynamic world of social media, Isobel has recently joined the company and is keen to expand her copywriting skills and deepen her understanding of social media marketing.
Outside of work, Isobel enjoys making the most of the Herefordshire countryside walking. She’s also a keen cook, although will never turn down the opportunity to go out for dinner instead.