Dog walking coat and wellies

[NCISaddict]

I know this a rather shallow question but winter is fast approaching. Any recommendations for a waterproof coat, preferably one you can add layers too that doesn't make you feel like your're wrapped in a binliner.

Also wellies which will fit substantial calves, I'm a size 14 but none of the wellies I've tried are comfortable. Would wear walking boots if there are any you would recommend.

[fanoftheinvisibleman]

I struggle with wellies but my hunters fit with spare. They fasten at the back rather than the side if that makes any difference it terms of the style.

Coats I can't help you with as the Henri Lloyd Parka I thought was a small fortune at 200 is still going strong in it's 11th year! It shows no sign of wear and tear at all. But as it was so long ago I don't know if they even do them.

[Scuttlebutter]

Most of my outdoor coats, fleeces, bodywarmers etc. are from Lands End. Very good quality. My Squall coat from them is years old and still going strong - it's genuinely waterproof, windproof and exceptionally warm. Also easy to wash. They also do very comfortable walking boots. Personally, I much prefer a walking boot to wellies as I have flat feet and can put my insoles in , andfind them much more supportive.

[tabulahrasa]

I wear yard boots because they're waterproof, fleece lined and bypass the whole big calf issue and the cheapest men's waterproof jacket with a separate fleece I could find so I can fit my heated bodywarmer on underneath it.

Of course I do now look like a security guard, but I'm warm and dry, lol.

[NCISaddict]

Will look at all these, going to get a waterproof hat too as I hate having a hood up and not being able to hear people/bikes coming up behind me.

[Bowlersarm]

I am a muck boot convert, now on my second pair. Last for ages and really sturdy. I wear them all year round, summer as well.

Coats- I would like to know which one so will hang around on here for advice too if that's ok!

[NCISaddict]

That's fine Bowler I have a lovely seasalt coat which is waterproof but quite smart so would prefer to keep that for non muddy days so that rules out long walks with a border collie.

[BikeRunSki]

have you seen this?

[BikeRunSki]

and this boot discussion

[NCISaddict]

Didn't think of looking in S&B,

[happygardening]

I have had very substantial calves (on a bit of a diet) Hunters didn't fit my legs unless I had a skirt on and them only just and I suffer from cold feet. I looked on line and after reading lots bought Le Chameau wellies with a zip from ankle to knee and a neoprene lining. They cost an arm and a leg but they are the best wellies I've ever had, (I've had thousands of pairs over the last 40 odd years as I used to work on farms and own horses) apparently they also last significantly longer than Hunters (which are not made in the same way they used to be).

[NCISaddict]

They look good Happy I used to have a pair of Hunters years ago which were good but reviews are not favourable now. I get horrendous blisters from really cheap wellies.

[happygardening]

I'm embarrassed to say I have very substantial calves really wide feet and a very high instep I really struggle to get boots and shoes on and I too get horrendous blisters. The le Chameau ones have never rubbed. The zip can be left half undone if you've got thinker trousers on but they don't slip up and down when you walk.
Hunters are now made in China and as far as I understand no longer from one piece of rubber they are now fashion items (with the associated price tag) instead of functional items. When I as looking for a pair of wellies the reviews of them was not good in terms of how long they last. If you understandably don't want to spent the money on Le Chameaus you could look at long rubber riding boots, the slightly more expensive ones come in clalf sizes, are probably easier and more comfortable to walk in than conventional wellies and are harder wearing. Before saving up and having leather ones made for me I used to wear them all the time.
I always wear Musto waterproof jackets/coats again expensive but they last for ever.

[SpicyBear]

I really like Didriksons for coats. They are intensely practical but cut quite nicely so I don't look too much like a sack of spuds. Trying to remember what mine is called, but it's padded and really warm. DH has a long thin waterproof that I think is pretty unisex and is really nice. I got mine from Viking Kids. I also have a Seasalt coat which is nice but not as practical.

[Balderdabble]

For wellies I second the Muck Boot suggestion. They're really comfy and the legs are that neoprene/wet suit material so stretch to fit around your legs without feeling tight.

[NCISaddict]

Think I'll go for Muck boots. They look comfy and not too heavy.

[Floralnomad]

I wear either aigle wellies or country boots ,I got the country boots from Equestrian Clearance , horse shops are generally the best place to look for waterproofs and boots . I find that Muck boots are too stiff for long term wear .

[wildfig]

I'm with happygardening - neoprene zipped Le Chameau all the way. Much easier to get off at the end of a muddy walk than non-zipped, fit over thick trousers, keep your feet warm, wear really well. I'm quite chunky of calf too, so I bought the men's size; they're not cheap, but I wear them every single day, and they still look brand new after 2 years. What actually makes my daily dog walk 25% nicer all year round, though, are the sheepskin insoles I put inside - soft in summer, warm in winter.

For coats, Lands End are really good, and I love my Didrikson parka, which I got online from Laws of Kirkcudbright. VV good customer service.

[timetoclean]

I have a toggs coat I think - bought from mole valley and has a fleece liner you can remove and wear on its own, great for those hot but rainy days or cold and not rainy days.

I bought muck boots this year which are good, but they shredded my heels for the first 20 times I wore them - no number of socks would help, my feet literally bled. I have worn them in now though and they are fine. Bit heavy though, especially when covered in a foot of mud.