Warm dog walking gear

[fleshmarketclose]

So what do you all wear on these cold mornings? I need suggestions because I don't know whether I'm getting more nesh as I get older or whether it really is bitterly cold of late.
Suggestions for gloves would be most helpful, I have tiny hands though and I need to be able to get them on and off easily for poop picking. If they were also waterproof that would be a bonus.
Then there is footwear, again need warm and waterproof, can't really walk long distances in boots as I have a dodgy ankle that doesn't flex after a severe break.
Lastly coats, not terribly expensive as I tend to only use it for walking the dog and it needs to be easily washed and dried as I always seem to end up dirty.
All suggestions welcome.

[missbattenburg]

I recently bought a pair of these: www.muckbootcompany.co.uk/derwent-ii-boot-eu.html

I am thrilled with them - comfy enough to walk 3- miles in, quite warm (bought big enough size to fit warm socks in), waterproof.

Not very glamorous but up to the job.

For gloves I tend to use some leather ones as they seem to resist wear from the lead. As they get baggier they get easier to take off/on.

[haverhill]

You could buy one of those thin undershirts for outdoor sports called Player Layers. They are very thin and add loads of warmth.

[sleepismysuperpower1]

links:

coat

shoes

[adaline]

I think it's worth spending good money on a warm, waterproof coat for dog-walking. You need it for a good 4-5 months a year, every year so why not buy something that's genuinely going to keep you warm and comfortable? You can still walk the dog in a muddy coat, and wash it when you get a dry day and can wear something else. Mine cost me £200 and it's well worth it. It's three years old now and still keeps me bone dry and warm.

If it's raining, I wear waterproof trousers (not over trousers, actual waterproof trousers) or decent soft-shell ones, waterproof hiking boots and warm socks. On top, I wear layers, plus a warm, insulated waterproof and a hat, plus waterproof gloves (sealskins are good).

If it's just cold, I opt for a down jacket with layers underneath, and on the bottom half, layers again. I have some great fleece-lined leggings from RAB and I can either wear them on their own or with jeans/jeggings over the top. Again, hiking boots for the grip and it doesn't matter if they get muddy. They get left in the porch to dry and re-worn for the next walk. Mine are probably 13 years old (Meindls) and still do the job.

No point buying cheap if you're just going to get cold/wet in it, or are going to need to replace it after a couple of years. Places like Mountain Warehouse, Blacks, Field & Trek and Trespass often do cheap, good quality outdoor gear in their clearance sections if you're on a bit of a budget and don't really mind about colours.

[tabulahrasa]

Heated bodywarmer... and then it matters not how good your jacket is

[BirdyBedtime]

I've just ordered some fleece lined ankle wellies and fleece lined waterproof trousers from Mountain Warehouse for dog walking - as a PP said it's worth the investment. I have loads of pairs of gloves and often layer silk ones with fleecy ones but it's difficult with a puppy as they do get wet when you are feeding treats to train and you can't be too bulky or you can't get the treats out.

[adaline]

I really think a good waterproof is essential - being wet and cold and miles from home on a walk is no fun for anyone.

[Squirrel26]

I get lots of my dogwalking stuff from the SportPursuit website - they sell discount end-of-line outdoor stuff. Have got merino wool socks and baselayers, waterproof Sealskinz hat and gloves and waterproof dogwalking coat (Jack Wolfskin with zip-in fleece, £70 as weird size and previous season) from there, among other things. My MOST waterproof coat is the M&S wax jacket that was my school coat in the 90s though. It has the best pockets too!

[Squirrel26]

Oh, also cheap ski trousers (Aldi or TKMaxx or EBay) - waterproof and padded.

[Squirrel26]

And another also...if you have tiny hands, look at children’s ski gloves. They are cheaper (same for children’s socks and base layers).

[MuddyWellyNelly]

I swear by Icebreaker merino for the under layers. I always wear a buff round my neck. Sealskinz gloves are great for wet weather walking.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Fingerless gloves with mitt flap work for me for the poop picking - but need to ensure the thumb tip can be exposed.

Apart from that, just my normal walking gear is fine.

[Wolfiefan]

Sealskinz gloves are great when it rains.
I have a great North Face coat (bought at outlet)
Thermal vests and heat holders hat and buff.
I wear walking boots or my aigle wellies.

[totallyliterally]

I've got it sorted this year for walking the dog in all weathers.

Boots https://www.bushgear.co.uk/collections/redback-boots?gclid=CjwKCAjwpeXeBRA6EiwAyoJPKqTMf7xlQ3SbeAH7kUENXAxUpzSJF36u4GvMK7AnGelW7uS0Q18UhoCBeIQAvDD_BwE

But will suit a non flexible ankle as not tight. And SO comfy. I've worn them for 18 months in middle of summer / worst of winter (except knee deep snow) and feet have been col in summer and warm in winter and dry. Been through large puddles and all the mud and feet dry. Also long wet grass and dry still. They are bouncy and I love them!

I then wear sports wear, gym leggings / gym shorts in summer. I have just invested in a winter pair of Nike leggings from next and they are lush. Slight fleece inside but not actual fleece, and wick sweat. I get warm / sweaty on long walks (10km) even in winter. Tested these last week in 4 degrees and was toasty. Also got some gap winters ones with 40% off and these are also lovely and warm.

Top half, I later sports wear for starters. So gym vest, then short sleeve gym t shirt then a Nike winter hyper warm long sleeve half zip top. And change the layers depending how cold it is.

Then I have a Barbour, got it second hand from eBay and rewaxed. This is the second winter and I love it. The pockets carry a lead, 2 tennis balls, all the poo bags, keys, phone, tissues and a water bottle and there are hand warming pockets too. Been out in the worst rain and dry.

I also added a neck warmer buff yesterday as no bulk but warm neck.

I can't wear hoods when walking the dog as I can't hear her and other people. So yesterday in cold/ rain/ wind I wore new Barbour bobble hat. Head stayed very dry and was warm but not too hot.

I also bought my husband some trespass waterproof trousers, but not the crunchy type. The breathable ones. I wore them yesterday in pouring rain. Made a mistake as should have worn thin sweat wicking leggings under but didn't so were a bit sweaty. But lesson learnt.

18 months on of dog owning I have tried lots of combinations and things and this totally works for me.

[MsAdorabelleDearheartVonLipwig]

Heated body warmer? What? How have I missed that?

[Wolfiefan]

My dog thinks she’s a heated lap warmer. Does that count?!