Dog walking clothes

[Riverhousepuppy]

Hello. I am 5 weeks in to life with a dog and need to review my dog walking attire.
What do you wear, is there a coat you recommend, shoes or boots which are great and do I need a hat with a rim or something similar, waterproof trousers etc etc is there stuff you got that you wish you hadnt.
The only thing I have which is great is a half rucksack for all her stuff and things.
All advice and recommendations much appreciated from all the seasoned walkers

Best thing I have bought are my Welligogs. Easy to get off and on and bombproof.
I’ve also just bought a bum bag. I know shocking at 40 but the perfect thing for dog treats, pop bags, keys and my phone. I’m usually in my active wear and never have any pockets. I love it!

I am far from being a seasoned walker! But thought I'd give you my dog walking outfit anyway.

I wear exercise leggings, a sports bra and a jumper. Now things are getting colder, I have a big, waterproof coat that is getting thrown over the top. I wear trainers for pavement walks but boots for anything muddier.

I use a bum bag for very minimal bits when I walk her e.g. just my phone, keys, poo bags and treats, plus I can attach her water bottle to it (the lid turns into a bowl).

I aim for comfort but also warmth. I'm sure I look like a bit of a doughnut sometimes, but my baby needs a walk!

Following with interest

IMO must haves are,

Waterproof trousers
Good quality 3in1 waterproof jacket/coat (Mine is North Face)
Gore Tex boots (must be fully gore tex lined to be warm and waterproofed)
Bum bag (i know but essential for treats, ball and poo bag - keeps your pockets clear for your things)

In nice weather I wear whatever I’m wearing in the day, plus bum bag & cap.

In average weather I wear gym tights/leggings, goretex boots (I have nice leather knee high ones that are totally waterproof but don’t look ‘functional) and a jacket. Northface 3in1 which has been converted into spring version. Plus bum bag.

In rain and cold, I wear the aforementioned boots, Northface 3in1, slim leg waterproof hiking trousers, boots and bum bag. I also have some wider leg pull on waterproof trousers in the boot of the car for unexpected downpours!

Not chic but I have a mud & water loving lab and so I am sick of getting good clothes ruined on walks

DH has the same but has hiking style waterproof boots and refuses to wear the bum bag (it is khaki and plain so not a masculinity thing).

From the top down, summer/winter:
Baseball cap/ woolly hat (also waxed cotton hat with brim, but it's too small)
Fleece top/ waterproof riding jacket/ cosy countryside coat (waterproof and warm, with cuffs inside the sleeves) with about 8 pockets
Trousers that don't show the dirt/ waterproof overtrousers
Waterproof trainers (I love mine, best things I have)/ wellies and really good walking boots.

What I wear depends on the weather but also how long I'll be out in it. Twenty minutes in the rain, wellies. All afternoon in the rain, boots and overtrousers and/or gaiters.

And I also have a bumbag which is incredibly useful - treats, spare lead, phone, poo bags, penknife, spare tennis ball in case Madam nicks one off someone else, tissues... You want one with two or three pockets so you can keep your phone away from the treats and the wet tennis ball.

I should add that I look like Farmer Barleycorn when fully kitted out, but honestly, I do not care.

I like putting waterproofs on over my pjs on rainy mornings (especially on Sundays) There's the joy of a blustery walk, AND the joy of a lazy morning, both at once.

Wellies. I always set out thinking we'll stick to the roads, and then it seems mean not to pop into the park so that she can have some off-lead time. Parks are muddy! I also recommend over-trousers even when it's not raining. Other people's dogs jump up and can ruin an outfit in seconds when the ground's damp.

A hat AND a hood. You can't carry an umbrella and walk a dog. And you WILL be out when it's chucking it down, sometimes.

One of those plastic ball-flingy-thingies. I know it's not an item of clothing but you'll be glad of not having to touch a slobbery muddy cold ball.

Baseball cap to wear under the hood on your coat. Stops your face getting soaked and, as a glasses wearer, being unable to see.

I'm a professional walker and my winter wardrobe consists of the following:

Thermal leggings.
Waterproof trousers - Rohan Dry Roamers for all-day wear or Regatta over trousers.
I also have water-resistant soft-shells for drizzly days.
Layers on top - I like merino.
Insulated jackets underneath a decent quality waterproof.
Waterproof baseball cap, PLUS a jacket with a decent hood. I wear glasses and need my hands free so an umbrella isn't an option.
Thin waterproof gloves.

I also have a waterproof beanie for snowy cold days. I don't wear a scarf as I find it very restrictive around the neck. I have two waterproofs and two pairs of decent trousers so I always have a dry pair each morning.

I also have a walking belt which goes under my jacket and stores my phone, poo bags, treats etc. I also carry a first-aid kit but that's not really necessary if you're just walking your own dog. No backpack as it's not convenient with multiple dogs and just gets in the way.

On my feet I wear ASDA wellies. Cheap, waterproof and incredibly comfortable. I often cover 10-15k in mine. Plus thick merino wool socks.

I’m glad to see there are more waterproof folk around. To be fair, I see a fair few waterproof clad dog walkers on my travels. I also see the ones wearing little Joules type macs and wonder what on earth the the point is as they’re almost always soaked through and freezing looking.

I’ve also just bought a bum bag. I know shocking at 40 but the perfect thing for dog treats, pop bags, keys and my phone. I’m usually in my active wear and never have any pockets. I love it!

Me too! I love my bum bag, makes things so much easier.

You are my people this is my kind of style and beauty

I wear walking boots all year round.

I seem to get warm whatever the weather so no fleeces but gortex waterproof jacket with loads of pockets. (In the summer the attractive bum bag comes out)

Rohan, Revolutionrace , acaci waterproof/outdoor trousers

Sealskin waterproof socks and I am ready to go

Baseball hat to keep hair out of my face. Trapper hat for the wind in winter.

A vision of style and graceful elegance

I love my North Face 3 in 1 coat.
I bought Sealskinz cap and gloves.
Leather walking boots.
Aigle Parcours wellies for the mud!

vanilla
Insulated jackets underneath a decent quality waterproof.
What you want are the cowpat-coloured coats designed for country sports: warm and toasty, windproof, waterproof, multi-pocketed. They look like nothing on earth, wear well, are washable (to a point), resist brambles (God knows what mine is made of, the brambles sort of bounce off) and due to the colour, the mud doesn't show. They are usually designed to absorb quite a lot of water without letting it through, so the rain doesn't just run straight off you and onto your legs if you're caught out in jeans in a downpour. But that does make them a bit heavy when wet and they can take a while to dry.

@GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman

vanilla Insulated jackets underneath a decent quality waterproof. What you want are the cowpat-coloured coats designed for country sports: warm and toasty, windproof, waterproof, multi-pocketed. They look like nothing on earth, wear well, are washable (to a point), resist brambles (God knows what mine is made of, the brambles sort of bounce off) and due to the colour, the mud doesn't show. They are usually designed to absorb quite a lot of water without letting it through, so the rain doesn't just run straight off you and onto your legs if you're caught out in jeans in a downpour. But that does make them a bit heavy when wet and they can take a while to dry.

I'm not really a fan of jackets like that for what I do - I don't like being waterlogged as I'm in and out of people's homes and have to dry off multiple dogs who transfer their water and muck to me, so the water really does need to run off. I also need to be able to wash my jackets and have them dry and usable the next day :) I'm not bothered about mud etc. showing, it's just part of the job.

I also never wear jeans to work! Leggings or waterproofs/softshells so if I get wet legs, I dry in the car on the way to my next job

@longtompot I'm going to try the baseball cap under my waterproof hood. As a glasses wearer it sounds like it'd really help.

Good walking boots. They are what I spend most on (which I can't afford!) but they are worth it. As it gets wetter I use a long wax jacket from the market. It's not glamorous but it's wonderful - waterproof, windproof and goes through brambles no problem.

I always take scissors and a dog comb, especially around this time of year. There are loads of plants like burdock that get stuck in fur and some need to be removed immediately, particularly if it gets under arms or legs. Dogs removing it themselves can be very bad and result in operations - expensive ones!

@Binglebong

particularly if it gets under arms or legs

Are you referring to the dog's arms and legs?

Yes, although I don't think it would he comfy under mine either! I'm thinking mainly dog armpits.

Depends on the weather and where I'm walking. Most of my clothes will do for dog walking as I also work from home so have no real need to look stylish ever!

As a glasses wearer, I can also recommend the baseball cap under your hood to keep the rain off.

My winter coat is from Seasalt, I can't remember it's name but it's the long waterproof one with the fleece lining and I love it. I normally wear jeans and just change when I get home if I'm wet.

vanilla fair enough. Sounds as if you have worked out what works for you.

@Binglebong

Ha! My dog has hands and feet. I get laughed at usually, so it's nice to know I'm not alone.

I wear Craghopper Kiwi Pro walking trousers, good leather walking boots (or Aigle wellies when it's really wet), a very waterproof Berghaus coat with a fleece or thick wool jumper when it's cold. Beanie hat when it's cold, baseball cap when it's windy. I don't carry anything for the dog except poo bags, for which (plus phone and keys) pockets are sufficient.

I don't have special dog walking clothes. If I'm doing a very energetic uphill walk then I might wear running stuff. Otherwise normal clothes - jeans, jumper, scarf. Trainers if dry, walking boots (mountain warehouse) or wellies (joules) if wet. Sandals in the summer. I've got a warm padded parka that I've had for years. Or cagoule if very wet. Poo bags/key/phone in pocket or I often have my everyday cross body handbag. If I take the dog out twice I can't be bothered changing outfit!