Drenched & Determined
The quest for the perfect dog walking gear
The rain poured relentlessly last night and once again I find myself caught in the downpour at 7.15am. Despite my best efforts to stay dry and warm, I’m left drenched and shivering. I only have myself to blame. I have no gear and no idea!
Basically, I have a few coats and walking boots but they are never quite right for the job, which involves hiking across muddy fields, meandering through woods, sometimes running across the beach and pulling goofball dogs out of brambles and barbed wired fencing. Oh I know, my dog walks are a real joy! Care to join me one day??!
It’s quite simple, I’d like to wear a coat that is warm, light, waterproof, comfortable, slightly fitted with decent pockets, oh and a hood would be good. As for the boots, I wish I could get away with jockey boots, but due to the wild, windy coast and country walks, I need a decent pair of knee length boots. Wellies would be good but I usually fall on my ass, because they don’t have the grip needed when I’m trying to hold back two ridgebacks chasing squirrels.
I have a robe for when it’s freezing cold and windy, but it’s way too heavy, I literally look like I’m walking around the fields in my duvet. I bought it from my ex hubby, who runs a Watersports store during lockdown, back in the day when it became on trend to walk about town after a cold water therapy session. Since owning ridgebacks, my sea swimming days are over. Oh how I dream of the days when I could leave the dogs happily playing on the beach, while I enjoy a swim with friends. Ha dream on girl, that is never happening!
My favourite all weather coat is my battered Barbour jacket, it’s about 10 years old and a love it, but it doesn’t have a hood. I checked online to see if I could buy just a hood and they were on for £70, what?! I can buy a new jacket for that, but maybe on Vinted. I’d love a brand new Barbour jacket with all the trimmings. Maybe I could get sponsored by Barbour… Midlife woman walking her ridgebacks across the Welsh coastline, would make for a brilliant advertising campaign for the brand, never say never.
Don’t get me started on the boots I own. You’d think I’d have a decent pair at 49 years of age, I’ve ridden horses all my life, but no I don’t have a good pair of dog walking boots. All I need is are boots that are light, comfy and waterproof and that they don’t cost the earth. For some reason this morning, I ended up wearing my 13 year olds wellies and my feet were soaked, they are brand new! Is it just me or has the quality of clothing and boots in this country ‘gone down the swanny?’
Maybe you’re sitting there thinking you have the perfect dog walking gear recommendations for me. If so, please send me your favourite brands. You’d be doing me a huge favour, as I do not want to spend another winter wet, cold and grumpy due to unsuitable walking gear.
Right I’m off to grab another caffeine hit, dry off and conquer the day
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe xx
Oh I wish I knew the answer! I have resigned myself to wet feet from our walks. I find I quite enjoy the mud, as most people stay away so the dogs and I can enjoy our walks in solitude!! I walked around with a split in one of my wellies for at least a year before it got so bad I had to chuck them, and then I wore my ankle boots 🥾 on our wet and muddy walks until the sole came away while I was out and I had to choose my best from the ministry of funny walks to get back home!! I use a walking stick when it’s muddy which helps me not fall on my backside, but now we have three dogs, I am not sure how practical that will be!!
Definitely approach Barbour! But I know that feeling well. Xx