What to wear for a wet day in the countryside

Before choosing a jacket, think about how long you’ll be outside and how much rain you’re likely to encounter. A quick dog walk between showers calls for different kit from a full day on the moors.

Waterproof or showerproof?

Showerproof jackets encourage water to bead and run off the surface. They’re useful for passing showers, but offer less protection in prolonged rain. The Barbour Heritage Liddesdale Quilt is a good example of this kind of weather-resistant, but not fully waterproof, jacket.

Waterproof jackets use a waterproof membrane or coating, with sealed seams to help prevent rain getting through. For the waterproof rating, Which? recommends a minimum hydrostatic head rating of 5,000 mm. A waterproof jacket that works well but which traps sweat could just soak you from the inside, so always look for breathability as well as waterproofing. The men's Ridgeline Monsoon Classic Jacket has a hydrostatic head rating of 10,000 mm and a breathability rating of 10,000g/m²/24 hours.

Wear layers underneath

A base layer helps move moisture away from your skin, a mid-layer provides insulation, and an outer shell protects against wind and rain. Do not use cotton as your base layer, as it retains moisture and becomes cold quickly. It is far better to remove a mid-layer than to wear a thick outer layer that makes you hot by lunchtime.

Features worth checking

Make sure your jacket has:

Sealed or taped seams: If a jacket has stitch holes where the seams meet then you can guarantee that water will enter via those points. Taped or sealed seams are recommended.

A hood that moves with your head: If the hood stays still when you turn your head left or right, you end up looking at the inside of the hood instead of where you’re going. The Ridgeline’s hood is adjustable in three ways and has a wired peak.

Storm flaps and adjustable cuffs: The women's Musto Fenland Jacket 3.0 has double storm flaps either side of the zipper and double cuffs that adjust around the wrist.

Fit checks

Check your movement. Try your jacket over the layers you’ll actually wear. Raise your arms, reach forward and bend down, checking that your wrists and lower back stay covered. Which? recommends checking that your jacket still covers your lower back when you lift both arms. A dropped hem, such as the Ridgeline’s, can provide extra coverage when bending.

Choose a length that suits your day. A hip-length jacket can offer freedom of movement for walking, while a longer coat provides more coverage when standing still at a horse show or watching an event. The Baleno Kensington 3/4 Waterproof Coat has a centre-back length of 47 inches.

Browse our selection of men's waterproof coats and women's waterproof jackets.

Wellies or boots?

Wellies are useful for deep mud and standing water. For longer walks, consider the fit, support and tread. Supportive walking boots often suit uneven ground. If you choose wellies, look for a secure fit around your feet and ankles, with room for comfortable movement. An adjustable gusset can help you get the calf fit right. The Aigle Parcours 2 Iso Wellington has an adjustable gusset, a 4.5mm neoprene lining and a tri-density sole. Le Chameau also offers wellingtons for country walks. For insulated options, see our guide to warm winter wellies.

For everyday country walks, the GORE-TEX-lined leather Dubarry Galway Boot provides waterproof protection. For longer or more demanding routes, choose footwear with the fit, support and tread suited to the terrain.

Drying & reproofing your gear

Hang wet jackets up once you've finished using them. Dry your wellies or leather boots in room temperature conditions away from radiators as these can cause them to crack.

If water stops beading on the outer fabric, clean the garment before considering a fresh water-repellent treatment. Always follow the garment’s care label before washing, tumble-drying or reproofing. Use a cleaner specifically formulated for technical waterproof clothing, such as Nikwax Tech Wash, and avoid fabric softener. You’ll find suitable products in our cleaning and care collection.

For compatible garments, GORE-TEX’s outerwear care guide explains how gentle heat can reactivate the durable water-repellent finish. Follow the instructions for your specific garment: some GORE-TEX products must not be tumble-dried or reproofed.

If water still stops beading on the outer fabric after cleaning and any permitted heat treatment, apply a suitable water-repellent treatment such as Grangers Performance Repel according to the product instructions. Restoring water repellency is different from fixing a leak; damaged fabric or seams may need repair. Waxed cotton needs different care: clean it with cold water only, do not subject it to machine washing, and wax it regularly (about once a year) with Wax Thornproof Dressing according to Barbour instructions. See our guide on re-waxing your waxed cotton here.

Keep your dog comfortable too

Ensure that you dry your dogs thoroughly before allowing them to settle as damp fur makes animals cold and increases skin discomfort. Barbour sells an absorbent towel-lined dog robe called the Barbour Tartan Dog Drying Robe. Puppies, older dogs and breeds with short or thin coats could benefit from wearing a coat such as the Barbour Wax Dog Coat during colder months. As stagnant water and floodwater can contain diseases such as leptospirosis, ensure that your dog's annual vaccinations remain up to date.

Come and try a jacket over a fleece you'd like to wear at any of our three stores in Bakewell.