Best jackets for walking for convenience – and style

Find the best jackets for walking and more, primed and ready for your winter walks. Strolling outdoors during the colder season is likely to be on the chilly side. So, keeping yourself safe whilst exploring the UK with a scenic walk is very important. For this, Yours Magazine recommends adding a stylish jacket to your wardrobe – that’ll keep you warm and protected from the elements. If you’re looking for a little guidance on your new purchase, scroll down to our walking jacket FAQs.

Aside from jackets, there are other things you need to take with you, to keep you warm, safe and comfy. After all, who wants to feel awful when out for a walk in the country? Walking, a fantastic way to exercise, has so many physical and mental benefits. When you’re doing things you love, for example – keeping yourself fit, support is needed in the right places. Finding the best trainers for walking will ensure your feet are supported during every step you take. Plus, you’ll look great.

Best jackets for walking at a glance

• Best jacket for walking: Waymaker Waterproof Puffer Jacket – View Offer at Seasalt Cornwall
• Budget jacket for walking: Blue Short Padded Shower Resistant Coat – View Offer at Matalan
• Best 3 in 1 jacket: Alaskan Women's 3-in-1 Long Waterproof Jacket – View Offer at Mountain Warehouse

Though we love indoor pastimes such as gardening or knitting, having a hobby that requires physical movement and training will also bring many benefits. However, it’s not just fashionable additions to our Sunday walks that can help us along the way. For those who would like to engage in something more intense than a casual stroll, a walking pole can provide stabilisation for senior trekkers who need to keep an eye on their joints, especially in the winter which can exacerbate aches and pains.

This is where the clothing you choose for walks can come in, to prevent any of your current health problems cropping up when you’re looking forward to getting out and about. Perhaps, you’ve set a goal (or New Year’s Resolution) to make use of your fitness tracker this year. So, when you consider braving the cold and trying to stay active this January, make sure you wrap up warm. Though a winter coat will certainly keep you snug, they’re likely not waterproof or designed for hikes in the country.

Best jackets for walking and more

Verdict: Which is the best?

Our favourite walking jacket is the Waymaker Waterproof Puffer Jacket, which comes in sizes 8 to 28. Not only is it waterproof, breathable and windproof, but it's made from machine-washable, recycled polyester.

FAQs

What materials are best for walking jackets?

Walking jackets require materials that offer comfort, breathability, and protection from the elements without restricting movement. Some suitable materials for winter walking jackets include:

Soft shell fabric – can offer breathability, flexibility and water resistance. Ideal for mild to moderately cold conditions, this fabric can protect against wind and rain.

Gore-Tex or waterproof materials – provide excellent protection against wind and rain while allowing your sweat vapour to escape, keeping you dry and comfortable during walks.

Nylon and polyester blends – are a durable, lightweight option. Surprisingly, they can be water-resistant or treated to repel moisture – so, they could be a good option for various kinds of weather.

Ventilated panels or mesh – can be strategically placed in walking jackets. Why? Well, these ventilation patches enhance breathability and prevent overheating during intense walks or hikes.

Merino wool or synthetic – can wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. Merino (or a synthetic alternative) will likely be found in the lining – in the base layers.

Fleece or insulating materials –come in very handy for colder climates. Jackets with fleece linings or additional insulating layers offer warmth while maintaining breathability – so, ideal for walks.

This Waterproof Material Guide from Live for the Outdoors may answer more of your questions.

Can waterproof jackets be washed?

Thanks to Mountain Warehouse, we have an answer on washing waterproof clothing:

Waterproof jackets should never be washed using ordinary detergent or fabric softener. Mountain Warehouse recommends their Wash N Proof as a safe alternative to laundry detergent. Ordinary detergent can break down the fibres of your beloved water-repellent jacket with each wash.

Before washing:

Eliminate leftover ordinary detergent by running your machine on a hot wash beforehand.

Brush off any loose mud or dirt – and close all zips and flaps on your jacket.

During:

Pour the cleaner into the detergent compartment – or in a laundry ball.

Only wash up to two waterproof garments at a time.

Run through the complete wash and rinse cycle at 30 degrees.

After:

Garments can be left to air dryer – or be tumble dried on a low-medium heat.

Why is walking so good for us?

Walking is a rather overlooked form of exercise, says health expert and nutritionist Dr. Naomi Newman-Beinart. As it is not seen as intense as running or using a treadmill, it's dismissed as merely something casual. But, walking briskly can help you...

• Build stamina
• Burn excess calories
• Make your heart healthier

Not only that but any form of regular physical exercise has been linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Why is that? Well, walking releases endorphins - which Dr. Naomi refers to as "our body's natural mood lifters."

How can I combat fatigue?

However, many of us may feel a little tired - especially after the hullabaloo of Christmas. January is a tough month, full of new beginnings and promises to oneself. It's hard to find the energy to get outside and walk. Often, if the tank is a little empty, we may turn you our vices like coffee or consider getting more sleep. But, these may not fix the issue.

Fatigue and weakness can come about from a multitude of reasons, from low thyroid levels to dealing with life changes. So, what can we do?

• Avoid sugary foods
• Get as much daylight as possible
• Make sure you exercise
• Eat little and often throughout the day

Or, our personal favourite: consider a fatigue-fighting supplement. From Vitamin B12 to iron, there are plenty of vitamin supplements that can help you find your rhythm. But, we like seaweed, which is a rich source of iodine.

Dr Naomi says: "Some studies have found that nearly 80% of people with low thyroid hormone levels, which occur in cases of iodine deficiency, feel tired, sluggish and weak." To boost your energy levels, try Doctor Seaweed's Pure Scottish Capsules. They are all-natural and more convenient than getting sushi delivered to your door every day.

Meet the expert

This FAQ section contains expert advice from Dr Naomi Newman-Beinart (PhD), health expert and nutritionist (BSc) - who works with Doctor Seaweed. She is a London-based, leading health expert, passionate about natural solutions to help people living with pain and chronic conditions.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regime. This will ensure that the supplement is appropriate to you, that you're taking the right dosage for your individual needs, and that it doesn't interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications you may be taking.

Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.