Ryan and his dog’s favorite thing to do together is hike through the woods. She’s a black-and-white shepherd who’s great at almost everything — except water. She used to hate getting rained on, so whenever it rained or stormed, the two of them were stuck inside. On one stormy spring day, Ryan zipped her into a PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker, and they headed into the forest anyway. She sniffed her way through wet leaves and creek stones, not bothered at all by the rain coming down.
PETT2GO Field Report
- Dog Profile: Ryan’s dog is a black-and-white shepherd, a girl, who used to hate water and getting rained on
- Location: Forest trails and creek valleys in the U.S.
- Season: Spring (late April): frequent thunderstorms and showers, slick wet leaves and muddy ground under the trees
- PETT2GO Gear: PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker · Dark Olive
- Test Setting: Ryan takes her into the forest on a stormy day — crossing creeks, pushing through brush, and stopping to sniff along the way
💬 Can a dog who hates water still go out on rainy days?
“Me and my dog love going on outdoor hikes through the woods, but we used to not be able to when it was raining and storming like this, because she used to hate the water and hate getting rained on.”
— Ryan, her owner
Plenty of dogs don’t like the rain. Wet fur gets heavy and cold, and some dogs simply plant themselves at the door and refuse to go. For an outdoorsy family, the real loss isn’t one missed walk — it’s spending the whole rainy season stuck indoors.
“Even on stormy and rainy days like this, we used to be inside all the time. But now we can throw the jacket on, come out in the rain, and aren’t worried about her getting dirty or wet at all,” Ryan says.
🌲 Can she still explore freely in a rainy forest?
What Ryan likes most is the PETT2GO windbreaker’s four-leg design — and how light it is. The full-coverage suit covers about 80% of the body, including the back, belly, and all four legs, so the rain stays on the outside, and the DWR finish keeps muddy water from soaking into the coat. As she hops across creek stones and pushes into the brush, the suit moves with her instead of pulling across her shoulders or front legs.
One honest note: the Lightweight Windbreaker is water-repellent, not a raincoat. PETT2GO tested the fabric with AATCC 35 (a rain-penetration test that simulates steady rainfall): it absorbed just 0.2 g of water — one-fifth of the 1.0 g threshold the industry uses for waterproof ratings. Showers and typical rainy-day hikes are no problem, but for a full day of nonstop downpour, switch to the PETT2GO Breathable Raincoat.
Rainy Hike Pick | PETT2GO Lightweight Windbreaker
Four-leg full coverage for about 80% of the body, lightweight and water-repellent, with a Run-Free Cut for creek crossings and climbs. Far less muddy water on your dog when you get home.
Shop Now →🧽 Back home: paws first, then the jacket
Ryan shares two habits for after a rainy hike: “When your dogs are stepping in water, make sure to wipe off their feet after your adventure. If your dog’s jacket does get a little dirty, simply wipe clean with a damp paper towel or machine wash on a cold cycle.”
Once the jacket is off, don’t stuff it straight into your pack — hang it somewhere airy to dry first. When it needs a full wash, use cold water, a mild detergent, and a gentle cycle, and skip the fabric softener so the water-repellent finish lasts longer.
🎒 3 things to plan before a rainy forest hike
- Check more than the temperature: mountain weather changes fast, so look at wind and the chance of rain together. If showers are likely, bring the windbreaker; if it’s going to pour all day, switch to the raincoat.
- Do a trial run close to home: if your dog isn’t used to wearing gear yet, try it a few times at home and on a familiar walking route before tackling a longer trail.
- Pack an extra layer for your dog: dogs heat up on the climb, but cool down quickly once you stop to rest, step into the shade, or head back down. On chilly days, keep a fleece vest in your pack.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog wear the Lightweight Windbreaker in the rain? Is it waterproof?
It has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish and passed the AATCC 35 rain test, so drizzle and brief showers are no problem. If you expect steady rain for more than 20–30 minutes, switch to the PETT2GO Breathable Raincoat.
Will my dog get too hot hiking in a jacket?
The Lightweight Windbreaker’s fabric is light and breathable, so heat and moisture from activity can escape. If your dog keeps panting, seeks out shade, or slows down, it’s time to rest and cool off — no matter what they’re wearing.
How do I clean the jacket when it gets dirty?
If it only got rained on, just hang it somewhere airy to dry. For mud, spot-clean with a soft brush and mild soapy water. When it needs a full wash, close all the zippers and wash by hand or on a gentle cycle in cold water (below 86°F / 30°C) with a mild detergent — no fabric softener or bleach.
Is the fabric safe for my dog?
The fabric comes from a bluesign® system partner and an OEKO-TEX®-certified mill, and the finished windbreaker was tested by a third-party lab with PFOS/PFOA not detected. It’s also naturally breathable, so active dogs are less likely to overheat.
How do I find the right size?
PETT2GO sizing is based on your dog’s weight and body measurements — not breed. Use the PETT2GO Size Assistant on the product page: enter your dog’s weight and coat length for a personalized recommendation.
Related Reading
- Spring Dog Hiking Complete Guide: Before You Go, On the Trail, After You’re Back
- Why Staying Wet Is Harder on Your Dog
- After a Rainy Trail Walk — How to Dry Your Dog’s Jacket Properly
Rain doesn’t have to cancel the plan. With the right prep, a rainy forest can become your favorite place to explore together.
Video shared by Ryan in the U.S. and used with permission. Quotes are from the original video audio.
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