What I Wear on Long Walks With My Dogs
The clothes and gear I reach for most often on long walks with Archie and Saydie.
My dogs are much better equipped for our adventures than I used to be.
For years, I'd carefully pack water, treats, and everything Archie and Saydie needed before we headed out. I never thought nearly as much about what I was wearing.
After enough days wishing I'd chosen different shoes, brought a lighter shirt, or worn pants instead of shorts, I realized that preparing myself deserved a little more thought too.
When you spend enough time exploring with your dogs, you start noticing the little things. Which trails stay shady in the afternoon. Which parks always have a breeze. Where you might want to stop for lunch. You also start noticing which clothes you keep reaching for—and which ones you wish you'd left at home.
Over time, I've ended up with a small group of favorites that work especially well for the kinds of days Archie, Saydie, and I spend outside. These are the pieces I keep reaching for and, more importantly, the little details that have made them worth keeping.
The Forecast Only Tells Me So Much
A long walk can take us from smooth paths to dirt trails, which is why I dress for the day rather than just the temperature.
I used to look at the temperature and decide what to wear from there. But a 75-degree day can mean very different things depending on what Archie and Saydie and I are doing.
A couple of hours on a paved waterfront path doesn't ask much of my clothes. Five miles through the woods on that exact same day might mean uneven ground, bugs, muddy sections, full sun followed by deep shade, and eventually stopping somewhere for lunch.
That's what changed the way I get dressed. I think less about the temperature and more about what the day is actually going to involve.
A Crossbody Bag That Doesn't Get in the Way
A lightweight crossbody keeps the things I need close without getting in the way while I walk.
After trying different styles, I realized the best bag isn't the one that holds the most—it's the one you barely notice.
For me, that means a lightweight crossbody that I can shorten enough to keep close to my body instead of hanging low and swinging around while I walk. If I'm bending down to give the dogs some water or kneeling to adjust a harness, I don't want my bag sliding forward or needing to be repositioned every time.
I also learned pretty quickly that it has to be machine washable. Between muddy trails, sitting on park benches and picnic tables, and simply coming along everywhere we go, it doesn't stay perfectly clean for long. I want to be able to toss it in the wash without giving it another thought.
One of the smallest features has turned out to be one of the most useful: an outside pocket that's just the right size for my phone. If Archie and Saydie suddenly do something I want to photograph, I can grab it without opening the bag and searching for it. An exterior clip for my keys is another little detail I've come to appreciate.
More compartments don't necessarily make a better bag either. A simple layout makes it much easier to find what I need quickly.
I deliberately keep the bag small. The dogs' treats and poop bags have their own setup, so this is really for my phone, wallet, keys, and a few personal things. One thing I started carrying this summer is a Benadryl itch-relief stick for mosquito bites. Even with bug repellent, I still manage to get bitten occasionally, and it's nice to have something with me that I can use right away.
Why I Wear Long Sleeves in Summer
For years, I automatically reached for a short-sleeve shirt whenever the weather was hot. Then I discovered lightweight, long-sleeve UPF sun shirts that were surprisingly comfortable, even on really warm days.
If we're going to be outside for several hours, I'd rather cover my arms than keep reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. What surprised me is that I don't feel hotter. With the right shirt, my arms are protected from the sun without the fabric feeling heavy or clingy.
After trying quite a few sun shirts, I've learned that the weight of the fabric makes a big difference. Some are noticeably heavier than others, and if a shirt already feels substantial when I put it on at home, I know I'm not going to want it several hours into a humid summer day.
Fit makes a difference too. I usually wear a lightweight short-sleeve shirt underneath, so I look for a relaxed fit with enough room to layer comfortably without feeling bulky.
These shirts are also quick drying, which is especially useful when I travel. I can wash one at night, hang it up, and usually have it ready to wear again the next day.
I still keep a couple of lightweight short-sleeve shirts for shorter outings or days when I simply don't want the extra layer. But for a long summer day outside, a long-sleeve sun shirt is usually what I reach for.
Sometimes Pants Are the Better Choice
Tall grass and overgrown trails are one reason I often choose lightweight pants over shorts.
I wear lightweight hiking pants more often than shorts, even in warm weather. I like the extra protection from mosquito bites, poison ivy, scratches, and sun exposure—and having less skin to cover with sunscreen is a real bonus.
That doesn't mean I've given up on shorts. They're still a great choice for easy walks and days when I know we won't be dealing with tall grass or overgrown trails. But I've been surprised by how often lightweight pants are actually the more comfortable option.
I've become particular about the fabric. You simply can't tell from an online photo what a pair of hiking pants is going to feel like against your skin. Some are soft and comfortable from the moment you put them on; others feel stiff or scratchy enough that I know I won't want to wear them for several hours. If I can, I like to feel the fabric in person before buying.
I've also noticed that some technical fabrics make a constant swishing sound as you walk. It may not bother everyone, but I enjoy quiet walks, so I naturally gravitate toward softer fabrics that don't make as much noise.
I want enough stretch to kneel beside the dogs, step over something on the trail, or sit comfortably for lunch without feeling restricted. And because we're often out in humid weather, morning dew, or the occasional rain shower, quick-drying fabric means I'm not stuck in damp pants for the rest of the day.
One of my favorite pairs doesn't even look like hiking pants. They're comfortable enough for the trail but casual enough that I don't feel out of place stopping for lunch afterward. Many of our favorite days out end with lunch on a dog-friendly patio, so I've come to appreciate clothes that can comfortably do both.
Shoes Are the One Thing I Don't Compromise On
Shoes are probably the one thing I change most depending on where we're going. I can make do with a shirt that isn't quite perfect or wish I'd chosen different pants, but the wrong shoes can make a good walk uncomfortable very quickly.
For easy days on pavement and smooth paths, I usually wear comfortable slip-on walking shoes. I like being able to put them on and go, and I can comfortably spend hours walking in them without feeling like I've dressed for a hike when I haven't.
Once the terrain gets uneven, I switch to lightweight hiking boots. Roots, rocks, mud, and steep sections are much easier when I have good traction and some stability under my feet. I don't wear hiking boots when I don't need them, but I've learned not to talk myself out of wearing them when I do.
The third pair is completely different: waterproof rubber boots made from a single molded piece without seams. I bought them for days around the water, and they've turned out to be incredibly useful. I can step into shallow water without worrying about wet shoes, then rinse off the mud or sand afterward. They're especially handy on shoreline walks where I know Archie and Saydie are likely to pull me closer to the water than I planned.
I've stopped trying to find one shoe that can handle everything. Three very different pairs cover nearly everything we do, and each one has a clear job.
Why Two Hats Are All I Need
My wide-brim sun hat is the one I reach for most often on long, sunny walks.
I've figured out that two sun hats cover almost everything I need.
Most days, I reach for a wide-brim UPF hat because I like having plenty of shade around my face and neck. Mine rolls up easily for travel and is machine washable—two things I wouldn't give up now that I've gotten used to them. It also has a chin strap, which matters more than I expected on a breezy day.
When it's really windy, though, I usually switch to my smaller bucket hat. There's simply less brim for the wind to catch, so it stays in place much better.
Both hats can be rolled up and tucked into a bag without being ruined, which has become one of my requirements for a travel hat. I also intentionally have one in cream and one in black. Between the two, there's always one that works with what I'm wearing.
I don't wear sunglasses very often. A wide brim usually gives me enough shade, and I like having one less thing to keep track of while we're out. When I do bring sunglasses, I keep those simple too—a lightweight pair with UV protection.
More Comfortable Adventures
I don't spend nearly as much time thinking about what to wear anymore. I've figured out which pieces work for the kinds of days Archie, Saydie, and I enjoy, and I tend to reach for the same favorites again and again.
The best part is that once we're out, I don't have to think about what I'm wearing. I can focus on Archie and Saydie and enjoy wherever the day takes us.
If you're looking for ideas on where to spend the day with your own dog, take a look at where we love walking our dogs near Washington, DC.
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